Andy and Beth's travel journal. Long, hard trips since 2009 — written mostly by Beth, mostly while exhausted.https://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/en-ushttps://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/k2pakistanseasia2024/last-days-in-seoul-and-our-vacation/https://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/k2pakistanseasia2024/last-days-in-seoul-and-our-vacation/We kicked off one of our final days in Seoul with lunch at Vatios Tacos (a must try recipe from Andy’s friend), where we indulged in a (two if I’m being honest- I’m on vacation) Coronarita—a margarita with a beer tipped in, because why not?Wed, 11 Sep 2024 00:00:00 GMTK2 Pakistan / SE AsiaBethhttps://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/k2pakistanseasia2024/the-beginning-of-our-seoul-eating-adventure/https://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/k2pakistanseasia2024/the-beginning-of-our-seoul-eating-adventure/Our trip to Seoul started off with a little bit of excitement at the airport. My bag was the very last to come out, and of course, it had been flagged by customs. It had an alarm (huge lock that was blinking and beeping) on it because of a multi-tool knife I packed.Sat, 07 Sep 2024 00:00:00 GMTK2 Pakistan / SE AsiaBethhttps://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/k2pakistanseasia2024/danum-valley-the-land-of-untouched-nature-incl-leeches/https://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/k2pakistanseasia2024/danum-valley-the-land-of-untouched-nature-incl-leeches/After leaving the Kinabatangan River, we took a 2.5-hour van ride to a small town called Latah Datum, where we transferred to a Land Cruiser that took us to the Borneo Rainforest Lodge.Fri, 06 Sep 2024 00:00:00 GMTK2 Pakistan / SE AsiaBethhttps://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/k2pakistanseasia2024/seeing-all-there-is-on-the-kinabatangan-river/https://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/k2pakistanseasia2024/seeing-all-there-is-on-the-kinabatangan-river/Today we kicked off our five-day, four-night jungle tour, and this time we upgraded to premium rooms! We started the day early with our guide, “Captain Obvious” who only read signs and walked hella fast, taking us to the jungle canopy walk near Sandakan.Tue, 03 Sep 2024 00:00:00 GMTK2 Pakistan / SE AsiaBethhttps://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/k2pakistanseasia2024/kinabatangan-river-first-jungle-journey/https://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/k2pakistanseasia2024/kinabatangan-river-first-jungle-journey/The tour company picked us up at noon for our three-hour journey to the resort. I could see Andy getting more and more frustrated with the driver’s slow pace, but I think experiences like this are good for him.Sat, 31 Aug 2024 00:00:00 GMTK2 Pakistan / SE AsiaBethhttps://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/k2pakistanseasia2024/kota-kinbalu-and-sandakan-our-entry-to-borneo/https://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/k2pakistanseasia2024/kota-kinbalu-and-sandakan-our-entry-to-borneo/We had an easy, almost three-hour flight from Singapore to Malaysia. We landed in Kota Kinabalu and checked into our next comfy hotel, where we would stay for the next two nights. We arrived late and, since we had already eaten on the plane, decided to call it a night.Wed, 28 Aug 2024 00:00:00 GMTK2 Pakistan / SE AsiaBethhttps://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/k2pakistanseasia2024/bangkok-and-a-singapore-layover/https://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/k2pakistanseasia2024/bangkok-and-a-singapore-layover/After a short 4.5-hour redeye flight from lslamabad, we landed in Bangkok. The excitement we felt upon arriving in this tropical, chaotic paradise, with its delicious food, was indescribable.Sun, 25 Aug 2024 00:00:00 GMTK2 Pakistan / SE AsiaBethhttps://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/k2pakistanseasia2024/last-days-in-pakistan/https://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/k2pakistanseasia2024/last-days-in-pakistan/Travel days move pretty slow around here. We took a jeep from Kanday Valley back to Skardu. It was a bit more roomy this time since we didn’t have the girls with us.Fri, 23 Aug 2024 00:00:00 GMTK2 Pakistan / SE AsiaBethhttps://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/k2pakistanseasia2024/day-11-end-of-our-karakoram-gg-la-trek/https://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/k2pakistanseasia2024/day-11-end-of-our-karakoram-gg-la-trek/This was our last day hiking and truly the easiest day as we only had 5 miles to go with only 1200 feet mostly down hill. That’s not to say that there were no challenges, because we know that there is a new challenge every day on this mountain.Tue, 20 Aug 2024 00:00:00 GMTK2 Pakistan / SE AsiaBethhttps://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/k2pakistanseasia2024/day-10-the-beautiful-hushe-valley/https://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/k2pakistanseasia2024/day-10-the-beautiful-hushe-valley/We were up early again because we went to bed at seven and we’ve been waking up early every day to get an early start on our hikes. Last night it rained, it was barely warm enough for it to not snow.Mon, 19 Aug 2024 00:00:00 GMTK2 Pakistan / SE AsiaBethhttps://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/k2pakistanseasia2024/day-1-turning-50-in-the-karakorum/https://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/k2pakistanseasia2024/day-1-turning-50-in-the-karakorum/We decided to not get our sleeping bags out last night because it wasn’t actually that cold. Also, they were at the bottom of our backpacks and we didn’t need to get our sleeping pads out because the tour group provided some nice kush pads for us so we decided to be lazy and…Sun, 18 Aug 2024 00:00:00 GMTK2 Pakistan / SE AsiaBethhttps://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/k2pakistanseasia2024/day-2-and-then-there-were-two/https://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/k2pakistanseasia2024/day-2-and-then-there-were-two/Today was a hard day in multiple ways. We woke up at five feeling good, and we packed our bags tight as possible to fit everything inside our backpacks.Sun, 18 Aug 2024 00:00:00 GMTK2 Pakistan / SE AsiaBethhttps://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/k2pakistanseasia2024/day-4-hope-and-relaxation/https://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/k2pakistanseasia2024/day-4-hope-and-relaxation/I did not wake up the way I was hoping to. I had a mild headache, and I was still nauseous. I had cereal that turned mushy instantly when the hot water hit it, and something magical called “fun cake” that I was actually able to eat and not throw up.Sun, 18 Aug 2024 00:00:00 GMTK2 Pakistan / SE AsiaBethhttps://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/k2pakistanseasia2024/day-3-first-encounter-with-baltoro/https://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/k2pakistanseasia2024/day-3-first-encounter-with-baltoro/We woke up at 5 AM to pack our bags and eat breakfast before our big day. We hiked an hour on relatively flat terrain until we reach the front end of the Boltoro glacier.Sun, 18 Aug 2024 00:00:00 GMTK2 Pakistan / SE AsiaBethhttps://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/k2pakistanseasia2024/day-5-pakistani-flat/https://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/k2pakistanseasia2024/day-5-pakistani-flat/We woke up at 4:30 as the Germans next to us decided it was time for everyone to wake up as well. They were excessively loud the entire night and morning. Last night we did a toilet trip and the sky was clear and beautiful with stars all around.Sun, 18 Aug 2024 00:00:00 GMTK2 Pakistan / SE AsiaBethhttps://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/k2pakistanseasia2024/day-6-the-breathtaking-concordia/https://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/k2pakistanseasia2024/day-6-the-breathtaking-concordia/We got started at six on the trail. It’s supposed to be an easy day mostly flat, it actually was flatish this time. There were massive white and blue icebergs (not covered in rock) that we weaved our way through along the trail, even bigger than the previous day.Sun, 18 Aug 2024 00:00:00 GMTK2 Pakistan / SE AsiaBethhttps://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/k2pakistanseasia2024/day-7-intense-rest-day/https://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/k2pakistanseasia2024/day-7-intense-rest-day/We woke up early and packed our day packed pretty light in anticipation for the long 12 hour day hike to K2 base camp. It was pretty cold last night, below freezing, but nothing that our sleeping bags couldn’t handle.Sun, 18 Aug 2024 00:00:00 GMTK2 Pakistan / SE AsiaAndyhttps://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/k2pakistanseasia2024/day-8-glacial-highway/https://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/k2pakistanseasia2024/day-8-glacial-highway/We were up early today because we have a big day ahead of us and we want to get as much rest as possible at Ali Camp. We were ready to go at 5:30 but left at 6:30 because the donkeys were going back down and the kitchen crew had to divide our provisions for the rest of the trip.Sun, 18 Aug 2024 00:00:00 GMTK2 Pakistan / SE AsiaAndyhttps://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/k2pakistanseasia2024/day-9-gondogoro-la-gg-la/https://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/k2pakistanseasia2024/day-9-gondogoro-la-gg-la/Up at 11 for our 11:30 PM departure. The entire camp was bustling with nervous energy and people probably didn’t get much rest. Our guide and kitchen crew didn’t sleep at all.Sun, 18 Aug 2024 00:00:00 GMTK2 Pakistan / SE AsiaAndyhttps://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/k2pakistanseasia2024/crumbling-roads-askole-10k/https://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/k2pakistanseasia2024/crumbling-roads-askole-10k/Woke up at 3am today. I guess all that napping didn’t help me much. It did give me enough time to wash my hair though as it won’t see shampoo for the next 2 weeks. A quick breakfast and we were off by 7 in an 80’s phat as hell Toyota “jeep” to trek through Baltistan.Mon, 12 Aug 2024 00:00:00 GMTK2 Pakistan / SE AsiaBethhttps://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/k2pakistanseasia2024/relaxing-in-scardu-before-we-set-off/https://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/k2pakistanseasia2024/relaxing-in-scardu-before-we-set-off/We woke up at 5 to watch the sunrise. It was too cloudy to get the colors but beautiful nonetheless . We sat outside enjoying the morning and Kristen came over to give us the download of what happened. Turns out she thinks she was just severely dehydrated.Tue, 06 Aug 2024 00:00:00 GMTK2 Pakistan / SE AsiaBethhttps://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/k2pakistanseasia2024/a-flight-u-turn-in-skardu-valley-a-stomach-virus-and-kittens/https://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/k2pakistanseasia2024/a-flight-u-turn-in-skardu-valley-a-stomach-virus-and-kittens/I woke up naturally at 2 which wasn’t an issue since we set the alarm to catch the 6am flight to Skardu. Breakfast was Pakistani mixed tea and sweets which didn’t go down too easily. Through the gate easily and we boarded the full flight to Skardu where they speak Balti.Sun, 04 Aug 2024 00:00:00 GMTK2 Pakistan / SE AsiaBethhttps://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/k2pakistanseasia2024/welcome-to-pakistan/https://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/k2pakistanseasia2024/welcome-to-pakistan/We landed in Dubai after a 12-hour flight from Newark. The flight upgrade completely changed my perspective on long flights. Being able to lie down and sleep without battling for elbow room was amazing.Sat, 03 Aug 2024 00:00:00 GMTK2 Pakistan / SE AsiaBethhttps://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/k2pakistanseasia2024/see-you-in-islamabad/https://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/k2pakistanseasia2024/see-you-in-islamabad/I went into the office Wednesday to wrap everything up. Full day of meetings and new work thoughts popped in my head after I got home. I kept pinging people with last minute ideas and considerations. Everything will be fine without me.Fri, 02 Aug 2024 00:00:00 GMTK2 Pakistan / SE AsiaBethhttps://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/k2pakistanseasia2024/so-we-have-a-plan/https://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/k2pakistanseasia2024/so-we-have-a-plan/I had my sabbatical coming up the following summer. I was looking at Google maps trying to determine where we should go. It was around Nov in 2023, Andy said, “how about K2 basecamp?”. I said, ohhhhh, that’s it, yes.Mon, 29 Jul 2024 00:00:00 GMTK2 Pakistan / SE AsiaBethhttps://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/japan-2022/nothing-but-rad-boarding-pics/https://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/japan-2022/nothing-but-rad-boarding-pics/I’ll type more when I can, but until then…Thu, 13 Jun 2024 00:00:00 GMTJapanBethhttps://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/japan-2022/first-onsen-and-kyoto-122922/https://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/japan-2022/first-onsen-and-kyoto-122922/Our sleep was amazing. There’s something to be said about separate beds…Now for the fancy breakfast in the fancy hotel. We went back to the restaurant we had the forever dinner in since we opted for the Japanese breakfast of course. It was legit. They brought out large bento?Fri, 06 Jan 2023 00:00:00 GMTJapanBethhttps://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/japan-2022/fuji-and-hakone-122822/https://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/japan-2022/fuji-and-hakone-122822/Yup, I have a hangover. All the food didn’t help plus mixing all the drinks. All the toilets here are bidets and are amazing. Even the free public restrooms have them. I’m a changed woman so we will be buying one when we return. Breakfast buffet in the hotel again.Thu, 29 Dec 2022 00:00:00 GMTJapanBethhttps://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/japan-2022/all-food-122822/https://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/japan-2022/all-food-122822/The bed was tiny- at least for Andy. Oh yes this will be the first of many. The breakfast was delish- Japanese, Chinese, American food- we did all of the above. First face scan for a temperature check, and you must wear a glove when you get food. First we hit up the fish market.Tue, 27 Dec 2022 00:00:00 GMTJapanBethhttps://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/japan-2022/long-ass-travel-day-landed-tokyo-122622/https://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/japan-2022/long-ass-travel-day-landed-tokyo-122622/Up super early to SFO because my anxiety before traveling, thanks mom. All good though, plenty of time for breakfast and champagne to celebrate finally being on vacation. The plane was two hours delayed because of communication equipment problems, important things.Tue, 27 Dec 2022 00:00:00 GMTJapanBethhttps://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/africa-and-egypt-2018/a-fabulous-intro-to-lovely-innsbruck/https://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/africa-and-egypt-2018/a-fabulous-intro-to-lovely-innsbruck/Simon's roommate, Jonas, was nice enough to let us sleep in his room while he stayed at his girlfriend's house last night so we had a nice bed to sleep in. We slowly got up at 8, had some coffee, and headed out for the day.Sun, 04 Nov 2018 00:00:00 GMTAfrica and EgyptBethhttps://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/africa-and-egypt-2018/bye-egypt-bring-on-butter-pretzels/https://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/africa-and-egypt-2018/bye-egypt-bring-on-butter-pretzels/Yesterday was our last day in Egypt. We first hit up the local grocery store beside our hotel in search for spices. The locals cook with these spices every day, how expensive could it be? Not very.Thu, 01 Nov 2018 00:00:00 GMTAfrica and EgyptBethhttps://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/africa-and-egypt-2018/what-day-to-wrap-up-africa-in/https://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/africa-and-egypt-2018/what-day-to-wrap-up-africa-in/We had the most fantastic breakfast this am. Cheeses and meats and fresh warm breads as far as the eye could see. We could have stayed in bed all day, but there are sights to be seen. We took a cab to our farthest destination, the citadel.Tue, 30 Oct 2018 00:00:00 GMTAfrica and EgyptBethhttps://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/africa-and-egypt-2018/old-stuff-mummies-lovely-alexandria/https://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/africa-and-egypt-2018/old-stuff-mummies-lovely-alexandria/We had a yummy breakfast again, my favorite meal of the day. We first walked through Tahrir Square (Liberation Square). Not much to see, just to know this was the location of the revolution that unseated Mubarak.Mon, 29 Oct 2018 00:00:00 GMTAfrica and EgyptBethhttps://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/africa-and-egypt-2018/pyramids-of-giza-fantastic-impromptu/https://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/africa-and-egypt-2018/pyramids-of-giza-fantastic-impromptu/Up at 7 although we went to be at 2am. Sleeping in isn't going to happen. We arrived at Cairo airport later than expected. I was a bit worried about going through immigration. We needed $25 USD each for a visa on arrival.Sun, 28 Oct 2018 00:00:00 GMTAfrica and EgyptBethhttps://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/africa-and-egypt-2018/dubai-most-ridiculous-city-in-world/https://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/africa-and-egypt-2018/dubai-most-ridiculous-city-in-world/We got to the hotel by the airport at 12:30am. We thought we were making good time since we landed early, but the bus that took us from the plane to the gate drove for about 20 min, the walk through the giant airport took another 20, traffic at arrivals was nuts.Fri, 26 Oct 2018 00:00:00 GMTAfrica and EgyptBethhttps://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/africa-and-egypt-2018/running-on-empty-102618/https://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/africa-and-egypt-2018/running-on-empty-102618/I woke up in the middle of the night because the rain was so hard on the roof, it was a crazy downpour. All I could think was, damn I hope this doesn't impact our flight. I went with the 3 hour flight layover instead of the 2 due to us missing our flight last week.Thu, 25 Oct 2018 00:00:00 GMTAfrica and EgyptBethhttps://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/africa-and-egypt-2018/super-hero-scuba-and-playing-in-rain/https://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/africa-and-egypt-2018/super-hero-scuba-and-playing-in-rain/We took our time yesterday am, we are definitely embracing the island life. Almost midday we made the effort to go exploring before our scuba at 1. We headed north along the cost to the town of Paje. The gas station was out of gas. We drove by the town and didn't get out.Wed, 24 Oct 2018 00:00:00 GMTAfrica and EgyptBethhttps://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/africa-and-egypt-2018/driving-on-wrong-side-of-road-outside/https://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/africa-and-egypt-2018/driving-on-wrong-side-of-road-outside/After breakfast today we headed into town to get the rental and explore. We were lucky enough to hitch a ride with the guy at the hotel (his uncle owns the place). I was super excited because it was going to be a bitch to get to town on the local transportation and take hours.Mon, 22 Oct 2018 00:00:00 GMTAfrica and