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Now Ye're Talking - to a woman travelling South America
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Its interesting to hear your experience of the sexism, I know it is a fair few years behind what we consider acceptable here in a lot of areas, but my wife and I travelled as a couple and I guess I insulated her from a lot of that attention? Our paleness did make us stand out in a few regions thoughThank you for your question
Disclaimer - I arrived in July, it was my first country and it was freezing with 0 travellers. So my view may be tainted.
But.
I have never felt so objectified.
Women would not look me in the eye.
Men would stop what they were doing to make kissing noises or clap. It didnt matter how old they were, if they were in a group or solo, a suit or a construction worker.
Nor did it matter what I wore or what I did, eye contact or ignore them. I sat in cafes and watched local women, got the same attention.
Worst was at an intersection. A boy racer car slowed beside me and the passenger was jeering out the window at me. The lights changed green and the car sped off but the paasenger was so far out the window shouting that he lost balance and fell out of the car.
1 Argentine woman dies by domestic voilence every 23h
Every city was the same. I couldn't connect with locals.
Countries change massively as do locals. Bolivians are harshest, Colombians and Brazilians friendliest.
Machoism is everywhere.
I would LOVE to venture off the gringo trail more as I believe thats where the good stuff is but as a single white female it is just not safe. Male travellers have the benefit in that regard.
I hit up local coffee ahops and meet locals. They always know best. I never travel by a Lonely Planet instead go by other travellers advice. But only travellers I know I am similar to.
I avoid the irish party hostels like the PLAGUE.
Whaaaat? Whats the point in going all the way to South America if you cant wear your county colours, pay 12$ for a can of Guinness and have a curry chips?
Bolivia was a highlight for me. I know your not going to go back to alter your journey based on a random guy from the internet, but I sort of enjoyed how unprepared for tourism it was (we are talking 8 years ago)
I was regularly told that bustling restaurants in small towns had "no food" because they just didn't want gringos there stinking up the place I guess....sometimes I persisted and a conversation and common ground (I did pretend to be a Susan Boyle fan in Uyuini ) meant they then went OTT in their service!
But for a quickfire lesson in geography, colonism and native history, Boliva condenses a hell of a lot in there!
Paraty was amazing, we spent 10 or 12 days there when we had only planned to spend 2 or 3. I particulary remember a crazy journey from Sao Paulo via some place called Ubatuba (another bigger but very colonial style town) great surfing and swam with turtles.
On days like this when its -6 its nice to reflect on those peaceful days with zero responsibility except where we can get a nice cool beer from.0 -
How are you financing your expedition?
What did your folks say when you mentioned you were going to travel alone in SA?
Do you not feel guilty that you’re not at home saving for a mortgage, settling down with kids and all that nonsense?
Apart from friends and family, what are you missing from home?
What’s been your food highlights in SA?
Good luck to you, well done for doing it! 0 -
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Walking with guys changes everything and I always opt for it. Its better if girls are with foreign guys, if you are with a local guy its assumed you like the attention and you are treated like more of a "prize". The claps and whistles stop but the stares intensify (if possible!)
Its interesting to hear your experience of the sexism, I know it is a fair few years behind what we consider acceptable here in a lot of areas, but my wife and I travelled as a couple and I guess I insulated her from a lot of that attention? Our paleness did make us stand out in a few regions thoughThank you for your question
Disclaimer - I arrived in July, it was my first country and it was freezing with 0 travellers. So my view may be tainted.
But.
I have never felt so objectified.
Women would not look me in the eye.
Men would stop what they were doing to make kissing noises or clap. It didnt matter how old they were, if they were in a group or solo, a suit or a construction worker.
Nor did it matter what I wore or what I did, eye contact or ignore them. I sat in cafes and watched local women, got the same attention.
Worst was at an intersection. A boy racer car slowed beside me and the passenger was jeering out the window at me. The lights changed green and the car sped off but the paasenger was so far out the window shouting that he lost balance and fell out of the car.
1 Argentine woman dies by domestic voilence every 23h
Every city was the same. I couldn't connect with locals.
Countries change massively as do locals. Bolivians are harshest, Colombians and Brazilians friendliest.
