Signage are very important, especially for travelers in a foreign land. They provide information, humour, inspiration and creativity.
Here are some that caught my eye on my travels…
Reminders:
Heart – written in Traditional Chinese
Sifting through my receipts and ticket stubs from my 2013 Epic Journey, I came across my movie ticket for “Life of Pi”. This little piece of paper triggered a landslide of memories and emotions…
It was February 5, 2013 – I had just arrived in the city of Valdivia from Puerto Varas in Chile. The last time I was in a town or city with a McDonald’s restaurant was Buenos Aires, Argentina on December 25, 2012. Within that time I had been to Ushuaia, Falklands, South Georgia Islands, Antarctic Peninsula, Ushuaia, El Calafate, El Chalten, Puerto Natales, Navimag, Puerto Montt, Chiloe islands, Puertos Varas, Frutillar and Ralun – they are all local and authentic to their location. However, that is at least 43 days without “city life” experiences, exposure to traditional North American style fast food, shopping malls or a movie on a big screen inside a movie theatre.
When I was traveling on the Navimag in early 2013, I was able to capture some photos that featured the pristine landscape Chile has to offer.
Coastline of Chile
In early 2013, after my short stay in El Calafate with a hike on the Perito Moreno glacier and a day trip to Cerro Fitz Roy, I headed to Puerto Natales on the bus with my new friends to board the Navimag. The Navimag operates ferries which are modified cargo ships that travel between Puerto Natales (in the South) and Puerto Montt (in the North) of Chile. It is the quickest and easiest way to traverse between the Lake region and Patagonia – aside from getting on an airplane.
View of Navimag in Puerto Natales, Chile
Karen Sze – Single Woman hitch hiking in Chile
On my second last day in Puerto Varas, Chile (Feb 2 2013) – I woke up with my mind and heart set on discovering a little known natural hot spring called Termas de Ralún and visiting the Saltos del Petrohue (Petrohue waterfalls). There was a brief mention of the hot spring in my copy of The Rough Guide to Chile. The hot spring is on the northeastern shore of the Petrohue river and borders the Vicente Perez Rosales National Park. Any time I hear or read about hot springs and spas – I want to go!! Let alone, this one is completely set within a forest and without any infrastructure.
How cool is that!? A real natural hot spring. Free of charge. No big crowds. A hidden gem!! I was super excited that morning. Continue reading
Volcanoes are both creative and destructive at the same time. Beautiful from afar. Great for a nice hike – challenging at times.
When I traveled to Chile in 2013, I heard there are active volcanoes in Chile – I got excited. Then when I heard that I can hike up one, I got even more excited!! The volcano I am talking about is the Osorno volcano. It is considered one of the most active volcanoes.
The first time I got a good view of the volcano was across from Lake Llanquihue in Puerto Varas. Continue reading
Many unexpected, random things happen to me when I travel as a single woman. Seriously. I don’t know how or why but they just happen.
While wandering the streets of Puerto Varas in Chile in early 2013, I saw a family of 4 taking photos along the waterfront. I walked up to them and offered to take their family photo. What happened the rest of the day was like a fairy tale.
Originally my plan for the day was to explore the city of Puerto Varas and then hop onto a bus and travel to a nearby town called Frutillar – on my own. At the end of the day, I was very happy and grateful that nothing happened as planned. Continue reading
Many people dream of lying on a sunny beach for vacation. Especially during the winter season in Canada.
However, I am an odd ball. I have never taken an all-inclusive vacation. I have never done a “Winter escape”. I have never spent more than just a couple hours sitting around at a beach. Maybe it’s because I get restless. Maybe because I overheat to fast. Maybe I tan too easily and forget to use sunblock.
Then there was this beach… when I was on Easter Island (Rapa Nui), Chile. After lunch with new friends, I rented an umbrella and took a quick nap. Felt the breeze. Scents of the near by family barbeques. Sound of waves crashing near by. Sands between my toes. Continue reading
It’s snowing outside right now in Toronto, Canada. The Polar vortex has come back for another visit and the roads are a slushy mess!
This morning what I crave is some fresh fish. I love seafood. Lobster. Fish. Oysters. Clams. Mussels. Shrimps. Abalone. Crabs. You name it – I want them all if possible!
I don’t even want them overly spiced or flavoured. I enjoy them au naturel – maybe just a pinch of salt to bring out the flavour. Continue reading
Life is like a wave, ride it.
Surfer riding a wave at sunset in Rapa Nui (Easter island) Chile during 2013 Tapati festival.
Single Woman Travels! 