EgyptBethhttps://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/africa-and-egypt-2018/a-bitch-of-travel-day-to-paradise-with/https://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/africa-and-egypt-2018/a-bitch-of-travel-day-to-paradise-with/I don't feel bad for myself but I'm going to complain anyways because it was a MFer of a travel day. We were up super early like always, breakfast at the hotel and then we took an actual taxi to the Kigali airport.Sun, 21 Oct 2018 00:00:00 GMTAfrica and EgyptBethhttps://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/africa-and-egypt-2018/crazy-beautiful-golden-monkeys-at/https://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/africa-and-egypt-2018/crazy-beautiful-golden-monkeys-at/Up early to catch the golden monkey tour, plus we just don't sleep late. We had no tickets or reservations but Alex at the hotel said it wouldn't be a problem (from what we understood).Sat, 20 Oct 2018 00:00:00 GMTAfrica and EgyptBethhttps://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/africa-and-egypt-2018/genocide-and-day-in-kigali-rwanda-101918/https://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/africa-and-egypt-2018/genocide-and-day-in-kigali-rwanda-101918/I was up early, 4:30. It looked like there was sun outside our window but we were tricked. Wifi in the room so not a big deal. We managed to stay in the room until 6:30 looking for our free breakfast. We were the first ones up, the staff started to waken.Sat, 20 Oct 2018 00:00:00 GMTAfrica and EgyptBethhttps://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/africa-and-egypt-2018/who-cleared-us-of-ebola-you-may-now/https://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/africa-and-egypt-2018/who-cleared-us-of-ebola-you-may-now/Yesterday we chilled at the lake. We took a tour of the lake. Actually, I should say we made a donation to elders with dementia and it included a motor boat lake tour (this lake is 2 miles deep!).Wed, 17 Oct 2018 00:00:00 GMTAfrica and EgyptBethhttps://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/africa-and-egypt-2018/alas-our-private-tour-has-come-to-end/https://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/africa-and-egypt-2018/alas-our-private-tour-has-come-to-end/Up early again to start the day for the chimp tracking. It's easy to get up at 5:30 when you go to bed at 8 every night. On our way to start the treck we ran into a traffic mess.Tue, 16 Oct 2018 00:00:00 GMTAfrica and EgyptBethhttps://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/africa-and-egypt-2018/the-land-of-banana-trees-tea-leaves-and/https://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/africa-and-egypt-2018/the-land-of-banana-trees-tea-leaves-and/I'm finally feeling better. Godwin got me some pills from the pharmacy for $2; one to fight the amoeba in my stomach, two to battle the stomach issues. Little did I know the pills that fight nauseous are used to sedate people before surgery and fight nausea after anesthesia.Mon, 15 Oct 2018 00:00:00 GMTAfrica and EgyptBethhttps://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/africa-and-egypt-2018/gorillas-in-mist-101218/https://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/africa-and-egypt-2018/gorillas-in-mist-101218/Let me just talk about how terrible I feel. I've had food poisoning for 2+ days and it's not getting better. When I told myself to not eat the tomato in Entebbe, don't eat the fucking tomato. No produce. Only cooked items.Sun, 14 Oct 2018 00:00:00 GMTAfrica and EgyptBethhttps://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/africa-and-egypt-2018/green-uganda-101018/https://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/africa-and-egypt-2018/green-uganda-101018/This am I emailed the gorilla tour group to confirm pickup for tomorrow. She responded with, you didn’t pay so how will the safari continue? What??? I’ve been emailing you everyday for the last week and now you act like it’s not going to happen?Wed, 10 Oct 2018 00:00:00 GMTAfrica and EgyptBethhttps://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/africa-and-egypt-2018/arusha-and-its-fine-citizens-10918/https://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/africa-and-egypt-2018/arusha-and-its-fine-citizens-10918/Today was our first day on our own since the previous days were all tours. We relaxed and finally got some WiFi in the morning. I had a slight headache from all the wine consumed last night with the Basecamp Tanzania tour owner Achmed. He’s a character.Tue, 09 Oct 2018 00:00:00 GMTAfrica and EgyptBethhttps://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/africa-and-egypt-2018/black-rhino-in-ngorongoro-10818/https://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/africa-and-egypt-2018/black-rhino-in-ngorongoro-10818/Up at 5 so we could head to the crater at 6. The road down into the crater was the worst of the bumpy rides since the rain has washed a lot of it away. It’s a very steep descent too, but not many trucks heading in probably because of the hearty entrance fee.Tue, 09 Oct 2018 00:00:00 GMTAfrica and EgyptBethhttps://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/africa-and-egypt-2018/serengeti-day-1-lions-and-leopard-10518/https://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/africa-and-egypt-2018/serengeti-day-1-lions-and-leopard-10518/We stayed at the Njake Campsite last night by mosquito river. Andy got mauled on his feet (that’s why people don’t wear flip flops here), and those bastards even got me through my shoes. The night air cooled and we slept well.Tue, 09 Oct 2018 00:00:00 GMTAfrica and EgyptBethhttps://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/africa-and-egypt-2018/serengeti-day-2-lions-and-all-animals/https://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/africa-and-egypt-2018/serengeti-day-2-lions-and-all-animals/Another amazing day! A full day safari. We saw: A buffalo’s tail was eaten off, birds were eating from the hole (gross). Lions: mama, cubs playing w mama, King off in the distance by himself. Another mama caught a gazelle and had it up in the tree w her while she rested.Tue, 09 Oct 2018 00:00:00 GMTAfrica and EgyptBethhttps://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/africa-and-egypt-2018/serengeti-day-3-cheetahs-10718/https://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/africa-and-egypt-2018/serengeti-day-3-cheetahs-10718/I can’t get over how amazing this park is! We started early at 6 for a morning game drive. The first thing we came across were 2 male lions chillin in the middle of the road. We were the only people there.Tue, 09 Oct 2018 00:00:00 GMTAfrica and EgyptBethhttps://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/africa-and-egypt-2018/sleeping-by-mosquito-river-and-lake/https://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/africa-and-egypt-2018/sleeping-by-mosquito-river-and-lake/Last night wasn’t as a rowdy as I expected. We both fell asleep with our clothes on because it was way too warm to get out sleeping bags. I got a little chilly at night but it was nice to sleep then.Tue, 09 Oct 2018 00:00:00 GMTAfrica and EgyptBethhttps://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/africa-and-egypt-2018/best-animal-lover-day-ever-at-tarangire/https://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/africa-and-egypt-2018/best-animal-lover-day-ever-at-tarangire/All kinds of crazy noises throughout the night at the hotel. There were dogs howling, dogfights, drunk men going home from the bars. I guess that’s the benefit of me sleeping every night with earplugs, I was able to sleep through most of it. Andy did not.Sat, 06 Oct 2018 00:00:00 GMTAfrica and EgyptBethhttps://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/africa-and-egypt-2018/barafu-camp-day-6-93018/https://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/africa-and-egypt-2018/barafu-camp-day-6-93018/We had a later start this morning because the hike was supposed to take less than three hours. We were still up by five just because that’s when the camp wakes up and nobody’s going to be able to sleep.Thu, 04 Oct 2018 00:00:00 GMTAfrica and EgyptBethhttps://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/africa-and-egypt-2018/baranco-camp-day-4-3900m-92818/https://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/africa-and-egypt-2018/baranco-camp-day-4-3900m-92818/We slept pretty well last night, I slept mostly through the night while Andy slept off and on. I woke up at five because of the Germans again, that was OK because we are going to get an early start. We were on our way by 7 AM, Way before everybody else like usual.Thu, 04 Oct 2018 00:00:00 GMTAfrica and EgyptBethhttps://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/africa-and-egypt-2018/first-camp-mti-mkubwa-camp-92518/https://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/africa-and-egypt-2018/first-camp-mti-mkubwa-camp-92518/I was up because of the roosters crowing, however, Andy was up at five. I slept well last night no mosquitoes, but every time the mosquito net touched my body I twitched. I'll do whatever I can to not be fresh meat. Andy didn’t do so well with the mosquitoes.Thu, 04 Oct 2018 00:00:00 GMTAfrica and EgyptBethhttps://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/africa-and-egypt-2018/from-rain-forest-to-pygmy-forest-to/https://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/africa-and-egypt-2018/from-rain-forest-to-pygmy-forest-to/Andy woke up before five to the sound of thousands of songbirds chirping. We both had a solid night sleep. It’s amazing how well you can sleep when you take away technology and noise pollution and light pollution. We started packing after six for our breakfast at seven.Thu, 04 Oct 2018 00:00:00 GMTAfrica and EgyptBethhttps://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/africa-and-egypt-2018/hakuna-shida-kilimanjaro-summit-195k/https://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/africa-and-egypt-2018/hakuna-shida-kilimanjaro-summit-195k/I was really nervous when we laying down to go to bed last night. I have been thinking about this day for many months I am wondering if I can do it, and knowing I had to do it.Thu, 04 Oct 2018 00:00:00 GMTAfrica and EgyptBethhttps://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/africa-and-egypt-2018/karanga-camp-day-5-4k-92918/https://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/africa-and-egypt-2018/karanga-camp-day-5-4k-92918/(Andy) We woke up at about 6 o’clock in the morning to ice all over the tent and it was cold. We quickly got ready and put all of our warm clothes on and got into the mess tent for some tea.Thu, 04 Oct 2018 00:00:00 GMTAfrica and EgyptBethhttps://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/africa-and-egypt-2018/the-cathedral-shira-2-camp-day-3-92718/https://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/africa-and-egypt-2018/the-cathedral-shira-2-camp-day-3-92718/The Germans were restless last night. At about 1 AM in the morning, they woke up and started having a full-blast conversation about complaints about food and comfort items. Andy eventually got tired of being kept awake and ask them politely to shut the hell up. In German.Thu, 04 Oct 2018 00:00:00 GMTAfrica and EgyptBethhttps://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/africa-and-egypt-2018/carb-loading-before-kilimanjaro-92418/https://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/africa-and-egypt-2018/carb-loading-before-kilimanjaro-92418/We didn't sleep last night due to the bloodbath, at least it was a mosquito bloodbath and not ours. We tried to sleep under the heavy ass sheet up that wasn't going to work. Early in the am we turned on the lights and the hunting began.Mon, 24 Sep 2018 00:00:00 GMTAfrica and EgyptBethhttps://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/africa-and-egypt-2018/baby-elephants-and-our-lovely-new/https://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/africa-and-egypt-2018/baby-elephants-and-our-lovely-new/I could not wake up this am. Not sure if it was the awakening in the middle of the night from the air compressor sound that lasted for 5 min, or the mosquitoes that were jabbing their heads into my veins.Sun, 23 Sep 2018 00:00:00 GMTAfrica and EgyptBethhttps://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/africa-and-egypt-2018/nairobi-check-and-dead-dude-92218/https://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/africa-and-egypt-2018/nairobi-check-and-dead-dude-92218/We slept really well last night. I slept the whole night through and woke up at 9. Time to get this day started. We opted for the hotel breakfast as we both needed coffee to wake us from the grog.Sat, 22 Sep 2018 00:00:00 GMTAfrica and EgyptBethhttps://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/africa-and-egypt-2018/africa/https://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/africa-and-egypt-2018/africa/No sleep, up at the ass crack of dawn to get to Zurich. Andy drove like a pro for 2 hours. We arrived at 8, our flight’s at 10. I was freaking a bit of course. No lines no stress.Fri, 21 Sep 2018 00:00:00 GMTAfrica and EgyptBethhttps://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/africa-and-egypt-2018/some-people-want-to-eat-vat-of-creme/https://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/africa-and-egypt-2018/some-people-want-to-eat-vat-of-creme/A full nights sleep (even w the mauling from the mosquitoes)!! Up at 8 to prep for the grand breakfast. We really outdid ourselves at the grocery store.Fri, 21 Sep 2018 00:00:00 GMTAfrica and EgyptBethhttps://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/africa-and-egypt-2018/heres-to-libation-that-enables-glutony/https://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/africa-and-egypt-2018/heres-to-libation-that-enables-glutony/All 5 of us slept like crap last night. Maybe it was the dorm we were sleeping in. Beds touching. It actually wasn't a big deal since we were the only ones in there beside Jorge.Wed, 19 Sep 2018 00:00:00 GMTAfrica and EgyptBethhttps://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/africa-and-egypt-2018/hey-gopro-take-picture/https://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/africa-and-egypt-2018/hey-gopro-take-picture/Andy was happy to wake us up at 7am since he was awake for the last 4 hours. It was haaard getting my ass up due to the jet lag. But, we had coffee to drink, breakfast to eat, and a mountain to climb before the storm (afternoon thunderstorms in the forecast).Wed, 19 Sep 2018 00:00:00 GMTAfrica and EgyptBethhttps://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/africa-and-egypt-2018/butter-pretzels-schnapps-lauterbrunnen/https://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/africa-and-egypt-2018/butter-pretzels-schnapps-lauterbrunnen/I woke up in a zombie state from the damn sleeping pills. This is why I don’t take them. Xanax doesn’t make you feel this bad in the am. We slept through most of the 10 hour flight direct SFO to Zurich.Mon, 17 Sep 2018 00:00:00 GMTAfrica and EgyptBethhttps://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/africa-and-egypt-2018/let-holiday-commence-91618/https://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/africa-and-egypt-2018/let-holiday-commence-91618/Woke up at 5:30 thinking of all the shit I need to do in several hours. Cutting down the tree yesterday really threw me off my game plan. Coffee, dishes, blah blah. Still packing was last.Mon, 17 Sep 2018 00:00:00 GMTAfrica and EgyptBethhttps://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/africa-and-egypt-2018/why-is-packing-last-thing-we-do-91518/https://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/africa-and-egypt-2018/why-is-packing-last-thing-we-do-91518/It seems like the most important items is always the last task. I think I need to get all the other stuff out of the way so I can focus. Did I need to go through the junk drawer before we leave? Yes. Did we have to cut down a tree today? Yes.Sun, 16 Sep 2018 00:00:00 GMTAfrica and EgyptBethhttps://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/seasiamikerachwedding2017/wedding-day-423/https://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/seasiamikerachwedding2017/wedding-day-423/I had an amazing sleep last night. Passed out at 9 from a sun-filled day on the boat and woke up fresh. We caught the tail end of the sunrise. Rachel (bride) was writing in her journal on the beach.Mon, 24 Apr 2017 00:00:00 GMTSE Asia Adventure Wedding (Mike & Rach)Bethhttps://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/seasiamikerachwedding2017/im-getting-used-to-this-421/https://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/seasiamikerachwedding2017/im-getting-used-to-this-421/Up at 5 again because Andy. I really could have slept longer, but the sunrise was amazing!! The best yet! We took our time, drank some Nescafe and got ready for yoga at 7. There were a lot of peeps there, probably all the jet lag happening.Sat, 22 Apr 2017 00:00:00 GMTSE Asia Adventure Wedding (Mike & Rach)Bethhttps://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/seasiamikerachwedding2017/im-on-boat-422/https://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/seasiamikerachwedding2017/im-on-boat-422/Slept in until 630 this am, missed the sunrise but I didn't care. I love sleeping and the sun comes up every morning. Breakfast and then we were ready for pickup at 830.Sat, 22 Apr 2017 00:00:00 GMTSE Asia Adventure Wedding (Mike & Rach)Bethhttps://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/seasiamikerachwedding2017/livin-life-in-koh-samui-420/https://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/seasiamikerachwedding2017/livin-life-in-koh-samui-420/Up at 5 because Andy was. Breakfast of toast and eggs before taking a taxi to the airport. Which airport? Well it says BKK international, but we are domestic, and the airports are very far from each other. Nothing like trying to figure it out when you’re in the cab.Fri, 21 Apr 2017 00:00:00 GMTSE Asia Adventure Wedding (Mike & Rach)Bethhttps://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/seasiamikerachwedding2017/doing-up-6-hours-in-bangkok-419/https://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/seasiamikerachwedding2017/doing-up-6-hours-in-bangkok-419/Up at 4am w/ Andy. Didn’t try to go back to sleep since all I could think about was our tight layover in Bali. I could hear the call to prayer from our bathroom at 4:45, dang that sucks to have to pray that early. We took our time packing and got breakfast at 6.Wed, 19 Apr 2017 00:00:00 GMTSE Asia Adventure Wedding (Mike & Rach)Bethhttps://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/seasiamikerachwedding2017/more-spectacular-diving-adjusting-to/https://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/seasiamikerachwedding2017/more-spectacular-diving-adjusting-to/Slept in until 5 this am, we are making progress, but I do love waking up early even if it means going to bed early. Dammit I’m officially old. Well we got some amazing shots of the reds in the sky from the sun rising on the other side of the island.Tue, 18 Apr 2017 00:00:00 GMTSE Asia Adventure Wedding (Mike & Rach)Bethhttps://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/seasiamikerachwedding2017/3-layovers-and-1-missed-flight-we-made/https://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/seasiamikerachwedding2017/3-layovers-and-1-missed-flight-we-made/Up at 6. Well really up at 3. I slightly woke up, then Andy hit me in a slight panic "The little black chicken isn't in the coop!". Oh shit. I "put" them away before we left. It was pretty dark out, they ALWAYS go into the coop when it's dusk, I didn't check.Mon, 17 Apr 2017 00:00:00 GMTSE Asia Adventure Wedding (Mike & Rach)Bethhttps://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/seasiamikerachwedding2017/manta-rays-and-other-amazing-things-in/https://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/seasiamikerachwedding2017/manta-rays-and-other-amazing-things-in/Up at 3 again this am, both of us, then we fell asleep again until 6. We had eggs and rolls w/ an amazing view over the ocean w/ the reds hitting the sky from the sun. This hotel rocks. We headed down the hill to meet at the scuba shop at 7.Mon, 17 Apr 2017 00:00:00 GMTSE Asia Adventure Wedding (Mike & Rach)Bethhttps://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/seasiamikerachwedding2017/long-travel-day-sfo-to-bali-415/https://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/seasiamikerachwedding2017/long-travel-day-sfo-to-bali-415/We headed for the airport for our 1:15 am flight Thursday night. Late night is a great time to fly. No one on the roads, hardly anyone at the airport. We checked in and our flight is stopping in Hong Kong. This is the second time I booked a flight and it didn't show a layover!Sun, 16 Apr 2017 00:00:00 GMTSE Asia Adventure Wedding (Mike & Rach)Bethhttps://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/patagoniapt2andcolumbia2017/airport-sleeping-medellin-bypassing/https://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/patagoniapt2andcolumbia2017/airport-sleeping-medellin-bypassing/One night you enjoy a lovely hotel w a pool, the next you sleep in the airport, literally, on the floor. We landed in Medellín at 1 and were done.Fri, 06 Jan 2017 00:00:00 GMTPatagonia Part 2, with a little ColombiaBethhttps://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/patagoniapt2andcolumbia2017/russ-want-to-see-largest-mound-of-mud-14/https://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/patagoniapt2andcolumbia2017/russ-want-to-see-largest-mound-of-mud-14/I slept like shit. I'm pretty sure it's impossible to sleep in Cartagena due to the parties everywhere. Bass runs deep. Then the AC was making a noise- once you hear you can't unhear. Breakfast was awesome!! Fresh fruit and juice, yogurt, cheese meats, eggs.Thu, 05 Jan 2017 00:00:00 GMTPatagonia Part 2, with a little ColombiaBethhttps://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/patagoniapt2andcolumbia2017/the-last-8-bed-hostel-hopefully-ever-13/https://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/patagoniapt2andcolumbia2017/the-last-8-bed-hostel-hopefully-ever-13/Woke up at 8 this am after a questionable nights sleep. We slept on the top bunks head to head. I had to ask for a blanket. It was hot and smelled like swap ass. Andy accidentally whacked me on the head, time to get up. Breakfast of eggs and some fried things and cafe con leche.Wed, 04 Jan 2017 00:00:00 GMTPatagonia Part 2, with a little ColombiaBethhttps://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/patagoniapt2andcolumbia2017/island-time-12/https://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/patagoniapt2andcolumbia2017/island-time-12/Up after 7 since we went to bed hella early due to the hangover. Same breakfast w a new fruit juice, back to the room to enjoy the last of it. We checked out. I paid only 120k pesos (~$40). I'm guessing all the food we had was free and I just paid for beer? Fucking awesome!Tue, 03 Jan 2017 00:00:00 GMTPatagonia Part 2, with a little ColombiaBethhttps://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/patagoniapt2andcolumbia2017/island-exploring-with-blowholes-11/https://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/patagoniapt2andcolumbia2017/island-exploring-with-blowholes-11/We woke up at nine this morning after the long night. I surprisingly didn't feel like death since we finished the bottle of vodka. We took our time, got some breakfast, bought new flights back to Cartagena for the following night (4 days is long enough to stay on an island), and…Mon, 02 Jan 2017 00:00:00 GMTPatagonia Part 2, with a little ColombiaBethhttps://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/patagoniapt2andcolumbia2017/scuba-and-new-years-san-andres-style/https://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/patagoniapt2andcolumbia2017/scuba-and-new-years-san-andres-style/Up at 8 AM for breakfast that consisted of coffee milk eggs and a breakfast sandwich plus I blueberry liquado. It's all wonderful. Then we planned for the day. The SCUBA shop in our hotel was booked solid with newbies.Sun, 01 Jan 2017 00:00:00 GMTPatagonia Part 2, with a little ColombiaBethhttps://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/patagoniapt2andcolumbia2017/comida-twilight-zone-1230/https://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/patagoniapt2andcolumbia2017/comida-twilight-zone-1230/Got up kinda early to the airport by 900 after a good breakfast of eggs toast and strawberry juice. We didn't sleep much, the fucking kids were loud, that's the only problem with Cartagena, it's a big part of town.Sat, 31 Dec 2016 00:00:00 GMTPatagonia Part 2, with a little ColombiaBethhttps://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/patagoniapt2andcolumbia2017/chill-recovery-day-before-isla-san/https://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/patagoniapt2andcolumbia2017/chill-recovery-day-before-isla-san/Woke up in Santa Marta earley, worried that I was going to have a hangover from hell. I could barely open my eyes. I did not need that second whiskey last night, bad decision. Person on the top bunk was moving a lot and a piece of wood fell on my head.Fri, 30 Dec 2016 00:00:00 GMTPatagonia Part 2, with a little ColombiaBethhttps://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/patagoniapt2andcolumbia2017/late-night-donkey-show-1228/https://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/patagoniapt2andcolumbia2017/late-night-donkey-show-1228/Up at 7 and we went to bed before 9. That would have been a solid night sleep except I had to spend an hour scratching my mosquito bites and it was a bit chilly. I slept w my hands on my stomach to keep me warm. Every time the wind blew we felt it. The blanket didn't help much.Thu, 29 Dec 2016 00:00:00 GMTPatagonia Part 2, with a little ColombiaBethhttps://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/patagoniapt2andcolumbia2017/dipping-under-waterfall-at-playa-blanca/https://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/patagoniapt2andcolumbia2017/dipping-under-waterfall-at-playa-blanca/Up at 6:30 due to going to bed at 9. This hostel was much more quiet, Azul Hotel. Our roommvates were French and out the door early in the am so they were easy. We got our the door and left our big packs behind. Made it to the bus stop for Tayrona by 8.Wed, 28 Dec 2016 00:00:00 GMTPatagonia Part 2, with a little ColombiaBethhttps://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/patagoniapt2andcolumbia2017/relaxing-in-santa-marta-1226/https://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/patagoniapt2andcolumbia2017/relaxing-in-santa-marta-1226/On the road to Santa Marta, pickup at 7, by the time we picked up everyone in their hotels we left by 8. We were in a minibus w aircon which was really nice and comfortable for the long haul. The woman at the hostel said the bus terminal was an hour of town.Tue, 27 Dec 2016 00:00:00 GMTPatagonia Part 2, with a little ColombiaBethhttps://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/patagoniapt2andcolumbia2017/cartegena-street-food-beers-during-mass/https://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/patagoniapt2andcolumbia2017/cartegena-street-food-beers-during-mass/It took us a full 24 hours of moving for us to make it from Bariloche to Cartegena, with three different layovers. I was expecting our bags to not show up from the long journey but they did! We took a taxi to old town Cartegena.Mon, 26 Dec 2016 00:00:00 GMTPatagonia Part 2, with a little ColombiaBethhttps://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/patagoniapt2andcolumbia2017/best-steak-ever-1223/https://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/patagoniapt2andcolumbia2017/best-steak-ever-1223/Yes that's a strong statement but it's true. We woke up w the bird creating chaos in the trees, they are so damn loud. My inflatable mat works for shit. I still love camping!! We woke up by the lake w the sun shining bright. No wind last night.Sat, 24 Dec 2016 00:00:00 GMTPatagonia Part 2, with a little ColombiaBethhttps://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/patagoniapt2andcolumbia2017/silence-of-lamb-1222/https://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/patagoniapt2andcolumbia2017/silence-of-lamb-1222/I had a hangover this am, not surprised. Damn beer will do it every time. Random drunk memory, all the kids roaming around w the same ski jackets on are because they graduated high school and it's a right of passage for them.Fri, 23 Dec 2016 00:00:00 GMTPatagonia Part 2, with a little ColombiaBethhttps://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/patagoniapt2andcolumbia2017/down-mountain-and-beers-w-americans-1221/https://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/patagoniapt2andcolumbia2017/down-mountain-and-beers-w-americans-1221/Up and at em this morning with the sunlight from the window we're sleeping next to shinning light in our eyes. Snow had covered the mountains and the treetops from the storm last night. We headed down for a big breakfast of freeze dried granola and tea to fuel our big hike.Thu, 22 Dec 2016 00:00:00 GMTPatagonia Part 2, with a little ColombiaBethhttps://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/patagoniapt2andcolumbia2017/hiking-up-cathedral-day-1-12km-1219/https://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/patagoniapt2andcolumbia2017/hiking-up-cathedral-day-1-12km-1219/I was a bit drunk last night. We had 3 craft beers in the local craft beer area of town. It's several streets lined w craft beer bars and restaurants. Super fun, super dangerous. The chick we shared a bedroom w talked then laughed in her sleep hella loud.Wed, 21 Dec 2016 00:00:00 GMTPatagonia Part 2, with a little ColombiaBethhttps://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/patagoniapt2andcolumbia2017/racing-storm-day-2-1220/https://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/patagoniapt2andcolumbia2017/racing-storm-day-2-1220/I woke up to a gnarly gust of wind rocking our tent early in the morning. Andy was knocked out by NyQuil, good he needs sleep. We were going to make a call in the am if we were going to make the trek due to weather and him being sick.Wed, 21 Dec 2016 00:00:00 GMTPatagonia Part 2, with a little ColombiaBethhttps://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/patagoniapt2andcolumbia2017/our-first-shower-and-craft-beer-in/https://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/patagoniapt2andcolumbia2017/our-first-shower-and-craft-beer-in/Holy fuck the am was a little bit stressful. We hardly slept. We thought the wedding that was happening in the campground was going to be the problem but they ended early. The party at the campground next to us lasted until the early morning.Mon, 19 Dec 2016 00:00:00 GMTPatagonia Part 2, with a little ColombiaBethhttps://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/patagoniapt2andcolumbia2017/no-rain-today-happy-birthday-to-me-1217/https://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/patagoniapt2andcolumbia2017/no-rain-today-happy-birthday-to-me-1217/We can now see the beautiful mountains and lakes! First, we need gas and it's not easy to find out here. The shitty map worked this time and we filled up our little Peugeot in Ensenada. She's been a little beast.Sun, 18 Dec 2016 00:00:00 GMTPatagonia Part 2, with a little ColombiaBethhttps://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/patagoniapt2andcolumbia2017/the-search-for-chiles-yosemite-and/https://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/patagoniapt2andcolumbia2017/the-search-for-chiles-yosemite-and/I could have slept longer. The wind and the rain last night soothed me to sleep (the bottle of wine didn't hurt). Andy woke me up at 9 and I managed to stay awake.Sat, 17 Dec 2016 00:00:00 GMTPatagonia Part 2, with a little ColombiaBethhttps://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/patagoniapt2andcolumbia2017/the-first-plate-o-meat-in-chilean/https://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/patagoniapt2andcolumbia2017/the-first-plate-o-meat-in-chilean/I was woken up at 6:30am because of breakfast. I slept for a solid 7 of the 10 hour flight. Not bad. NyQuil works well, but now I can't wake up. We land as I fit in one last terrible comedy. Santiago immigration sucks so I asked permission to cut so we don't miss our flight.Fri, 16 Dec 2016 00:00:00 GMTPatagonia Part 2, with a little ColombiaBethhttps://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/patagoniapt2andcolumbia2017/sick-travel-day-1214/https://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/patagoniapt2andcolumbia2017/sick-travel-day-1214/Not sick as in awesome, sick as in I am a big ball of snot right now and people are going to really hate me on the plane. I just need it to make it on our plane in LA take a NyQuil, and then pass out for 10 hours.Wed, 14 Dec 2016 00:00:00 GMTPatagonia Part 2, with a little ColombiaBethhttps://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/nepal-tibet-india-golden-triangle-2015/alas-it-has-to-come-to-end-129/https://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/nepal-tibet-india-golden-triangle-2015/alas-it-has-to-come-to-end-129/It started to rain this am. We haven't seen rain since last spring so we were lovin it. We relaxed all morning since this is the last of the relaxation days. We visited Valerie at her new job. It's in Efig France and she works for a small business that's right up Andy's alley.Sun, 31 Jan 2016 00:00:00 GMTNepal, Tibet, India Golden TriangleBethhttps://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/nepal-tibet-india-golden-triangle-2015/schnapps-and-rotwurst-128/https://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/nepal-tibet-india-golden-triangle-2015/schnapps-and-rotwurst-128/Another beautiful sunrise over France, it looked like the sky was on fire. The first day that's been cloudy and I'm loving it. We decided to venture out today and indulge in some German cuisine. We first headed to Staufen to get some Schnapps.Thu, 28 Jan 2016 00:00:00 GMTNepal, Tibet, India Golden TriangleBethhttps://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/nepal-tibet-india-golden-triangle-2015/family-time-with-schaufela-127/https://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/nepal-tibet-india-golden-triangle-2015/family-time-with-schaufela-127/Up early since we are a bit jet lagged then the amazing breakfast was had! Andy picked up some pretzels and baguettes from the local French bakery and we had all the cheese and meat one could handle. We've been talking about this breakfast for a looong time.Wed, 27 Jan 2016 00:00:00 GMTNepal, Tibet, India Golden TriangleBethhttps://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/nepal-tibet-india-golden-triangle-2015/liebe-deutschland-124-25/https://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/nepal-tibet-india-golden-triangle-2015/liebe-deutschland-124-25/Our travel day was uneventful. Short 20 min flight to Malè, then to Sri Lanka, then Delhi, then a red eye to Zürich. The good news is we made it out of the Maldives without them confiscating our Buddah art! We read that "other icons" (except Allah) weren't allowed.Mon, 25 Jan 2016 00:00:00 GMTNepal, Tibet, India Golden TriangleBethhttps://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/nepal-tibet-india-golden-triangle-2015/last-day-for-americans-123/https://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/nepal-tibet-india-golden-triangle-2015/last-day-for-americans-123/Many people commented on how we are the only Americans on the island. We proceeded to tell them that it takes two days to get here, plus a lot of Americans don't travel, much less to a Muslim country. There are lots of Chinese but Russians, Germans and French as well.Sat, 23 Jan 2016 00:00:00 GMTNepal, Tibet, India Golden TriangleBethhttps://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/nepal-tibet-india-golden-triangle-2015/snorkeling-like-boss-122/https://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/nepal-tibet-india-golden-triangle-2015/snorkeling-like-boss-122/Amazing snorkel day!! We headed to the jetty after another huge breakfast and jumped in because we heard they feed the fish at 10:30. It was a little intimidating getting in because of all of the ramoras (they have flat heads w their mouth at the top so the can feed when they…Fri, 22 Jan 2016 00:00:00 GMTNepal, Tibet, India Golden TriangleBethhttps://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/nepal-tibet-india-golden-triangle-2015/big-ass-sting-ray-121/https://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/nepal-tibet-india-golden-triangle-2015/big-ass-sting-ray-121/Slept so well last night I didn't want to get up for our dives but powered through. Another filling breakfast and we were on our way. We dove again today. We headed out w the cutie Maldivian DM (Ahmed), a lady from the UK, and the open water guy from Deutschland.Thu, 21 Jan 2016 00:00:00 GMTNepal, Tibet, India Golden TriangleBethhttps://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/nepal-tibet-india-golden-triangle-2015/diving-in-fish-tank-120/https://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/nepal-tibet-india-golden-triangle-2015/diving-in-fish-tank-120/We found the egg station for breakfast his am. That's good because it's very important to have eggs each am and they are wonderful. Out on the dive boats this am.Wed, 20 Jan 2016 00:00:00 GMTNepal, Tibet, India Golden TriangleBethhttps://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/nepal-tibet-india-golden-triangle-2015/this-place-is-ridic-119/https://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/nepal-tibet-india-golden-triangle-2015/this-place-is-ridic-119/Up at 7 to hit up the buffet before our dives. The spread was impressive so we stocked up and when I say stocked up I mean packed in some Nutella and fruit and nuts for post dive. We went out for our dives before 9 w 4 DMs and 6 people.Wed, 20 Jan 2016 00:00:00 GMTNepal, Tibet, India Golden TriangleBethhttps://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/nepal-tibet-india-golden-triangle-2015/two-tickets-to-paradise-118/https://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/nepal-tibet-india-golden-triangle-2015/two-tickets-to-paradise-118/Up so early at 4. That was a short 3 hour nap. We reached the airport quickly and hit up Coffee Bean (yay chain that won't make me sick-I hope). Mental note, don't drink a large latte after no coffee for 2 months before you get on a flight.Tue, 19 Jan 2016 00:00:00 GMTNepal, Tibet, India Golden TriangleBethhttps://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/nepal-tibet-india-golden-triangle-2015/let-bounce-this-country-117/https://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/nepal-tibet-india-golden-triangle-2015/let-bounce-this-country-117/We are so ready to go, we've been ready to go. Last night was a shit show of sleep. Music was blaring late- something w drums and a fucking kazoo. Why is a kazoo used? It's a horrible noise.Sun, 17 Jan 2016 00:00:00 GMTNepal, Tibet, India Golden TriangleBethhttps://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/nepal-tibet-india-golden-triangle-2015/goodbye-kite-runners-116/https://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/nepal-tibet-india-golden-triangle-2015/goodbye-kite-runners-116/We walked around the fort this am in Bikaner. Andy's getting pretty sassy w people. Good thing locals don't get sarcasm. If one more person asks if we want a guide... be afraid. The fort/palace was cool. Lots of stonework on screens and doorways and painted ceilings and swords.Sat, 16 Jan 2016 