Life trip from North to South America

Italian road trip
Life trip from North to South America
Artic Circle Adventure - Sweden, Norway, Denmark, summer 2019

Legend

Driving
Bus
Plane
Hiking
Boat
Train

Orly Airport, France ‐ Jan 14, 2019

Back home! Thanks for following the second leg of my American adventures. I hope we will write the next chapter soon.
Mohammed V International Airport, Morocco

Leaving a few minutes after midnight, this flight with RAM was not so enjoyable like the Christmas one (maybe Christmas spirit is all gone now?). My aisle neigbour fell asleep right after leaving the airport and slept all the way through to Morocco.
Guarulhos, Brazil ‐ Jan 12, 2019

And one more flight later, I am back in the origin. Instantly, I start to regret I didn't use the leftover time to rather stay one more night in Foz do Iguacu and see the spectacular waterfalls from the Brazilian side as well. But, I just didn't feel like risking missing my flight back to Europe.
Curitiba

Instead of crying and swearing, I figure out my only option is to fly (as the other bus companies didn't have a seat left). So, I fly in to Curitiba - a place where it all kind of began. The circle closes
Foz do Iguaçu

I don't like admitting I messed up something. But I totally did. I didn't realize that there is a time zone change between Argentina and Brazil. Thus, I missed my Sao Paolo bus. Lovely. This trip has just gotten way more expensive.
Iguazu Falls, Argentina ‐ Jan 11, 2019

One of the seven wonders of the Modern World. The national park surrounding the Iguazu falls is lovely! It made me wonder how did they prepare all those boardwalks above the gargling water. Amazing views, wet, moist, humid, dump. Worth seeing! Btw the boat to Isla Martín was not operational
Puerto Iguazú ‐ Jan 10, 2019

Fly Bondi, an Argentinian low cost that had troubles already on their very first flight and doesn't have the best reputation. However, the flight I took was awesome. The crew was funny, I felt good (which is not always the case for me when flying).
El Palomar ‐ Jan 9, 2019

I just love flying in to smaller airports. The procedures don't take too long and they feel cozy. Btw the train connection with BA centre is under construction. Need to take a replacement bus from Villa del Parque if you want to continue to Retiro or Palermo.
Pudahuel, Chile

Goodbye, Chile! I had a lovely time and hope to return one day to do Careterra austral and the remaining part of Patagonia.
Machalí ‐ Jan 8, 2019

And one more place I chose to avoid being in the city. Chilean countryside is much more chill.
Quilaco ‐ Jan 7, 2019

A day spent in the car driving north. I saw the local indigenous people of Mapuche tribe set trees on fire by the Panamericana. As I was a bit tired of being around cities, I found a lovely cabin in the mountains hoping to wake up to a lovely view. Instead, it was grey and pouring cats and dogs. You can't be lucky every day.
Puerto Montt ‐ Jan 6, 2019

Time to return and head on the Panamericana back to Santiago. But, first a lovely stop to sleep over and discuss the state of this planet with locals.
Isla Aucar

How could have I forgotten to stop by this magical place - Aucar island? I know, because when I finally arrived to Quemchi yesterday, I was so stunned by the cafe (Las Conchas de sus Mares) I found that I totally forgot I had a different destination in this place. Returning just because I don't want to leave without seeing this spot. A wise decision! Can I move here please?
Cucao

Time to check some primal species and hang around a lake
Castro ‐ Jan 5, 2019

In for the night
Dalcahue

Waterfalling
Quemchi

I want to live here one day!
Puñihuil

Pinguins! Humboldt and Magellan are chilling out every year at Punihuil. Patagonia, you rock!
Ancud ‐ Jan 4, 2019

Magical Chiloé. The island of primal species, evergreen plants and pinguins.
Chacao

I love ferry rides!
Pargua

If you want to get to Chiloé, you need to take a ferry. It runs pretty often (15-30 min) and takes only 30 minutes to cross over the 4.5 km channel. There is no bridge although the government of Chile would love to build one.
Puerto Varas

Discovering around Lago Llanquihue
Temuco ‐ Jan 3, 2019

A night over in Temuco. The night I discover that Chilean wine is tasty and cheap.
Antuco

National Park and my first cazuela. I just love seeing all those volcanoes and mountains with snow caps.
Salto del Laja

Waterfalls! Mini Iguazu falls. No tourists around, just locals.
Chillán ‐ Jan 2, 2019

As you know, I am not the biggest fan of flying. And when I discovered the price of the weekly rental is the same like flying where I want to go, the decision was quite simple. Rent the car, take the Panamericana south and go. First stop - Chillán. There are Peruvian restaurants all over Chile.
Santiago ‐ Jan 1, 2019

Big big traffic, return a bit late, but all is good.
Valparaíso

My big strategic mistake. As I do not drink a lot, getting up in the morning to go explore UNESCO World Heritage Valparaíso seems like a great idea. The worst idea was however to not buy a return ticket when leaving from Santiago. I arrive to Valparaiso and it looks like an exodus there. Everybody wants to return to the capital. All tickets are sold out. Thinking of options. Not many...Let go. 2 hours later, I find a ticket online on an extra bus they added. Lucky Sunday born baby = me.
Santiago ‐ Dec 31, 2018

New Year's Eve in Santiago. Nobody has fireworks in their hands. Just some funny tubes with confetti. At midnight, the municipality fires of colorful show off a huge tower in the centre. It lasts good 20 minutes and then the crowds return home.
Antofagasta

A coastal ride back to Antofagasta. Btw it is very windy in Atacama. The car looked like we pour hectolitres of dust on it. Finding a car wash, not easy. It seems the last day of the year is the best time to head for a car wash. We return the car dirty but luckily there's no issue with that.
Tocopilla ‐ Dec 30, 2018

