SECTION 2. (2007 TRAVELS)

CHAPTER 3.   NEPAL  (March 14 - April 9th)

March 14th-17th, 2007

After a 12.5 hr. flight from Newark, NJ, I got to sit in transit at the New Delhi Airport in India for 15 hrs. For some reason it seems that all planes from the US arrive just after the last flight of the day to Nepal. Well I finally made it to Kathmandu and was picked up by my tour guide. Then I got to witness the insane traffic of Kathmandu, a city of over 1 million, but only two lanes of traffic. But that doesn't stop 5 different vehicles from trying to drive side by side, weaving in and out with reckless abandon. My viewpoint is see everything there is to see in one day and get out of Kathmandu. The street merchants are relentless. One followed me for 6 blocks until I threatened to get a policeman. 

March 17, 2007

Today I visited the Pashupatinath Hindu Temple, next to the holy river, the Bagmati, is a very popular and religous place for Hindus to be cremated. While we were on the other side of the river there were 4 cremation ceremonies going on at the same time. For a moment, life's temporary existence seems to stare you in the face. Afterwards I visited Durbar Square which  has more than 50 temples, shrines and old palaces within a few blocks.

Sunday March 18, 2007

My Everest journey begins today. Ram, my guide, picked me up at the hotel in Kathmandu and we went to the airport. We left on a small prop plane at 8:40 am to our destination, Lukla. I had heard that landing and taking off at Lukla, which is located on the side of a mountain, is an experience in itself. They were right. It is only a 30 minute flight but what a view. The runway seems less than 300 ft. long. After arriving, we hired a porter, Santos, to help with the large bag. We trekked until our arrival at Phakding. I am getting excited.

Monday March 19, 2007

Woke up very early {5:30 am}. The stars seem to be sitting on top of the mountains. Today we walked up and down mountains for 6 hrs. It was so difficult. There was a Nepalese woman about 80 yrs old walking along the same trail. I would rest and she would pass me always smiling and then she would rest and I would pass her. Finally she passed me and I would never see her again. Quite a humbling experience. I should have done more cardio. I was always looking for a reason to rest {taking a picture, sip of water or to let group of yaks pass}. I finally made it to Namche Bazaar at 1 pm and had a great lunch of yak pepper steak.

Tuesday , March 20th and Wednesday, March 21st and Thursday March 22nd

After an acclimatization day in Namche Bazaar I am getting a little used to the altitude even though I still need to rest frequently. Tuesday morning we climbed up to Syangboche Airport right above Namche Bazaar but only helicopters land there. I met a lot of climbers at the tea house but most were going straight to base camp and not to Gokyo. Gokyo is a much more difficult climb. Rested and shopped in Namche Bazaar for the rest of Tuesday. Wednesday we went to Phorste Drenka {3675 m. } and on Thursday to Macherma {4470 m.}. It was very cold in Macherma. My curtains froze to the window and my water also froze. The Nepalese people that I meet on the trail seem to be the happiest people in the world. They are hardworking but don't seem to realize that they live in poverty or at least what we call poverty. They may in fact be the richest people in the world since they all seem so happy and do not have a care in the world. I would probably also be smiling if I woke up with the Himilayas as my backyard every day.

Friday March 23, 2007.  NEPAL, Macherma (4470 m.} to Gokyo {4790 m.}

We left Macherma at 7:30 am and arrived at Gokyo at 11:30. It was a hard trek and a lot of climbing. When we got to Gokyo Lake it was frozen and therefore we realize that Lakes 4 and 5 which we were supposed to visit tomorrow are also frozen.

Saturday March 24, 2007

We left around 6:30 am and everyone was stopping every 20-30 minutes to catch their breath. The climb was incredibly hard but the view at the summit made it all worth while. The day was beautiful and cloud free. You could see the high winds blowing snow off of the peak of Everest. I do wish the lake had not been frozen because it would have been beautiful in the mountain setting. Summited about 10 am and we sat on top and looked at Everest in all its glory. The sun was getting hot and we decided to go down after 30 minutes before the ice started melting and the trails got slippery. Later, I realized I had gotten sunburned. Suntan lotion is usually hard to remember at 5 am. We got back at 12:30 pm and I took my 1st shower in 4 days. Heated showers at this altitude are expensive. ($5)  I overheard a group of young girls at a table saying,, "What is that smell." Another girl said, "That is Sarah, she took a shower today." LOL. It's true, you don't notice the smell if no one has taken a shower.  Lunch was a tuna fish sandwich and tomato soup. I quickly learned that tuna fish from a can on bread was the only consistent meal on the mountain. After lunch, I visited the "highest bookstore in the world" but only bought Pringles. Great day!!!!

March 25, 2007  (NEPAL, Dragnag (Tangnag) 4700 meters)

Left about 8:30 am after almost 12 hours of much needed sleep. 15 hours if you count the afternoon nap. The trek was only about 3 hours today and not too difficult but now I have the whole afternoon with nothing to do. The guides play cards but I don't know the games they play or have the inclination to learn. 

 Monday March 26, 2007 ( NEPAL, Cho La Pass, 5330 meters)

Left Tangnag {Dragnag} 4700 meters early this morning with about 9 other climbers. Chola Pass has been closed due to snow for the last month but we heard it had just opened. The 6.5 hrs straight up is one of the most physically challenging things that I have ever done. The scenery at the Pass was incredible with views of the mountains and glaciers at the top. We spent about 15 minutes enjoying the view, ate a quick bite and headed down for 2 more hours to the next lodge. Ram and I tried to cross a mostly frozen stream but both of us got our feet wet. Luckily we were almost to the lodge and we finally got the stove going and got our shoes dried. Great day. 

NOTE: A central stove in all the lodges provide heat and an opportunity to dry clothes and shoes. These stoves burn dried YAK DUNG. Yes there is a smell.

March 2, 2007.  (NEPAL, LaBouche to Gorashep)

We left Labouche {4910 meters }at 6:30 am and we arrived at Gorahep at about 9:00. It was not too difficult today. It was very cold last night. Our accomodations at the "tea houses" consists of 1/4 inch plyboard walls and tin roofs with no heat. My water bottle froze last night on the nightstand. A warm sleeping bag is essential.

March 28, 2007

It was very cold last night. Our accomodations at the "tea houses" consists of 1/4 inch plyboard walls and tin roofs with no heat. My water bottle froze last night on the nightstand. A warm sleeping bag is essential.  I left LaBouche at 6:30 am and arrived at Gorashep at 9:00, put clothes in the room and left 30 minutes later to climb Kalapathar. We summited at 11:40. It was an almost vertical climb and I was exhausted but the view made up for it.