00:00:00 GMTNepal, Tibet, India Golden TriangleBethhttps://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/nepal-tibet-india-golden-triangle-2015/rats-real-rats-on-our-feet-115/https://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/nepal-tibet-india-golden-triangle-2015/rats-real-rats-on-our-feet-115/We left Jaisalmer and headed out for Bikaner to break up the long drive back to Delhi. Along the way we stopped at a place out in the middle of nowhere that had thousands of Siberian Cranes.Fri, 15 Jan 2016 00:00:00 GMTNepal, Tibet, India Golden TriangleBethhttps://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/nepal-tibet-india-golden-triangle-2015/desert-sunrise-114/https://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/nepal-tibet-india-golden-triangle-2015/desert-sunrise-114/The sleep last night was very peaceful. No dogs howling, no horns honking. Andy wakes me to watch the sunrise. It was magnificent. The clouds cast beautiful colors across the sky and over the sand dunes. We packed up and jumped on our camel cart.Thu, 14 Jan 2016 00:00:00 GMTNepal, Tibet, India Golden TriangleBethhttps://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/nepal-tibet-india-golden-triangle-2015/sleeping-under-desert-stars-113/https://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/nepal-tibet-india-golden-triangle-2015/sleeping-under-desert-stars-113/We headed out to tour the fort this am. Jaisalmer is the golden city because it's made out of sandstone. It's the only city that's stood up to its color name. It's a small town so not as dirty and crowded.Thu, 14 Jan 2016 00:00:00 GMTNepal, Tibet, India Golden TriangleBethhttps://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/nepal-tibet-india-golden-triangle-2015/don-get-stuck-between-tuk-tuk-and-cow/https://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/nepal-tibet-india-golden-triangle-2015/don-get-stuck-between-tuk-tuk-and-cow/The dogs bark and howl all night long, even in the city. Andy wasn't feeling too swift, said he feels like he ate a jar of mayo. Haha. No doubt. That stuff was so rich I couldn't dip my naan in it. After our plain breakfast of eggs and toast we headed for the City Palace.Tue, 12 Jan 2016 00:00:00 GMTNepal, Tibet, India Golden TriangleBethhttps://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/nepal-tibet-india-golden-triangle-2015/rip-bowie-and-we-in-desert-112/https://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/nepal-tibet-india-golden-triangle-2015/rip-bowie-and-we-in-desert-112/This am we walked through the streets and up to the fort, Mehrangarh, on top of the hill. I'm forted/palaced/templed out so I'm light on descriptions. It was a cool fort, lots of jalis's (stone carved screens) and havelis's (stone cared doorways).Tue, 12 Jan 2016 00:00:00 GMTNepal, Tibet, India Golden TriangleBethhttps://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/nepal-tibet-india-golden-triangle-2015/i-can-go-for-ghat-noooo-no-can-do-110/https://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/nepal-tibet-india-golden-triangle-2015/i-can-go-for-ghat-noooo-no-can-do-110/That was all Andy's pun. Anyone who knows me know I'm not down w them but I'll make this exception. Anyhow, we stayed at a nice simple hotel in the country next to a rose garden. When I mean simple I mean I took a shower using a hot and cold spigot.Sun, 10 Jan 2016 00:00:00 GMTNepal, Tibet, India Golden TriangleBethhttps://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/nepal-tibet-india-golden-triangle-2015/goal-weight-achieved-18/https://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/nepal-tibet-india-golden-triangle-2015/goal-weight-achieved-18/Puked all night long and ate nothing during the day. Thanks India for allowing me to reach my target weight only by serving me some palak paneer from the hotel. Now I'm sacred to eat anything, much less from the street vendors.Sat, 09 Jan 2016 00:00:00 GMTNepal, Tibet, India Golden TriangleBethhttps://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/nepal-tibet-india-golden-triangle-2015/pink-city-monkeys-19/https://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/nepal-tibet-india-golden-triangle-2015/pink-city-monkeys-19/Up at 6 w the first 10 min call to prayer (Jaipur is a Muslim and Hindu city). Today I feel like $1MM, well, at least $658k. We hit up breakfast of toast and eggs, seems pretty safe. We discussed how Sanjay scammed us w the safari tickets.Sat, 09 Jan 2016 00:00:00 GMTNepal, Tibet, India Golden TriangleBethhttps://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/nepal-tibet-india-golden-triangle-2015/so-where-are-we-going-16/https://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/nepal-tibet-india-golden-triangle-2015/so-where-are-we-going-16/Up early, headed back to the cafe for some croissants, cappuccinos and wifi. Since the dang wifi didn't work no need to stay there so we hopped in a taxi jeep after 8. Going down the hill was much easier than going up.Thu, 07 Jan 2016 00:00:00 GMTNepal, Tibet, India Golden TriangleBethhttps://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/nepal-tibet-india-golden-triangle-2015/taj-check-1st-stomach-revolt-check-17/https://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/nepal-tibet-india-golden-triangle-2015/taj-check-1st-stomach-revolt-check-17/Up early to see the sunrise at the Taj Mahal. I forgot about the male (2)/female (1) line cue again and had to move. They opened around 7 but the smog was he at so there was no sunrise to be seen.Thu, 07 Jan 2016 00:00:00 GMTNepal, Tibet, India Golden TriangleBethhttps://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/nepal-tibet-india-golden-triangle-2015/darjeeling-unlimited-15/https://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/nepal-tibet-india-golden-triangle-2015/darjeeling-unlimited-15/Up at 6 after sleeping for 12 hours. We went to Glenary's cafe for wifi, croissants, muffin, and cappuccinos. After 2 hours of much needed wifi time and a wonderful view of the peaks of the Himalaya, we headed out to explore.Tue, 05 Jan 2016 00:00:00 GMTNepal, Tibet, India Golden TriangleBethhttps://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/nepal-tibet-india-golden-triangle-2015/long-travel-day-into-india-14/https://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/nepal-tibet-india-golden-triangle-2015/long-travel-day-into-india-14/We reached the border at 8 after a shitty night of trying to sleep. We went through Nepal immigration then crossed the bridge to India for .25 of a mile downing the 3 oranges we had from Nepal (not taking fruit across the border again!).Tue, 05 Jan 2016 00:00:00 GMTNepal, Tibet, India Golden TriangleBethhttps://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/nepal-tibet-india-golden-triangle-2015/until-next-time-nepal-you-lovely/https://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/nepal-tibet-india-golden-triangle-2015/until-next-time-nepal-you-lovely/Back to our regular early bed time of 9 so we were up before 7. Travelers' Inn wasn't bad! Hot hot water for a shower, towels, and soap for $6. No power but they let us charge stuff downstairs and we still had wifi in our room. I guess my expectations have changed.Sun, 03 Jan 2016 00:00:00 GMTNepal, Tibet, India Golden TriangleBethhttps://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/nepal-tibet-india-golden-triangle-2015/2-miles-from-big-e-1230/https://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/nepal-tibet-india-golden-triangle-2015/2-miles-from-big-e-1230/Up for breakfast at 8, Chinese buffet style! We (mostly Andy) had seaweed, picked cabbage, bok choy, boiled eggs, pork buns, and peanuts. I tried the Tibetan porridge which consists of dried barley, dried cheese, sugar, and yak butter tea.Sat, 02 Jan 2016 00:00:00 GMTNepal, Tibet, India Golden TriangleBethhttps://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/nepal-tibet-india-golden-triangle-2015/debating-monks-and-armed-police/https://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/nepal-tibet-india-golden-triangle-2015/debating-monks-and-armed-police/We met X at 10 this morning. We headed for Phaphongkha monastery first. It was outside the city, up one of the mountains. Very peaceful being away from all the people and congestion. We saw more Buddhas and protectors.Sat, 02 Jan 2016 00:00:00 GMTNepal, Tibet, India Golden TriangleBethhttps://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/nepal-tibet-india-golden-triangle-2015/get-me-out-of-here-122/https://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/nepal-tibet-india-golden-triangle-2015/get-me-out-of-here-122/So we thought there would be no issue getting the rest of the cash out to pay X since its a new day. I guess the bank considers a day in PST? Then I realized we could take out an extra 300 Yuan w each account and that's exactly how much we needed!Sat, 02 Jan 2016 00:00:00 GMTNepal, Tibet, India Golden TriangleBethhttps://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/nepal-tibet-india-golden-triangle-2015/happy-new-year-tibetan-style-1231-11/https://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/nepal-tibet-india-golden-triangle-2015/happy-new-year-tibetan-style-1231-11/We drove back to Shigatse yesterday. I slept most of the way since I didn't sleep last night from my cold. The guest house was fine, they gave us heating blankets to sleep on, but the inside toilets were frozen so we had to go across the street to the public toilet.Sat, 02 Jan 2016 00:00:00 GMTNepal, Tibet, India Golden TriangleBethhttps://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/nepal-tibet-india-golden-triangle-2015/hello-vegas-i-mean-lhasa-1226/https://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/nepal-tibet-india-golden-triangle-2015/hello-vegas-i-mean-lhasa-1226/Annnnnnd we're back! No posts for the last week due to China oppression and their apparent dislike for anything Google. Assholes. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Up and ate breakfast at a nearby restaurant of eggs, toast, and masala tea.Sat, 02 Jan 2016 00:00:00 GMTNepal, Tibet, India Golden TriangleBethhttps://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/nepal-tibet-india-golden-triangle-2015/shigatse-monks-are-watching-you-1229/https://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/nepal-tibet-india-golden-triangle-2015/shigatse-monks-are-watching-you-1229/We started our car ride to Shigatse at 10 this am. We found out the reason our driver drives so damn slow is because there are radars all over the road, even in the middle of nowhere. He has a radar detector which goes off all the time and is illegal.Sat, 02 Jan 2016 00:00:00 GMTNepal, Tibet, India Golden TriangleBethhttps://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/nepal-tibet-india-golden-triangle-2015/yak-butter-tea-and-armed-oppression-1227/https://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/nepal-tibet-india-golden-triangle-2015/yak-butter-tea-and-armed-oppression-1227/Up at 7 hoping this was going to be a shower day. The heater was working as much as it was going to so now we need hot water. I turned it on and let it run to no avail. I washed some things since we'll be in this hotel until tomorrow. Finally I manned up and took a shower.Sat, 02 Jan 2016 00:00:00 GMTNepal, Tibet, India Golden TriangleBethhttps://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/nepal-tibet-india-golden-triangle-2015/edge-of-kathmandu-valley-1224/https://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/nepal-tibet-india-golden-triangle-2015/edge-of-kathmandu-valley-1224/Took our timing getting up after a rough nights sleep on a hard ass bed. We walked around town and ended back at the rooftop restaurant w our fresh doughnuts and Juju Dhau for some marsala tea and eggs.Fri, 25 Dec 2015 00:00:00 GMTNepal, Tibet, India Golden TriangleBethhttps://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/nepal-tibet-india-golden-triangle-2015/xmas-kathmandu-style-and-tick-on-andy/https://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/nepal-tibet-india-golden-triangle-2015/xmas-kathmandu-style-and-tick-on-andy/Up at 3am. Andy alerted me that had as a tick. Really how do u know? I just do. Yep, right on his fucking collarbone. How does this even happen? He didn't want to use our tweezers so we went back to sleep and waiting for the hotel owners to wake up.Fri, 25 Dec 2015 00:00:00 GMTNepal, Tibet, India Golden TriangleBethhttps://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/nepal-tibet-india-golden-triangle-2015/temples-juju-dhau-and-tick-in-my-arm/https://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/nepal-tibet-india-golden-triangle-2015/temples-juju-dhau-and-tick-in-my-arm/In bed at 8 after a cold ass shower! This is why it's not worth taking showers here. Even if you get warmish water, the air is so cold you end up freezing. We jumped into bed to fight to cold. Drank the rest of our whiskey and some Oreos and called it a night.Wed, 23 Dec 2015 00:00:00 GMTNepal, Tibet, India Golden TriangleBethhttps://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/nepal-tibet-india-golden-triangle-2015/nepal-review-and-back-to-kathmandu-1222/https://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/nepal-tibet-india-golden-triangle-2015/nepal-review-and-back-to-kathmandu-1222/Last night was the first time we encountered someone who needed punched in the face. There were several guys staying at The Family House who were drunk. Andy got up to see what was going on since they were arguing w our host Govinder. Luckily he didn't have to intervene.Tue, 22 Dec 2015 00:00:00 GMTNepal, Tibet, India Golden TriangleBethhttps://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/nepal-tibet-india-golden-triangle-2015/i-touched-baby-elephant-1221/https://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/nepal-tibet-india-golden-triangle-2015/i-touched-baby-elephant-1221/Andy woke me up this am, it was supposed to be a sleep in kinda of day, but I guess 10 hours is enough. We walked around looking for breakfast and settled on a nicer hotel.Mon, 21 Dec 2015 00:00:00 GMTNepal, Tibet, India Golden TriangleBethhttps://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/nepal-tibet-india-golden-triangle-2015/rhinos-and-tick-in-my-eye-1220/https://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/nepal-tibet-india-golden-triangle-2015/rhinos-and-tick-in-my-eye-1220/Up at 6:30 for a toast and omelette breakfast before our jungle walk departure w our two guides into the Chitwan park. It was really foggy so we didn't go until 7:30. We started w a canoe ride down the river. It was pretty cool w the fog.Sun, 20 Dec 2015 00:00:00 GMTNepal, Tibet, India Golden TriangleBethhttps://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/nepal-tibet-india-golden-triangle-2015/moving-on-from-1-1218/https://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/nepal-tibet-india-golden-triangle-2015/moving-on-from-1-1218/We took our time this am to soak in the rest of the hotel. Andy got us some croissants and lattes and we ate the rest of the chocolate cake. After we shipped some stuff back home, we jumped on the bus for Begnas Lake, just southeast of Pokhara.Sat, 19 Dec 2015 00:00:00 GMTNepal, Tibet, India Golden TriangleBethhttps://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/nepal-tibet-india-golden-triangle-2015/the-roller-coaster-ride-to-sauraha-1219/https://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/nepal-tibet-india-golden-triangle-2015/the-roller-coaster-ride-to-sauraha-1219/Took our time getting up this am. The bed was really hard so the sleep was shit. We had an omelette and chapati for breakfast w some marsala tea. The fog was low over the mountains which made the morning chilly, but nothing as cold as the mountains.Sat, 19 Dec 2015 00:00:00 GMTNepal, Tibet, India Golden TriangleBethhttps://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/nepal-tibet-india-golden-triangle-2015/bday-in-pokhara-1217/https://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/nepal-tibet-india-golden-triangle-2015/bday-in-pokhara-1217/Slept in a cush bed and it was so warm, no sleeping bag, and a fluffy pillow. What?! Andy had the hotel set up breakfast on our personal terrace. It was sunny and the lake was shining. We had mushroom omelette, rösti, watermelon mango lassis, fruit, and a latte.Thu, 17 Dec 2015 00:00:00 GMTNepal, Tibet, India Golden TriangleBethhttps://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/nepal-tibet-india-golden-triangle-2015/annapurna-done-happy-early-bday-to-me/https://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/nepal-tibet-india-golden-triangle-2015/annapurna-done-happy-early-bday-to-me/We woke up at 5 in an attempt to find a flight out of here. There's no one up. We walk w our headlamps looking for the airport. We find the ticket office after wandering for 30 min. It's almost 6 and nothin is open and we are sitting in the freezing cold w all our shit.Wed, 16 Dec 2015 00:00:00 GMTNepal, Tibet, India Golden TriangleBethhttps://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/nepal-tibet-india-golden-triangle-2015/down-mountain-we-go-1215-day13/https://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/nepal-tibet-india-golden-triangle-2015/down-mountain-we-go-1215-day13/We have no destination we must reach so we took it easy this am. Breakfast consisted of potato omelette for Andy, good ol Tibetan Bread w honey and boiled eggs for me. We took off at 9:30 and headed for Kagbeni.Tue, 15 Dec 2015 00:00:00 GMTNepal, Tibet, India Golden TriangleBethhttps://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/nepal-tibet-india-golden-triangle-2015/climbing-for-4-hrs-plus-rest-day-1212/https://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/nepal-tibet-india-golden-triangle-2015/climbing-for-4-hrs-plus-rest-day-1212/Up at our normal time and a quick breakfast of apples and muesli w warm sugar yak milk and Andy had a veg omelette. I'm all about the more calories for my buck.Mon, 14 Dec 2015 00:00:00 GMTNepal, Tibet, India Golden TriangleBethhttps://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/nepal-tibet-india-golden-triangle-2015/thorang-base-camp-16k-1213-day-11/https://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/nepal-tibet-india-golden-triangle-2015/thorang-base-camp-16k-1213-day-11/Not sure what happened last night but some dude started screaming at 11 and flash lights were going crazy. It was probably the roxi. It was cold this am!! The dude wipes froze on me and the toilet water was frozen solid. Our sleeping bags are the best thing we've ever brought.Mon, 14 Dec 2015 00:00:00 GMTNepal, Tibet, India Golden TriangleBethhttps://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/nepal-tibet-india-golden-triangle-2015/thorang-la-pass-f-yeah-178k-1214-day-12/https://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/nepal-tibet-india-golden-triangle-2015/thorang-la-pass-f-yeah-178k-1214-day-12/Up before the alarm because of the loud ass kids. No worries, I slept like shit from a major headache and wanted to get the day started. No breakfast, that would just allow my body to get cold. We packed and got on our way by 6:30.Mon, 14 Dec 2015 00:00:00 GMTNepal, Tibet, India Golden TriangleBethhttps://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/nepal-tibet-india-golden-triangle-2015/i-failed-my-duty-of-being-voice-of/https://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/nepal-tibet-india-golden-triangle-2015/i-failed-my-duty-of-being-voice-of/We didn't know what we were going to do when we woke up. Andy wanted to do Tilicho Lake w the others, I was up for it but didn't want to bring the heavy ass bags.Fri, 11 Dec 2015 00:00:00 GMTNepal, Tibet, India Golden