Chile is 4,500 km long. Yet, they don't use most of its beaches for recreation. Tocopilla is a small place that recently only got a proper ocean front. A city with roughly the same population of wild dogs and people.
María Elena

Chug-Chug geoglyphs - an amazing reminder that we are not the only ones inhibiting this planet. That it has its past too.
Chuquicamata ‐ Dec 29, 2018

The world's largest open pit copper mine - 16 km long. Chile fought for this territory with Bolivians and there was a reason for that. Gemstones, ores, desert railway infrastructure. Sadly, Chuquicamata is a closed gate community for the copper mine workers. Not much you can see out there.
Calama

I enjoyed my time in Atacama so much that I extended the stay by 1 night.
Ollagüe

Salt Plains all over. Also, a newly created national reserve that nobody knows anything about. Very windy, very solitary, trip to the Bolivian border.
Calama ‐ Dec 28, 2018

FYI - I stayed in a private cabana at Hotel Hara Kara - Oriente 666, Calama, Región de Antofagasta, Chile Can only recommend.
San Pedro de Atacama

Driving through the desert is amazing. From 4000 m asl, there are no more cactuses but there is much more wildlife than you would have imagined. Alpacas, guanacos, vicunas, llamas, foxes, flamingos. On the contrary, San Pedro de Atacama is just a stop for me to check how it looks like when tourism damages. This place is the base of all the gringo backpackers to exploring the desert. It is packed with tourist agencies, drunken locals and drunken tourists. What a precious mix! Thanks but no thanks
Geyser

The road from Calama to El Tatio was actually nicer than from El Tatio to San Pedro de Atacama. Who would have guessed. Early morning wake up to see the nature at its best. Condensation, hot vapours, lazy sun glimpsing from behind the clouds. A moment I would regret for the next few days as I get terribly sunburnt. Indeed, the sun intensity at 4400 m above sea level is high. Silly me.
Calama ‐ Dec 27, 2018

All the backpackers go to San Pedro de Atacama and stay there as their base for Atacama exploration. I don't do what others do. I stay in Calama.
Antofagasta

Every airport should have a natural landmark right by it. So when you spend time flying and in transit, you can see something beautiful within 10 minutes of leaving the airport. Great job, Antofagasta!
Antofagasta

Another day, another flight. This time, headed to do some Atacama exploration. I have a bad luck with my Priceline booking. The Budget car rental has no car for me although I reserved one. Instead, I secure another deal at the airport (at much higher price, of course) with Interrent
Pudahuel

There is Uber in Chile. Not sure how legal but the driver asked me to sit at the front.
Recoleta ‐ Dec 26, 2018

Cerro San Cristobal - I am a bit weak to climb all the way up the hill to the Santuario Immaculada Concepción, Chilean answer to the Christ the Redeemer. It is just 880 above the sea level (the base at Pió Nono is at 572 m). Luckily, there is a funicular to take me there!
Santiago ‐ Dec 25, 2018

After a beauty sleep and with some acclimatisation done, I landed in Santiago. Just in time to catch Santa. Streets are empty, shops are closed, yet there are quite some crowds in the streets of Santiago.
São Paulo, Brazil ‐ Dec 24, 2018

After an enjoyable flight with Royal Air Maroc across the Atlantic, comes the landing in South America. GRU is not my top top location for an airport sleepover, so I decided to grab the shuttle and sleep in Sleep inn.
Casablanca airport, Morocco

Hitting the road again, 6 months home, regathered strength and ready to continue. I have some unfinished biz in South America.
Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG), France ‐ Mar 7, 2018

Back home! Thank you all for watching my 7-month long travel through the Americas. I am very happy for all your nice comments and encouragements during tough times!
J.F.K. International Airport (JFK), United States ‐ Mar 6, 2018

This layover was much nicer, I met my friend, bought some books and spent 13 hours in the Big Apple.
Miami ‐ Mar 5, 2018

I booked a cheap flight back to Europe, which was quite a nightmare. It made me so tired that I was recovering a week from it. Btw, do you know how best to spend a night in Miami Airport? Get outside, because the freezers inside are warmer than the airport building.
Medellín, Colombia ‐ Mar 2, 2018

The return to Medellín also meant the return back home.
Manizales ‐ Feb 28, 2018

A few days spent in the Colombian student capital. Refreshing, hilly. A place that has a cable car as a part of the public transport.
Valley Cocora - Salento ‐ Feb 25, 2018

The crazy hike that was unplanned. 6 hours, 15 km, 94 stories climbed, wax palms, cows, beautiful landscapes. Totally a must if you ever go to the Eje Cafetera.
Salento ‐ Feb 24, 2018

240 km - 8 hours of drive time brought me to Salento. A city in the Zona Cafetera.
Medellín ‐ Feb 18, 2018

Medellín - a city I wanted to visit badly. It lies in a valley with impressive mountains surrounding it. I spent there a week, but loved it so much that I returned.
Santa Marta ‐ Feb 16, 2018

Time to hit the road again. Santa Marta is the oldest city in Colombia. It is quite touristy, so I spent here only a little while to be able to catch my early morning flight to Medellín.
Mendihuaca Surf House and School (Parque Tyrona) ‐ Feb 12, 2018

I planned to go see Tayrona National Natural Park, but it is closed until Feb 28. I opted to go for some surf instead. However, the waves were around 6 m, so I couldn't get on the board. I ended up seeing the Valencia Waterfalls.
Barranquilla ‐ Feb 10, 2018

Carnival time! The Carnaval de Barranquilla is the second biggest carnival in Latin America (after Rio, of course). It is a UNESCO Cultural Heritage event.
Cartagena ‐ Feb 4, 2018