Machoism is everywhere.I would LOVE to venture off the gringo trail more as I believe thats where the good stuff is but as a single white female it is just not safe. Male travellers have the benefit in that regard.
I hit up local coffee ahops and meet locals. They always know best. I never travel by a Lonely Planet instead go by other travellers advice. But only travellers I know I am similar to.
I avoid the irish party hostels like the PLAGUE.
Whaaaat? Whats the point in going all the way to South America if you cant wear your county colours, pay 12$ for a can of Guinness and have a curry chips?
Bolivia was a highlight for me. I know your not going to go back to alter your journey based on a random guy from the internet, but I sort of enjoyed how unprepared for tourism it was (we are talking 8 years ago)
I was regularly told that bustling restaurants in small towns had "no food" because they just didn't want gringos there stinking up the place I guess....sometimes I persisted and a conversation and common ground (I did pretend to be a Susan Boyle fan in Uyuini ) meant they then went OTT in their service!
But for a quickfire lesson in geography, colonism and native history, Boliva condenses a hell of a lot in there!
Paraty was amazing, we spent 10 or 12 days there when we had only planned to spend 2 or 3. I particulary remember a crazy journey from Sao Paulo via some place called Ubatuba (another bigger but very colonial style town) great surfing and swam with turtles.
On days like this when its -6 its nice to reflect on those peaceful days with zero responsibility except where we can get a nice cool beer from.
I did 5 weeks in Bolivia and I liked it but so far it has been the hardest country to travel without fail. Everything is just a little bit more corrupt than everywhere else but Im not even sure if the locals know it so there is a massive disconnect. Bolivia is an experience - I agree the culture is amazing.
Brazil had my heart before Colombia, I just ADORED it.0 -
Gloomtastic! wrote: »How are you financing your expedition?
What did your folks say when you mentioned you were going to travel alone in SA?
Do you not feel guilty that you’re not at home saving for a mortgage, settling down with kids and all that nonsense?
Apart from friends and family, what are you missing from home?
What’s been your food highlights in SA?
Good luck to you, well done for doing it!
In NZ I worked for the government and it paid well. I saved hard for 6 months, sold everything I owned and left with 15k NZD in my bank and 5k NZD for my return to NZ fund. I am down to 3k NZD and my NZ fund has also has 2k gone from it! Galapagos and Ecuador in general absolutely smashed me. But I do not regret a thing!
I first left Ireland at 17 and my parents have always worried after me but never questioned me. Interestingly, I was on a tinder date in Arequipa Peru and he could not understand me nor my life. He quizzed me for hours as the Western family dynamic is so far removed from the Latino way and he couldn't understand why my parents didn't stop me at any time. And he asked me "have you ever made really bad decisions, gotten arrested, into drugs etc" to which I said I hadn't. And he concluded my parents trust me not to be a *ick, therefore have confidence in me and my decisions.
I thought that was a nice way of thinking of it. After the interrogation haha!
I also WhatsApp them a quick "Im fine!" Message when I have wifi which is generally daily.
Adult life calls me. I want a home and a dog. More than anything I want a family and I am super aware of my clock. But these things will come, doubtfully in Colombia. Who knows what the future holds but I know in 13 weeks I will be back in NZ doing the regular life and that will be soon enough to start thinking of the future.
Crossfit.
But! I miss unpacking my bag! I miss the choice of clothes. I miss a washing machine. I miss not having a certain scent. I miss not having sex in toilets and dorm beds when the room is empty. I miss earning money and feeling like a contributing member of society. I miss having 1 shop sell everything you need. I miss my veg store not also selling paint, wine, tyres and mattresses. I miss having no difficulty conversing. I miss routine.
The food has been AMAZING! In NZ i was vegan which changed to vegetarian here. But even at that i have to eat meat every so often as the protein levels are basically 0 in meals here, you just get extra rice. There is a meat market (literally) in Montevideo, Uruguay which changed everything for me. Brazil has everything buffet style, you havent lived until you've done a 12 course pizza buffet. Bolivia surprised me, delicious. Peru underwhelmed me.
I love arepas. And tapiocas.