TriangleBethhttps://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/nepal-tibet-india-golden-triangle-2015/lake-tilicho-at-16k-ft-1210-day-8/https://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/nepal-tibet-india-golden-triangle-2015/lake-tilicho-at-16k-ft-1210-day-8/No rush today since we were only going up the mountain and back but we got up at the normal time anyway. It snowed last night. It actually woke us up and it sounded like hail. Snow isn't what we need, it could make the path back to Manang impossible. It was just a light dusting.Fri, 11 Dec 2015 00:00:00 GMTNepal, Tibet, India Golden TriangleBethhttps://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/nepal-tibet-india-golden-triangle-2015/prepping-for-summit-1211-day-9/https://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/nepal-tibet-india-golden-triangle-2015/prepping-for-summit-1211-day-9/We had to backtrack back to Manang today to get our heavy shit. I think Andy now understands the beautiful feeling of not carrying a heavy load because he's not discounting my porter comments. We set off after 8 w the crew after a breakfast of Tibetan Bread and honey.Fri, 11 Dec 2015 00:00:00 GMTNepal, Tibet, India Golden TriangleBethhttps://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/nepal-tibet-india-golden-triangle-2015/kicking-ass-and-acclimating-at-ice-lake/https://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/nepal-tibet-india-golden-triangle-2015/kicking-ass-and-acclimating-at-ice-lake/We took our time today, had lunch at 7:30 of veg omlettes and hit up the bakery downstairs for a chocolate croissant and cinnamon roll- they were massive. We saved most of the goods for the hike. We started on our journey at 9:30.Wed, 09 Dec 2015 00:00:00 GMTNepal, Tibet, India Golden TriangleBethhttps://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/nepal-tibet-india-golden-triangle-2015/best-day-ever-so-far-127-day-5/https://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/nepal-tibet-india-golden-triangle-2015/best-day-ever-so-far-127-day-5/Up at 6 and had breakfast w our new Croatian friends. I tried the local porridge which wasn't so good. Luckily Andy didn't eat much of his muesli so I killed it. We took off before the Croatians since our bags are much heavier and we figured they would catch up (they didn't).Tue, 08 Dec 2015 00:00:00 GMTNepal, Tibet, India Golden TriangleBethhttps://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/nepal-tibet-india-golden-triangle-2015/pressing-on-into-pine-tree-forests-126/https://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/nepal-tibet-india-golden-triangle-2015/pressing-on-into-pine-tree-forests-126/Up at 6 and breakfast at 7 in the tiny room they call a restaurant. This time we had museli w apples and and egg. Last night a horse nayed right by our window, pretty freaky when you are sleeping. Andy is sick, he caught my cold. Poor guy.Tue, 08 Dec 2015 00:00:00 GMTNepal, Tibet, India Golden TriangleBethhttps://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/nepal-tibet-india-golden-triangle-2015/the-bee-that-almost-killed-me-125-day-3/https://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/nepal-tibet-india-golden-triangle-2015/the-bee-that-almost-killed-me-125-day-3/Up at 6 again after 11 hours of fantastic sleep. Breakfast consisted of musli and two hard boiled eggs each. Between last nights dinner, breakfast and our room the bill was $20 (rooms are $3). We left the valley on a nice flattish walk.Tue, 08 Dec 2015 00:00:00 GMTNepal, Tibet, India Golden TriangleBethhttps://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/nepal-tibet-india-golden-triangle-2015/holy-shit-that-was-lot-of-up-124-day-2/https://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/nepal-tibet-india-golden-triangle-2015/holy-shit-that-was-lot-of-up-124-day-2/Whomever said this hike was moderately difficult I want to bitch slap them. Today was really hard. Up at 5 due to a large thud in the ceiling. No matter, plenty of sleep. We had musli for breakfast w warm sweet milk and hard boiled eggs. Lots of food for our journey.Fri, 04 Dec 2015 00:00:00 GMTNepal, Tibet, India Golden TriangleBethhttps://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/nepal-tibet-india-golden-triangle-2015/finally-nature-123-day-1/https://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/nepal-tibet-india-golden-triangle-2015/finally-nature-123-day-1/Up at 6 and enjoying the sounds of the water rushing near us. We slept well in our sleeping bags, well I did. Andy had to get his in the middle of the night because he passed out w all his clothes on. We took our time getting ready.Thu, 03 Dec 2015 00:00:00 GMTNepal, Tibet, India Golden TriangleBethhttps://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/nepal-tibet-india-golden-triangle-2015/travel-day-tiring-one-122/https://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/nepal-tibet-india-golden-triangle-2015/travel-day-tiring-one-122/Up at 4:30 this am and one last coffee on the rooftop before heading to the bus stop at 7. Th ride was uneventful, we watched the countryside pass by, happy to be out of the city.Thu, 03 Dec 2015 00:00:00 GMTNepal, Tibet, India Golden TriangleBethhttps://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/nepal-tibet-india-golden-triangle-2015/a-day-w-few-plans-turned-out-to-be/https://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/nepal-tibet-india-golden-triangle-2015/a-day-w-few-plans-turned-out-to-be/Awake at 3, I guess we really didn't conquer jet lag after all. Relaxed until 6 then it was coffee time on the rooftop to watch the city come alive (and see dog fights). We headed for Helenas for breakfast, 8 floors up to the highest rooftop restaurant.Tue, 01 Dec 2015 00:00:00 GMTNepal, Tibet, India Golden TriangleBethhttps://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/nepal-tibet-india-golden-triangle-2015/i-gonna-need-some-fresh-air-1130/https://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/nepal-tibet-india-golden-triangle-2015/i-gonna-need-some-fresh-air-1130/We slept for 13 hours, woke up at 4am and felt like champs. Andy needed some coffee so he went downstairs for hot water. He returns w/ a tea set and we head to the rooftop w our Counter Culture coffee and grind some of our own (see what you've created Anthony/Kristina?).Mon, 30 Nov 2015 00:00:00 GMTNepal, Tibet, India Golden TriangleBethhttps://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/nepal-tibet-india-golden-triangle-2015/we-made-it-get-me-beer-1129/https://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/nepal-tibet-india-golden-triangle-2015/we-made-it-get-me-beer-1129/We finally reached the gate for Kathmandu at 3 AM. Our flight was supposed to leave around 7 but it was scheduled for 8:45 so I took a nap sitting up on the chairs. I'm getting good at this. A short easy flight and we finally made it!Mon, 30 Nov 2015 00:00:00 GMTNepal, Tibet, India Golden TriangleBethhttps://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/nepal-tibet-india-golden-triangle-2015/sitting-and-waiting-1128/https://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/nepal-tibet-india-golden-triangle-2015/sitting-and-waiting-1128/We've been traveling for over 36 hours. The flight to Frankfurt was fast since we passed out the majority of the trip w a little help from our pills. I should have drugged the old ladies behind me who wouldn't shut up. Layover then off to Delhi.Sun, 29 Nov 2015 00:00:00 GMTNepal, Tibet, India Golden TriangleBethhttps://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/nepal-tibet-india-golden-triangle-2015/and-we-off-1127/https://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/nepal-tibet-india-golden-triangle-2015/and-we-off-1127/I like to get to the airport early. I can't help it. I can thank my mother for that. Andy likes to do things up to the last min. He can't help it. So we left for the airport later than I wanted. It won't be busy he says. It's a low travel day he says. He was right.Fri, 27 Nov 2015 00:00:00 GMTNepal, Tibet, India Golden TriangleBethhttps://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/patagoniaspectacular2015/santiago-end-of-line-12/https://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/patagoniaspectacular2015/santiago-end-of-line-12/Panic! Andy woke me up saying "it's 4"! Oh shit, my alarm was supposed to go off at 3:30. Damn thing. It was 4:15 and I hate rushing to get to the airport. We hurried downstairs and hoped the hostest called a taxi.Sat, 03 Jan 2015 00:00:00 GMTPatagonia SpectacularBethhttps://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/patagoniaspectacular2015/new-years-in-punta-arenas-1115/https://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/patagoniaspectacular2015/new-years-in-punta-arenas-1115/Andy woke me up at 7, so much for the sleeping in we were supposed to do. 3 eggs and about 6 hotdog/sausages later and we were set. We walked around town and checked out the ship junkyard and graffiti, so many colors faded and chipped over the years.Thu, 01 Jan 2015 00:00:00 GMTPatagonia SpectacularBethhttps://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/patagoniaspectacular2015/feliz-ano-nuevo-desde-patagonia-1231/https://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/patagoniaspectacular2015/feliz-ano-nuevo-desde-patagonia-1231/Up at 6:30 to get our 8:30 bus back to Puerto Natales. It rained last night which is enjoyable in the tent. We ate breakfast which consisted of bread, jam and cereal. One of the jams was made out of tomatoes, I'll have to try that at home.Wed, 31 Dec 2014 00:00:00 GMTPatagonia SpectacularBethhttps://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/patagoniaspectacular2015/glacier-grande-and-laguna-torre-from-el/https://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/patagoniaspectacular2015/glacier-grande-and-laguna-torre-from-el/Up at 6 because I need to get shit done to feel comfortable about getting home. First thing cash. I walked to the ATM across town since El Chatén is small and I wanted to be prepared. I walked by the bar and there were 30 some kids outside still drinking. Damn they party!Tue, 30 Dec 2014 00:00:00 GMTPatagonia SpectacularBethhttps://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/patagoniaspectacular2015/it-at-fitz-roy-kinda-morning-1230/https://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/patagoniaspectacular2015/it-at-fitz-roy-kinda-morning-1230/Andy woke me up at 4. I was kinda hoping he would say it was too cloudy or rainy to do the am hike but I knew he wouldn't say that. I slept well once I away a able to get past the foot pain. I thought the wind would keep me awake but my head was buried in the sleeping bag.Tue, 30 Dec 2014 00:00:00 GMTPatagonia SpectacularBethhttps://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/patagoniaspectacular2015/meat-finally-1227/https://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/patagoniaspectacular2015/meat-finally-1227/Up at a casual 6:30 in our private room that the hosts were so nice to arrange for us- they kicked out some German dudes so we go could have it. Andy cooked Chorizo and eggs and we drank our bubbly water and yummy milk.Tue, 30 Dec 2014 00:00:00 GMTPatagonia SpectacularBethhttps://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/patagoniaspectacular2015/the-quest-for-piedras-blancas/https://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/patagoniaspectacular2015/the-quest-for-piedras-blancas/I'm not sure if it was the quiet from the campground, not having the Stanford crew there, or us just really being tired but we missed the alarm and slept in until 7/8. That was a long nights sleep after napping for two hours but it felt good.Tue, 30 Dec 2014 00:00:00 GMTPatagonia SpectacularBethhttps://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/patagoniaspectacular2015/a-gnar-day-10-km1222/https://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/patagoniaspectacular2015/a-gnar-day-10-km1222/Up at 5:45 to cook some eggs and drink shitty instant coffee for our walk to the bus to TDP at 7. We left behind a couple pounds of goods since we'd be back to the same hostel El Patagonico. The weight didn't really help my 30lb bag that I still had to carry.Fri, 26 Dec 2014 00:00:00 GMTPatagonia SpectacularBethhttps://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/patagoniaspectacular2015/last-full-day-in-wonderland-12km-today/https://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/patagoniaspectacular2015/last-full-day-in-wonderland-12km-today/Up around 4:30, determined to watch the sun rise. I didn't sleep too well again. This time I had the loud ass refugio people keeping me up and my legs were so sore that I couldn't relax.Fri, 26 Dec 2014 00:00:00 GMTPatagonia SpectacularBethhttps://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/patagoniaspectacular2015/mother-nature-is-my-god-18-km-today-28/https://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/patagoniaspectacular2015/mother-nature-is-my-god-18-km-today-28/More about the title in a min. The refugios are for the lameos, or at least that's what I'm saying today after one of the best nights sleep! The mattresses stayed full, our sleeping bags were so warm and the wind gave a slight chill that made the cocoon that was my bed even…Fri, 26 Dec 2014 00:00:00 GMTPatagonia SpectacularBethhttps://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/patagoniaspectacular2015/the-hikes-just-keep-getting-better-15km/https://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/patagoniaspectacular2015/the-hikes-just-keep-getting-better-15km/Andy was up at 430, me 6. Andy said he saw the sun rise 5 times due to the way the sun hit the clouds different times. I slep like shit. The wind didn't hit us so much in the Beech trees, but the sound of the tops of the trees in the wind sounded like a tidal wave about to hit…Fri, 26 Dec 2014 00:00:00 GMTPatagonia SpectacularBethhttps://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/patagoniaspectacular2015/such-amazing-hike-until-next-time-tdp/https://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/patagoniaspectacular2015/such-amazing-hike-until-next-time-tdp/Up at 3:30 because Stanford had to wake the group up. I can't wait to get rid of them. How are people so damn loud camping? We slept so well last night, even after Stanford yelled "Heather, Heather" all night again.Fri, 26 Dec 2014 00:00:00 GMTPatagonia SpectacularBethhttps://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/patagoniaspectacular2015/last-leg-1221/https://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/patagoniaspectacular2015/last-leg-1221/Up at 2:50 to catch our 5:30 flight to Punta Arenas. The guys at the hostel decided to change our taxi from 3 to 3:30, I really could have used those extra min. No problem getting on the plane except we had the exit row behind us again! I hate that, no reclining.Sun, 21 Dec 2014 00:00:00 GMTPatagonia SpectacularBethhttps://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/patagoniaspectacular2015/getting-closer-1220/https://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/patagoniaspectacular2015/getting-closer-1220/Arrived in Panama today. I'm pretty foggy from the Xanax but we still have a long flight ahead of us to Santiago. So far the Spanish is rusty. Not sure how I'm going to understand the Chilean accent when I can barely understand the northern accent.Sat, 20 Dec 2014 00:00:00 GMTPatagonia SpectacularBethhttps://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/patagoniaspectacular2015/get-me-cocktail-and-on-plane-121914/https://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/patagoniaspectacular2015/get-me-cocktail-and-on-plane-121914/I have a feeling this post will be kinda bitchy until I get a cocktail in my hand. How is one bitchy just 6 hours before you leave for a trip that's been on your top 10 list? Well I was low stress for so long, then shit hits the fan right before I leave. Grrrr.Fri, 19 Dec 2014 00:00:00 GMTPatagonia SpectacularBethhttps://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/greecelittlerussia2014/time-with-rooskies-618/https://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/greecelittlerussia2014/time-with-rooskies-618/Our red eye flight from Athens to Moscow was only 3 hrs so we slept for 2 and ate gravy chicken somewhere in there. We landed at Moscow just before 5 and headed for the Aeroexpress train. For over $20 RT the train took us straight to the Metro after a 30 min ride.Thu, 19 Jun 2014 00:00:00 GMTGreece and a little RussiaBethhttps://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/greecelittlerussia2014/last-day-in-santorini-617/https://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/greecelittlerussia2014/last-day-in-santorini-617/Up at 9 wrote our last breakfast so I didn't skimp on the meal. I was mauled again last night again by the damn mosquitos, my body is tore up. I woke up scratching at 4. The girls decided to go shopping today in Oia so we hit the bus around 1.Tue, 17 Jun 2014 00:00:00 GMTGreece and a little RussiaBethhttps://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/greecelittlerussia2014/atv-cruising-again-616/https://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/greecelittlerussia2014/atv-cruising-again-616/Up at 10 again and ate another wonderful breakfast. By the time everyone was ready it was almost 1. It was quite a large group, Shari and Dusty and the boys were in a convertible since Graham didn't want to get on an ATV, Jason and Tamra, Kassie and Dan, then Andy and I.Mon, 16 Jun 2014 00:00:00 GMTGreece and a little RussiaBethhttps://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/greecelittlerussia2014/crusing-around-santorini-615/https://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/greecelittlerussia2014/crusing-around-santorini-615/Up around 10. I didn't feel ill which was a shocker since I didn't so many shots last night of vodka with a couple of ouzo mixed in. After another wonderful breakfast I took an hour nap. Damn I needed it.Sun, 15 Jun 2014 00:00:00 GMTGreece and a little RussiaBethhttps://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/greecelittlerussia2014/wedding-time-614/https://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/greecelittlerussia2014/wedding-time-614/Up at 9 again after going to bed before 12. Glad I'm getting my R&R. We had omlettes with bread and yogurt and honey for breakfast then most of us headed out to Oia. We waited tat the bus stop for 20 min, each bus comes every 20. It was really hot and around 12 so it was blazin.Sat, 14 Jun 2014 00:00:00 GMTGreece and a little RussiaBethhttps://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/greecelittlerussia2014/this-island-is-amazing-never-going-to/https://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/greecelittlerussia2014/this-island-is-amazing-never-going-to/Up at 9 after a great night sleep. We took our time getting ready as no one else was up and it wasn't quite yet time for breakfast. Thennis made us eggs, bacon, fruit, yogurt and bread for breakfast and it was so delish.Fri, 13 Jun 2014 00:00:00 GMTGreece and a little RussiaBethhttps://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/greecelittlerussia2014/athens-and-lots-of-history-check/https://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/greecelittlerussia2014/athens-and-lots-of-history-check/Up at 7:30 because the sun is beating on our tent, the roosters don't help either. The camp guy said we could get some coffee and wifi in the town as it's big enough, I guess this is subjective since there wasn't much in the town.Thu, 12 Jun 2014 00:00:00 GMTGreece and a little RussiaBethhttps://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/greecelittlerussia2014/swimming-under-castle-610/https://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/greecelittlerussia2014/swimming-under-castle-610/Up at 6 due to Andy because he was up and 4 and that's what he does. We slowly got our stuff together and left our little