Since the narcomafia is controlling the land passage between Panama and Colombia, I had to fly. All flights should be like this one, short. With landing and being admitted to enter Colombia, the trip from North to South America is completed! The happiest day of my trip, without the doubts. It took me from August 10 to Feb 4 to make it, with many zigzags, rests and detours, but I am immensely happy I accomplished it!
Casco Viejo, Panama ‐ Feb 3, 2018

Exploring the old Panama city on foot. I had a surreal experience. I bought a 2$ lunch, went to eat it on a nearby square and got attacked by a 4 year old kid who felt that kicking me while eating is the best fun ever. How do you pacify disobedient kids that are not yours and don't speak your language without using force?
Soberanía National Park ‐ Feb 2, 2018

Day that I spent hiking in Soberania. I saw a lot of wildlife! And I got trapped on the way back. Did you know that there is so much traffic in Panama on Friday that they close the other direction of the highway so they can vacate all the cars leaving Panama City? I didn't. So it took me 3 hours to get back to the town. Outsmarting traffic with Waze that had no clue either.
Metropolitan Natural Park ‐ Feb 1, 2018

Got a rental car number 11. Although I was dead tired, it didn't stop me from exploring all the hiking paths in the Parque Metropolitano. I saw a sloth for the first time in my life. It was the one with 2 toes. Its fur was chocolate and it seemed not to be bothered by my paparazzi movements. A great day! Btw didn't manage to get the yellow fever vaccine either, as Colombia is apparently not on the list of countries requiring it. Also, the price went up from 5$ to 100$ on 1st of Feb. Sign I shoul [...]
d not be buying it? Certainly out of my budget. When I left the hospital, I sat down by the entrance, took out my breakfast and got shocked that the striped mosquito transferring the yellow fever landed on me. Right by the entrance of the hospital, during the daylight. Fingers crossed to not have any other encounter with this lovely killer insect.
Panama City

16 hours long crossing from San Jose to Panama city. I experienced a surreal border crossing and got even colder. Why on earth are they putting the airconditioning to be at 16 degrees?
San Jose, Costa Rica ‐ Jan 30, 2018

8 hours later, I arrived to Costa Rica. I met a Czech couple and got cold in the bus. When I was in the no man's land between Nicaragua and Costa Rica, I saw a refugee camp and a huge iguana. In this order.
Rivas, Nicaragua ‐ Jan 29, 2018

Got a taxi for the way back as it was getting dark.
San Jorge

A little hike to see the Ometepe Island with the two volcanos - Concepcion and Maderas. I am so sorry I fell sick in Masaya, because my plan was originally to go visit the volcanoes. I was surprised how windy it was by the lake Nicaragua.
Rivas

One night spent in Rivas to be able to catch the early morning bus.
San Juan del Sur ‐ Jan 27, 2018

Two chicken buses later, I arrive to San Juan del Sur. I am shocked at how touristic this place is. Luckily, I stay with the locals, so I don't have to hear and see all those drunken tourists. The popular activity here is Sunday Funday - a pool crawl that occasionally has some dead people that didn't make it till the end.
Masaya ‐ Jan 26, 2018

Do you know why the last chicken bus always leaves before sunset? These bluebird oldies from the US have usually no functional lights. Last night in Granada, I am falling asleep with a big expectation that sadly doesn't get fulfilled.
Granada

Eternal fight between Granada and Leon. I am not sure, which one I liked more. Both seemed to have the same colonial vibe. Granada is by the Lake Nicaragua, so it felt a bit chiller.
Masaya ‐ Jan 25, 2018

Big no thanks to the taxi driver who refused to bring us back to Masaya since we didn't want to pay him so much money he asked for. I may be a tourist, but I am not a walking piggy bank. Luckily, we didn't have to walk these 8 km back, we got a ride from a local.
Laguna De Apoyo

Hiking for two hours down the hill, I felt it in my feet the next day. Maybe I should not have drunk all this Caribbean rum in the Little Corn Island. My stamina has deteriorated greatly. This lagoon is in a volcano crater, lovely place to visit. When I was swimming, there was a little rain and a rainbow followed right after. Magical.
Mirador de Catarina

I decided to extend my stay in the lovely Regis Hotel in Masaya. Instead of driving around in chicken buses with all my luggage, I decided to take day trips and return to Masaya every day. The overlook in Catarina is a great place to see the lagoon in the crater.
Masaya Volcano ‐ Jan 24, 2018

A little trip to see the active volcano Masaya. I couldn't see any lava, but even the smoke itself was pretty impressive. It felt like hell.
Masaya ‐ Jan 22, 2018

Arrived to Masaya in the evening. I got stomachache and was unable of anything for 2 days. Not sure about the cause...
Ministry of Health. Complex Concepción Palacios

The mission to get yellow fever vaccination failed. As the vaccines are only available to residents of Nicaragua. Wasted 6$ on getting to the place and back in 35 degrees heat.
Las Peñitas ‐ Jan 20, 2018

Leon was too hot. I bought a gorgeous book (Gioconda Belli - The Country under my skin) and headed over to the beach.
Cathedral of Leon ‐ Jan 19, 2018

This UNESCO heritage site is gorgeous! If you pay 3$, you can access the rooftop and have a stroll around it. Btw there is a McDonalds right next to it, but because the conditions of UNESCO were to keep the colonial vibes around the Cathedral, it doesn't look like the McDo you are used to see elsewhere in the world. They did a good job in making it look colonial. But inside, they still sell hamburgers.
León ‐ Jan 18, 2018

Took the bus to Leon and arrived after dark. Luckily, I was with three French musketeers, so I was not scared :) seriously, since the road trip through Italy, when I arrived to Naples at dark and hated it at the first sight, but loved it the day after, I prefer not to arrive to any destination at night.
UCA

