Women's "Must" Packing List for Backpacking

      While I was preparing for my first backpacking and extended trip abroad, I was overwhelmed with questions of what to pack with limited resources to help me find answers. I didn't know many people who had gone backpacking and I was packing for many different cities, climates, and experiences. I also wanted to stay looking presentable even when I was living out of a backpacking for 6 months.
               Here is my backpacking list for my fellow lady backpackers out there:

Me on the left in Peru with a new friend: sunglasses, headband, across the body zipup purse, black tank, jeans, and teds.

1. Backpack (obviously)
2. Packing cubes/ or bags- avoid plastic, they are too loud in hostel rooms if you have to pack or get your stuff while people are sleeping. You need these to keep your stuff organized because if you throw all of your stuff in there you are going to want to die when you are looking for your one top that is hidden under your book
3. Comfortable shoes- many backpackers wear walking shoes, I stuck with plain white teds that can be dressed up or down.
4. Clothes specific to the weather- this kind of depends on where you are going but for South America I had a raincoat, a plain jacket, and boots for colder weather (I was there during rainy season- definitely look into this).
5. Bathing suit- beaches, hot springs, rivers, etc.
6. Sunscreen-keep in mind in other parts of the world/altitudes the sun can be more strong
7. Flip-Flops- definitely a must for hostel living.
8. Fast drying towel
9. Scarf- I packed 2 and these were a life saver. They diversify your limited wardrobe, can be used to wrap around you when you're cold, can be used as a blanket, or even as something to lay on at the beach.  I used them for all four purposes and I picked 2 bright, solid colors which I am happy with because I didn't get tired of any busy pattern. 
10. Ipod/ music player- this is tricky because if you flash around ipods you have the risk of getting robbed. I bought a cheap used ipod for $35 on ebay which worked like a charm and I wouldn't be heartbroken if it was lost or stolen. While I was backpacking, I kept it in my bag almost at all times especially if I wasn't changing a song.
11. Travel alarm clock- it's better than having your phone out all night in the hostels
12. Vitamin-C- I had some emergency packets for anytime I felt my immune system wasn't as strong
13. Travel Tissues- Such a life-saver, a lot of bathrooms do not have toilet paper! 
14. Hand Sanitizer Wipes- I prefer these over the liquid but it's a must because many bathrooms also do not have handsoap while traveling, in my experience
15. Wrinkle Release Spray- I didn't use this too often but it came in handy when I needed it
16. A Good Book- for while you are in transit 
17. Knowledge of the Basic Words in the Local Language- they do not speak English everywhere, especially if you are by yourself and go into smaller towns you will probably reach some difficulties.
18. Copies of your Passport
19. Mini locks- for your bag while you are sleeping, people say that someone can just cut through it but I believe that most pickpockets are opportunistic
20. Normal Lock- for lockers to lock up your stuff in the hostel
21. Camera
22. Normal Toiletries
1. Shampoo/Conditioner 
2. Lotion
3. Body and Face Soap
4. Nail file/clippers
5. Toothbrush/Toothpaste/Floss
6. Q-tips
7. Feminine Products- warning: you might not be able to find what you use just anywhere (or any city)!
8. Deodorant
23. Make-up remover wipes- These were great for both after a night out and during long travels/bus rides to feel refreshed and keep my skin clear. 
24. Bigger Purse that zips and can go across your body- for while you are walking around/ gone for the whole day. You also want a purse that you can put in front of your body while you are walking so someone doesn't pick pocket you/ grab it
25. Smaller Purse that zips and can go across your body- I liked this one if I was going across the street really quick or to dinner or something. Same reasoning as the Bigger Purse.
26. Makeup/ Lip balm
27. Hair ties/ Headbands- headbands are also nice to mix up your hairstyle
28. Change purse- I liked using one of these because I felt like it looked like I wasn't caring a lot of money
29. Money belt- I was really resistant to this until I realized that if I lost my debit card I would be stuck in some city in South America with no money. Do it. Also don't put all of your valuables in one place.
30. Pepper Spray- I didn't feel unsafe once but I liked having it just in case.
31. Small Flashlight- lifesaver in hostel rooms when you come into the room after people are sleeping!
32. PJ's you're going to be comfortable being seen in- one word: hostel
33. Clothes-wise- I packed clothes that were plain and could be dressed up or down. Leggings are a must, in my opinion, for long travel days. Things I packed: a plain cotton floral dress, a long white shirt, nude tank for layering, jeans, a long sleeve boy-style button up, black sweater dress, plain black tank, grey shirt/dress. For going out/dinner: two plain black dresses, black tights, and black flats.
34. Exercise shoes- great for if you are going on a trek or feel like getting some exercise
35. Journal and Pen- great to write down addresses (of hostels), names of people you meet, track the money you are spending, etc.
36. Room for Souvenirs- Believe me, you're going to want to buy stuff 

