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Zesty and spirited, yet calm and extremely tolerant of others. I am an open-minded person who loves listening to and learning from others. I crave adventure and am at my happiest when travelling, taking in first-hand the country and it´s people.
- Hometown
Colne, Lancashire, England
- Location now
England
- Work published
In local newspapers, university newspaper and also in a South African lifestyle magazine. I have also contrubuted stories on the BBC World Service´s World Today Programme.
- Travel philosophy
Travelling is the best way of learning.
- Craziest place
The Amazon Jungle. Incredible and somewhat crazy at the same time. The vastness and power of the rainforest is profound. Camping in the jungle overnight was probably one of the scariest and craziest things I have ever done, but also one of the best. Sleeping in a hammock, under a star-filled sky, surrounded by nature and wildlife (including jaguars and snakes!) isn´t something you get to experience everyday!!
- Bizarre experience
Ending up at a random festival in France (Bayonne Festival) that I didn´t know was taking place and had no idea what it was about. Everyone was dresed in white clothes with red neck ties around their necks. (My friend and I were the only people not in this attire!) Bull fighting, fireworks, street music and lots of dancing were just some of the festivities taking place. The most bizzare thing about the festival was the ritual of drinking a concoction of Coca Cola and red wine and spitting it at each other. We made friends with a bunch of French people, who took us under their wing and showed us the Bayonne way of partying until sunrise! A bizarre experience but one of my most memorable.
- Advice
General - Learn some of the local language and also a bit about the history and local customs. Not only does it show a tremendous amount of respect for the people, it is also an invaluable tool of conversation, whether just ordering food in a cafe or having a debate in a local bar. Practical - Take some rehydration sachets and anti-diorreah tablets. They are invaluable. You WILL get ill at some point.
- Dream destination
Such a difficult question!!! So many places in the world I dream of visiting. At present, it is Colombia. The reason? I've heard so many fascinating stories about the wonderful people. Would also like to learn more about the political situation and history of the country.
- Traveled before
I have travelled extensively around Europe, including spending some time interrailing and also a year living in Germany. In recent years I have also taken backpacking and holiday trips to USA, Asia (Vietnam and Cambodia), South Africa and most recently Brazil and Argentina.
- Going next
I am travelling around Argentina and Chile - mainly Patagonia, then off to Bolivia and Peru. Who knows after that....
Catherine Ellis's Guide Book Entries
Info
Services
Sep 09, 2008 - Tupiza, BoliviaThere is no formal tourism office in Tupiza. Most tour operators have information about the town and provide maps. Or, ......
Read MoreSafety
Sep 09, 2008 - Tupiza, BoliviaTupiza is generally regarded to be a safe town. Take the usual precautions when walking alone at night or in ......
Read MoreGetting to and away
Sep 09, 2008 - Tupiza, BoliviaBus or Jeep The bus terminal is on Avenida Pedro Arraya, a few blocks from the center of town. It is ......
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Hotels
Hostal Valle Hermoso
Sep 09, 2008 - Tupiza, BoliviaValle Hermoso is an HI hostel conveniently located only a few meters from the bus and train stations. The hostal ......
Read MoreMacuquina Dora Hotel
Sep 08, 2008 - Potosí, BoliviaThe Macuquina Dora hotel is in the center of town, close to restaurants, bars and other useful amenities. The rooms ......
Read MoreHotel Libertador
Sep 07, 2008 - Potosí, BoliviaRooms at Hotel Libertador are spacious and bright. Plus, the hotel offers fantastic views of Cerro Rico as well the convent and ......
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Restaurants
Cherry´s Salon de Te
Sep 08, 2008 - Potosí, BoliviaCherry's is a small and quiet tea room in the center of town. Open early in the morning, it’s the ......
Read MoreLa Plata Café
Sep 08, 2008 - Potosí, BoliviaLa Plata is a stylish café on the main plaza that is perfect for lunch or an afternoon treat. This upmarket ......
Read MoreEl Fogon
Sep 08, 2008 - Potosí, BoliviaThis central restaurant in the old town is long-standing favorite with Potosí visitors. It has a good range of international ......
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Activities
Triathlon tours
Sep 09, 2008 - Tupiza, BoliviaTriathlon tours to the red canyons and breathtaking mountains are perfect for adrenaline junkies and/or anyone wanting to explore the ......
Read MoreSalar de Uyuni
Sep 09, 2008 - Tupiza, BoliviaAlthough Uyuni is the principal starting point for tours to the Salt Flats, many tour agencies also offer the trip ......
Read MoreIglesia de la Merced
Sep 09, 2008 - Potosí, BoliviaThis restored church was originally built in 1555 and completed in 1580, and further renovation took place in the following ......
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Tours
El Gran de Oro
Sep 09, 2008 - Tupiza, BoliviaEl Gran de Oro is a relatively new, family-run agency that comes highly recommended for their personal and friendly service. ......
Read MoreValle Hermoso
Sep 09, 2008 - Tupiza, BoliviaValle Hermoso offer a range of exciting tours for visitors to Tupiza. As well as the standard horseback riding and ......
Read MoreTupiza Tours
Sep 09, 2008 - Tupiza, BoliviaTupiza tours is popular with backpackers looking for adventure-filled trips at decent prices. Guides are knowledgeable and friendly, some speak ......
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Services
Shopping
Sep 06, 2008 - Potosí, BoliviaPotosí is a good place to purchase jewelery, silver, tin products and local handicrafts at reasonable prices. Many of the ......
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