Peru: From Andean Highlands to Capital City

I've always wanted to visit South America. Machu Picchu was forever on the list of place that I want to go. 2 years ago my friend informed me of sale flights to South America but I already made plans with another friend for travel so I let it slide. I made up my mind that I will make this trip to Peru happen, even if I would be travelling by myself.

As I have not been to South America, it is very foreign to me (still is) and during my last holidays to Europe I felt that I should learn a new language, a non Asian language. Even though Spanish language is pretty much only spoken in Spain in the European continent but many Latin American countries speaks Spanish. So I signed up for Spanish lesson sometime this time last year. My Spanish level is very negligible and I am sure they gave me a lot of allowance but it was so rewarding when I managed simple, brief conversations with the locals.

There are a few people who commented that I am brave to travel to South America by myself, and some gave me the "are you sure it is safe?" look. I can't say for the rest SA countries but I have not once felt unsafe during my travel in Peru. In fact Peruvians that I met along the way are friendly. I was surprised that it was really easy to go around. Taxi drivers and peddlers are not pushy. A taxi driver even told me where to catch a colectivo (public transport in the form of a van) when I told him I don't want taxi but wanted to take a colectivo. People returned me money when I overpaid them (because of my poor Spanish, haha), and I don't feel ripped off because I am a tourist. Of course, travel like how you would anywhere, be vigilant, don't do stupid things and be safe :)

LATAM operates direct flights to Santiago on certain days from Sydney and Melbourne. When I bought my flight tickets, Machu Picchu was the only item in my itinerary. So I bought a ticket that get me to Cusco.

M: morning, A: afternoon, E: evening, MN: midnight

26/10, Day 00 - On flight*. Transit in Santiago enroute to Lima. Domestic flight to Cusco.
27/10, Day 01 - Landed in Cusco. Taxi to Chinchero, Maras, Moray, Ollantaytambo* (Ollantaytampu Hostel Patacalle)
28/10, Day 02 - Ollantaytambo, day trip Pisac, train to Aguas Calientes* (El Tambo Machupicchu)
29/10, Day 03 - Machu Picchu, train to Cusco* (Hotel Royal Frankenstein)
30/10, Day 04 - Cusco*
31/10, Day 05 - Cusco*
01/11, Day 06 - Flight to Puerto Maldonado* (Green Diamond Amazon Lodge)
02/11, Day 07 - Puerto Maldonado*
03/11, Day 08 - Puerto Maldonado*
04/11, Day 09 - Puerto Maldonado. Flight back to Cusco. Overnight bus* to Arequipa
05/11, Day 10 - Arequipa*. Early bus to Cabanaconde (Vallecito Backpackers)
06/11, Day 11 - Trek to Llahuar* (Llahuar Lodge)
07/11, Day 12 - Back to Cabanaconde* (Backpacker Hostel Pachamama)
08/11, Day 13 - Back to Arequipa. Overnight bus* to Ica.
09/11, Day 14 - Arrived Ica, taxi to Huacachina* (Hospedaje Dulce Estancia)
10/11, Day 15 - Day trip to Islas Ballestas and Paracas National Reserve. Bus to Lima* (The Lighthouse Bed and Breakfast)
11/11, Day 16 - Lima. Night flight out of Lima
*referring to where I overnight


Side note: Going to watch Fantastic Beast...

Hobart: A quick introductory visit

Hobart is just about an hour from Melbourne by flight but for some unknown reason it was the last state that I make my way to in Australia. There were plans but they didn't materialise. Last month, however, I have finally made a travel there, for work. It was mostly work really but I managed to fit in some play and food, in small pocket of free time.

Accommodation
Courtesy of work, I stayed at Grand Chancellor Hobart which overlooks the Hobart Harbour. The photo above was taken from the hotel's level 19. Most of my time in the hotel was spent in conference rooms for talks or in the room working. Yes, the room comes with a working desk....

Food
We were served morning tea and lunch as part of work. On top of that, we also had dinner functions so I only ate outside for 2 breakfasts. I had to order room service for dinner on day 1 as I had to work but on second night I had dinner at The Glass House. The food we had at The Glass House was excellent but I was also trying to put on my best behaviour so no photo on that one.

Room service dinner

I wanted to have seafood in Hobart, so I ordered the Tassal salmon fillet dish. It came with lemon scented crushed potato, soft herbs and sauce americaine. It was pretty good.

Jackman & McRoss

I had a walk around and popped by Jackman & McRoss for breakfast on one of the days. It had a good review on food apps. It was ok. I had scallop pie for breakfast, not a very common breakfast item I think. Haha.

Daci & Daci Bakery

There were a couple of items that I wanted to try but in the end I chose Huon aquaculture smoked salmon, fried duck eggs & brioche. Didn't look like a big portion but definitely filling.

Walks / Things to do
A good walk round the harbour towards Battery Point, throw in a breakfast in one of the cafes then back via Kelly's Steps.

Salamanca Market
Salamanca Market is one of the Australia's most famous street market in Tasmania. It is located at Salamanca Place and operates every Saturday from 8:30am to 3:00pm (except Anzac and Christmas Day if they fall on a Saturday). It is a great place to explore great Tasmanian produce and locally made products.

It is bigger than it looks...

MONA - Museum of Old and New Art
I only have time for one thing, and given good reviews of this museum I thought I'll go have a look. I had some reservations on going to MONA because I am not that cultured. Still clueless about modern art but the place is pretty cool, and I do like some of  the interactive arts.

I won't go into details of how to get there, etc as the website is quite detailed. The ferry ride is worth it. I went there by ferry but took a taxi to the airport right after. Also want to mention that I had a carry-on size luggage as well as a sling camera bag. I had to deposit both due to size and of course, I have no intention to lug around the luggage. I carried my camera, phone and wallet with me as I walked around the museum.

The staircases don't move but reminded me of Harry Potter.. haha

That was all I did in Hobart, plenty of eating and work. Hobart, I'll return for more :)


Side note: December is next week! Wow