At 18,192 feet/5545 meters Kalapathar had one of most amazing views that I have ever seen. From the summit, you can view 4 of the top 10 tallest mountains in the world, Changste {24,770 ft.}, Nuptse {25,850 ft.}, Lhotse {27,890 ft.} and Everest {29,035}. 

 Thursday March 29, 2007

Left at 6:30 am for Everest Base Camp from Gorashep. We arrived at EBC at about 9am. Only a few camps are up and running but that will change next week my guide said. I took pictures of the crashed helicpoter which is kind of the official site and also took pictures of Khumbu Ice Falls which people say may be the most dangerous part of climbing Everest. It is unbelievable that you cannot even see Everest from base camp because of mountains in the way. A lot of Yaks and porters carrying supplies to Everest on the trail. Ram said that most climbers start showing up on April 1st.

March 30, 2007.  (NEPAL, Teng Boche Monastery)

Left Pheriche at 7:30 am and arrived at Teng Boche at 11:00 am. I went straight to the sign that said bakery and had chocolate rolls. You have a beautiful view of Ama Dablam {mother and daughter} and the Monastery is magnificent.

We were allowed to watch the Buddhist Tea Ceremony but are not allowed to talk or take pictures during the ceremony. Several visitors did take pictures and talk and the monks were definitely unhappy about it. I can not believe that people are so disrespectful.

Saturday March 31, 2007

I got up at 5:45 am and packed my bag for Santo, my porter. We left at 7:30 am and arrived at Namche Bazaar at 11 am. Much easier walking down.  Today I spent the day shopping, relaxing and eating the best meals that I have had since my trek started. Tomorrow Lukla and then Kathmandu the day after. I went to the big local market but most things had closed by the time I got back after getting my camera. The little boy in the picture was outside my room growling and scratching on my door.  When I opened the door I noticed he had claws on like a tiger. Lol Namche Bazaar is the last place to purchase equipment, clothes and supplies for the trek. It is always busy and very beautiful.

 April 1, 2007

Left Namche Bazaar at 7:30 am and got to Lukla at 12:08 pm. About 1.5 hrs quicker than my guide said we would. Coming down the mountain after being above 18,000 feet for so long makes you feel like Superman. I felt like running most of the way. lol Tonight is the last night of our trekking trip. I got a straight razor shave at a local barber which was a little scary, best food of the trip and some celebratory Everest beer. Lukla is the starting and ending point of all trekking in the Everest region. You can find guides, porters and supplies here.

 Monday April 2, 2007

Today is the end of my 16 day trek through the Himilayas with my guide, Ram. I go to the airport at 6:30 am and wait for the 4th Yeti airplane flight. The runway is very short and goes off the side of the mountain. Landing and taking off gets the adrenaline pumping. It is amazing to watch the planes land and take off in such a short period of time. A lot of people from Kathmandu trying to get to the Himilayas and Lukla is the starting point of all trekking through the Everest Trek. The weather was perfect the entire trip. Ram said he had never seen it be cloudless everyday since he has been guiding.

 April 3, 2007

I caught the bus from Kathmandu to the rafting headquarters which was about 3 hrs. Unfortunately I was not able to take any pictues while rafting. We rafted for 2 days on Class III and Class IV rapids. Lydia, the Swedish girl, was thrown from the raft the second day. The children in the picture were at the small store above our campground.

 April 4, 2007

The Thara Village gives a realistic idea of the villages outside of the cities. I especially liked the photos of the woman shucking corn in a mosquito net and the marijuana plants lining both sides of the road which were pointed out to me by my guide. The tower in the field is to look out for rhinos which can damage the crops. I just finished the white water raft trip with my new Swedish friends, Joseph and Lydia, and was dropped off after a 2 hr. ride in the back of a jeep to a town outside Chitwan.

 April 5, 2007

The Royal Chitwan National Park is 360 square miles in size and once was the private hunting land for the King of Nepal. Of the hundred breeding tigers left in Nepal about 50 are in Chitwan. I went on a special trip with my own guide one day in search of the elusive Bengal Tiger but only came up with a fresh paw print from earlier in the day. The rhinos are most impressive and you are given instruction on what to do if they charge and you are on foot. It actually happened to one group while I was there. By the way, you zigzag as you run as they do not change direction well. Also do not wear bright colored clothing. This safari is no way comparative to Africa but was nice for a couple of days rest. But your wildlife viewing will be mostly rhinos, birds and a few monkeys along with the elephants that you ride. 

 April 6, 2007

Elephants have a big role at the Island Resort. The visitors are allowed to bathe the elephants every afternoon and in the morning the elephants are used in a safari in search of the rhino and tiger.

 April 7, 2007

The Island Resort in the Royal Chitwan National Park was very nice. I stayed there for 5 days and 4 nights. There were usually about 50-60 people there but a few days there were only 5 of us. Usually a big group would show up. We bathed elephants, went on elephant safaris, walked through the jungle looking for tigers and rhinos and watched local tribes do custom ritual dances. You have to be ferried in a boat across the river to the island. It was a nice way to wind down after trekking through the Himilayas for 16 days. I will spend 1 more night in a hotel in Kathmandu (8th) before flying home.

 April 9, 2007

I leave today after an amazing adventure in the Himalayas.  My flight from Kathmandu leaves at 2:45 pm to Delhi, India and then a 6 hour layover until my direct flight to New York. Delhi Airport is not where you want a 6 hour layover. Upon arriving in Delhi I was unable to find a reservation desk to get my boarding pass for the flight home but I did hear them calling out names for upcoming flights. I assumed that was the protocol, wait until your name is called. As departure time approached, I noticed a flight screen flashing that my plane was boarding and still no one has called my name. With only 1 flight per day from Delhi to the U.S. , I began to get concerned. Finally I found someone to help me and it seems the airline did not have me listed as a passenger by error. They wanted me to take another flight the next day (24 hours later) but I refused. Luckily I got on the plane with 15 minutes to spare and located my seat in the far back of the plane. My bags were not so lucky as there  was no time to check them. I was assured they would be sent later. 

A few minutes before takeoff, the pilot announced that the plane was completely full BUT he BELIEVED we had enough fuel to make it to New York without refueling. DID HE JUST SAY THAT OUTLOUD.... I was thinking to myself. 

