Searching for Waterfalls near Tanti, Argentina Thorny bushes bite and claw at my legs as we make our way down the arduous hiking trail in Reserva Cerro Blanco. I can't take my eyes off of the ground. Rich in minerals and spotted in quartz, marble and silver. It literally sparkles. Sweat is pooling in the lining of my hat and I stop to swipe at my forehead. I hear rushing … [Read more...]
Sandboarding Atacama Desert in Chile – from Alex’s Adventure Diaries
My thighs burn as I trudge up the steep sand dune and squint into the blaring sun. Mimicking Mads, I hold my board across my shoulders and focus on stepping on the almost invisible path. Looking toward the crest of the hill, I mechanically order my legs to move forward one leg at a time. How the hell do people run up these in movies? Reaching the top, I take a moment to bury … [Read more...]
Mountain Biking Death Road, Bolivia – from Alex’s Adventure Diaries
What Did I Get Myself Into!?! I see a few rocks falling down the mountainside towards me and my heart rate picks up speed. I could actually die here. Working my bike through the mudslide, I understand why the van that was supposed to follow us for emergencies, had to go back and meet us at the end. I flex my ice-cold wet fingers as best as I can and alternate taking them … [Read more...]
Cartagena the Beautiful
I was born in Cartagena, Colombia. I lived there until I was eight years old, when my father decided to pursue his Masters in Engineering at UBC and we packed up and relocated to Vancouver. We wound up in Winnipeg shortly after, and I lived there for many years. The city, flaws and all, somehow wormed its way into my heart, reluctant as I was to allow it. I have … [Read more...]