What a perfect ending

The last few days of our time in South America have been unforgettable. The scenic train ride up to Machu Picchu and the time spent adventuring through the Incan ruins was incredble. We hiked a very steep mountain up to the ruins of Wayna Picchu, it was almost 1,000 feet up from Machu Picchu. I didn't believe Nate when he told me we were climbing up this gigantic peak, but after an hour and a half of climbing up,  we made it to the top. It was the most amazing sight in the world. We were literally in the clouds. Then we went exploring in the ruins. Nate found a puppy which he believed to be a reincarnated Incan warrior. They were best friends, and they did not leave each others' side for about 4 hours. He still calls it "my dog". (We may be getting a dog soon back home). Now we start our journey home, which includes 5 plane trips, and many airport sleeps. We are so excited to tell you of our adventures and to see you all. I'm excited to celebrate Christmas with Nate and his family, and to experience a VanDeventer Christmas. I'm sure we'll be up very early Christmas morning. Love you all, and thank you for your support and love. I want to give a shout out to Matt and Elsa! Thank you for taking care of us for an entire month!

expect the unexpected

We left Cochabamba, Bolivia on tuesday morning and headed to Cusco, Peru. We had a stop in La Paz on the way. After getting off the first plane they informed us our flight had been cancelled until THURSDAY!  We thought about taking the bus, but I wasn't feeling well, so Emily sweet talked the airline guy into putting us up in a very nice hotel here in La Paz. So here we are, shacked up in a five star hotel, enjoying all inclusive room service. We are both feeling the altitude, but coca tea seems to help. We will try again tomorrow to catch our flight to Cusco. It's been an unexpected twist on our trip, but it actually worked out great. We will really miss the bidet toilet. Here are some pictures from our time in La Paz.

More pictures to enjoy!

12 days left!

Yes hello! Emily had her wisdom teeth out on Monday. She was very nervous but very brave, and saved around 3000$. She is doing good now and her face is getting less fat every second. We are ready to be healthy for our last week in Cochabamba, and really adventure out. It seems like we just got here. Matt and Elsa are getting ready to come home too. They have been in bolivia for two years and we are very proud of what they have accoplished. Hope everyone back home is warm and happy and enjoying the christmas sprit. Its hard to get into it when its 90 degrees outside. Cheers, Nate

Buenas Tardes!

Today we went to the childrens center with Matt and Elsa to help out with la feria (the fair). The kids played games, ate candy, and got some new clothes. It was so wonderful to see the kids so happy and excited. Tomorrow is the election for president of Bolivia, and there are some rules for this weekend so people don't get too out of control. No alcohol, no driving, and no walking in groups. So this Gringo Gang is going to lay low and watch football tomorrow, and watch the election. Here are some pictures from this week!

It's been a good week...

Sorry it has been awhile since the last post. I want to thank everyone for their thoughts and prayers while I was sick. So... on Wednesday I woke up with a fever and pretty bad stomach ache. By 5 that night I was sure I needed to go to the hospital. They admitted me for the night and gave me an IV that became my good friend for the next 4 days. All the nurses and doctors spoke really fast spanish, and it was really nice having Matt there to translate. The next morning I was ready to go home and felt a lot better, but the doctor told us that it was important that I stay longer, and that I had a blood infection. Emily stayed by my side the entire 4 days, which made the whole experience really not that bad. There were some funny moments, like when Matt was gone and the nurses needed a stool (cacita) sample. I had no idea what they were asking and by the end we were all laughing and making pooping motions. They also told me I couldn't eat anything, but still brought me a plate of food twice a day. I am back at Matt and Elsa's house now and taking antibiotics that make me feel very light headed, but its so bad thats its kinda cool. I can start eating normal food in a couple days and we are going to feast (both Emily and Elsa are amazing cooks) Here are some pictures from that last week! Cheers, Nate

What we've been up to...

Our first week in Cochabamba has been great. It's been in the high 80's, sunny during the day with awesome thunderstorms at night. Yesterday we beat the heat by lounging at nearby hotel pool. Here are some pictures of the last few days; going to the country club, celebrating Daisy's first birthday (Matt and Elsa's friends little girl), and playing in the pool.  We are really enjoying our time with Matt and Elsa! Love you all.

