The strangest thing I think I’ve ever eaten… smoked puffin breast at 3 Frakkar in Reykjavik
I’ve been traveling around central and eastern Europe for the past few weeks and getting my delicious fill of wiener schnitzel and goulash, but I’ve also been craving some of the Icelandic delights I had during my road trip a few weeks ago. The amazing fresh seafood and awesome lamb dishes were undeniably sumptuous, albeit a bit above my backpacker price range.
A portrait of Neruda on a wall outside his Santiago home
In Chile I had the pleasure of visiting the homes of the world’s classiest hoarder, Chilean Nobel Laureate Pablo Neruda. I’ve long loved his poetry (Ode to My Socks truly changed the way I view the world) but I didn’t know much about his private and political life until I visited experienced the Neruda Foundation museums.
Sitting by a 1,000 year old cactus on the Isla del Pescado in the Salar de Uyuni
I spent 64 days in Bolivia, far longer than I’d anticipated and a number sure to be unmatched by any other country on my trip. Nearly half of my time was spent in the Yungas and the rest was split between the area around La Paz and the southwest of the country. My average daily budget was $26, balancing splurges like the Mashaquipe Lodge with super cheap, nearly free days in Quime and Suri.
A plate of ceviche in Trujillo
Peru was the first country on my RTW and it made for an excellent start. I spent 24 days in the country and visited five major sites (Lima, Trujillo, Huaraz, Cusco and surroundings, Arequipa and surroundings). My average daily budget was US$50, although I definitely splurged during my time in Cusco on some of the nicer restaurants (Uchu is highly recommended!) and did a bit of shopping.
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A selection of Peruvian cheeses on display at the San Camilo Market
San Camilo Market in Arequipa is the oldest market in the city and is located just a few blocks from the Plaza de Armas. It’s a great place to stop in for a cheap lunch of ceviche and fresh juice, as well as a traditional queso helado on the second floor. Queso helado is a type of Peruvian ice cream, kind of a rich custard that can best be described at freezer-burnt vanilla ice cream, but in the best way possible.
I spent a Saturday afternoon walking around and marveling at the huge array of fruits, meats, and other goods available. They certainly do know how to butcher and use every part of an animal here!
A Yank without a Chain 