Managua is so hot! As the La Costena plane was broken, I spent lovely 6 hours waiting in the airport in Big Corn Island. But, I saw Ometepe on the way back to the capital. UCA is the place from where you can catch a bus to go to Leon. My next destination. Btw this flight delay totally messed up my travel plan. Surprising, right?
Big Corn Island

One month in the paradise is over, time to continue the trip. It starts of by a rough speed boat ride with gigantic waves and wet everything.
Little Corn Island ‐ Dec 15, 2017

Finally, the Caribbean has gotten reasonable to cross the 16 km to the paradise with no cars.
Alma del Mundo Park ‐ Dec 12, 2017

Imagine you put a cube through the Earth. One corner of it is here.
Big Corn Island ‐ Dec 10, 2017

5 days of big waves and strong wind prevented us from going to the Little Corn. We rested a lot, explored the Island, had some good lobster and made many traveller friends.
Augusto C. Sandino International Airport

A quick flight, and a big wait for the local flight to the Caribbean.
Fort Lauderdale, United States ‐ Dec 9, 2017

4 months in North America passed quickly. Time to go Central!
Miami

The worst drivers of the USA all live in Florida.
Big Pine Key ‐ Dec 8, 2017

A ride through the Keys. The recoveries after Hurricane Irma are still taking place. Lot of debris, and mosquitoes.
Everglades

Two days in the Everglades, some parts are quite destroyed by the Hurricane Irma. Gazillion mosquito bites, even the fire didn't help.
LaBelle ‐ Dec 7, 2017

Got woken up by a bird who was watching itself in the rear mirror of our car. It carried on doing this for hours.
Wellington Mall ‐ Dec 6, 2017

After one of our iPhones died, we got a replacement.
Fort Pierce ‐ Dec 5, 2017

Hoped to see some Manatee. But there were none hanging around
Vero Beach

Swimming time!
Canaveral National Seashore ‐ Dec 4, 2017

Shore, birds, waves, and a few rockets at the Cape Canaveral behind us. Google wanted us to enter the military zone, but the guardian at the gate didn't share the same viewpoint.
Daytona Beach

The only beach in America, on which you can drive your car.
Ocala National Forest

A sleepover in the nature.
Kelly Park ‐ Dec 3, 2017

Florida road trip starts with tubing in the hot spring.
Orlando ‐ Nov 29, 2017

Mickey Mouse is the mouse that raped Florida. Btw we skipped Disneyland. Instead, we watched a lot of turtles enjoying themselves by the pond next to the hotel.
San Francisco

The end of west coast road trip. Time to go to Florida!
Natural Bridges State Beach ‐ Nov 28, 2017

Seeing thousands of Monarchs, and Natural Bridges with a lot of cool birds. Nice place to stop by. If you walk in, it is for free.
Rio del Mar

Boardwalk alongside the coast
Moro Cojo Slough State Marine Reserve

Sea otters!
Big Sur ‐ Nov 27, 2017

One wrong decision, and your road trip can turn into a frightening nightmare. Never listen to the copilot when she says there is enough fuel.
Lockwood

We inherited a fire! Plus we stayed alone in the entire campground.
Elephant Seal Vista Point ‐ Nov 26, 2017

The best spot so far on the west coast road trip. Elephant seals are resting on this beach for a few months, fighting, starving, and getting ready to hit the ocean again.
Moonstone Beach Park

Bird watching
Morro Bay State Park

Breakfast with a view, ocean breeze and lovely weather.
Carpinteria ‐ Nov 24, 2017

Headed up the 101 to SF - the classic coastal road trip.
Griffith Park Drive

Wanted to hike to the Hollywood sign, but gave up with all the traffic, and no free spot to park.
Angeles National Forest

Escaping the Thanksgiving by spending time in the National Forest. Resting, camping, and having unbeatable views from the hills.
Mulholland Drive ‐ Nov 22, 2017

Unbeatable views of LA! Plus a famous drive :)
Venice Beach

LA time! The fish taco at Venice beach was great. Salt straw ice cream parlor was worth the wait too.
Point Dume State Beach

Time to pack our things and change a car. It is not easy to get one-way rentals in the USA. This time, we made it nicely in time.
Black beach lookout

Chasing the sunsets in the west coast.
Agua Caliente County Park ‐ Nov 21, 2017

These hot springs are on the contrary well worth it. Entrance is 3$, so if you are on the road, it is a great place to grab a shower and soak in the medicinal water.
Slab City ‐ Nov 20, 2017

The last free place in America. A former base inhabited by people living in trailers and RVs. There is a hot spring close by, but it was rather dirty for us to dip in.
Salvation Mountain

An impressive mountain made of sand and hectoliters of latex. A place worth stopping for.
Bombay Beach

Dead fish, abandoned boat transformed into a DJ place frequented by local teens. There were so many tiny black flies around that I got the impression something must have died there.
Salton Sea

A sea that originated by human activity. A pretty depressing place with gazillion of dead fish, black flies, and abandoned trashed places.
Joshua Tree National Park ‐ Nov 19, 2017

Lovely weather to explore this National Park that gets too hot in summer to bear it.
Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area ‐ Nov 18, 2017

Beautiful iron ores and a sad moment when a hiker fell off the cliff and died on the spot. Another mild reminder that one needs to be careful.
Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino ‐ Nov 17, 2017

Back to Vegas for the night. Seeing Backstreet Boys has been a dream come true. And thanks to their residency in Planet Hollywood, I could even choose a day to fit my schedule. Great show, great memories. Happy I returned for it.
Zion National Park