Cochabamba, Bolivia

We are here in Cochabamba! For the next 3 weeks we'll be staying at la casa de matt y elsa. Nate was sick the first night we arrived, but after 2 days in bed I nursed him back to health. We think it was just a short flu, and we are very happy he did not end up back in the hospital. I am signed up for Spanish classes, getting 1 on 1 lessions 3 days a week. It is great being back in Cochabamba, it already feels so familiar. We went to our favorite cafe today, Cafe Paris. While walking there, we were quickly reminded that pedestrians do not have the right away and cars do not slow down for you! Nate is definately feeling better, he's making us scratch margaritas (old habits never die!) We miss you all and thank you for checking the blog (we love comments!) We are also celebrating Thanksgiving next week, so mom we may be calling you for recipies (both moms). Love you. Emily

LaPaz, Bolivia

It's been a few days since the last post, it's just flown by because we've been having so much fun with Matt and Elsa in La Paz. Wow, what a beautiful, enchanting city. LaPaz is the highest capitol city in the world. The airport is 13,323 feet above sea level.  We felt the altitude sickness not long after getting off the plane. The first night was pretty rough with headaches, but we still went out to a great bar with Matt and Elsa. We woke up the next morning feeling 100 times better. Elsa and Emily headed out to a local market and scored some great handmade bolivian goods. Matt and I took a cab to the highest golf course in the world. I didn't play very well but it was an unforgettable experience.  This city is really stunning; dropping almost 5000 feet from its mountian side poor housing, down to the lower wealthy neighborhoods. We've seen some amazing old buildings dating back to the 16th century. Today we are going to a lookout point that has a 360 degree view of the city. Then we are hopping on a plane to Cochabamba, only about a 30 minute flight. We are excited to be back. Diarrhea has been mild and under control. Here are some pictures, but not of that. 

These mototaxis are the main form of transportation here, the one in the picture is just like the one that we were in the back of when it crashed. We are ok, just a little sore. Lesson learned..."when taking taxis to hotsprings, don't let the 18 year old driver drink while in the hotsprings". Don't worry mom, no more motos for us. We are on our way to Lima tomorrow. One more day at the beach. This next picture is of arroz con mariscos, this is what we have been eating on a daily basis. For 5 soles ($1.30), we would enjoy a ceviche app, a generous plate of rice and seafood, and a glass of juice. And we were entertained by the owners' very dirty but adorable baby. We eat breakfast everyday a little beachside cafe, called Green Eggs and Ham, ran by a sweet old southern lady. She would fix us a home-cooked breakfast and fresh pureed fruit juice. It was a great way to start the day for only 12 soles ($4). Thanks for the comments, keep 'em coming! Salud! Emily and Nate

Saturday Mancora

Laying by the beach, drinking cervesas and pisco, and eating ceviche is a great way to spend the day. Today we are going to do some more swimming in the ocean and maybe take a horse down the beach. We met a couple from Minnesota who are awesome and showed us some places that served ceviche for 5 soles, which is $2. You can get around for pretty cheap if you know the right people. Nate finally found a tank top. He also fell down the stairs, I swear they clean the floors with something that smells a lot like gasoline. Tonight we are meeting up with our new friends and a British couple to go party Mancora style. Adios amigos!

Mancora, Peru

We arrived in Mancora around 9am this morning, the bus ride was long but comfortable. We watched a really bad Sylvester Stallone movie about mobsters in Seattle. Mancora is beautiful! Its about 75 and sunny. The pacific ocean is warm here. We are very close to the equator. Our hostel is super close to the ocean, we can hear the waves from our room.  Tomorrow there is a surf competion in town bra! Here are some pictures from our bus ride and first day at the beach. Hope you all are well.
Nate and Em

Lima, Peru-Miraflores

Peruvian Dish-Chicken in Avacado-Muy Rico!

Getting out of town

Lima has been amazing! I was pretty sketched out by all the horrible stories I had read about this city. Once we arrived and walked very quickly through streets lined with shops and bars I realized that the people here notice us a little as we notice tourist at home. People are people, and we all are buys with our day to day lives. This place is beautiful. Carved in a cliff and overlooking the pacific ocean. The food has been unbelievable! Ceviche is the national dish of Peru. Fish, clams, shrimp, and scallops marrinated in lime juice. It is pretty much raw except for the little bit of cooking from the lime acid. Very fresh and very very good. Dont order lasangna while in Peru! Emily learned the hard way. I think it was a mix of chocolate, meat, and fart. It was really bad.

Today we are headed to Mancora, its a 19 hour bus ride up the north coast. It is said to be the nicest beach in Peru. Wish us luck!