(more continued under picture)

long white shirt with nude tank under, leggings, scarf, cross the body zip up purse, earrings I bought in Ecuador, and a side of a largeee water bottle (backpackers' accessory)

Optional: 

1.  Vaseline- I packed this and I loved it for the long travels because my cuticles would be really dry (which I am sure is because of the weather) but I would recommend Vaseline or at least hand lotion!

Don't Bring:

1. Expensive Jewelry-1. it makes you a target 2. if you lose it or it gets stolen you're going to be heart broken. I only packed a couple pieces which I thought was fine.
2. Hair blow dryer, straightener, curler- I didn't see anyone use one of these while I was backpacking and most likely you aren't going to be able to use it because the voltage won't be right (which is what happened to me, complete waste of space and weight)

 

Political Awareness in Buenos Aires

Buenos Aires, Argentina

I'm in there somewhere!

          Since I have been in South America, I have developed many new perspectives and different ways at looking at things. Now that I have been here for over four months, I feel like I will be returning to the United States with more maturity and perspective than when I left.
         Argentines are extremely political and have demonstrations almost on a daily basis. Though Argentina is currently having political problems, I think it is great to see so many people so passionate about politics and making their country their own and reflective of their beliefs. It is impossible to describe the unforgettable experience of the demonstrations in Argentina through words, videos, or pictures. The political action of Argentines starkly contrasts the political involvement in the United States, where people involved in demonstrations are seen as "strange" or radical. The first demonstration I experienced was reported of having 2 million people that day.

       On a political note, I have been learning a lot about the disappeared people in Argentina during the military dictatorship. It happened as recently as the early 1980's and it is estimated that close to 30,000 people "disappeared" from the 1970's-1980's. The Argentine government was "combating" communism so it acted to kidnap and create fear among the people to derail communist manifestations. Examples of people who could be kidnapped were people who had political beliefs, teachers in the villas, and pregnant women. These people were kidnapped, tortured, and killed. Most of the people were dropped into the ocean alive to erase the evidence of the crimes that had been committed. This was a time where the people were afraid of their policy meant to protect them.
          Learning about the disappeared has given me a whole new appreciation for the police force that I grew up with, where I have always felt secure in my ability to turn to. Historically, Argentines have not had this type of confidence in their police, and still do not really today. Police officers here will often not do anything if someone is mugged or will whistle at a woman walking by.This is a problem due to lack of incentives and structure in the police force, and so on.
      My main point is, however, that today while i was learning more about the disappeared during the dictatorship, I realized that this was a  part of the global "fight against communism," and I asked my Professor if any countries had supported the Argentine government during this time where they declared their "civil war"(not justly a war because no one was fighting back) against their people. She then answered that the United States had given major funding to the Argentine government and that Argentine military men were taken to military school in the United States and France where they were trained their torture techniques. At this moment, I flushed because I have never felt this sort of shame of being from the United States. Communism is not an "evil" force and there is no reason that we should have supported them. I feel ashamed because I did not know about that and because, though I wasn't born at the time, I feel we need to be more part of our government because it is our responsibility to try to have our government in accordance to our fundamental ideals, at least the best we can. We can not live ignorant from what our government is doing and then take no responsibility when it does things that are completely wrong and unethical. I know I am not the model citizen of political involvement but I believe we can start by being more educated about what is going on, which I have been trying to do. If we all are more aware and speak up when we do not agree with something, we will be putting our efforts towards continuous growth and just checks on the government, which can apply to every country.