Zion National Park is beautiful in autumn. Plus, you can discover it in your own car, since it is the off season. Else, you gotta take the park bus.
Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument

Arrived 5 min too late for the Wave lottery. Instead, I went to explore the Toadstools. Very windy, but very special place.
Kaibab National Forest ‐ Nov 16, 2017

A sleepover in the National Forest.
Grand Canyon National Park

This place is a gigantic hole. It brought back good memories of the visit to Mitzpe Ramon in Israel. Didn't manage to hike down, but the views of the Colorado river were unbeatable.
Seven Magic Mountains ‐ Nov 15, 2017

Time to do a road trip again! There is still way too much to discover around. Seven Magic mountains is said to be the most instagrammable spot in Nevada.
Fremont Street Experience ‐ Nov 14, 2017

This place gave me goose bumps. Sketchy people in neon lights.
Adventuredome Theme Park

If you are a roller coaster addict, do not miss the Canyon Blaster in Circus Circus. I have never driven an indoor coaster, but this one was worth it.
New York-New York Hotel & Casino

Missed Shake Shack. Tastes the same like in New York, but without the queue.
Bellagio Hotel and Casino

The fountain at Bellagio is a must see! And also the conservatory. Truly a Las Vegas attraction.
Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas ‐ Nov 13, 2017

When I was in Vegas in October, this place was a memorial for the victims of the mass shooting that happened from the windows of Mandalay Bay on October 1. A month and a half ago, life went on. Memorial was gone, but the sign is still there.
McCarran International Airport ‐ Nov 12, 2017

As I said, the stopover to do laundry in Las Vegas was not enough. I had to return to explore the Disneyland for adults.
Baltimore Museum of Art

Great museum - free. A huge collection of European and American art. Worth a visit, if you happen to be in Bmore.
Smithsonian National Zoological Park

Last stop of the road trip was to see the pandas! The Smithsonian ZOO is free to enter. If it is not close for you, you can watch the Panda cam from the comfort of your living room - https://nationalzoo.si.edu/webcams/panda-cam
Waller Mill Park ‐ Nov 11, 2017

A quick getaways to the nature for a short hike, autumn leaves and a lot of mild sun.
Colonial Williamsburg Historic Area

Originally, I wanted to go to Williamsburg for the Busch garden roller coasters. However, the park was closed due to Christmas preparations. Instead, we explored the Colonial Williamsburg. It felt really refreshing to see horse carts, bulls, old traditions and historic buildings.
Alligator River National Wildlife Refuges Visitor Center ‐ Nov 10, 2017

Discovering the wildlife of North Carolina. We did quite some hikes and drives around the alligator river, but since the weather was cloudy, we didn't see a single one of them. Or maybe we did, but we confused it for logs.
Surf City ‐ Nov 9, 2017

The surf spot with houses built on high pylons. The threat of global warming and rising waters is pretty obvious around the East coast.
Carolina Beach

Exploring around the Atlantic coast. The weather is not for swimming, but the waves totally compensate.
Wilmington

One more motel. Btw all of the motels offer smoking rooms. Strange, but true.
Georgetown ‐ Nov 8, 2017

The best shells I have ever eaten. There is something about the southern cuisine.
Tom Yawkey Wildlife Center

Lovely day spent at the Tom Yawkee Wildlife Center. We got to know also a bit about this Red Sox guru, and observed alligators, herons, egrets, courtyard deer and many other animals. The tour is for free, just call in advance to reserve your spot.
Myrtle Beach ‐ Nov 7, 2017

This place used to be the holiday destination no. 1 during the last century (80's). Now, it is #3 of violent crimes in America. There were only junkies and weirdos in the streets in the off season. Still looks like a popular resort, though.
Verona ‐ Nov 6, 2017

November is not the best month to sleep outside. This road trip was all about motels.
Shenandoah National Park

Our one week road trip through the East Coast starts in the Shenandoah National Park. If you ever go hike, always bring water and first aid kit. Although you might think it is very close. During the hike to the waterfall, I fell and will probably always have a scar on my palm to remember this silly decision to not come properly equipped for a hike. But the waterfall was nice!
Six Flags Great Adventure ‐ Nov 4, 2017

If you are a big roller coaster fan, then spending two Saturdays in a row riding coasters is just what you need. This one is not cheap, but it has a lot of rides! And I dared the Kingda Ka.
Washington ‐ Nov 5, 2017

A day trip to Washington, DC. Seeing the bust of Václav Havel, and meeting my university friend Pamela. A lovely day.
Baltimore ‐ Oct 30, 2017

Baltimore is known for it's inner harbour and for high homicide rates. I have never in my life heard so many sirens.
Hersheypark ‐ Oct 28, 2017

The way to celebrate 99th birthday of a non-existent country? Go to ride some roller coasters!
Baltimore ‐ Oct 25, 2017

One week in New York passed quickly. Time for a big break, to recharge batteries. Physical and mental. Thank you, Zsolt, for having us!
Consulate General of the Czech Republic ‐ Oct 20, 2017

One of the reasons that we were hastily going to New York was to go vote. Since I am planning to return home after this big trip, I felt that casting my ballot is the right thing to do.
Jersey City ‐ Oct 18, 2017

The art of long term travel is not to spend all the money at the same time. In order to save, we stayed in New Jersey. Taking the train to go to Manhattan was not that painful (actually a short drive). It saved a lot of money, though!
Kennedy International Airport

Short flight + time change = 2 hours of sleep. Tired, tired, tired.
SeaTac ‐ Oct 17, 2017

We bring rain and bad weather. Time to exercise my rights. New York next!
Everett

Time to return the RV! It was an ambitious trip that got a bit intercepted by the wildfires in California. I am very happy we managed it, and all those memories that we made. Will stay with us....until the end.
Bagby Hot Springs ‐ Oct 16, 2017

