Nov 2006

Andrew´s burnt. Pete´s run out of clean underwear. I´ve stopped shaving already. The fridge in the cabin we´re renting contains 2 cans of beer and 1 leftover sausage. And last night we were the guests of honour at a beach party hosted by a large group of 17-18 year old local kids who call their posse "Black Sheep". Yea, it feels pretty good to be on the road again.

Some random stuff:

We were standing on a bus a couple of days ago and a clown got on. For those who don´t know, I am terrified of clowns. Anyways, the clown and this other lady started performing some skit and afterwards were asking around for tips. I couldn´t even look at the clown and he kept tapping me on my shoulder, freaking the hell out of me (Pete and Andrew meanwhile were pissing themselves laughing). I ended up just getting off the bus. Damn clowns.

In Valparaiso (and I´m guessing in many parts down here), there are gangs of wild dogs. It´s pretty crazy watching them at night. They all congregate and move around in a pack, barking voraciously and practically summoning more dogs from out of the shadows to join them. I haven´t been attacked yet but I have stepped in doggy doo...twice. Damn dogs.

We stayed with a family in Valparaiso. Their 6 year old daughter Sofia is incredibly extraverted and social. Anyways, we were just lounging in their yard taking photos and she became fascinated with my camera. I let her play with it and 20 minutes and 150 photos later, she had quite the collection to show. It´s really neat seeing photographs from a child´s perspective. Their height and inability to hold a camera straight makes for some really fascinating shots. As soon as I get a chance, I´m gonna post some of her photos. I reckon they are more interesting than mine so far.

Currently in Pichilemu, Chile.

I had no intentions of doing a travelogue. I purposely tried not to. But due to peer pressure, I finally conceded.

There's some common sense justification too. It's more efficient than sending out mass emails, 96% to people who don't care. It'll be easier to answer the proverbial "What did you do / Where did you go / How was it" questions when I get home. Plus someone said I'll appreciate looking back at it later on. And it'll keep my mom sane.

So I'll try and update this every week or two. That sounds fair. Daily updates = way too bored. Monthly updates = essay entries. No entries = a very good sign OR prep the rescue teams and ransom money.

Leave me some comments or emails if you have time. I want to know what you locos are up to as well...who's getting married, when Wooly gets deported again, etc.. Word of caution to Mink and Poon...my parents, ex-bosses, and young kids are reading this too.

Leaving in half a day. It's about freaking time. Didn't intend to wait this long to leave but plans change quickly, as I'm sure they will along my travels. That's why I've only got a plane ticket with an open return date and one night's accomodation booked. Other than that, just a loose plan and general direction in my head that I'm secretly hoping won't come to reality. Spontaneity's the key this time round.

Ok, for those who didn't really know that I was leaving, here's the abbreviated overview. What spawned from a multi-week hiking trip has turned into a few months travel and ideally volunteer/work across South America. I'll be flying to Santiago on Sunday and then going overland through Chile, Argentina, and Bolivia with some close Aussie friends. After that, I venture solo and everything's up in the air.

Commonly Asked Questions as of late:

Why are you taking off traveling again?
- It's just its turn in the study/work/travel cycle. Felt that drive to hit the road and thought why not. I'm not running from anything or trying to find myself. Those journeys have long past. Everything's great here in Mississauga/Toronto. That really came into perspective during the last month when I was spending 80% of my days just thinking about this and that. So I would pretty much attribute this trip to a craving for adventure and an opportunity to see old friends again. That sounds reasonable, right? So to all those who still scoff at what I choose to do and think this is a waste of time, screw you! I still have 50 years to work and piece my life back together.

Why South America?
- My goal I set a few years ago was to travel every continent before I turn 30. So it was pretty much down to South America, Africa, or Antartica. And somewhere between being inspired by the Motorcycle Diaries to wanting to snowboard in the Andes to trekking Patagonia, I chose South America (choosing actually consisting of a gut reaction that didn't involve any decision weighing whatsoever). I still really want to visit Africa but more so to work on a health project, hopefully during my graduate studies. And loaf around on a remote South Pacific Island when I turn 30.

When are you coming back?
- I'll definitely be home by middle May for all the wedding and bachelor parties, most likely sooner.

How are you affording this?
- Dude, it doesn't cost an arm and a leg, particularly where I'm going. I just set aside some savings and worked from there. Living at home and being a social recluse helped too. Trust me, time was a way larger obstacle than money. Besides, the cocaine is much cheaper when you buy local.

What goals do you have for this trip?
- To not necessarily have goals, if that makes sense. To suppress expectations. To deliver letters for Jane to Colombia and Ecuador. To find one new LA respondent for Ana. To come home in a few months and be able to say "damn, if just for that one time when _____, the entire trip was worth it."

Are you bringing home a Latin American wife and illegitimate children?
- Never say never. Stay tuned...
(just kidding mom )

How's your Spanish?
- Mamacita, me acompanas a casa? Quiero hacerte el amor.

What are you most excited for?
- Camping out in the Andes, doing things I wouldn't dare at home

And dreading?
- Following the rainy season around, killer mosquitoes, the cities, boredom

What will you miss most?
- Besides obviously friends and family (for the most part), in no particular order...snowboarding, Raptors games, white Xmas, my shower, ability to properly communicate, Chinese food, a culture that shuns speedos and short shorts...this list will grow quickly as time moves on.

What will you miss least?
- You.