Pictures of Mendoza, Santiago, Vina Del Mar, and Valparaiso

Here are some pictures from my Spring Break


Viña Del Mar, Chile

Valparaíso, Chile 

 

Santiago, Chile

 views of Santiago from San Cristobal Hill-
      San Cristobal Hill is a place where many Chileans go to the top very often! There are tons of bikers and walkers going up at all times! When you get to the top it's nice to enjoy a nice Mote con Huesillo.

Wine Tasting in Mendoza, Argentina

Catching up

Hi followers!
 I am sorry I´ve been so bad at posting, I am really going to try to post more but I think when I got to Buenos Aires I had so much to get accustomed to and then there was too much to write about! Right now I am going to write about my Spring break which I am just finishing.

I went to Mendoza really quick but I didn't do very much because I had to finish my paper that was due during Spring break.
The highlight of Mendoza was this:
I went to the bus station from my hostel to buy my ticket for Santiago and then I accidentally went on the bus going the opposite direction (or something like that) to try to get back to my hostel. To the bus station it was only about a 15 minute bus ride but after about 40 minutes went by I was just thinking "I´ve been paying attention.. the stop has to be soon since I've been on the bus for so long!" We were in the middle of the country outside of the main center of Mendoza (which is the touristy area) and I was looking around very confused. Then, about an hour into the ride we stopped at this little place in the middle of the country where they park the buses when they aren't active and everyone got off the bus. I went to the driver and I explained that I don't think we passed my stop and then he told me I went on the wrong bus. The two drivers that were there told me we were very far from my hostel, so I couldn't really walk. So then one of the drivers said he could drive me home in his own car on the way home if I waited until he got off work for about a half hour. I didn't have very many options so I was just hanging out at this little bus station with these two drivers, quite the adventure. But I got home safe and sound after he drove me about 30 minutes home!

After I finally finished my paper me and my two friends from my program got on our bus to Santiago. The travel was quite the adventure because we were stuck at the border for 4 hours because these three ladies were trying to bring about 10 bags of carne through. There was tons of bus drama in Spanish and almost fights with these ladies but we made it.