Then I heard my name being called and asking me to come to the front of the plane to speak with a stewardess.  Immediately I thought I was going to be bumped because the plane was overloaded and I was the last to board. However, as my dad would say, " A blind hog found an acorn." LOL. I was being upgraded to 1st Class for the flight for all the trouble I encountered. Free gourmet food, snacks , drinks and room to sleep for next 12 hours was just what the doctor ordered. 

About an hour before arriving in New York, the pilot announced we would be making an unscheduled (emergency) landing at a military base in Canada for fuel. REALLY!!!!  Guess he didn't have enough fuel. Fortunately the remainder of the trip was uneventful.  Got my bags a week later. Still GREAT TRIP. 

Inconveniences are a small price to pay for amazing life experiences. 

CHAPTER 4.  PERU and BOLIVIA 

 May 18, 2007

Checked into my hostel and headed for the Plaza de Armas, the center of activity for Cusco. I checked out several local travel agents for prices for the Salkantay 5 day/4 night hike to Machu Picchu. I found one which included cooks, porters, guides, entrance fee to Machu Picchu, accommodations for one night in Aguas Calientes and the train ride back to Cuzco for only $166.00.

Saturday May 19, 2007

I took the city tour to see the Temple of the Sun and Sacsayhuaman, a fortress-temple complex,  on the outskirts of Cusco . I was the only one on the tour bus that did not speak Spanish, so it was a little embarrassing that the guide had to repeat everything just for me. Later that evening I found a little pizza place with only two tables, a wood oven and just locals. Even though I spoke no Spanish and they spoke no English we seemed to communicate just fine. I have learned in my short time traveling to look for places where the locals eat. The food is usually the best and least expensive. 

Sunday May 20, 2007

The Sacred Valley was beautiful. Went to Ollantaytambo which is the best preserved Inca site. We also went to the Sunday market in one of the small towns. The terraces on the side of the mountains were almost unreal. How the farmers work on these steep terraces is a wonder. 

 Monday May 21, 2007

Left at 4:30 am to go to Molepata to start our 5 days hike through the Salkantay Trail to Machu Picchu. In our group were 2 English, 1 from Netherlands, 1 Scottish, 1 Irish and me. Deirdre {Irish} and Sam {Scottish} are married and have traveled all around the world. I loved listening to some of their travels. The first day we climbed to 3900 meters. It was cold that night and there may have been a Andean bear roaming around the tents. The Salkantay Mountain was beautiful.

 Tuesday May 22, 2007

Woke up at 5 am and left at 6:15 am. Today was very hard, almost straight up. There were some switchback trails which helped. We finally reached the Salkantay Pass which is 4653 meters. Then we walked down to 2900 meters. I forgot suntan lotion and my face is starting to burn.

 Wednesday May 23, 2007

We had to get up early to catch the bus in the next village at 12 pm. {so we thought} Found out later it was just so the guides and porters could all meet up and play soccer at the village at noon. After we finally got to eat , we got in the back of the bus and rode on a very narrow road along some very steep cliffs. Later that evening we all went to the hot springs to get a well deserved rest and cold beer.

 Thursday May 24, 2007

Today we had to cross a river using cables and a pulley chair. We then walked along the railroad tracks all the way into Aguas Calientes. Diedre had some great interaction with the local school children. It was one of those special moments which we unfortunately do not get to be a part of often enough.

Friday May 25, 2007

Stayed in a hostel in Aguas Calientes last night. We left at around 5 am and arrived at Machu Picchu at 6:10 am, hours before the tourist buses get there. To walk, you must climb about 1700 steps straight up the mountain. A task hard enough by itself but leaving my water at the breakfast table made it a bit more difficult. The view was spectacular especially since we were the only ones there at the beginning. Just us and the llamas. About 7:30 the clouds rolled in and Machu Picchu essentially disappeared for about 2 hours. About 10 am it cleared up again. I walked to the Sun Gate and the Inka bridge which both are an additional 1 hr walk each. After lunch I walked down the 1000 steps {all to save $3}, caught the train to Ollantaytambo and then switched to the bus to Cusco. We got back about 7:30 pm. Later that night I met up with all of the group at the highest Irish Pub in the world and we closed it down. Great day.

May 26th and 27th

Slept, slept and slept. The combination of the exhausting day of Machu Picchu and the return to Cusco with late night at Irish Pub took its toll. I did find time to wash clothes and plan my upcoming trip to Lake Titticaca.  Meeting Sam and Deidre for dinner. Deidre has been fussing at me for not visiting Ireland yet.

May 28th and 29th, 2007

I caught the bus from Cusco to Puno and checked into my hotel. The next day I joined a tour to the Uros Islands (floating islands) on Lake Titticaca. The islands are made of reeds and 3-10 families live on each of the islands. There are approximately 80 islands and each belongs to a family clan. The islands were originally built to keep the Incas and later the Spanish from taking their people slaves. These islands provided the seclusion needed to keep them from being found. The occupants must add up to 3 feet of reeds to their islands every 6-9 months to keep them afloat. 

Afternoon bus to Copacabana, Bolivia for the night. Beautiful view of Lake Titticaca  from my room. Plan to visit the Isle of Sol tomorrow and then go La Paz, Bolivia.

May 30, 2007

Took the boat from Copacabana to Isle of Sol. The island has paths which circle the entire island.. The path mainly follows the top of the hills on the coast and gives great views all the times. Some of the paths were in stone and made by the Incas. I got lost at the end of the day due to a local giving me the wrong directions and missed the last boat. I stayed at the same hostel Deidre and Sam were staying.

Thursday May 31, 2007

I caught the bus to La Paz, Bolivia. The bus ride was 3.5 hrs including the ferry ride. I checked into a hostel next to Downhill Madness, a company that takes people biking down the "Death Road". Rooms in hostel are still pretty cold at night. Tomorrow I bike down the Death Road.

 June 1, 2007.  (BOLIVIA, "DEATH ROAD")

It is called the "Death Road" because on average over 150 people a year die on this road. The descent is 3800 meters and is 64 km long. It is about 600 meters or 2000 feet fall if you go off the road at almost any point. They also did not tell us that we had to ride on the outside edge due to traffic until we got there. Almost entire trip is downhill and it seems as though you are continuously  braking. I had two minor crashes but nothing serious. It had been about 25 years since my last bike ride. One of the riders behind me did slide off the edge of the road but another guy and I pulled him up. Quite an exhilarating experience. 