diamond in the rough. We went to Kira where there were actually shops open, we stopped for an espresso but opted for a frappe since the machine was cold.Thu, 12 Jun 2014 00:00:00 GMTGreece and a little RussiaBethhttps://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/greecelittlerussia2014/we-have-arrived-613/https://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/greecelittlerussia2014/we-have-arrived-613/Up at 3 to pack and hit up the airport. We arrived with no problem, there aren't many people on the roads at that time. We reached Avis and packed not to my liking, we didn't have enough time and I don't like to rucsh for the plane.Thu, 12 Jun 2014 00:00:00 GMTGreece and a little RussiaBethhttps://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/greecelittlerussia2014/we-can-walk-69/https://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/greecelittlerussia2014/we-can-walk-69/When I rolled over this morning I knew I was in trouble my legs and hips hurt so bad, calf cramp first thing in the am! Andy was up and 5 and him being the gentleman he is let me sleep until 7. I guess I needed every min of it.Mon, 09 Jun 2014 00:00:00 GMTGreece and a little RussiaBethhttps://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/greecelittlerussia2014/major-hiking-day-68/https://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/greecelittlerussia2014/major-hiking-day-68/Up at 5 because we fell asleep at 8:30. It rained a bit and it was windy as hell but we were toasty warm. We ate some delish Greek yogurt (I guess they just call it yogurt here-hehe) with honey for breakfast.Sun, 08 Jun 2014 00:00:00 GMTGreece and a little RussiaBethhttps://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/greecelittlerussia2014/mt-olympus/https://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/greecelittlerussia2014/mt-olympus/Up at 5am after a good night sleep. I woke up to scratching on the tent. What the hell was that? My jet lag told me I wasn't going back to sleep and Andy was up so we packed up and headed out. Free camping night success! I the realized it was Saturday to my delight.Sun, 08 Jun 2014 00:00:00 GMTGreece and a little RussiaBethhttps://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/greecelittlerussia2014/last-of-long-travel-days-for-now/https://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/greecelittlerussia2014/last-of-long-travel-days-for-now/Up at 5 for breakfast, I think I slept 5 hrs, sound no less due to a little help from my Xanax friend. We shortly landed in Moscow. The land is very flat, lots of trees, sections that looked like they cut the trees down and replanted.Fri, 06 Jun 2014 00:00:00 GMTGreece and a little RussiaBethhttps://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/greecelittlerussia2014/travel-day-with-quick-friend-visit/https://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/greecelittlerussia2014/travel-day-with-quick-friend-visit/Left SFO at 10pm for our first red eye landing at JFK. I've been saying stupid shit all day. This evening I saw 'Kennedy' as the airport to which I then commented 'I wish we weren't landing at Kennedy, it's so far from Trevor.' Andy then assured me Kennedy stood for JFK and I…Fri, 06 Jun 2014 00:00:00 GMTGreece and a little RussiaBethhttps://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/iceland-germany-austria-croatia-bosnia-2013/as-much-schnitzel-as-you-can-eat/https://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/iceland-germany-austria-croatia-bosnia-2013/as-much-schnitzel-as-you-can-eat/Today was pretty chill. Up at 11 for breakfast. We unfortunately missed Cathrin before she left for Munich to pick up her man. This time Hans Peter didn't forget the fleishsalat and Andy and Amiele killed it. Gross.Tue, 17 Sep 2013 00:00:00 GMTIceland, Germany, Austria, Croatia, BosniaBethhttps://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/iceland-germany-austria-croatia-bosnia-2013/the-big-fat-germany-wedding/https://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/iceland-germany-austria-croatia-bosnia-2013/the-big-fat-germany-wedding/What can I say? Another delish breakfast at the Seigmann residence with the whole family. Cathrin gave Hans Peter a hard time about forgetting the fleishsalat which Andy was very much looking forward to. We are so relaxed we hung out in bed until we got ready for the wedding.Sun, 15 Sep 2013 00:00:00 GMTIceland, Germany, Austria, Croatia, BosniaBethhttps://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/iceland-germany-austria-croatia-bosnia-2013/flip-flops-and-shorts-at-wedding/https://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/iceland-germany-austria-croatia-bosnia-2013/flip-flops-and-shorts-at-wedding/I forgot how nice it was to sleep in a bed and its fantastic. Maybe it's waking up to a huge breakfast and coffee and getting to go to the bathroom in the warmth. Breakfasts in Germany are pretty special, lots of soft pretzels, meats, jams, fruit, juice and lots if coffee. Yum!Sat, 14 Sep 2013 00:00:00 GMTIceland, Germany, Austria, Croatia, BosniaBethhttps://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/iceland-germany-austria-croatia-bosnia-2013/family-and-delish-food-in-germany/https://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/iceland-germany-austria-croatia-bosnia-2013/family-and-delish-food-in-germany/Up at 630 to get out of the camp spot and on the road. Once again there was no one at the gate so we didn't have anyone to pay- we tried! We drove around for HOURS looking for wifi in Switzerland and let me tell you, there are NO Starbucks to be found.Thu, 12 Sep 2013 00:00:00 GMTIceland, Germany, Austria, Croatia, BosniaBethhttps://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/iceland-germany-austria-croatia-bosnia-2013/hiking-in-switzerland-with-thermal-bath/https://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/iceland-germany-austria-croatia-bosnia-2013/hiking-in-switzerland-with-thermal-bath/Slept in until 730 this morning, much needed after a couple days of going and going. It's very nice to take it easy in the morning. A quick pack of the tent and we tried to pay for our spot but no one was there so we moved on to our secret (not really) spot in Vals.Tue, 10 Sep 2013 00:00:00 GMTIceland, Germany, Austria, Croatia, BosniaBethhttps://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/iceland-germany-austria-croatia-bosnia-2013/more-pizza-pasta-and-san-marcos-in/https://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/iceland-germany-austria-croatia-bosnia-2013/more-pizza-pasta-and-san-marcos-in/Up at 630 after a night of thunder and lightning with just a touch of rain. The lightning was so cool, just what we wanted to see. Good thing Andy decided to put up the rain cover, it was so hot we weren't going to do it.Tue, 10 Sep 2013 00:00:00 GMTIceland, Germany, Austria, Croatia, BosniaBethhttps://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/iceland-germany-austria-croatia-bosnia-2013/hvar-today-venice-tomorrow-andy-pun/https://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/iceland-germany-austria-croatia-bosnia-2013/hvar-today-venice-tomorrow-andy-pun/Slept like shit last night. Apparently there's a club on the other side of the camp's wall and they get the party started around 1am. Girls like to talk hella loud and shriek for no reason. Yeah I'm old. Shut up so I can wake up at 630 and enjoy my day. Anyways, up and at em.Sun, 08 Sep 2013 00:00:00 GMTIceland, Germany, Austria, Croatia, BosniaBethhttps://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/iceland-germany-austria-croatia-bosnia-2013/paradise-in-croatia/https://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/iceland-germany-austria-croatia-bosnia-2013/paradise-in-croatia/We wanted to sleep in but we were up at 730 and ready so see some sights. We headed south to Dubrovnik and enjoyed the amazing drive looking over the Adriatic Sea along the mountainside.Sat, 07 Sep 2013 00:00:00 GMTIceland, Germany, Austria, Croatia, BosniaBethhttps://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/iceland-germany-austria-croatia-bosnia-2013/slovakia-and-fun-in-bosnia/https://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/iceland-germany-austria-croatia-bosnia-2013/slovakia-and-fun-in-bosnia/Up at 630 to get an early start to the day, and to our surprise we have visitors. During the night another tent was staked next to ours in the cornfield. Neither of us heard them. Apparently it was a good spot.Sat, 07 Sep 2013 00:00:00 GMTIceland, Germany, Austria, Croatia, BosniaBethhttps://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/iceland-germany-austria-croatia-bosnia-2013/wilkommen-lieber-deutschland-germany/https://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/iceland-germany-austria-croatia-bosnia-2013/wilkommen-lieber-deutschland-germany/Up at 530 to quickly pack and head to the airport. Iceland was amazing and we'll be back to do the rest of Iceland, however I'm ready for some warm weather. Last night was a bitch it was so cold, about freezing. I'm over it.Sat, 07 Sep 2013 00:00:00 GMTIceland, Germany, Austria, Croatia, BosniaBethhttps://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/iceland-germany-austria-croatia-bosnia-2013/last-day-in-land-of-fire-and-ice/https://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/iceland-germany-austria-croatia-bosnia-2013/last-day-in-land-of-fire-and-ice/Up at 8 after a well needed night of sleep. Taking it easy today and not walking if at all possible. On our way to Rekyavik we passed by Nesjavellir to see the geothermal energy plant that pumps water all the way to the city.Wed, 04 Sep 2013 00:00:00 GMTIceland, Germany, Austria, Croatia, BosniaBethhttps://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/iceland-germany-austria-croatia-bosnia-2013/testing-our-limits/https://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/iceland-germany-austria-croatia-bosnia-2013/testing-our-limits/Let me preface this by saying why I like to expect the worst. When I expect the worst, things can only go up. When I am not prepared for the worst, it can put a big damper when shit goes down.Wed, 04 Sep 2013 00:00:00 GMTIceland, Germany, Austria, Croatia, BosniaBethhttps://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/iceland-germany-austria-croatia-bosnia-2013/the-laugarvegurinn-hike-is-on-let-do/https://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/iceland-germany-austria-croatia-bosnia-2013/the-laugarvegurinn-hike-is-on-let-do/We didn't have to catch the bus until 10 so we got up, drank some coffee, got goods at the store and made some sammies for the hike. Of course the bus shows up early so we quickly pack our bags, me feeling like I'm def going to forget something.Wed, 04 Sep 2013 00:00:00 GMTIceland, Germany, Austria, Croatia, BosniaBethhttps://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/iceland-germany-austria-croatia-bosnia-2013/big-events/https://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/iceland-germany-austria-croatia-bosnia-2013/big-events/Today was pretty special. We woke up at 930 after sleeping the whole night in a dry tent in Hverageroi. We drank some coffee, ate some bologna and cheese sammies, and talked to the couple from New Mexico about the hike nearby to Landmannalaugar.Sun, 01 Sep 2013 00:00:00 GMTIceland, Germany, Austria, Croatia, BosniaBethhttps://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/iceland-germany-austria-croatia-bosnia-2013/taking-it-easy-before-big-hike/https://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/iceland-germany-austria-croatia-bosnia-2013/taking-it-easy-before-big-hike/Up at 530 from a magnificent sunrise lighting up our tent. Good thing Andy could get up and take pics, it was too early for me, I'll look at the pics later. We fell back asleep until 730 when we awoke to a sheep baa'ing just outside out tent.Sun, 01 Sep 2013 00:00:00 GMTIceland, Germany, Austria, Croatia, BosniaBethhttps://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/iceland-germany-austria-croatia-bosnia-2013/diving-between-tectonic-plates-in-35/https://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/iceland-germany-austria-croatia-bosnia-2013/diving-between-tectonic-plates-in-35/Didn't sleep too bad last night. The loud rain kept me up more than the cold. We have one large sleeping by so anytime I needed warmth Andy just held me closer. Up at 730 which was amazing we slept in.Fri, 30 Aug 2013 00:00:00 GMTIceland, Germany, Austria, Croatia, BosniaBethhttps://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/iceland-germany-austria-croatia-bosnia-2013/huge-waterfalls-israeli-and-wet-pants/https://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/iceland-germany-austria-croatia-bosnia-2013/huge-waterfalls-israeli-and-wet-pants/We arrived at KEF at 630am after a night of rough sleep for me, none for Andy. It doesn't matter, we made it! At the car rental place, Andy commented how big thick everyone is here. Of course not the little guy who helped us at the rental place.Thu, 29 Aug 2013 00:00:00 GMTIceland, Germany, Austria, Croatia, BosniaBethhttps://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/iceland-germany-austria-croatia-bosnia-2013/and-we-off-sfo/https://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/iceland-germany-austria-croatia-bosnia-2013/and-we-off-sfo/Easy morning making our way to SFO across the old Bay Bridge one last time. Parked the car at work and cabbed it to the airport. No line through the gates so we had two hours to spare. What to do? Get some celebratory vacation drinks that's what.Wed, 28 Aug 2013 00:00:00 GMTIceland, Germany, Austria, Croatia, BosniaBethhttps://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/guatemalabelize2012/then-fire-started-spinning/https://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/guatemalabelize2012/then-fire-started-spinning/Up at 7 because it's impossible to sleep in that noise and heat. We got some shitty expensive breakfast from a local shack. Andy got a breakfast burrito and I got a veggie omlet. His was so tiny and mine had nasty green peppers on it- the whole breakfast cost us $15 Belize.Sat, 07 Jul 2012 00:00:00 GMTGuatemala, BelizeBethhttps://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/guatemalabelize2012/wedding-day/https://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/guatemalabelize2012/wedding-day/Thirteen of us went snorkeling this morning to Hol Chan and Shark Ray Alley. The sun was blazing and the snorkeling was tons of fun. On the first area we saw a Green Moray Eel that didn't want to come out of the coral. It finally did and Andy and I were right above it.Sat, 07 Jul 2012 00:00:00 GMTGuatemala, BelizeBethhttps://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/guatemalabelize2012/we-finally-did-little-relaxing/https://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/guatemalabelize2012/we-finally-did-little-relaxing/Our plan today was to do a night dive but they called it off because the current was too strong. No worries, we researched some companies for the dive tomorrow and road around town. We took a dip in the pool to cool off then headed for the beach for lunch.Sat, 07 Jul 2012 00:00:00 GMTGuatemala, BelizeBethhttps://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/guatemalabelize2012/narcing-out-at-135ft/https://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/guatemalabelize2012/narcing-out-at-135ft/Up at 5 to catch the boat for the Blue Hole! We were preparing for the worst on the boat ride because once you get out of the barrier reef you hit open ocean and the waves can be rough. We sat in the back of the boat where the jerking was much less.Fri, 06 Jul 2012 00:00:00 GMTGuatemala, BelizeBethhttps://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/guatemalabelize2012/nurse-sharks-and-margaritas/https://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/guatemalabelize2012/nurse-sharks-and-margaritas/Up at 7 because it's hot as balls in this dorm and the sun is shining in my eyes. How can anyone sleep in this humidity? God I love California's weather. We were going to have breakfast before our dive trip but Andy had some issues getting is borrowed dive computer to work.Tue, 03 Jul 2012 00:00:00 GMTGuatemala, BelizeBethhttps://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/guatemalabelize2012/lobster-fest-in-cay-caulker/https://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/guatemalabelize2012/lobster-fest-in-cay-caulker/Up at 5 for our 530 pickup. We got up just in time to see part of the sunrise and take some pics. The rainbow over the lake was beautiful. They showed up at 6 and we headed for the boarder. The ride was pretty uneventful but we met some cool people.Mon, 02 Jul 2012 00:00:00 GMTGuatemala, BelizeBethhttps://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/guatemalabelize2012/guatemala-is-little-piece-of-paradise/https://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/guatemalabelize2012/guatemala-is-little-piece-of-paradise/No Xanax last night. Andy passsed out at 830 and I was right behind him. That was until the discoteque started blaring and played until 2am. Ear plugs couldn't stop the bass from vibrating our beds.Sun, 01 Jul 2012 00:00:00 GMTGuatemala, BelizeBethhttps://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/guatemalabelize2012/and-were-off/https://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/guatemalabelize2012/and-were-off/6/28/12 Well I've been trying to complain less, but this is a blog so I get to say whatever I want. I made sure to leave my office early enough to catch the shuttle to Bart. I see him pull up and around w/o hesitating to look for anyone and definitely not pick me up. Fail #1.Sat, 30 Jun 2012 00:00:00 GMTGuatemala, BelizeBethhttps://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/guatemalabelize2012/first-cold-shower-ive-taken/https://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/guatemalabelize2012/first-cold-shower-ive-taken/Woke up at 630 after 5 hours of sleep on half a Xanax (it's not easy waking up) and we're back at the airport. Andy pissed off the shuttle lady because she told him his muffin would make a mess and it did- all over the floor he left crumbs.Sat, 30 Jun 2012 00:00:00 GMTGuatemala, BelizeBethhttps://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/ecuador-galapagos-bolivia-peru-macchu-picchu-2011/day3-and-it-most-beautiful-day-yet-62311/https://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/ecuador-galapagos-bolivia-peru-macchu-picchu-2011/day3-and-it-most-beautiful-day-yet-62311/Up at 530 for breakfast at 6. Each day the wakeup call keeps getting earlier and the hikes are harder. We had a heavy uphill start to the morning but this time the weather was much warmer since we were at a lower altitude.Wed, 20 Jul 2011 00:00:00 GMTEcuador, Galápagos, Bolivia, Peru, Machu PicchuBethhttps://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/ecuador-galapagos-bolivia-peru-macchu-picchu-2011/here-we-come-inca-trail-62111/https://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/ecuador-galapagos-bolivia-peru-macchu-picchu-2011/here-we-come-inca-trail-62111/Up at 530 to catch our ride to start our journey to Machu Picchu. We jumped in the Wayki Trek van and picked up four other guests, a couple porters, and our guide Antonio. A couple hours after leaving Cuzco we reached the entrance to the Inca Trail.Wed, 20 Jul 2011 00:00:00 GMTEcuador, Galápagos, Bolivia, Peru, Machu PicchuBethhttps://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/ecuador-galapagos-bolivia-peru-macchu-picchu-2011/i-might-die-62211/https://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/ecuador-galapagos-bolivia-peru-macchu-picchu-2011/i-might-die-62211/Up at 6 to have breakfast by 630. We had pancakes, toast, and tea/coffee. I ate as much as possible since Antonio said we wouldn’t hit the