 In Santiago, we met a group of four who were our roommates from France who were backpacking through who were cool. They were really the first group I had met from France while backpacking, so it was interesting! French is a very pretty language, maybe I´ll learn a little after I finish learning Spanish some day!
    Most of the time while I was in Santiago I hungout with my friends from Santiago who I had met in Cusco. The first real night we had they picked us up and we all hungout and caught up. Another night, I went to one of their friend's house and I met a bunch more Chileans. They all looked so classy because everyone was really well dressed and then they would come in and kiss everyone on the cheek(including me even though they had no idea who I was) which I love, but I am totally not used to it and I am kindof awkward. The next days I hungout with my two best chilean friends and they took me to see Valparaiso and Vina del Mar which was so fun. They are right next to eachother about an hour and a half away from Santiago.Vina del Mar is a vacation beach town and Valparaiso is an arsty town full of graffiti and character. One of my friends drove and we went to a nice three course seafood place in Vina del Mar and I tried the classic Chilean fish soup which was reallyy delicioso. Vina del Mar is so pretty and they told me that's where they usually go during the summer, I wish I could be here to go!  After, we checked into our hostel and walked around Valparaiso and it was interesting all the beautiful graffiti they had covering every street. Valparaiso is hilly, like San Francisco, and very colorful. My friends made me dinner and got a nice bottle of wine and it was a really fun night. They are so funny, I really always enjoy my time with them!
  The next day, I met one of my friend's grandmother who lives in Valparaiso and she lives in a classic looking beautiful house with an open center. My friend told me his uncles live upstairs from her, which is very common in Chile, and other Latin countries. I thought that that was so nice, because she is always surrounded by her family and they take care of her. I love when cultures are family oriented and take care of their parents and grandparents. Even him visiting her I thought was a little unlike what it would be like in the United States, but I think that is a great quality of Chilean culture. She brought us tons of treats and coffee and sandwiches and his uncle was there with her.
   I was supposed to leave that day in the afternoon but the border was closed and there is a long distance bus strike in Buenos Aires so I couldn't. I went to the bus station the next day and returned my ticket and got a ticket to Mendoza so I would at least be about 10 hours (including the border) closer to home in Buenos Aires. I then spent the rest of the day walking around Santiago because it was an absolutely beautiful and sunny day out. I went to the Museo de Bellas Artes and walked up San Cristobal Hill for the second time this trip. San Cristobal Hill has a view of all of Santiago and it is very popular for Chileans to go up all the time. Two of my friends from Santiago bike up there almost everyday! When I was walking around Santiago I was just thinking about how much I love it there. I don't know what makes it so different from Buenos Aires but I really love it. People keep on asking me what my favorite city is that I have visited which I can never answer because each one of them is so different and unique. I do really love Peru but Santiago is the only city I've visited that I could actually see myself living in. The only thing is that it is very expensive! My friends came to say bye to me yesterday and one of them is for sure visiting me in Buenos Aires in a few weeks but the other ones might not. I unexpectantly felt really sad because I realized I had no idea when or even if I would ever see them again. I really love them all and they are great people, but I guess that is something that comes with traveling! One of them walked me to my busand I gave both of them huge hugs goodbye. I will always have a special place in my heart for Chile
 Now I am back in Mendoza, waiting for the bus strike to end. 

Santiago and Mendoza

Santiago, Chile

Centro

  At the bus station in Santiago there was the English guy I had met on my tour and I met another English couple at the bus station and we all ended up staying at the same hostel. I then spent the day walking around the main centro with the couple from England. The centro has a European feel and has many people playing chess and spending the day there. Santiago really made me feel the South American summer because it was so hot and I did not have any clothes for the warm weather!

Hula Hooper

   In Chile, there are many street performers that will perform while cars are stopped at a stop light and then will go around and see if anyone will give them a few dollars. It's pretty entertaining and I've never seen anything like it. I've seen stunts, hula hooping, jugglers, and tricks with fire!

     The next day I saw the changing of the guards ceremony for the first time which I thought was really interesting since we don't have anything like it in the United States. I realized at this time that I think when someone is traveling it is very important to not view everything in ethnocentric manner. In my opinion, this means to be present in the country you are visiting and try to not compare things to home because I do not think it should be a competition. Cultures are different, no one is better than an other and that's what makes the world so interesting to travel. I heard someone compare the changing of the guards to his country's changing of the guards and he said how disappointed he was and so on (this is just one example I have heard these types of comments many times), and I think that is the kind of situation to take a step back and appreciate the culture's differences. Just the anthropology major in me speaking. But, I also gained an appreciation for traveling alone because I think it would be very hard to find the perfect travel partner and someone who wants to get all the same things out of the culture as you and do all the same things as you. I love the freedom of traveling alone because I could spend a day with someone doing something but the next day if I want to do something that person doesn't I am free to without feeling guilty.