Saturday June 2, 2007. (PERU, Arequipa)

I caught the bus to Arequipa. I had to cross the border again to go into Peru. The original hostel that I was going to stay at was awful. I found a great hostel while talking to a travel agent who arranged my trip to Colca Canyon. Arequipa was one of the most beautiful cities that I visited in Peru. The plaza was great and had several nice restaurants plus was only 3 blocks from my hostel. The market that I visited on Sunday was nice and had fresh fruit drinks, vegetables, meats and anything else you could possibly want.

June 3, 2007  (PERU, Arequipa, Monasterio De Santa Catalina)

It is called an Island of Serenity in Peru's White City {Arequipa}. Covering an entire city block, the original convent was built in 1580. At its maximum 450 women were living there in this quiet, self-contained community. It had a reputation of an exclusive club where young girls of aristocratic families arrived for an education, safe haven or a spiritual vocation.

Monday June 4, 2007.  (PERU, Chivay, base for Colca Canyon)

I took the bus early on a tour from Arequipa to Chivay which would be our base to visit the Colca Canyon and see the Andean Condors. The first picture is of Acuna grazing on the plains. The Acuna are the official animal of Peru, not the Llama. Good jeopardy question. Our vehicle broke down on the way for 1.5 hrs but we finally made it. The uninvited alpaca keep licking the bottom of our roadside table. We finally looked and saw he was licking gum stuck to the bottom of the table. I met two great Canadian girls, Alex and Kylie, with whom I spent the night partying at the local Irish Pub {yes they had an Irish Pub in Chivay} even though it is very small. At dinner, we saw Peruvian folk dancing and had good meal.

Tuesday June 5, 2007.   (PERU, Colca Canyon and Andean Condors)

"We take to the breeze, we go as we please."

Charlottes Web E.B. White

Took the bus at 6 am to go to Condor Cross. This is the site at the Colca Canyon which is best for viewing the Andean Condors soaring in the Andes. The Condors, about 7 of them, would almost appear out of nowhere catching the updrafts of wind in the canyon. At times they would fly only 15-20 feet over our heads. It was nature at its finest. The Colca Canyon was also impressive and is at least twice as deep as the Grand Canyon according to the guide. The baby alpaca was the center of attention when we stopped for lunch in the next village.

Wednesday June 6, 2007.  (PERU, Iquitos, Gateway to the Amazon)

I left Arequipa at 11:20 am to go to Iquitos, Peru to begin my Amazon adventure. I had a 4 hr. layover in Lima but still arrived in Iquitos at 7 pm. I took my taxi {3 wheel motorcycle to center of town and found a hostel. My taxi stopped at a street money changer to let me change dollars into soles. I caught him trying to cheat me the 1st time but somehow he shortchanged me the second time. Lesson learned. The road for 3 miles to the city from the airport were covered in glass and burning trash. The taxi driver said they were having peaceful demonstrations. I hope I don't see any demonstrations. The taxi driver tried to double the price at the end of the ride. Due to the road conditions he said. I denied his request and just walked away. Going to sleep and will try and find an inexpensive trip down the Amazon tomorrow.

Thursday June 7, 2007.  (PERU, Iquitos and Yellow Rose of Texas)

Talked to Exploroma about 4 night/5 day Amazon trip and they wanted $832. Finally found a local tourist company who offered me a 6 night/7 day trip without the luxury accommodations for $360. I went to a restaurant I had read about in the Lonely Planet guide that had great American food, The Yellow Rose of Texas. Gerald, the owner, is originally from Thibideaux, Louisiana but moved to Texas when he was a young boy. He has been in Iquitos for about 30 yrs he said. Good food, great looking waitresses and is open 24 hrs a day. Mostly visited by tourists.

In Iquitos, the Belen District  is the slum area consisting mostly of floating houses and floating shops. The rise and fall of the river makes this necessary for the low lying area.

 Friday June 8, 2007.  (PERU, Slow Boat Down the Amazon)

I caught the slow boat down the Amazon to get to my remote destination 150 miles from the nearest city or town of any size. The trip will last about 18 hrs and my sleeping quarters will be a hammock along 250 other people. There will also be bananas, cattle and various other goods which will be transported back to Iquitos on the return trip. Many villagers also pay the fee to return to their villages after going to the city for supplies. The Amazon was so enormous it was almost unbelievable. You can not see the banks of both sides at some times. It looks like an ocean.

 Saturday June 9, 2007.  (PERU,Amazon, Canoe trip to Camp)

We took a canoe and went down a tributary of the Amazon River to our camp site. We passed several houses that belonged to friends of my guide. While traveling down the river my guide filled up my empty coke bottle with river water and drank it. He showed me the water and it was perfectly clear. The guide said the Amazon was the cleanest river in the world and was just dark due to the soil on the top which has not settled yet. We passed balsa wood that had been cut and tied together to float down the river at a later date. Hard to believe that as remote as were were there was still some logging going on.

June 9-12th, 2007

Slept pretty well for 1st night in the jungle. A cabin with no electricity, makeshift toilet, and a mattress with a mosquito net was the extent of my accomodations. My breakfast consisted of Piranha cooked in Banana  leaves. It was great though the head was still attached and was a little scary looking with its teeth very noticeable. I am going fishing for Piranha later in the canoe. (Caught 4)

While in the Amazon, we walked through the forest while the guide showed me the medicinal plants and what there uses were. We would also fish, mostly for Piranha, in the mornings to have fresh food to eat. We only took two live chickens and vegetables with us to the camp for the week. At night we went looking for Caiman {alligators}. My guide, Raphael, caught a young Caiman one night and they also shot a river rat that they jumped out of the boat and chased along the bank one night. Ending trip earlier than expected as I got bored. Late afternoon boat back to Iquitos.

Wednesday June 13, 2007

Back in Iquitos and decided to go to Butterfly Farm and animal sanctuary. I caught a boat down the river a few kilometers and found my way to the site. A woman from Austria had moved here 20 years ago and began the Butterfly Farm which breeds butterflies in their natural habitat. She also has accumulated monkeys, alligators, parrots, a tapir, a jaguar and even an anteater. The woman told me that a parrot fell into the small pond and that the alligators ate it. She said the parrot fell into the pond because the monkeys like to sneak up behind them and pull out their tail feathers.

June 14th - June 18th, 2007

I caught a flight from Iquitos to Lima and then slept in the airport until my early morning flight to Trujillo.