Without any doubts, one of the most complicated places to get to (especially without signal, and with an RV). We had a lot of time that day, and it shrunk into a short section of the daylight to enjoy at the springs. But it was well worth it. Oregon has so many faces! A short hike at night back to the car had a magic too.
Winnemucca

People voted Trump in this town. (Judging from the massive advertisement for the current president all around the town).
Spencer Hot Springs ‐ Oct 15, 2017

Desert, but still quite high. Big shock that it was -4 C at night. But as a reward - there were these lovely natural hot springs. When we arrived at night, we heard wild donkey sounds too. Three days on the road, no signal still... AT&T was the worst choice.
Death Valley National Park ‐ Oct 14, 2017

A bucket list destination crossed off. It was also hot. And Furnace Creek is the most expensive place on this planet.
Las Vegas ‐ Oct 13, 2017

All the people have a reason to come to Vegas. Ours was to do laundry. A not an RV friendly place. Also, 13 days since the crazy shooter, we went to pay tributes to the deceased. #vegasstrong
Kanab ‐ Oct 12, 2017

We were also driving through Utah. But only at dark. Does it count into the number of states we visited? :D
Lower Antelope Canyon

No signal since we left from Mesa. The Navajo tribe is running hiking tours through the Antelope Canyon. Also, they have a different time zone than the rest of the state. Sum it all - we arrived late.
Horseshoe Bend

Crowded and hot. But when you hike away from the crowds, absolutely stunning! Bringing water was a great idea. It was hotter than expected.
Sedona ‐ Oct 11, 2017

A night in official free camping, driving North. The temperature is around 35 C. Too hot.
Mesa

We pick up a new RV - this time it really has 25 foot, and our mission is to deliver it to Everett in six days. We are planning to take a shorter route (ehm, ehm) through Nevadan desert.
Rest Area Eastbound I-10 Arizona

Last night in our very long RV. Tomorrow, we will be handing it back. Luckily, we made it on time! But at the price of not seeing much after San Francisco.
Patterson ‐ Oct 10, 2017

Just another stop to sleep. We are in a hurry because of the wildfires in California. It has been very dry everywhere. Global warming effect, yet one more example.
Golden Gate Bridge ‐ Oct 9, 2017

Fun fact: it took us 6 days to be able to pay the Bay Authority the fee for driving on the Golden Gate bridge. Their system is not really liking European cards. So do any other machines in America. It is really a paying nightmare here. And one would believe the world is globalized enough.
Fort Bragg

So we drive back to Fort Bragg, and loose 5 hours of drive time. The sky gets creepy orange, we have no navigation, and the policemen we talked to was not even sure that the road we will be taking will remain open. But we went, when we were driving towards Elk, people were flashing lights at us. But we drove, and drove, and drove. And were lucky. Yes, there were moments when it was a bit orange and smokey, but none of the roads was closed.
Ukiah

Since early morning, we get several indications that the area south of us is on fire. Sadly, the phones were out in the region, so we couldn't find out. We drove down to Ukiah, looking forward to hitting the road on a highway and advancing to Arizona a bit that day. Instead, we had to drive back to Fort Bragg and take it down on the coast as the 101 was closed.
Glass Beach

The ocean is very wild, and it bring sea glass to this beach. Lovely place. Pity, I am no longer 5 years.
Fort Bragg

Waking up to this beauty! More oceanic views, very warm and airy.
Avenue of the Giants North Entrance ‐ Oct 8, 2017

Continuing to California. My head will explode from listening all the time to the Phantom Planet song, but you simply gotta do it! Avenue of the Giants was an incredible experience. A bit tough with the huge RV, but still happy we did it.
Brookings

I am loving the RV lifestyle. It is a self-contained life that gives you absolute freedom! Try it! We woke up with a gorgeous view of the ocean. Amazing!
Sand Dunes Road ‐ Oct 7, 2017

Oregon has many faces - first stop: Sand Dunes
Aurora

The traffic in this state is tragic.
Everett ‐ Oct 6, 2017

My traveller misdo - I was too hasty to buy tickets for the bus from Seattle to Everett, which we could normally cover easily by regional public transport (with Orca card). The Amtrak bus ends up being 50 minutes late. Given the travel time was 45 minutes, I consider this to be an exquisite service. Anyway, our first time in Cruise America - getting an RV. Mission is clear: arrive to Mesa, AZ in 5 days. Update: the last night before arriving to Arizona, I just realized that although we reserve [...]
d a 25 foot RV, we are driving the big one! And I was wondering why it drinks so much...it is actually 2 tonnes heavier than the standard version.
SeaTac ‐ Oct 5, 2017

We return the car literally 5 minutes before closing time. As a consequence, I forget to pack everything. Which makes us return a day later with our RV.
Ruby Beach ‐ Oct 4, 2017

The nicest beach I have been so far.
Olympia ‐ Oct 3, 2017

And when you are too cheap like us, you just take the bus for 3 dollars to go and rent a car in a nearby city.
Aberdeen ‐ Oct 29, 2017

When the weekend comes, and the room prices go crazy. We usually leave the town. This time, we went 170 km for 7,5 hours with a help from a lovely co-traveller, who saved us from making this trip 1 hour longer. That is also the part of traveller life.
Seattle ‐ Sep 26, 2017

We ate all our fruits before boarding the bus in Vancouver. I will gladly refuse any further dragon fruit in the coming months.
Exchange, Canada

Time to ride the cute bridge (Lions Gate Bridge), and exchange the remaining dollars to different dollars.
Horseshoe Bay Ferry Terminal