lunch spot until 3. How was I going to hike 8 hours without eating? I guess the cookie snack pack was supposed to tie me over.Wed, 20 Jul 2011 00:00:00 GMTEcuador, Galápagos, Bolivia, Peru, Machu PicchuBethhttps://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/ecuador-galapagos-bolivia-peru-macchu-picchu-2011/machu-picchu-incredible-end-to-amazing/https://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/ecuador-galapagos-bolivia-peru-macchu-picchu-2011/machu-picchu-incredible-end-to-amazing/Today is the Incan Sun Festival and we happen to be going to Machu Picchu- pretty cool! We were up by 330 (am that's right), packed, and ready to go. We ate breakfast and had to wait on the group to get in line. We got there at 4 and other groups were already waiting.Wed, 20 Jul 2011 00:00:00 GMTEcuador, Galápagos, Bolivia, Peru, Machu PicchuBethhttps://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/ecuador-galapagos-bolivia-peru-macchu-picchu-2011/rest-before-final-adventure/https://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/ecuador-galapagos-bolivia-peru-macchu-picchu-2011/rest-before-final-adventure/After 11 hours of sleep we slowly got up and headed down to the kitchen to make ourselves breakfast. We cut up fruit that we bought the previous day (white tomato looking things with purple stripes), made some instant coffee and bread with jam.Mon, 20 Jun 2011 00:00:00 GMTEcuador, Galápagos, Bolivia, Peru, Machu PicchuBethhttps://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/ecuador-galapagos-bolivia-peru-macchu-picchu-2011/hiking-at-125k-ft-with-40-extra-lbs/https://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/ecuador-galapagos-bolivia-peru-macchu-picchu-2011/hiking-at-125k-ft-with-40-extra-lbs/The major hail storm woke us up this morning. It was so crazy and hard, I was hoping it wouldn’t break the windows. It finally stopped around 7am, just in time for our morning walk. Yesterday we decided to walk from the north to the south end of the island.Sun, 19 Jun 2011 00:00:00 GMTEcuador, Galápagos, Bolivia, Peru, Machu PicchuBethhttps://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/ecuador-galapagos-bolivia-peru-macchu-picchu-2011/only-matter-of-time-before-someone-got/https://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/ecuador-galapagos-bolivia-peru-macchu-picchu-2011/only-matter-of-time-before-someone-got/We took our time this morning getting up and making our way out of the Maya Inn Hostal. We didn’t sleep very well because people staying there were coming in at all hours in the time. We also slept in our sleeping bags because the bed and sheets were highly questionable.Sun, 19 Jun 2011 00:00:00 GMTEcuador, Galápagos, Bolivia, Peru, Machu PicchuBethhttps://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/ecuador-galapagos-bolivia-peru-macchu-picchu-2011/two-japanese-and-frenchman-61711/https://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/ecuador-galapagos-bolivia-peru-macchu-picchu-2011/two-japanese-and-frenchman-61711/Woke up to catch the 830 ferry to Isla Del Sol (where the sun was born and a couple gods). Copabacana is a small town on the edge of Lake Titicaca- the highest fresh water lake in the world at 12.5k ft.Sun, 19 Jun 2011 00:00:00 GMTEcuador, Galápagos, Bolivia, Peru, Machu PicchuBethhttps://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/ecuador-galapagos-bolivia-peru-macchu-picchu-2011/we-made-it-across-border-to-peru/https://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/ecuador-galapagos-bolivia-peru-macchu-picchu-2011/we-made-it-across-border-to-peru/Up at 630 to catch our flight to Cuzco after a crap night of sleep from the celebrations the night before. Thinking how small the airport was we didn’t think we would need to get there too early. Wrong. Everyone and their mother were at the airport this morning.Sun, 19 Jun 2011 00:00:00 GMTEcuador, Galápagos, Bolivia, Peru, Machu PicchuBethhttps://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/ecuador-galapagos-bolivia-peru-macchu-picchu-2011/baby-squirrel-monkeys-and-zip-lining/https://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/ecuador-galapagos-bolivia-peru-macchu-picchu-2011/baby-squirrel-monkeys-and-zip-lining/Up at 730 which was a nice change from the 630 we were used to. Andy got up before I did and fed the Squirrel Monkey some peanuts, then later the Macaws. We got up to meet some of the workers to feed the Spectacle Bear.Thu, 16 Jun 2011 00:00:00 GMTEcuador, Galápagos, Bolivia, Peru, Machu PicchuBethhttps://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/ecuador-galapagos-bolivia-peru-macchu-picchu-2011/kicking-dirt-at-devil-61411/https://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/ecuador-galapagos-bolivia-peru-macchu-picchu-2011/kicking-dirt-at-devil-61411/Up at 630 to meet our group for the World’s Most Dangerous Road bike ride. As we were leaving the hostal Andy almost ripped the door down with his large backpack. We walked down the Prado to a coffee shop to meet the group.Thu, 16 Jun 2011 00:00:00 GMTEcuador, Galápagos, Bolivia, Peru, Machu PicchuBethhttps://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/ecuador-galapagos-bolivia-peru-macchu-picchu-2011/a-day-of-downs-and-ups-13k-ft-ups/https://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/ecuador-galapagos-bolivia-peru-macchu-picchu-2011/a-day-of-downs-and-ups-13k-ft-ups/Arrived at 5am at the Santiago airport so we immediately found some chairs and slept until 830. It’s amazing we slept at all since the air was full blast and they kept making loud ass announcements. I got up to find some wi-fi and see what gate our flight was departing from.Tue, 14 Jun 2011 00:00:00 GMTEcuador, Galápagos, Bolivia, Peru, Machu PicchuBethhttps://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/ecuador-galapagos-bolivia-peru-macchu-picchu-2011/walking-uphill-at-13k-ft-isn-easy/https://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/ecuador-galapagos-bolivia-peru-macchu-picchu-2011/walking-uphill-at-13k-ft-isn-easy/Woke up fresh at 730 (slept through the 630 alarm) happy my head was feeling better. We slowly got up and put afterbite all over our legs. River flys got to us in Mindo and they just now started to itch. Andy looks like a leper on his legs.Tue, 14 Jun 2011 00:00:00 GMTEcuador, Galápagos, Bolivia, Peru, Machu PicchuBethhttps://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/ecuador-galapagos-bolivia-peru-macchu-picchu-2011/is-that-headband-or-your-real-hair-61011/https://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/ecuador-galapagos-bolivia-peru-macchu-picchu-2011/is-that-headband-or-your-real-hair-61011/Up at 630 and ate breakfast at the hotel. I love all the fresh juices here. We walked down to the Los Ponchos Plaza where the market is and they were just setting things up. The town is beautiful so we walked up the side of the hill to get a better view.Sat, 11 Jun 2011 00:00:00 GMTEcuador, Galápagos, Bolivia, Peru, Machu PicchuBethhttps://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/ecuador-galapagos-bolivia-peru-macchu-picchu-2011/mindo-is-amazing-next-stop-la-paz/https://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/ecuador-galapagos-bolivia-peru-macchu-picchu-2011/mindo-is-amazing-next-stop-la-paz/Wish I had more time in Mindo- there's so much to do, it's beautiful, the weather is perfect, and the people are so friendly. Next time I'll be staying longer. Off to La Paz for the 22 hour journey. Needless to say my post tomorrow won't be interesting.Sat, 11 Jun 2011 00:00:00 GMTEcuador, Galápagos, Bolivia, Peru, Machu PicchuBethhttps://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/ecuador-galapagos-bolivia-peru-macchu-picchu-2011/falling-in-swamp-and-big-ass-spiders/https://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/ecuador-galapagos-bolivia-peru-macchu-picchu-2011/falling-in-swamp-and-big-ass-spiders/Woke up at 6 to go up the tower and bird watch. They finished the tower just 8 days ago so we’re lucky we can use it. It’s five stories high and above most of the trees.Fri, 10 Jun 2011 00:00:00 GMTEcuador, Galápagos, Bolivia, Peru, Machu PicchuBethhttps://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/ecuador-galapagos-bolivia-peru-macchu-picchu-2011/hello-otavalo/https://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/ecuador-galapagos-bolivia-peru-macchu-picchu-2011/hello-otavalo/Andy got up at 6 to do some bird watching but I was in no mood after the horrible night I had. Not sure what made me sick, but I was sweating with stomach cramps all night. I might have swallowed some river water brushing my teeth or swimming.Fri, 10 Jun 2011 00:00:00 GMTEcuador, Galápagos, Bolivia, Peru, Machu PicchuBethhttps://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/ecuador-galapagos-bolivia-peru-macchu-picchu-2011/welcome-to-jungle-6711/https://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/ecuador-galapagos-bolivia-peru-macchu-picchu-2011/welcome-to-jungle-6711/Up at 630 to catch a cab to the airport. How is it a damn city in Ecuador can have free wi-fi at the airport and we can’t get it in Silicon Valley?Fri, 10 Jun 2011 00:00:00 GMTEcuador, Galápagos, Bolivia, Peru, Machu PicchuBethhttps://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/ecuador-galapagos-bolivia-peru-macchu-picchu-2011/back-to-land/https://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/ecuador-galapagos-bolivia-peru-macchu-picchu-2011/back-to-land/I got to sleep in until 630 this morning which was great since Andy was trying to wake me up since 530. We took our time getting up and eating breakfast, very nice compared to the 620 dives the last four days. It felt a little empty now that 3 people left the boat.Tue, 07 Jun 2011 00:00:00 GMTEcuador, Galápagos, Bolivia, Peru, Machu PicchuBethhttps://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/ecuador-galapagos-bolivia-peru-macchu-picchu-2011/diving-on-famous-darwin-island-6311/https://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/ecuador-galapagos-bolivia-peru-macchu-picchu-2011/diving-on-famous-darwin-island-6311/Got to Darwin early in the morning, about 630 and we were ready for our first dive of four today. The island is smaller than Wolf and you can see The Arch from our boat. There are three kinds of Boobies, Red Footed, Blue Footed, and Nasca (very interesting bird).Tue, 07 Jun 2011 00:00:00 GMTEcuador, Galápagos, Bolivia, Peru, Machu PicchuwildlifeBethhttps://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/ecuador-galapagos-bolivia-peru-macchu-picchu-2011/frigate-birds-and-100-hammerheads-oh-my/https://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/ecuador-galapagos-bolivia-peru-macchu-picchu-2011/frigate-birds-and-100-hammerheads-oh-my/Our final day diving at the Galapagos, we had three dives scheduled at Darwin before we headed back on our 20 hour bumpy journey. We got in the water at 620 and the dive was easy but uneventful. Over the morning dives here haven’t been great. The second dive was excellent.Tue, 07 Jun 2011 00:00:00 GMTEcuador, Galápagos, Bolivia, Peru, Machu PicchuwildlifeBethhttps://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/ecuador-galapagos-bolivia-peru-macchu-picchu-2011/galapagos-bound-53011/https://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/ecuador-galapagos-bolivia-peru-macchu-picchu-2011/galapagos-bound-53011/Woke up at 530 to get a taxi to the airport to go to the Galapagos! The ride was uneventful until the cabbie asked for $10. I was like no way, I’ll give you $5 or $6. He was trying to say since he was up so early he wanted $10. Not my problem you have this profession.Tue, 07 Jun 2011 00:00:00 GMTEcuador, Galápagos, Bolivia, Peru, Machu PicchuBethhttps://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/ecuador-galapagos-bolivia-peru-macchu-picchu-2011/i-going-to-be-dive-bum-forever/https://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/ecuador-galapagos-bolivia-peru-macchu-picchu-2011/i-going-to-be-dive-bum-forever/Woke up at 530 to see the sunrise must mostly because the crew woke me up (and Andy). It’s OK, I’m on vacation and I don’t need to sleep anyway. I headed up to the sundeck and I saw a locus (grillo sp? en Español) and I though aww how cute.Tue, 07 Jun 2011 00:00:00 GMTEcuador, Galápagos, Bolivia, Peru, Machu PicchuBethhttps://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/ecuador-galapagos-bolivia-peru-macchu-picchu-2011/i-officially-not-afraid-of-sharks/https://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/ecuador-galapagos-bolivia-peru-macchu-picchu-2011/i-officially-not-afraid-of-sharks/We woke up at 545 to be briefed on our first dive at Wolf Island (the first of four dives today). I went to the sundeck first thing and saw thousands of birds flying around the island. Wolf Island is not large, but it’s tall with very steep sides all around it.Tue, 07 Jun 2011 00:00:00 GMTEcuador, Galápagos, Bolivia, Peru, Machu PicchuBethhttps://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/ecuador-galapagos-bolivia-peru-macchu-picchu-2011/swimming-in-school-of-hammerheads-6211/https://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/ecuador-galapagos-bolivia-peru-macchu-picchu-2011/swimming-in-school-of-hammerheads-6211/Second day at Wolf Island with three dives today. Up at 545 again for the first dive at Landslide; breakfast, nap second dive at Landslide; lunch nap third dive at Elephant Rock. The first dive was great!Tue, 07 Jun 2011 00:00:00 GMTEcuador, Galápagos, Bolivia, Peru, Machu PicchuBethhttps://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/ecuador-galapagos-bolivia-peru-macchu-picchu-2011/why-won-ground-stop-moving-6511/https://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/ecuador-galapagos-bolivia-peru-macchu-picchu-2011/why-won-ground-stop-moving-6511/I took a Dramamine and half a sleeping pill last night. Beers and wine don’t mix with rough waves. Unfortunately, the drugs were too much and I can barely move. Oh well, time for our last dive at Cousin’s Rock. We jumped in and the water was much colder than I remember it.Tue, 07 Jun 2011 00:00:00 GMTEcuador, Galápagos, Bolivia, Peru, Machu PicchuBethhttps://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/ecuador-galapagos-bolivia-peru-macchu-picchu-2011/yo-soy-jose/https://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/ecuador-galapagos-bolivia-peru-macchu-picchu-2011/yo-soy-jose/I guess I did anger the travel gods because my camera was run over by a car. More on that later… We met our tour group at Q restaurant for free coffee and decided to pass on the $9 breakfast.Mon, 30 May 2011 00:00:00 GMTEcuador, Galápagos, Bolivia, Peru, Machu PicchuBethhttps://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/ecuador-galapagos-bolivia-peru-macchu-picchu-2011/a-bus-tragedy-and-half-guinea-pig/https://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/ecuador-galapagos-bolivia-peru-macchu-picchu-2011/a-bus-tragedy-and-half-guinea-pig/We got up around 620, after a night of little sleep thanks to the party beside us, waterproofed ourselves and headed for the bus stop. It really wasn’t much of an issue. It was warm outside, although it was raining, and we only waited for 40 minutes I think.Sun, 29 May 2011 00:00:00 GMTEcuador, Galápagos, Bolivia, Peru, Machu PicchuBethhttps://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/ecuador-galapagos-bolivia-peru-macchu-picchu-2011/and-we-made-it/https://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/ecuador-galapagos-bolivia-peru-macchu-picchu-2011/and-we-made-it/Two layovers and three ham and cheese hot pockets later we were in Quito. The half sleeping pill rocked our worlds and the 11 hours flying felt like nothing. I forgot my jacket on the plane so I had to wait for everyone to deplane; therefore we were last in line at customs.Sat, 28 May 2011 00:00:00 GMTEcuador, Galápagos, Bolivia, Peru, Machu PicchuBethhttps://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/ecuador-galapagos-bolivia-peru-macchu-picchu-2011/baeza-first-unplanned-town/https://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/ecuador-galapagos-bolivia-peru-macchu-picchu-2011/baeza-first-unplanned-town/Upon arrival in Baeza, it appeared all the hostals were closed but they weren’t, they just appeared closed (damn Lonely Planet)! After saying adios to Marcello (he gave us his number of course as he just made a ton on our gringo taxi ride) we dropped off our stuff and headed for…Sat, 28 May 2011 00:00:00 GMTEcuador, Galápagos, Bolivia, Peru, Machu PicchuBethhttps://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/ecuador-galapagos-bolivia-peru-macchu-picchu-2011/thermal-baths-of-papallacta/https://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/ecuador-galapagos-bolivia-peru-macchu-picchu-2011/thermal-baths-of-papallacta/I set the alarm for 7 thinking we had to get up early to catch a bus out of town. We had breakfast on the roof with consisted of yogurt with fruit, bread and jam, watermelon juice and of course coffee. We wanted to catch the bus to Papallacta where the thermal baths are.Sat, 28 May 2011 00:00:00 GMTEcuador, Galápagos, Bolivia, Peru, Machu PicchuBethhttps://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/ecuador-galapagos-bolivia-peru-macchu-picchu-2011/andy-1-beth-nill/https://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/ecuador-galapagos-bolivia-peru-macchu-picchu-2011/andy-1-beth-nill/Yes we just got to the airport, but I'm already in the hole for the traveler of the year award. I knew when I booked the damn 1:30 am flight I was going to mess up the dates. I woke up Tuesday morning to his email: DUDE we leave tomorrow night!Thu, 26 May 2011 00:00:00 GMTEcuador, Galápagos, Bolivia, Peru, Machu PicchuBethhttps://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/china-2011/and-then-there-was-one-backpack-4211/https://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/china-2011/and-then-there-was-one-backpack-4211/Woke up at 630 so I could try to get online to talk to Harriet. It didn’t work so I called instead, we had some coffee from 7-11, and waited for the minibus to arrive. While we waited for a breakfast place to open, there was a stray dog hanging out with us- super friendly.Sat, 09 Apr 2011 00:00:00 GMTChinaBethhttps://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/china-2011/bangkok-is-awesome-city-4411/https://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/china-2011/bangkok-is-awesome-city-4411/Up at the ass crack of dawn and Andy is bargaining for a taxi ride to the airport. I wasn't in the mood and we ended up getting a taxi for the same price we could have had with one we reserved. Oh well, it's part of the experience right?Sat, 09 Apr 2011 00:00:00 GMTChinaBethhttps://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/china-2011/homeward-bound-sitting-next-to-devil/https://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/china-2011/homeward-bound-sitting-next-to-devil/Up early as hell again and headed to Hong Kong. We had an 8 hour layover so we left the airport and took the super easy MTR to the city. I had all I could take in the same 4 day old clothes so I went shopping- sort of.Sat, 09 Apr 2011 00:00:00 GMTChinaBethhttps://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/china-2011/second-hangover-and-i-in-crowded-bus/https://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/china-2011/second-hangover-and-i-in-crowded-bus/Woke up at 830 to catch the first longtail back to Ao Nang. We had to wait a bit for enough people to show up so the longtail would leave. It was me, Andy, a chick from the US who had been working in Tonsai for a bit, an old hippie British dude, then two girls from SF.Sat, 09 Apr 2011 00:00:00 GMTChinaBethhttps://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/china-2011/the-russian-mafia-doesn-respect-sea/https://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/china-2011/the-russian-mafia-doesn-respect-sea/Today