I spent a couple of days relaxing in Trujillo where I visited Chan Chan, a pre-Colombian city and  archeological site. Then last few days in a small coastal village of Huanchaco. Nice beaches. The fisherman here still use reed boats to fish in the ocean. The boats are called cabillitos de tortora. Cabillitos means "little horse". Fisherman kneel on them rather than ride in them. Nice to just relax without trying to see too many sights. I leave on the bus from Truijillo at 11 pm and will arrive in Lima at 8 am. Then taxi to Airport and flight home at 2:30 pm. Good trip.

CHAPTER 5.  IRELAND and NORWAY

August 23, 2007.  (IRELAND, Dublin, Trinity College, Temple Bar)       

Well I finally made it to Dublin after my flight was rerouted to Atlanta from Cincinatti. I arrived about 9:30 a.m. and caught the 41 bus which went straight to my hostel. Unfortunately, check-in was not until 2:00 p.m. so I walked around until then.

First I went to Trinity College to see the Book of Kells. This book was written by Scottish monks in the 8th century. It is in latin and represents the 1st 4 books of the new testament. The pictures and artistic writing are unbelievable and I cannot imagine how much time it took to create that much detail. Google the Book of Kells if you get a chance. I then went to the Long Room which is their library and home to over 700,000 books. Most of them are over 400 years old and in latin.

By this time it was well after 2:00 pm so I checked into the hostel and caught a few hours sleep. When I woke up I went to the Temple Bar which is Dublin's equivalent of the French Quarter. With over 1000 pubs in Dublin, I do not see how they get any work done. It is said that there is no walking route across Dublin where you will not pass a PUB. I found a nice pub with original Irish fok music and ordered my first Guinness. It is very dark and takes several minutes for it to settle so that you can drink it. It was quite bitter but by the second pint I could see that this could become an acquired taste.

I met two girls from England and we tried several other Irish beers and Jameson whiskey. One of the English girls was drinking Jameson and lemonade. Tasted pretty good. I was told by an Irish woman on the plane that I would probably spend a lot of my time in the pubs while in Ireland because that is where the Irish spend their time. I can see that now.

The Irish like to go to the pubs and have craic (crack).  The first time I heard that I was a little surprised and then I learned that craic is good conversation and a good time.

August 24, 2007   (IRELAND, Kilkenny Castle and hostel accomodations)

Caught the 11:30 bus to Kilkenny {Ireland's medieval city}. In Ireland the bus ticket does not reserve you a seat, it only means that you have a ticket to that destination for that day. To make sure you have a seat for a certain time you have to wait in line for the bus for 30-45 minutes before it leaves. The bus ride was 2 hrs. Kilkenny has about 20,000 people and all the sites to see are within 15 minutes of my hostel. The most famous of the sites is the Kilkenny Castle. I hope to post pictures as soon as I figure how. I am still trying to adjust to the cost of everything here. After Peru everything is going to seem expensive. I figured out that everything is about 10 times more expensive than Peru. A McDonalds happy meal is almost $8.00. So far the hostel has been fine. Having 7 roommates takes a little getting used to especially if a lot of them are girls. Waiting for the bathroom can take a while.

 Saturday August 25, 2007

Another day, another pub. Took it easy today and just walked around. Went to bed early but sometimes a hostel's great location is also a detriment which I learned as I tried to sleep with drunken party-goers rambling the streets till 2 am. Lesson learned, don't go to sleep early. When in Ireland. This is a typical hostel everywhere. The other picture is the Kilkenny Castle.

Note: I thought that understanding the language in Ireland would be easier than South America but not so much. I understand every 3rd word of the Irish speaking English and a lot of young and old speak Gaelic which sounds a little like German.

"Those who wander are not necessarily lost."
J.R.R. Tolkien

August 26, 2007.   (IRELAND, Rock of Cashel)

The pictures are the Rock of Cashel in Cashel, Ireland. Legend says that St. Patrick arrived here in AD 432 and baptized King Aengus, who became the Ireland' s first christian ruler. This is also where he plucked the shamrock to explain the mystery of the Trinity and is how it became Ireland's symbol. This was the home to the kings of Munster from 370 AD until 1101.

After going to the Rock of Cashel I stopped in Cahir to see the Cahir Castle which is one of the best preserved castles in Ireland and the Swiss Cottage which was about 3 km away.

August 27-29, 2007.  (IRELAND, Cork)

After Kilkenny,  I took the bus to Cork. It is a large city with 175,000 people. I checked into the Bru Hostel and did what most backpackers do, talk to other travelers about the sites to see and places to visit. 

The next day I caught the bus to Blarney to visit the Blarney Castle and kiss the famous Blarney Stone. Kissing the Blarney Stone supposedly gives you the " Gift of Gab". While there I also visited the Blarney Manor, gardens, and witches steps. I walked up and down the witches steps with my eyes closed which is supposed to give me a free wish within a year. Killarney tomorrow. 

August 29- 31, 2007.  (IRELAND,  Killarney, Dingle Peninsula)

I have been in Killarney for the past 2 days. Yesterday I went on a tour bus to the Dingle Peninsula and got some great pictures of the coast and the Blasket Islands, which is the nearest European land mass to the US. Unfortunately, this computer is locked and I cannot download the pictures. I will try again at my next hostel.

Today I start a 9 day trek around the Ring of Kerry Way. The walking path is 135 miles and hopefully well marked. This part of the trip is supposed to be the most beautiful.

On another note, I finally got the courage to use the hostels kitchen to store food in the refrigerator. Something about leaving food in there when everyone has access but everything is marked and there doesn't seem to be a problem.

Friday, August 31, 2007.  (IRELAND, Hiking , Kerry Way, Killarney to Glencar)

Started walking from Killarney to Black Valley {22 km. or 14 miles}. I left at 7:30 am and got to the Black Valley hostel at 3:00 pm but they were closed until 5:00. The path goes by Muckross House and the Torc Waterfall. I decided to keep on walking to the next town. Not the smartest of moves. I arrived in Glencar at 9:00 pm. That is a total of 13.5 hrs walking my first day with only a 10 minutes break for a ham sandwich. The hostel/pub/restaurant was a welcome site. I sat at a table with a people from South Africa, Germany, Australia and Irish. Also, the two girls bartending were from Poland. Ate some Irish stew, had a few beers and crashed in the dorm.