6:20 - time of our ferry back to Vancouver. 9:00 - return time for the pick up 11:30 - bus to Seattle The ferry is surely less crowded than the one bound to Tsassachewan. The most magical moment was when the sun was rising, and the boat crew announced: "We have arranged some killer whales for you on the right of the front". People, including me, started to run to the boat front. And, there they were. Whales! Not one, not two, pack or two! Truly magical, the water was moving slowly, great mom [...]
ent of this trip.
Nanaimo ‐ Sep 25, 2017

It was raining all day long. So we just drove away from the water, to catch our ferry back to the mainland. I almost got a heart attack from finding out that our ferry goes from a different place to a different place than I expected. Luckily, still the trip was doable. Spending a night in Nanaimo on a public parking lot, which seemed innocent during the day, and very very gloomy at night. We saw a lot that night. Our last night in Canada. At around 3 am, we started to pack our camping gear, a [...]
nd forcibly ate at least 2 kg of vegetables and fruits. Yes, you cannot bring those to the USA. I was quite surprised that the park washrooms are offering also a needle disposal bin. It was not full, but not empty either. We also spent some time in local A&W, where they had washrooms with blue light, and full needle receptacle. Nanaimo seems to have a trouble.
Green Point Campground - Long Beach Unit ‐ Sep 24, 2017

Doing walk-in camping for the first time. We manage to make our last fire in Canada (we really improved at making fire, btw! This time it took us only 2.5 hours to light it up. It would maybe help if it would not be pouring cats and dogs). I manage to put the tarpaulin that we bought in Canadian Tire in Quebec in a nice way, our tent doesn't get wet almost at all. Our shoes stay outside and are dry in the morning. I feel like a Macgyver and nobody could persuade me about the opposite.
Tofino

Tofino is a cute village, where you can go whale watching (I learnt my lesson in Quebec), surf or fly. Or anything in between. Super filled with hipsters and cool skaters. Quite surprising to see. On the contrary, a big tourism hit. I was surprised to see at least 3 Tofino direct buses on the way to Vancouver or at the bus station in Vancouver. Reminds me very remotely of Jericoacoara. Actually, this is what I believe will Jeri become one day.
Pacific Rim National Park Reserve - Long Beach Unit

Finally, we manage to get into the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve. Just in time for the weather to get really bad and rainy. You cannot be lucky always, but you could be lucky at least once in two days. We sleep in the middle of a tropical rain forest. There is mice everywhere coming to cheekily put their tiny noses in our reflection blanket. Cute and creepy at the same time.
Lost Shoe campground ‐ Sep 23, 2017

The National Park camping is surprisingly full. We end up staying in a place that looks very unattractive, but it turns out to be the best fun we had in weeks. We meet fellow Dutch travellers, sit in an RV for the first time in our life, and decide to rent one in the US.
Honeymoon Bay ‐ Sep 22, 2017

The Youbou road was closed. Vancouver Island is pretty jammed with traffic especially when the ferries arrive, so we ended up sleeping by the beautiful Cowichan lake in Honeymoon bay. Because it was getting dark, and the density of elk warning signs was fearsome.
Youbou Road

You cannot be a lucky traveller forever. And I won't lie, so far we were pretty fortunate! So, thank you, Google Maps, you got us into a dead end. This road was closed until the end of September 2017
Swartz Bay Terminal

Tiny rental car gives us a ferry discount :) We have amazing food on the board. Everybody else eats there too. The key to serving people well means that a lot of them will choose to eat aboard if the meal comes with a resonable price tag.
Tsawwassen Terminal

Spontaneous decisions are the best. We are boarding the bigga boat, and going to the Vancouver Island.
Vancouver ‐ Sep 20, 2017

Greyhound - company that operates buses that are older than me. In a way, I am very happy that we are also taking the buses (not a big fan of flying, big fan of living like the local). I would feel safer though, if the bus would be equipped with a seat belt. The bus ride takes incredible 15 hours, but the views especially around Golden and Hope are amazing. I am so spoilt by the nature that being in town is not really making me happy. Time to book another rental to discover a bit around.
Calgary ‐ Sep 19, 2017

Car is back in the rental. That was an expensive week! Why are all those insurances so high? It is our fifth car rental since we landed in Toronto on 10th August. Having some time to kill before our bus to Vancouver.
Bow Valley Parkway

Taking the entire 1A. Although everywhere are signs of wildlife, we don't get lucky. Time to pack our totel, clean the car, and head back to Calgary!
Lake Louise

All the smoke is gone from Banff. Indeed, the mountains are very impressive. We simply had to go again to see Lake Louise without the smokey cover. Stunning! Last night camping in our totel. We finally manage to create a big enough fire to warm us up.
Moraine Lake ‐ Sep 18, 2017

I could spend years just sitting on the hill, and watching this lake.
Hector Lake

This lake is gorgeous!
Columbia Icefield Discovery Centre

Glaciers are fascinating! I even managed to recover some memories from my geography class! Altitude 2000 m, it is pretty hard to make the fire, but since it is cold, and we have food that needs cooking, we fight. And win.
Sunwapta Falls ‐ Sep 17, 2017

Icefield Parkway - very crowded at all the stops
Athabasca Falls

Headed on the Icefield Parkway down to Banff. Exploring all the stops on the way, doing a lot of hiking too!
Mt. Edith Cavell ‐ Sep 16, 2017

Getting up early to pick up the permit has been totally worth it. Very little people there, lots of wildlife, amazing glacier, beautiful nature.
Pyramid Lake

Having a breakfast by the Pyramid Lake. Strangely, we meet some Czech people. No traces of my lost cap.
Mount Edith Cavell

We got up at 7 am to get the permit to access the glacier by the Edith Cavell mountain. There we meet more Czechs.
Snaring Campground ‐ Sep 15, 2017

