2012 December Algeria

 Algeria

 I was planning to go there for more than a year as I am working for a company which has a business there. In November, we started  applying for my business visa to Algeria. It took more than 3 weeks but I got it. My flight was from Gatwick to Hassi Messaoud. 3 hours flight passed quickly for me. I saw another plane somewhere on the horizon. All the way, it was cloudy but when we were above Algeria I saw the desert. Near our destination I saw the oil rigs. The airport is a small one but the board control is very scrupulous. The road leading to our base is safe but there are police check points. They told me that the area is quite safe but I can’t go outside alone. J One day, I visited the town, we took a circus road. Everywhere you will find defending walls, all companies located here have own guards and the desert is really dirty, a lot of rubbish are near the road. I was travelling only nearby the town, probably a little bit further the desert is nicer. Around there are oil rigs and you can see the fire and fumes from here. During the day the temperature is around 18 or 22 degrees but nights are very cold, even freezing cold. Near the road there are small ‘shops’.  Maybe next time I will be able to show something more about this amazing experience.

Shop

2012 November Malta

Last Saturday was a very nice day. I decided to use my voucher for 20 minutes flight on a powered paraglider. The company is near the gate no 4 at the Luga airport. They provided a helmet, overalls and gloves. My camera was tied to a safety belt and we were waiting for ‘a green light’ to take off.
I was sitting behind the instructor. Everything was ok and during the flight I was enjoying views. There were only few situations when my hands were searching for something to grab, but there wasn't anything. We saw Dingli cliffs where we did few circles and returned to the airport. Landing was pretty and easy. I always wanted to try it and I know that for me a plane is a better mean of air tranport, especially when you have the chance to steer it.

 

18th October Peru (Lima)

We spent all day in Lima.
We decided to take a bus to the old town where we booked our hostel.
Unfortunately, the buses were fully packed and with our equipment it would be hard to get in. I know that local people managed but we were afraid so we took a taxi.

You need to be patient when it comes to taxi. The prices were different and usually much higher than they should be at first. We were in a hurry to meet with our friend so our price was 23 Soles. We were told it should be between 15 and 20.

We left our baggage in our hostel and took another taxi to Miraflores. It was good fun for me negotiating with taxi drivers. The highest price was 25 Soles and we paid 8 Soles. A good price is 10 Soles.

With our friend we walked and spent good time in this modern area. One could paraglide there, 10 min. 150 Soles.

Around 3pm we went by bus (1 Sole each) to the old town where we walked and enjoyed our last day.
Apart of what many people said about Lima I felt really safe there. The old town is a historical and very nice place. Every day at midday before the palace there is a guard change. Near the post office you can buy the old bank notes from Peru and souvenirs. Negotiating prices is something what you can practice here.

It was our last day and the end of this amazing holidays.

17th October Easter Island - Peru (Lima)

It was our last day on Easter Island. The owner of the camping site allowed us to leave our baggage in the tent till 4pm. We went shopping and to see Ana Kai Tangata - petroglyphs near the airport.
It wasn't anything special but close to the town. We exchanged cash in Santander Bank. There are two banks but they told us that this one have a better exchange rate. In the port we saw a turtle eating fish
on the small beach -a nice view. I decided to go snoorkelling in the port close to the town centre. Local people told us that between 5 and 6 pm there should be many tourtles. Maybe, I'am a lucky guy because I was there at 2 pm and I saw many of them.
Close to the bank the water was dirty and I couldn't sea anything but further I saw five or more turtles. As usual, they impressed me.
We were at the airport at 4 pm and the best option would be to drop your baggage and go to the town for an hour. At the airport there is nothing to do and the town is 10 min walk away.
Now we are once more in Lima.
One day for shopping and soon going home.