Saturday , September 1, 2007

Started out hiking about 9:00 am towards Glenbeigh which is only 8 miles from Glencar. As soon as I started on the track I ran into Simon, the 21 yr. old Aussie, and we decided to trek together for a while. We arrived in Glenbeigh about 2:00 and asked where we could find a room. The man laughed and said this weekend was the biggest festival of all year and most rooms were probably booked. We found a B&B which had just received a cancellation. 30 euros apiece for twin beds and a complete breakfast. About 14 euros more than the hostel but the breakfast was worth about 9 euros. Luckily I had run into Simon or I would have had to pay 60 euros myself. We then went to the beach and watched the horse races. Quite interesting. I will post pictures when possible. Later music played in the street and people were still partying at 6:00 am. I had crashed about 12 but still heard most of the partying. The B & B owner said he partied until 6. Will continue to update at next hostel if possible.

 September 2 thru 6th, 2007.   (IRELAND, Kerry Way, Glenbeigh to         Carchiveen to Sneems to Kenmare to Killarney)

Hiked from Glenbeigh to Carchiveen. It was one of the hardest days I have ever hiked in my life. Up and down about 14 hills which were 600 to 1800 feet each. The next day I trekked from Carchiveen to Sneems. High up on the hills you could see the coast below. The next day was to Kenmare and then finally back to Killarney. 7 days and 135 miles. Tired but it was beautiful. Saw horse racing on beach in Glenbeigh. The blackberries kept the hunger pains away and they seemed to be all along the Kerry Way. Yum.

September 7, 2007.   (IRELAND, Doolin)

Caught the bus to Doolin. Had a 4 hr layover in Galway. Nice university town with pedestrian walkways. Arrived at Doolin and tomorrow I get to see the Cliffs of Moher.

Saturday, September 8, 2007.   (IRELAND, Cliffs of Moher)

Today was a great day. The hostel owner told me of a great path to the Cliffs of Moher from the hostel. The path was right beside the cliffs starting close to the hostel and lasting for about 2 hours . The path was outside a barbed wire fence and only left about 6-12 inches between the path and the cliff. It was quite an adrenaline rush. I walked a total of 8 hrs today partially because I did not want to pay for the bus to return. The view of the Cliffs was spectacular. I took sandwiches for lunch and sat on the edge of the cliff for over an hour just taking in the scenery. I cant wait to find a computer that will let me post some pictures.

"As you walk and eat and travel, be where you are, otherwise you will miss most of your life."
Buddha

September 10, 2007.   (IRELAND, Galway)

Today I am in Galway. I will take the bus to Dublin tomorrow and catch the 3:15 pm flight to Oslo, Norway. I will stay in Norway until September 30th and then fly back to Dublin for my final few days. Below are a few pictures of Galway which is a university town and supposedly the liveliest of all towns in Ireland. I will know more tomorrow. I have actually stopped here on two other occasions while changing buses for a few hours and it looks like a lot of fun. Last night I was in Clifden and met a man from Tennessee. I just had to rub it in how good the LSU Tigers are.

"Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take but by the places and moments that take our breath away." Unknown

September 11, 2007.  (IRELAND, Clifden, Connemara)

Day trip to  Clifden which is in the Connemara region. It was a very beautiful town and like most places in Ireland had great music. I also walked the Sky Road which runs above the town and has a great view of the Atlantic Ocean. Afternoon bus back to Galway, then a few of us from the hostel visited the Crane Pub, where local musicians practice their music. 

September 12, 2007.  (Galway to Dublin Airport to Oslo, Norway)

I woke up at 6:20 am and had to get my stuff together in the dark to not wake everyone in the dorm. I took the bus from Galway to the Dublin Airport and arrived at 12:30 pm. My flight to Oslo, Norway was scheduled at 3:25 pm. I arrived at the Airport at 6:30 pm but still had a 2 hour bus ride into Oslo. (One of the problems in flying cheap airlines)   Checking into my really nice but expensive hostel. I paid $50 for the right to sleep in a tiny bunk bed with 9 other people in the room. (However, cheapest alternative)

September 13th, 2007.  (NIGHTMARE IN NORWAY, Finse and Bergen)

I got up early, ate breakfast, checked out and went on the train to Finse,  where I had planned on doing some hiking in the mountains. I arrived in Finse and was told the Hostel had closed 5 days ago for remainder of the season and that I should find a hotel. The cheapest hotel room was 135 euros ($150) and definitely not in my budget. The next train to Bergen, my next planned destination,  was at 8:20 pm so I purchased a ticket and explored Finse. 

I arrived in Bergen at 10:30  pm and could not find the hostel nor did anyone know of it. (Seems they had changed the name) Hard to find people willing to help late at night. It started raining and someone mentioned another hostel. Got there and it closes at 9 pm and there was no reception. Still raining. All hotels I checked were 180 euro ($210). REALLY !!!!  I tried going to he train station to sleep but it was locked until the morning. After being chased by a homeless man who insisted on talking to me, I reluctantly agreed to pay $150 for a hotel at about 1 am. My cold, soaking wet, aching,  exhausted body thanked me. Planning better instead of "winging it" will becone the core of all my future trips.  

September 14, 2007  (NORWAY,  Voss)

I found a hostel in Voss, near Finse, that would serve my purposes.  After a great night of sleep, I caught the 10:28 am train. Upon arriving at the train station, I asked for directions to the hostel. When I arrived I was informed that MY hostel was 40 kilometers from here. The receptionist helped me cancel my other reservation and booked me for 2 nights. At only $40 a night in the dorm, I was ecstatic.  This hostel will be closing in 10 more days. I checked the weather and saw that tomorrow would be a great day to visit the fjords, the main reason I came to Norway.

NORWAY MIRACLE

After  checking into my hostel in Voss, I was looking for a sign of better things to come. I went to the local market to buy sandwich meat for the next few days and that is when it happened. Right in front of me was a package of 10 hot dog wieners and 10 hot dog buns. That's right, an even number of both. Not sure if this would make the pope's list of miracles but it is certainly something that I have neither seen or heard of in my lifetime. lol This was the sign I was waiting for and I quickly purchased them.

Saturday, September 15, 2007.  (NORWAY IN A NUTSHELL)

The next day was overcast but had great visibility so I went on the "Norway In A Nutshell" tour. It started with a bus ride down the mountains on hairpin turns, then on a two hour ferry ride through the   most beautiful fjords in Norway and then finished by train on the famous Flam Railroad. When we  most beautiful fjords in Norway and then finished by train on the famous Flam Railroad. When we arrived at the town of Myrdal , high in mountain, it started to snow very hard. Overall, it was everything that I came to Norway to do. Trekking through the mountains would be nice but all the hostels in the mountains closed in August much to my dismay.

