La Paz

Hello friends and family!
I know its been quite some time and many many adventures have been had! Currently I am working in a night club in La Paz,Bolivia and although will be leaving within the week to check out Santiago, Chile I have several job offers to return to if it doesnt work out in the south. I have made some amazing friends and truely love it but as things move on, so must I for the time being. I look forward to the last bit of nocturnal life before heading to Peru for a few days to visit a couple friends and then on down.
I must say La Paz is a one of a kind place with the snow covered mountain crowning the city bustling with a mix of indigenous spirit and urban culture. Fireworks and "silent" protests march daily and church bells remind you that someone is always awake. I find my peace of mind on the rooftop of a 200 year old building filled with textured wall paper, velvet maroon draperie, creepy paintings, gold trimmed mirrors and contrastingly enough: mohawks. My breathing eases as I have finally adjusted to the high altitude and we rejoice to see the last couple days of rainfall. Unfortunately Bolivia is at the verge of a major water crisis and we are all doing are part to conserve what we can.
Although I would love to continue to write, the sun is rising again and that means bedtime. I send my love and thanks for reading!

Y Estamos Aqui

Hola desde Bolivia!
These last days of adventure have brought me much joy! Although I would love to share everything my time is limited so I will share a little story from my time in San Pedro de Atacama in the Northern region of Chile.

Domingo por la manana aqilemos bicis por todo el dia. We embarked on a foot party of epic proportions through the beautiful valley, splashing our feet in streams and dancing in the most unusual red desert dust, the texture of which felt almost liquid--a powder so fine and soft our toes giggled with delight.
We discovered fossils and watched as a Shepard, his flock and wife criss-crossed the Paleocene stream from different view points at various levels of the valley. We explored a teal and white church atop a flattened hill and climbed drip castle-like hills. This valley is the convergence of two plate tectonics creating high mountain peaks that surround egg carton like hills as far as the eye can see.
"Y estamos aqui" the Shepard's wife said as she turned the bend in the brook and our star paths finally crossed. We nodded in agreement and continued on our exploration of the land. We ended our hike at the eye of the valley atop the highest peak as the sun kissed the land pink. We joined Gonzalo, our most hospitable Chilean friend for pisco colas, spaghetti, wonderful conversation and loads of laughter.

T-minus 3 Days

Wind carries the ash
from bon fires
from burnt hills
lifted and scattered
across clear skies
of perfect weather

Breeze carries the salt
from the ocean
from the memories
hold in hand
squeeze warm cheeks
of smile and laughter

Wings carry me
from there
from here
up and out
across land and sea
to Chile!

Johnson Creek Manor

First off, I just want to say thank you for reading my travel blurbs and I hope you enjoy them. Second: What is it you plan to do with your one wild and crazy life?

Secret gardens, gypsy chickens, and women working in the field are but cherries topping the loving energy of the people at the Johnson Creek Manor. Thank you Elora, Steve, Michelle and all the ladies! I cant express my gratitude enough!

The summer winds have brought me much fortune here at the Johnson Creek Manor. I taste the bittersweet transition from Portland, OR--breathtakingly lovely--to the next pin on the map--Santiago, Chile! Today I packed my bags for Thursday's train to the San Joaquin Valley and prepare to party as us Cancerians enter the zodiac. I relax into reality as the 15th quickly approaches and I look forward to family, friends, wine, and California surf. Until then celebrations and Portland living!
I'll keep you posted on the sequence of events leading up to and during my voyage, thanks again for reading.