Most of all i adore the Latino attitude to food. Give them 3 ingredients and you will eat like a queen. No matter what age, every Latino can cook and feed the family. Meal times are special, last hours and are always full of deliciousness!0 -
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The whole country?! Hahaha... I am 4 weeks in and still in the South!
If you want, give me another month or so until I have explored more and I will give you a more comprehensive overview?
PM me for my blog and I will be happy to help!
PM Sent 0 -
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makeorbrake wrote: »Oh snap! Currently doing the same thing. Done Panama, then Medellin, Jardín, Pereira, Bogotá, Armenia and just about to arrive in Cali.
Colombia rocks.
Cali is good craic, the salsa is the closest you will get to sex with your clothes on
I never wana leave!!0 -
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corks finest wrote: »Hi(lucky lady)which of the countries are fairly cheap to eat in etc,and are visas a major problem,and meet any/many Irish on your travels?ENJOY / travelled a lot years ago ,but no s America
Thanks for the question
Visas have been fine on an Irish pasaport, I have gotten them all at the borders. The borders themselves can be a different tale tho haha.
Bolivia is the cheapest without a doubt, Argentina/Brazil and Ecuador the most expensive - on par to home. Colombia and Peru just sit in the middle somewhere.
I have met very few Irish, maybe 10 in total? Where as I am pretty sure Germany, France and Holland are empty of 20-35 year olds as they are all in Latin America!0 -
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Spent 3 months in SA about 11 years ago before heading on to New Zealand and absolutely loved it. When you said "I never travel by a Lonely Planet instead go by other travellers advice. But only travellers I know I am similar to.
I avoid the irish party hostels like the PLAGUE." I agreed with 100%, while it is nice to bump into people from home every now and then I wouldn't go seeking them out and so many do, it baffles me.
[font=Open Sans, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]I spent 6 weeks in Argentina - Ushuaia was a real highlight. I loved Peru and Boliva- unfortunately didn't get to Colombia - but hope to some day.[/font]
[font=Open Sans, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]I'm going to PM you for your blog address if that is OK?[/font]
[font=Open Sans, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]So my question... how often would you treat yourself to the full cama?[/font]
[font=Open Sans, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Safe travels - looking forward to the updates![/font]0 -
Do you speak Spanish fluently?
I've been to Peru, Chile, Argentina and Bolivia and without the guides I would have been stuffed.
Saying things is one aspect, understanding the reply is something else. I also felt I missed out on some great conversations with locals due to my lack of Spanish. Still deeply regret this years later
I've always felt very aware when out and about. Being a pale faced gringo does get you a lot of stares and looks. However, I've only had a few people hassling me to buy stuff or begging, so it has not been too bad.
I understand what you mean about Argentina. Never really liked it or the people.
Loved Bolivia, although in all my travels it is the only time I got food poisoning. Lying on a boat on Lake Titicaca puking and skittering was not the dream.
Who did you socialise at night with? I am a bit older than you and prefer to stay in hotels - meaning that I never got the whole hostel party crowd to interact with. My evenings were a mixture of dining alone and/or a walk along some of the main streets.
I loved some of the country towns in Peru and places like Potosi in Bolivia where I could sit in the plaza major in the evening and people watching. Never went to a pub or dance as I felt I would be too vunerable.
At times I felt that a companion to share the experiences with would have made good trips/experiences soo much better. Although the alternative would be sitting at home...
I've been to Cuba too, so if you have any questions, just ask 0 -
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Thanks for the question
Visas have been fine on an Irish pasaport, I have gotten them all at the borders. The borders themselves can be a different tale tho haha.
Bolivia is the cheapest without a doubt, Argentina/Brazil and Ecuador the most expensive - on par to home. Colombia and Peru just sit in the middle somewhere.
I have met very few Irish, maybe 10 in total? Where as I am pretty sure Germany, France and Holland are empty of 20-35 year olds as they are all in Latin America!
Germans etc more money to splash I guess0 -
makeorbrake wrote: »Take the Metro/MetroCable to Parque Arvi - nice chilled out day after your bus journey from hell!