Sunday I take the train back to Oslo and Monday I fly back to Dublin 12 days earlier than planned. The fact that trekking is not possible and Norway is the most expensive country in Europe made going back to Dublin early an easy decision.

Monday, September 17, 2007

I spent Sunday night in a hostel in Oslo and will fly to Dublin today at 7pm. Earler today I took the ferry in Oslo to see the Viking Museum. They have 3 original viking ships that have been restored. There are also other viking artifacts such as wagons, carts and cooking utensils. It was quite a sight to see. I also visited the Kon-Tiki Museum which included the raft and the
boat made out of papyrus. This boat and raft sailed across the Atlantic Ocean and part of the Pacific to prove that ancient civilizations could have colonized far away countries many years ago. My flight to Dublin is at 7 pm.

"I sought to see the amazing as normal, and the daily as unique, and in that swirling paradox I found the joy of travel."
Mary Poxon

September 18 -20th, 2007  (Dublin, Powerscourt House)

Today I took a guided bus tour to Powerscourt House and Gardens, Glendalough, and through the Wicklow Mountains. The Gardens are supposed to be one of the most beautiful in all of Europe. The house and gardens reminded me very much of Versailles. I fly back to New Orleans on the 20th and can't wait to see everyone. GREAT TRIP !!!

CHAPTER 6.   NEW ZEALAND and AUSTRALIA

November 10-12th, 2007.  (NEW ZEALAND, Auckland)

Beau dropped me off at the NO airport for my 1:55 pm flight to LA. I had a brief (1 hr) layover in Houston and arrived in LA at 6:00 pm. I left at 9:00 pm for Auckland and arrived at 7:30 am on MONDAY morning. Lost a day crossing over the international time line. The flight from LA to Auckland was 12.5 hrs and I actually got a little sleep this time. I went to the top of the Sky Tower which is supposed to be the tallest building in the southern hemisphere and took some great pictures. Unfortunately, I left my usb cable for my camera and will not be able to download pictures until I can find a new one. I will try soon. Other than the Sky Tower, wasnt loving Auckland.

November 13, 2007.  (National Park Village)

I caught an early bus for the six hour bus ride to National Park Village. This will be my base for the one day trek to climb the Tongairiro Crossing which is reputed to be the best one day trek in all New Zealand. There are only a few people at my hostel which makes sleeping easier. The town is a big ski resort and since it is only a few weeks to summer here, things are a little slow until the hikers get here in the summer.

November 14, 2007

I got up early to catch the bus transport to the Crossing but it was SNOWING. No kidding, 2 weeks till summer and it looked like a blizzard for about an hour. The winds also reached about 70 mph throughout the North Island which is where I was. I decided to stay another day and try my luck. Not much to do here and there are only 3 local tv stations. lol

November 15, 2007

The bus arrived at the hostel at 7:15 am and 2 German girls and I climbed aboard. We stopped at another hostel and picked up 18 more trekkers. We arrived at the start of the Crossing about 8 am. It is a 18 kilometer hike throught the mountains which is about 11 miles. The bus driver said he would pick us up at the other end of the Crossing at 4pm. The weather was overcast and quite windy. I was the 1st one out the bus and on the trail. I did not want to get behind some that looked as though they had no business there. Along the trail I passed a group of 30 teenagers on some kind of field trip. Then all of a sudden, straight up the mountain. It was getting colder and the wind was blowing harder. There was snow all over the ground. At one point, myself and 2 other climbers thought we may be summiting the wrong mountain but realized that we just had hit the hardest part of the climb. The wind at the top of Red Crater would almost blow you down and in fact one girl later said it did. Unfortunately the first 3 hours did not result in very good scenery. After crossing Red Crater though, the wind was not as bad and the sun started shining some. The views got better and I could understand why this is one of the most trekked areas in all New Zealand. I finished the Crossing at 1:45 pm and had to wait for over 2 hrs for the bus. At the end of the trek there were about 100 other people waiting for their buses also. Back to the hostel to rest my now aching muscles. lol

November 16-18th.  (NEW ZEALAND, Wellington, Picton, and Queen Charlotte Track, Day 1) 

I caught the afternoon bus from the National Park to Wellington. Wellington was a great city with a lot of night life and great restaurants. After Wellington, I caught the ferry to Picton on the South Island. It is a beautiful boat trip with great scenery for about 3 hrs. You can save the $65 dollar ferry boat fee if you decide to skydive from Wellington. You leave Wellington but land in Picton and the plane brings your baggage. Nice alternative, though a little more expensive.

Picton is a nice little town which is the center for trips to the Queen Charlotte Track, Abel Tasman Track or wine tours of the Marlborough region. I completed the Queen Charlotte Track in 3 days. It was more difficult than I expected mainly because one day was 35 kilometers. It was supposed to be 4 days but I walked past my accomodations. lol The Track is up and down the mountains every day but the scenery was unbelievable. Definitely a must do.

November 19, 2007. (NEW ZEALAND, Queen Charlotte Track , Day 2)

Today was supposed to be an easy 2-3 hr walk to my next hut. Somehow I missed Naolines Homestay and by the time I realized it (3 large hills and about 2 miles) I decided to continue to the next place that I had booked. I had started at 9 am and arrived at my next destination (Debritts) at 7 pm and one day early. 35 kilimoters (21 miles) in all with the hardest part of the track this day. The owners called the place I was supposed to stay and she was worried because I was 9 hrs late. Another thing I didn't realize, most trekkers or trampers as they say in NZ let the water taxis take their baggage from hut to hut so that you don't have to carry all that weight. I thought only a few wimps did this but I found out that I was the 1 in a 100 that carried my own bag which now weighs about 25 lbs.

November 20, 2007.  (NEW ZEALAND, Queen Charlotte Track, Day 3)

I left at 9am and was told it was a 6 hr walk to Anikiwa where the water taxi would pick me up at 4:30 pm. It was straight up most of the morning which is just what you want to see after the previous 10 hr day. LOL The view of Queen Charlotte Sound are so beautiful that you almost don't feel the searing pain in your legs and shoulders. lol I actually made it at 1:50pm and had to wait around for a few hrs. So I have an extra day and decided to go on a half day wine tour through the Marlborough Wine Vineyards. It was $59NZ and I think I can drink that much wine since we will visit 5 wineries and all tastings are included.