The tent in the car changes into a totel. Since we pay for accommodation in this overflow camping at the Jasper National Park. We participated in interpretation program called Bat walks. I lost my new cap. A loss that will be very soon regretted since the temperatures are not getting anywhere higher.
Maligne Lake

Our first discovery in Jasper National Park is the marvellous Maligne and Medicine lake area.
Hinton

Staying in a tent inside of our car since the temperatures are rather below zero, and since we have a minivan!
Edmonton ‐ Sep 14, 2017

One night in a poshy hotel after the Airbnb nightmare that we experienced.
Drumheller ‐ Sep 13, 2017

Dinosaur trail!
Calgary ‐ Sep 11, 2017

Time to return the rental and get better. I really hate being sick when travelling.
Calgary

Time to heal a bit after the incredible three days in the nature
Radium Hot Springs ‐ Sep 8, 2017

This was the final nail into my wildfire coffin. Beware, the hot spring pool is being renovated since Sep 5, so they use a big swimming pool instead. So, it is not that handy, but the view is still gorgeous. After that, I felt my neck is getting worse and worse. I woke up on Saturday being super ill.
Lake Louise ‐ Sep 7, 2017

Golden hour in Lake Louise after all the people left
Moraine Lake

If Lake Louise is crowded, head first to Lake Moraine
Banff National Park

A new day, more nature ahead
Johnston Canyon ‐ Sep 6, 2017

The hike of the day, making it to both Lower and Upper Falls in the Johnston Canyon. So much crowds even so late in the evening!
Two Jack Lake

So much smoke everywhere!
Canmore

One more rental, many more parks and nature to discover
Calgary ‐ Sep 5, 2017

A super packed plane. I always thought there are two types of airlines - traditional (expensive) and low-cost (cheap). Air Canada has a bit of something - traditional in the price, low-cost in everything else. No food, no hold luggage, no nothing.
Montréal-Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport

Super early morning flight
Charlottetown ‐ Aug 26, 2017

A place to stay for some time. My first cat-sitting assignment. I am taking care of two, very cuddly cats. Time to recharge the batteries, and to write some blog posts.
Amherst

A short bus ride to change for yet another bus to go to Prince Edward Island
Moncton

This was incredible ride - three guys were very vigorously talking about hockey. A moment of national pride when they were discussing the 1998 Nagano Olympics. They knew very well that it was the Czech Republic winning the gold medal. I really appreciate the driver, who drove by himself this crazy big distance.
Rivière-du-Loup ‐ Aug 25, 2017

Time to return the car. I had 13 hours to kill in Riviere-du-Loup before my 4:30 morning bus. I was surprised that so many people take this bus
Tobique Community Hall

Went to check on how the life goes in the First Nation of Tobique.
Maple Leaf Motel & Camping ‐ Aug 24, 2017

One more overnight stay in a camping. I never realized how many Canadians live in their trailers and caravans.
Percé ‐ Aug 23, 2017

Left the park too late to do a lot of driving that day. Ended up sleeping in a camp by the sea.
Forillon National Park ‐ Aug 22, 2017

Spending the night in the Forillon National Park. Doing whale watching 2x - once I saw a fin of a humpback whale, then I observed some tiny dolphins. Nothing spectacular, if I may say.
Saint-René-de-Matane ‐ Aug 21, 2017

Had no hotel booked. Found this one, it was a fishermen hotel. I got to know that they catch salmon in the Matane river. Yesterday, the got lucky to grab a 40 kg fish!
Lieu historique national du Phare-de-Pointe-au-Père ‐ Aug 28, 2017

Discovery pass is free this year for all National Parks Canada. This lead me into seeing this second highest lighthouse. It is special, because it helped navigate ships (with the use of pilot) to the ports in Quebec and Montreal.
Rivière-du-Loup ‐ Aug 20, 2017

Spending one night in Riviere-du-loup. Our hotel messed up reservations so we ended up staying in a different one. I desperately wanted to do whale watching, but it was too windy and cloudy. So, I spared the bucks, and decided to do it some other time.
Montmorency Falls

One more car rental
Québec City ‐ Aug 18, 2017

One night in Quebec. The city feels like Europe a lot
Trois-Rivières

Returning the car rental. Lesson learnt - if a Canadian tells you it is only 20 minutes, he means 20 minutes by car, not walking. Spent 1 hour walking to the bus station, because the rental agency refused to drive me there.
La Tuque

Exploring the north
La Mauricie National Park ‐ Aug 17, 2017

Discovering La Mauricie National Park
Trois-Rivières ‐ Aug 16, 2017

Headed to the nature
Montreal ‐ Aug 14, 2017

6 hours in a bus (plus one hour delay) - welcome to Montreal
Niagara Falls ‐ Aug 12, 2017

A day trip to the Falls. My second time. If you ever go there, don't be Uncle Scrooge, and get on the boat to go by the Falls.
Toronto Pearson International Airport ‐ Aug 10, 2017

Finally arrived to Canada. It has been my second time, and I couldn't think of a better city to start the life trip in.
Keflavik International Airport, Iceland

I am not really good with early morning flights
Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport, France

Ready to go for the trip
Chambéry ‐ Aug 6, 2017

Fifth stop to say goodbyes
Paris ‐ Aug 3, 2017

Fourth stop to say goodbyes
Prague, Czech Republic ‐ Aug 2, 2017

Third stop to say goodbyes
Olomouc ‐ Aug 1, 2017

Second stop to say goodbyes
Bruntál ‐ Jul 31, 2017

First stop to say goodbyes.
Budapest, Hungary ‐ Jul 31, 2017

Sold our stuff, packed the remaining things in boxes, and left Hungary (after 3.5 years of expat life)-