View of a part of the lagoon from the plane, Aitutaki Atoll, Cook Islands
We spent three weeks on the Cook Islands in February 2008 during our Round The World Trip: altogether 9 days on Rarotonga, 7 on Aitutaki and 5 on Atiu. The Cook Islands were definitely a highlight in our trip and finally we discovered some of those Pacific Islands that matched our ideas of the “South Seas”.
Legend says that in a battle between two tribes, one succeeded in trapping the other in a narrow spot in the Makatea. All the warriors from this tribe were killed and their bodies thrown in a cave. So many lives were lost that nobody at that time had a system to count them, Atiu Island, Cook Islands
Legend says that in a battle between two tribes, one succeeded in trapping the other in a narrow spot and killing all the warriors from this tribe and threw their bodies in a cave. So many lives were lost that nobody in those days had a system to count them. So the cave was given the name of a tree with supposedly 500 leaves, the highest number known, hence being called The Cave of 500 Leaves or Rimarau Cave. Continue Reading →
One of the most famous views in the world – Machu Picchu, with Wayna Picchu in the background, Cusco, Peru
We spent one month in Peru in September & October 2007 and discovered the famous highlights of the south of this country: Nazca (Nazca Lines & Cauchilla Cemetery), Arequipa, the Colca Canyon & Cruz del Condor, Cuzco, the Sacred Valley (Pisac, Urubamba, Ollantaytambo, Saqsaywaman) & of course Machu Picchu, Puno & Lake Titicaca (Sillustani, Uros Floating Islands, & the Javari Project). Continue Reading →
Young Girl (Lydia) with traditional hat, Cabanaconde, Colca Canyon, Peru
Peru is the third country we have visited in South America, after Venezuela and Brazil. These three countries on the same continent are actually three totally distinct worlds. Differences are huge! Continue Reading →
Gilles in Aguas Qualientes, near Machu Picchu, Peru
All in all, we spent on average almost exactly the same amount of money per day as in Venezuela: 33.5 Euros or 47 USD. Yes, the present exchange rate Euro-Dollar is the best thing that could happen to us! Peru is to some extend a very cheap country, especially coming from Brazil, but classic tourist activities can be at times really pricy. Continue Reading →
Natural pool at Praia da Atalaia, on the West Coast of Fernando de Noronha National Park, Brazil
We spent one month in Brazil: we crossed the border from Venezuela and started in Manaus. Then we headed for the coast: Recife & Olinda, Salvador de Bahia & Morro de Sao Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, and last but not least Sao Paulo. Continue Reading →