November 21, 2007.  (NEW ZEALAND,  Marlborough Wine tour)

Since I finished the Queen Charlotte Track a day early, I decided to do a half day wine tour through the Marlborough Country. There were 10 of us on the bus and we visited 4 wineries. The only wine questions any of us had were when were they going to pour the next free wine sample. New Zealand has only been producing wine for about 20 years but there are orchards springing up everywhere.

Thursday,  November 22, 2007

Happy Thanksgiving to All. Even though it is still Wednesday there, I can still smell the Turkey and Dressing. I just arrived in Christchurch after a 6 hr bus ride. Great weather and beautiful country. I went to the Sargeant Peppers Club for dinner and had a great STEAK??? Okay, no turkey to be found so steak is splurging for me. Yes, the Sargeant Pepper Club had Beatles posters everywhere and played Beatles music but was still very good, if not classy. No one really understands the concept of Thanksgiving here and probably not many in the states either. Canadians have Thanksgiving but in October. I leave for Queenstown tomorrow and then to Te Anau to start more tramping (trekking).

November 23, 2007.   (NEW ZEALAND, Mount Cook)

I caught the bus from Christchurch and went to Mount Cook (NZ highest mountain at a little over 12,000 ft.). The statute is that of Sir Edmund Hillary who was the first climber to climb Everest. He was from NZ and Mt. Cook was where he and his sherpa, Tenzig Norgay, practiced before their Everest summit. I was there for a couple of hrs and then continued to Queenstown to spend the night. Tomorrow I catch the early bus to Te Anau and then a cruise on the famous Milford Sound.

Saturday November 24, 2007

I caught the 1:15pm  cruise ship for the Milford Sound Cruise. The day was overcast but we still had great views of Milford Sound (which is really a fjord but they never changed the name). We cruised out to the ocean and returned coming within 10 feet of magnificent waterfall and we also got to see a group of seals basking on the rocks. On the way back it rained quite a bit but as they like to say, "It makes the waterfalls more spectacular." 

Back to Te Anau for the night and on to the Kepler Track tomorrow. Pictures will come probably tomorrow. 

November 25-27, 2007

The Kepler Track is a 3 day 61 kilometer (41 mile) track. It is rated as moderate to hard in degree of difficulty. On the second day, I had 1.5 hrs of hard SNOW while I was walking. It was beautiful and aggravating at the same time. It hampered my view for a while but later the weather cleared. The bunk houses where we slept were like freezers and only your sleeping bag kept you from freezing. People from all over the world especially Germany.

November 28-30, 2007

After spending November 27th in a Te Anau hostel, I headed out again for my 4th track since arriving in NZ. This track is much easier and only 30k but has maybe the most beautiful scenery of all the tracks. The hut wardens tell you that on a 3 day tramp they will guarantee you one day of rain and they were right. After a beautiful 1st day, the second day was 5 hrs of drizzle, rain, sleet and then hard snow. It took me several hours to thaw. LOL But it was worth every second as you will see when I get some pictures up hopefull tomorrow. At the end of the track I went to Queenstown for 5 days of adventure. At one of the huts was a group of 16 international high school students who were studying in NZ for a year. Each student was from a different country. 

 November 30 -December 5, 2007

I arrived in Queenstown directly after finishing the Routeburn Tract. Queenstown has about 8500 residents and is set in the middle of the mountains and on a lake. It is considered the "adrenaline capital of the world". With beautiful weather, great scenery and lots of exciting things to do, there are not many places in the world that could be better. Sky diving, bungy jumping , canyoning, snow skiing, mountain climbing, downhill luging, parasailing, hangliding, jet boating and the list goes on. Young people from around the world are drawn here for the energy and excitement. It reminds me of my "previous" favorite place, Interlaken, Switzerland, except cooler.

I survived the Canyon Swing which is essentially a 200 ft. bungy jump which turns into a giant swingin arch. To get a better idea of this go to canyonswing.co.nz It was quite a rush, kinda like flying. I also climbed to the summit of the Ben Lomond track and the 3 hr climb rewarded me with some of the best views that I have seen in NZ. Can't wait to post the pictures.

December 6-9, 2007 (NEW ZEALAND,  Pahia Bay)

After the excitement of Queenstown, I was looking forward to the last 4 days of my NZ trip laying on the beautiful north beaches and sailing. That was until the rain started which was on the bus to Paihia and continued until I arrived back in Auckland today. Mostly watched tv and slept. Part of traveling I am told. I leave for Austraila (Cairns) tomorrow and start my scuba lessons. I heard it is hot there. Hope to download pictures soon if possible and if I have time.

Dec. 10 -17, 2007. (AUSTRALIA,  Cairns, Great Barrier Reef diving)

I caught a flight to Cairns {pronounced cans} as soon as I arrived at the Sydney airport from Auckland. Cairns is a great town on the coast that has approx. 180,000 people but has over 3 million tourists each year. My purpose for coming here was to learn to scuba dive on the Great Barrier Reef but also hade a chance to visit the Tablelands which is also a World Heritage Site. We swam at the different waterfalls but the water was freezing.

December 17-20, 2007.   (AUSTRALIA,  Sydney)

I checked into the YHA Central Hostel which is without a question the nicest hostel that I have ever stayed in. While in Sydney I visited the famous Bondi Beach, the more beautiful Manly Beach, Sydney Opera House, Sydney Harbour Bridge, took a ferry from Sydney Harbour to Manly Beach and also visited the Blue Mountains which are home to the "Three Sisters" . I also visited a wildlife park, aquarium, and watched a boomerang throwing demonstration.

December 20 - 24, 2007

I decided to go to Melbourne for the last few days of my trip. Melbourne was a beautiful city but I did not find the sights to be overly exciting. I went to Federation Square, walked the Promenade along the river, walked through the beautiful city parks and went to St. Kilda Beach.

December 24, 2007.   (FLIGHT HOME, CHRISTMAS EVE)

I had to catch a flight early today to Sydney and then a connecting flight back to Auckland, New Zealand for my flight home. My flight from Auckland  to Los Angeles departed at 11 pm Christmas Eve. About an hour into the flight, the Crew wished us a Merry Christmas.  When I arrived in Los Angeles it was 1 pm, CHRISTMAS EVE !!  The miracle of the International Date Line. Left New Zealand 1 hour before Christmas and landed in New Orleans  6 hours before Christmas.  Lol.     GREAT TRIP. GLAD TO BE HOME  !!!!