Things I learnt in Guatemala

1. Travelling in a chicken bus isnt as difficult as I imagined it to be
2. Beans and tortillas are a staple
3. Men wear cowboy hats, intricately designed jackets and interesting polka dotted fleece blanket like things around their waist and over their pants
4. There is a McDonalds but no Starbucks (Antigua)
5. Tikal, Rio Dulce, Flores, Livingston and Atitlan are places of supreme beauty
6. You can get Giant Margaritas for $4 on Mondays at Fridas
7. Jumping into the back of a truck to get to work at the foothills of a volcano is so cool
8. The best pastries are near the central market at La Reposteria
9. Fuego is an active volcano oh so close to the city
10. Brahva and Gallo are local beers and the latter is actually good for health and apparently OK for pregnant women too 
11. Mary is the best house mom ever 
12. People telling you the monsoon is over doesn't mean you wont be struck with torrential downpour every single evening
13. Dr. Morfin is the best-est and gives you the option of Pink, Purple or Blue casts (broken arm)- that's his real name :)
14. Swinging a machete is the coolest thing ever
15. I now truly understand what 'slow roast' means for coffee beans
16. Zip lining with a bummed arm and pulling the brakes mid way, having to pull yourself over to the end using a cable is fun but painful
17. The best way to see a coffee farm is on horseback
18. If you love Nutella and crepes, go to Luna de Miel near La Merced
19. Indian nationals holding US or Schengen visas do not need a visa to enter Guatemala
20. Tikal is the site of the 4th Star Wars movie (so I've been told)

Image courtesy: http://www.afrocookbook.com

Things I learnt in Cusco

1. Mazamorra is wayyy to sweet for my taste buds
2. Nothing is tastier than Lomo Saltado
3. Chifa is crazy popular and you'll spot at least one restaurant every few hundred metres
4. They serve cuy with the head intact so you can know for sure it's not a rat
5. The best coffee is off Plaza del Armas (Café Ayllu)
6. You can get a hot stone massage for <$8
7. Taxis are relatively cheap as it is a very small city
8. The choco museo is fantastic but rather pricey
9. Best place for salad's is Jack's Cafe
10. Chicha morada is overrated

Things I learnt in Lima

1. Inca cola is liquid sugar
2. The best churros are at Manolo in Miraflores
3. No Artesan market is as fantastic and mindbogglingly maze-like as the one at Petit Thouars
4. Divino Jesus in Pueblo libre has the most adorable little orphans
5. Quinoa is the Incans' gift to mankind
6. Picarones doused with orange flavored honey tastes like heaven in a plate
7. It is an unsafe city in general and one always needs to be on the look out for suspicious activity
8. No one will accept even a mildly damaged currency note and every cashier will spend minutes checking the authenticity of the currency presented at every possible opportunity
9. Parque del Amor is a lovely place to visit
10. Larcomar is a mall hidden within a mountain and has amazing views as well as a decent spot to try the famous Ceviche
11. Best street food is in Miraflores

Image courtesy: www.todoavatar.com 

Things I learnt in Bolivia

1. To communicate with no prior knowledge of Spanish
2. To not completely lose it when a loco dog clawed her way into my room and jumped on my bed
3. To truly dislike carbs
4. To enjoy Argentinian steak and Chilean wine for under $20
5. That it's ok to get a manicure every week
6. That 4 hour work days warrant a swedish or hot stone massage
7. Street markets are God's gift to shoppers
8. Age truly doesnt matter when it comes to being friends
9. No Starbucks, Mckers and Dunkin Donuts is refreshing and absolutely rejuvenating
10. People take pride in 'hecho en Bolivia' products
11. The highest Cristo is here and not in Rio
12. You can live with almost no access to money without cause for concern
13. Visa issues are crazy expensive and a serious pain in the behind for Indian nationals
14. Bolivia has pink dolphins and anacondas
15. The trufi system is quite efficient
16. Everyone receiving packages from overseas must register with the Aduana
17. Cafe Paris has the most delish crêpes and croque monsieur
18. The nachos con carne at Paprika are mouth watering
19. Cheesecake fresa at Il Mulino Bianco is a must have
20. Steaks are best at Tunari or La Estancia
    
    Image courtesy: http://www.unique-southamerica-travel-experience.com

Guat's up! (Video)

My time in Guatemala thus far.

Guat's up from Aarti Kulkarni on Vimeo.

4 days in the Amazon (Video)

This year was all about pushing boundaries and doing things for the first time. Reminds me of one of the previous Emirates Airlines advertising campaign messages 'When was the last time you did something for the first time'.

Insects, bugs, snakes, caimans, tarantulas, sloths- well just about anything one can find in the Amazon was not something I looked forward to by any means but when I was presented with the opportunity to go (even though it was a tad pricey), I jumped at it.

Here's a glimpse into our 4 days in the Amazon

Amazonas from Aarti Kulkarni on Vimeo.

Mama Cecilia and family

There's something to be said about people who open their homes and hearts to you and make you feel like a part of the family. I was unbelievably lucky to have someone like Jeanett in Bolivia and thought boy! those are large shoes to fill, but as always I was extremely fortunate to have been placed in another homestay with Cecilia, Lucresia, Daniel, darling little Gabriel and who can ever forget to mention the crazy pup (yeah right, he was like a horse!) Popeye.

Here's a shoutout to family Duncan for all the love