Guatape and El Penol well worth a day trip; Sante Fe might be worth a look too (although if you've seen one small pueblo...). Probably a better option to go to Jardin. I know it's going back the way but you get to recover a missed opportunity. It's an easy enough journey from MDE.
Jardin will be done for sure - maybe as a way to recover from what looks to be a hectic saturday night in Medellin 0 -
Spent 3 months in SA about 11 years ago before heading on to New Zealand and absolutely loved it. When you said "I never travel by a Lonely Planet instead go by other travellers advice. But only travellers I know I am similar to.
I avoid the irish party hostels like the PLAGUE." I agreed with 100%, while it is nice to bump into people from home every now and then I wouldn't go seeking them out and so many do, it baffles me.
[font=Open Sans, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]I spent 6 weeks in Argentina - Ushuaia was a real highlight. I loved Peru and Boliva- unfortunately didn't get to Colombia - but hope to some day.[/font]
[font=Open Sans, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]I'm going to PM you for your blog address if that is OK?[/font]
[font=Open Sans, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]So my question... how often would you treat yourself to the full cama?[/font]
[font=Open Sans, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Safe travels - looking forward to the updates![/font]
I wouldn't mind putting the blog on here, will run it past Niamh but sure thing, PM and I'd be happy to share
I actually cama quite regularly, I know #flashpack! But the way I see it, night busses absolutely murder me, even Cama. So if there is any chance I can sleep I take it. I usually travel through the day lately, find it better on the ole body.
I didn't get to Patagonia - I am saving that and the entire Chile for another trip. I was just ill prepared and in July it was mostly unpassable. I've heard the most amazing stories tho - and the pictures are beautiful!0 -
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funkey_monkey wrote: »Do you speak Spanish fluently?
I've been to Peru, Chile, Argentina and Bolivia and without the guides I would have been stuffed.
Saying things is one aspect, understanding the reply is something else. I also felt I missed out on some great conversations with locals due to my lack of Spanish. Still deeply regret this years later
I've always felt very aware when out and about. Being a pale faced gringo does get you a lot of stares and looks. However, I've only had a few people hassling me to buy stuff or begging, so it has not been too bad.
I understand what you mean about Argentina. Never really liked it or the people.
Loved Bolivia, although in all my travels it is the only time I got food poisoning. Lying on a boat on Lake Titicaca puking and skittering was not the dream.
Who did you socialise at night with? I am a bit older than you and prefer to stay in hotels - meaning that I never got the whole hostel party crowd to interact with. My evenings were a mixture of dining alone and/or a walk along some of the main streets.
I loved some of the country towns in Peru and places like Potosi in Bolivia where I could sit in the plaza major in the evening and people watching. Never went to a pub or dance as I felt I would be too vunerable.
At times I felt that a companion to share the experiences with would have made good trips/experiences soo much better. Although the alternative would be sitting at home...
I've been to Cuba too, so if you have any questions, just ask
Hi!
Great post, thank you
My Spanish is fine now, thank god. I spent 3 weeks in an intensive course in Bolivia but didn't really use it again until Ecuador. Thats the thing with SA, you are always surrounded by English speaking travellers in hostels and the locals you meet always speak English to you if they can as they are so proud! But I found few who had English in Ecuador and here in Colombia I dated a local who had no Spanish so I had no choice but to learn, and fast!
I still only believe I have basics though and similar to you, feel I missed out on real connection many times. I should have taken more courses before coming here but I thought I'd be fine. It is a wonderful language though, I don't think I will ever stop learning it.
Today was a pretty bad day for the gringo-spotting. I had comments and catcalls for 3 hours before I almost ran back to my hostel. Some places worse than others, Bolivia I found the best for a single white female. The local men there were almost afraid to look at you (maybe cos I am bigger than most of them haha!!)
I am a bit of a nana traveller and usually in bed by 10ish, I love my sleep. I also have been lucky to make friends easy so if I find a good crew in a hostel that are heading out I will join in. I've not had many MASSIVE party nights, most of the best craic I've had have been in hostels.
Cuba may be scrapped this time - I am seriously low on days and moving way too slowly. BUT I will keep you in mind for when I do attack it, surely in the coming year or so 0
This discussion has been closed.
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