Two Beers and a Pretzel

I am totally out of money.  Oh, there’s plenty in the bank – they just won’t let me get it.  In Cusco I took out a bit more than my daily maximum, and the bank system must have flagged my account.  I had to borrow 300 Peruvian Soles from Ronan (a guy we met in Cusco on St. Paddy’s Day).  I tried Skyping the bank today, but they couldn’t hear me – even though I had no trouble talking to Ingrid back in Holland earlier that day.  I’ll call them tomorrow morning from Miami.

Yesterday Darryl, myself and Ronan all went to a Futbol game in the Peru Premier League.  Alianza Lima versus Universitario.  Picked up some front row tickets from a scalper for about $25 each.  It gave me flashbacks of the Boca – San Lorenzo game 3 months ago.  This wasn’t as good of a game, and Alianza lost 1-0.

A little later tonight I’ll be catching a flight to Miami, then tomorrow morning a connection to LA.  I can’t believe I’m finally leaving America del Sur.

My top 5 in Latin America:

1) The absolue highlight so far was Machu Picchu…  no question – but don’t just go there by bus, you need to hike the trail to make you feel like you really deserve it.

2) Iguasu Falls with Rafa.

3) Costa Rica with Ingrid and Erin – especially the Arenal Volcano and the Tabacon Spa. (I know, all the guys want to see another pic of Ingrid…  well scroll back about 80 posts…)

4) Spending time with my uncle and his family in Brazil…  Hi Julia!!!

5) The near mugging in Buenos Aires – my best story to share.

This is far from a comprehensive list, as there are simply too many experiences to rank, so if anyone is reading this and feels leftout, go ahead and leave a comment…

I’ll try to tally up my spending to give people an idea of what it takes to spend 4 months turing Central and South America.  My first guess is that it was close to $8500 including flights.