we did 3 dives before we left early afternoon. The morning dive was nice way to wake up. While we ate breakfast the Russian Mafia decided to go swimming with the sea turtle.Sat, 09 Apr 2011 00:00:00 GMTChinaBethhttps://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/china-2011/fearing-death-and-other-good-times-at/https://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/china-2011/fearing-death-and-other-good-times-at/Woke up in Phi Phi and headed for the ferry to get off the island. I love it how no one really knows if there's a ferry or not. Two out of three for yes so we're going for it. We took a ferry to Krabi, met two gals from Canada and a dude who burned the shit out of himself.Thu, 07 Apr 2011 00:00:00 GMTChinaBethhttps://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/china-2011/puffer-fish-fire-ants/https://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/china-2011/puffer-fish-fire-ants/The weather decided to give us a break today but not let us off the island. Since we weren't able to leave, we made the best of it and went on a scuba excursion- my first warm water and boat dive.Wed, 30 Mar 2011 00:00:00 GMTChinaBethhttps://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/china-2011/i-not-american/https://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/china-2011/i-not-american/We made it to Thailand and this place isn't as warm and humid as Andy made it sound. In fact, while we took the ferry from Phuket to the Phi Phi Islands, the rain pelting my face was rather like ice cycles than warm beads of moisture.Tue, 29 Mar 2011 00:00:00 GMTChinaBethhttps://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/china-2011/an-awesome-way-to-leave-china/https://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/china-2011/an-awesome-way-to-leave-china/Another day on our own and Hong Kong is a great way to end our trip in China. Yes it's a city and very modern, not something I particularly look for in a vacation, but after almost 2 weeks traveling with bitching people, no sun, constant pollution/overcast, not so great food,…Mon, 28 Mar 2011 00:00:00 GMTChinaBethhttps://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/china-2011/chongqing-and-deluxe-river-cruise/https://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/china-2011/chongqing-and-deluxe-river-cruise/Woke up ass early at 530 to make a 9 flight since traffic is stupid in Beijing. The wind was picking up, I was glad to move on to our next journey so we wouldn’t get stuck in a sand storm. It was raining when we arrived in Chongqing which was welcomed after Beijing.Mon, 28 Mar 2011 00:00:00 GMTChinaBethhttps://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/china-2011/doing-our-part-to-destroy-culture-32511/https://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/china-2011/doing-our-part-to-destroy-culture-32511/Woke up at the ass crack of dawn to catch a flight to Guilin. I like to wake up early and travel because I sleep the whole way. We went to the mountains to go to the Longji rice terrace fields where the Zhuang minority tribe lives.Mon, 28 Mar 2011 00:00:00 GMTChinaBethhttps://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/china-2011/hangover-1-and-i-on-damn-ship-32311/https://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/china-2011/hangover-1-and-i-on-damn-ship-32311/I woke up feeling good which was surprising since we drank a bottle of vodka, beer, and sweet bubbly wine. We only had 30 min to walk around a little port town before we continued down the Yangtze to go on a smaller boat ride down the gorges.Mon, 28 Mar 2011 00:00:00 GMTChinaBethhttps://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/china-2011/hong-kong-land-of-google-fb-31711/https://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/china-2011/hong-kong-land-of-google-fb-31711/Yes we have arrived! God bless this little special economic zone! I don't NEED Google and FB, but it does feel nice to have the ability to access them- not to mention the internet connection speed fucking sucks in mainland China!Mon, 28 Mar 2011 00:00:00 GMTChinaBethhttps://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/china-2011/no-google-in-china-wtf-31811/https://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/china-2011/no-google-in-china-wtf-31811/The dates of these blogs are messed up since I wasn't able to access the blog for two weeks. I’m a new person. I slept off all the drugs I took to fall asleep during the flight and now I’m ready for some craziness.Mon, 28 Mar 2011 00:00:00 GMTChinaBethhttps://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/china-2011/road-trip-from-hell-32411/https://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/china-2011/road-trip-from-hell-32411/We got off the boat today, but not until we stopped by the 3 Gorges Dam- the largest… Back on the bus for an hour ride and went to a museum to see a mummy and a freaking old wall. Back on the bus for a 4 hour bus ride to Wuhan.Mon, 28 Mar 2011 00:00:00 GMTChinaBethhttps://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/china-2011/snowy-jade-cave-bs-32211/https://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/china-2011/snowy-jade-cave-bs-32211/Fill in info about the snowy Jade cave excursion. Back to the ship for lunch and then we sailed. The whole afternoon/evening on the boat- time to imbibe. We cruised down the Yangtze sippin on our vodka 7up cocktails. Andy lit a fire in his ass and decided to cause trouble.Mon, 28 Mar 2011 00:00:00 GMTChinaBethhttps://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/china-2011/the-great-wall-in-heals-skirt-32011/https://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/china-2011/the-great-wall-in-heals-skirt-32011/Woke up, swam, ate a ton at breakfast then headed with the group to the Great Wall. Along the way we made a stop at the Jade Museum so all the foreigners could spend their money.Mon, 28 Mar 2011 00:00:00 GMTChinaBethhttps://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/china-2011/the-yellow-ones-are-good-for-eating/https://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/china-2011/the-yellow-ones-are-good-for-eating/Woke up to a good breakfast and headed to another boat trip! We weren’t going to go with the group but we read the destination was worth the hassle. Hour bus ride then a 4 fucking hour boat trip down the Li River.Mon, 28 Mar 2011 00:00:00 GMTChinaBethhttps://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/china-2011/so-it-begins/https://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/china-2011/so-it-begins/Day 1 of my sabbatical! I've been waiting for this day for the last 7 years. We ate a wonderful meal last night in preparation for our trip. I'm not sure how much squirrel-shaped fish and other various meats I can eat so I partook in American-style gluttony.Thu, 17 Mar 2011 00:00:00 GMTChinaBethhttps://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/india-sjsu-trip-2009/the-last-blog/https://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/india-sjsu-trip-2009/the-last-blog/this trip was truly amazing. i met some of the most awesome fun people- and i never expected it. i feel like the 3 girls i met i've been friends with my whole life. we gave each other shit the whole time- not letting one thing slip.Thu, 30 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMTIndia SJSU TripBethhttps://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/india-sjsu-trip-2009/bintan-indonesia/https://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/india-sjsu-trip-2009/bintan-indonesia/yesterday we made it to the 3rd and final country- Indonesia. jenna and i got up early to take the ferry 45 min to Bintan. glad peter recommended bintan instead of Bantam, apparently Bantam is full of hookers and i've seen enough of them this trip.Tue, 28 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMTIndia SJSU TripBethhttps://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/india-sjsu-trip-2009/now-indonesia/https://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/india-sjsu-trip-2009/now-indonesia/and what a huge change it is from India! i totally appreciated everything about India, but i am glad to be in a city where i don't have to fight with the store owners and can breathe the air without choking. :) we got in around 7 this morning and spent 6 hours by the pool.Sun, 26 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMTIndia SJSU TripBethhttps://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/india-sjsu-trip-2009/i-not-drinking-for-while/https://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/india-sjsu-trip-2009/i-not-drinking-for-while/i totally deserve it, but it sux really bad. last night Megha bought some henna paste in a tube and by mistake gave it to me when she was done. needless to say i was quite drunk and thought it would be a good idea to draw all over my legs.Sat, 25 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMTIndia SJSU TripBethhttps://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/india-sjsu-trip-2009/a-fabulous-end-to-india-trip/https://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/india-sjsu-trip-2009/a-fabulous-end-to-india-trip/we had an amazing time today that we didn't expect. we didn't get our sarees until 5 and we had to be at the hotel at 7- it takes an hour to get there. as soon as we got the sarees from the talior we took them straight to the place we bought the fabric- Mysore Silk.Fri, 24 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMTIndia SJSU TripBethhttps://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/india-sjsu-trip-2009/so-everyone-remembers-important-things/https://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/india-sjsu-trip-2009/so-everyone-remembers-important-things/we all need to wear an eye patch sometime in our lives (but don't forget it causes you to lose your depth perception). it doesn't hurt to do something absolutely outrageous.Fri, 24 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMTIndia SJSU TripBethhttps://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/india-sjsu-trip-2009/last-day-of-classes-and-target-visit/https://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/india-sjsu-trip-2009/last-day-of-classes-and-target-visit/I am happy classes are over, but that now means i'll have to leave soon :( we went to Target today. it was finally a good company visit. it's located in a technology park where it's really nice and reminds me of the bay area.Thu, 23 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMTIndia SJSU TripBethhttps://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/india-sjsu-trip-2009/got-sari-today/https://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/india-sjsu-trip-2009/got-sari-today/and no D i didn't see the eclipse :( it didn't show until 530 am and this was the one night i didn't stay up that late. oh well, i'll hit it up next time. hehe did i mention i'm over bargaining? i get wait to pay the tag price!Wed, 22 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMTIndia SJSU TripBethhttps://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/india-sjsu-trip-2009/segregation-at-pool/https://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/india-sjsu-trip-2009/segregation-at-pool/that's right, but it's not by race but sex. we went to a local pool to swim and women were only allowed to swim from 3-4! wtf? i've been really surprised at the sexism here. several professors and people from our company visits (including PWC) have made sexist comments.Wed, 22 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMTIndia SJSU TripBethhttps://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/india-sjsu-trip-2009/we-went-to-hard-rock-cafe/https://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/india-sjsu-trip-2009/we-went-to-hard-rock-cafe/and i had the most delicious hamburger in my life! yes, all of you can talk all the shit you want, but i deserved that hamburger. it was the most fulfilling wonderful piece of meat i've ever eaten and i'll do it again as soon as soon as i get the chance :) the freakin rickshaw…Tue, 21 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMTIndia SJSU TripBethhttps://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/india-sjsu-trip-2009/weekend-trip-to-belur/https://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/india-sjsu-trip-2009/weekend-trip-to-belur/this trip was so much better than last weekend- probably since we weren't rushing around to get everywhere. saturday morning we took off for the 4.5 hour journey to Belur and it rained the whole day.Sun, 19 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMTIndia SJSU TripBethhttps://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/india-sjsu-trip-2009/aquarium-park-then-disco/https://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/india-sjsu-trip-2009/aquarium-park-then-disco/we were over shopping (and waiting for everyone else to do something) so some of decided to go to the aquarium. it was hilarious- two floors of small aquariums with crap like goldfish. haha i guess you can't expect all of them to be like Monterrey!Fri, 17 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMTIndia SJSU TripBethhttps://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/india-sjsu-trip-2009/friday-5-hour-spa-day/https://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/india-sjsu-trip-2009/friday-5-hour-spa-day/spa day only cost me $100 including tip! i got a stone massage for an hour, facial for an hour, pedi and salt scrub! love it here :) not much else happened today. we had class then went to the spa after- it was only supposed to be for 3 but turned into 5 hours.Fri, 17 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMTIndia SJSU TripBethhttps://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/india-sjsu-trip-2009/whats-been-going-on-past-couple-days/https://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/india-sjsu-trip-2009/whats-been-going-on-past-couple-days/i've been totally slackin on posting so i'll try to make up for it today- but all the days are blurring together. the other day we met one of the Dr's friends, Mani Nagasubramanian- he was awesome!Thu, 16 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMTIndia SJSU TripBethhttps://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/india-sjsu-trip-2009/trip-to-narayana-hrudayalaya-institute/https://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/india-sjsu-trip-2009/trip-to-narayana-hrudayalaya-institute/Today we felt some serious heartache. we took a tour of a new hospital here in Bangalore that treats people for heart surgeries. about 1/3 of the patients each week are children.Mon, 13 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMTIndia SJSU TripBethhttps://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/india-sjsu-trip-2009/first-weekend-trip-to-mysore/https://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/india-sjsu-trip-2009/first-weekend-trip-to-mysore/just got back from Mysore today and the ride back wasn't pleasant. my stomach finally couldn't handle something and things have been rough since friday. we had to make a pit stop and the bathrooms were not good- but i had little choice.Sun, 12 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMTIndia SJSU TripBethhttps://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/india-sjsu-trip-2009/day-4-two-lecturespalace-hotelnasa-bar/https://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/india-sjsu-trip-2009/day-4-two-lecturespalace-hotelnasa-bar/so we had two lectures- the first guy was engaging, but the second dude was nuts! he keep saying "do you understand? yes or no" after EACH sentence. after 2 hours it was very annoying.Sat, 11 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMTIndia SJSU TripBethhttps://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/india-sjsu-trip-2009/day-three/https://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/india-sjsu-trip-2009/day-three/we went to Caterpillar today. they made us fill out a questionnaire to make sure we didn't have swine flu and take our temperature- again! we've had our temperature taken so many times in all countries.Thu, 09 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMTIndia SJSU TripBethhttps://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/india-sjsu-trip-2009/day-two-and-first-day-of-class/https://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/india-sjsu-trip-2009/day-two-and-first-day-of-class/we had our first class today. the campus is brand new and beautiful. it's so interesting to see so much poverty then a huge new campus. the class was very interesting and they are treating us so nice! this is definitely the way to travel in India.Wed, 08 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMTIndia SJSU TripBethhttps://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/india-sjsu-trip-2009/day-one-is-almost-over/https://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/india-sjsu-trip-2009/day-one-is-almost-over/we had an amazing lunch with the Dr. from the school who has been helping us the whole time. Indian food is so good! now i just have to get mark to like it... that may be challenging. I had tea this morning with ice in it and so far I'm good to go.Tue, 07 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMTIndia SJSU TripBethhttps://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/india-sjsu-trip-2009/it-so-not-hot-in-india/https://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/india-sjsu-trip-2009/it-so-not-hot-in-india/everyone can suck it! haha i'm so surprised how NOT hot it is- I almost need a jacket. the first half day here has been interesting. we took a walk looking for some beer and we didn't find any. the traffic is fucking crazy!Tue, 07 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMTIndia SJSU TripBethhttps://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/india-sjsu-trip-2009/i-been-in-same-clothes-since-i-left-ca/https://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/india-sjsu-trip-2009/i-been-in-same-clothes-since-i-left-ca/Seriously, taking a shower doesn't help much when you have to put on the same clothes. We had an 18 hour layover in Singapore- I didn't realize I wouldn't be getting my checked luggage back since final destination was India. Singapore was really nice. Reminded me of HI.Mon, 06 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMTIndia SJSU TripBethhttps://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/india-sjsu-trip-2009/oh-hell/https://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/india-sjsu-trip-2009/oh-hell/http://www.cnn.com/2009/WORLD/asiapcf/07/03/india.pig.religious.riot/index.html Might be reconsidering MysoreFri, 03 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMTIndia SJSU TripBethhttps://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/india-sjsu-trip-2009/where-i-staying/https://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/india-sjsu-trip-2009/where-i-staying/Holy crap! It doesn't appear I'm going to be roughing it too much: http://www.maplesuites.in/facilities.html I was nervous since we're staying in service apartments, but it looks more like a freakin hotel! woot! Can you say daily housekeeping?Wed, 24 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMTIndia SJSU TripBethhttps://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/india-sjsu-trip-2009/getting-prepared/https://cleatusandthewestvirginian.com/india-sjsu-trip-2009/getting-prepared/I have no idea what I'm doing technology-wise. I think I just emailed everyone to look at my blank blog so I'm typing this in. Lots of fun filled blogs to come later when I'm traveling! This is a PG13 blog as I'm sure I'll be swearing a lot.Mon, 01 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMTIndia SJSU TripBeth