View from San Cristobal Hill

At the top of San Cristobal Hill

Top of San Cristobal Hill

Mote de Huesillo

    So after I spent the morning getting lost with this English man from my tour who would not accept that the museum was not where is tour guide book said it was, I decided I was ready to meet up with my friend from Santiago who I had met in Mancora, Peru. My friend showed me around Santiago and took me to San Cristobal Hill and told me to try a popular drink in Chile called Mote de Huesillo. Mote de Huesillo is made with a grain and cooked peaches. There are little stands all over Santiago selling Mote de Huesillo, it's pretty sweet but it was definitely refreshing in the Santiago summer heat. After, we went to help my friends friend buy stuff for his apartment and then we had a typical Chilean late dinner at almost 11 of eggs and bread.  Being shown around Santiago by a local was so cool and fun and I definitely think this day will be a day I will never forget.
   The next day I walked back to Providencia, through Barrio Lastarria and the many parks in Santiago, which is really pretty. The parks are full of people laying in them and enjoying ice cream and eachother's company.I think there is a lot you can appreciate when getting lost in a city. This was the day that I fell in love with Santiago. Santiago reminds me of a pretty clean and upscale part of northeastern city.
    At night, I went to the Venezuelan couple from San Pedro de Atacama's apartment and spent the evening with them, the Brazilians I met in San Pedro, and their other Venezuelan friends. We spent the evening talking and they told me all about Venezuela and Dubai (which is where they are moving to). Venezuela has more of a Carribbean vibe apparently and Salsa is very popular there. There, I tried Choripan for the first time which is a small thick sausage with bread. It was really good!

Mendoza, Argentina

Wine Country

    The next day was my last day in Santiago which I also spent just walking around and enjoying the town and then I was headed to Mendoza for a day. At my hostel before I left for Mendoza I met a few Israeli soldiers who were also headed to Mendoza so I shared a cab with them and met up with them in Mendoza. I spent the day walking around the town of Mendoza with them and their girl friends from Israel and we made fried rice with chicken for lunch. It was a really quick trip and I definitely want to go back because I had to leave that night for Buenos Aires!

San Pedro de Atacama

San Pedro de Atacama, Chile

     I left Cusco on a bus on Wednesday at 8pm then got to Arequipa and then went to Tacna, crossed the border in a car, then took a bus to Calama and then San Pedro de Atacama and finally got there at about 10 am two days later on Friday.

   I was pretty tired on Friday but I spent the day wandering around San Pedro de Atacama and checking out the little town. San Pedro de Atacama is really a tourist town that does not have very much to do other than go on tours to the surrounding areas, which is abundant with different facinating things to see. San Pedro de Atacama is an adobe town in the middle of the desert surrounded by volcanos. I think San Pedro is definitely a nice place to visit for a couple days, but a couple days is enough time. It was extremely hot there and in the summer (which is the season in Chile right now) the sun sets very late. It was a very unique town to check out and walk around!

     I chose to take tours to the Geysers and to Laguna Cejar. For the Geyser tour we had to wake up at 330 in the morning and we got there before the sun rose. The Geysers were interesting and we had a really good tour guide. We saw a bunch of animals which was really cool and we went to the hot springs.

squirrel tail

I don't remember the name of it but we saw an animal that had the ears of a rabbit and the tail of a squirrel. It is my new favorite animal, it was so funny! The views on drive back of the volcanoes were amazing and we stopped in a tiny town for some really good empanadas!

Laguna Cejar

Friends from Venezuela, Brazil, and Chile

    The same day, after a quick nap I went to the tour of Laguna Cejar. Laguna Cejar has so much salt that you float on the surface which I think is a lot cooler than it sounds. It was so fun just floating there and relaxing in the water. The water has so much salt that when you get out you're completely white because you have so much salt on you. Everyone was also giving themselves a natural mudbath and covering themselves with mud which I learned is skin rejuvenating. Between the Laguna and the mudbath it was a really fun and relaxing trip! On my tour, I met a couple from Venezuela that is living in Santiago and two boys that are my age from Brazil and we all went to dinner after our tour was over. The couple from Venezuela are engineers and extremely warm people. Dinner was really fun and interesting because we were talking about different aspects of our cultures and countries like our education and university systems. I really enjoyed my time with them and we were all going to be in Santiago on Monday so we made plans to meet up there for a BBQ.

  I felt I had spent enough time in San Pedro de Atacama by the next day and I just hungout and then I was off on my next bus to Santiago at 2pm!