Oregon to Ushuaia on an XR650L

[alvincullumyork]

Originally Posted by advFord

I'm a fan of the interactive map. It helps to get the bigger picture of where you're at. It saves time from having to google search the town names that you post.

So what's the story on the couple that was attacked. I read about that in the news. Since my family and friends know I want to ride to South America they send me all the articles of the worst news of things that happen down there. My mom is probably hoping I'll reconsider.

bon voyage.

Don't you know thgat you'll be killed in Mexico and then your dead body will be kidnapped in Columbia and after that you'll get run over by some crazy driver in Peru.

[Ulyses]

Originally Posted by alvincullumyork

Don't you know thgat you'll be killed in Mexico and then your dead body will be kidnapped in Columbia and after that you'll get run over by some crazy driver in Peru.

Yeah, whatever you do, definetly don't cross that border. It's highly probable that you won't come back with all of your internal organs. I've met several people who woke up in a bathtub full of ice in an abandoned building in La Paz minus a kidney.

[Ulyses]

Originally Posted by advFord

So what's the story on the couple that was attacked. I read about that in the news. Since my family and friends know I want to ride to South America they send me all the articles of the worst news of things that happen down there. My mom is probably hoping I'll reconsider.

I'll let you read the story straight from their blog:

http://adventureamericas.wordpress.c...tmare-in-peru/

I met them in a hostal in Lima after they had gotten jumped. Jed was just getting his teeth fixed that day. Crazy stuff. I couldn't believe that it happened in Peru. They're troopers. They didn't let a little thing like being attacked by an entire village and held at gunpoint stop them from continuing their trip! Awesome people!

[Rob.G]

I just read that blog post. Holy crap! That's insane. I think I'll be avoiding Peru unless they actually do something about those villagers.

Rob

[alvincullumyork]

Originally Posted by Ulyses

I'll let you read the story straight from their blog:

http://adventureamericas.wordpress.c...tmare-in-peru/

I met them in a hostal in Lima after they had gotten jumped. Jed was just getting his teeth fixed that day. Crazy stuff. I couldn't believe that it happened in Peru. They're troopers. They didn't let a little thing like being attacked by an entire village and held at gunpoint stop them from continuing their trip! Awesome people!

Holy Crap!

[ONandOFF]

Originally Posted by advFord

I'm a fan of the interactive map. It helps to get the bigger picture of where you're at. It saves time from having to google search the town names that you post.

So what's the story on the couple that was attacked. I read about that in the news. Since my family and friends know I want to ride to South America they send me all the articles of the worst news of things that happen down there. My mom is probably hoping I'll reconsider.

bon voyage.

Right on. Saves time finding the towns and takes any guesswork out of checking the route.

Well I thought that was a reference to something I had somehow missed earlier in the report. I had no idea of any couple being attacked in Peru in the news. But I went looking and found their blog. Nightmare is suitable description for what they went through. I don't know how to read between the lines here, but one thing to keep in mind when traveling out of our country is that even though we may beleive we do, we really no longer have rights. If we try to assert any "rights", we are going to be taught some kind of a lesson. We are not going to be coddled by the authorities nor the people in these countries like we are in our own. A compounding factor is that men are still in charge in Latin America as they haven't turned control over to the women like we have in the US. So a gringo woman trying to take the reins isn't going to go over well even in the best of situations. Our best approach is to be humble, cooperative, and understanding - above all show respect. After all, we are invading on their turf. If they want to see our documents, we show them the document copies we have specially prepared for such occasions. If they ask us not to leave, we hang out with them. Refusing to show them the documents, then taking off demonstrates a complete lack of respect. Then heading the wrong way down a dead-end road demonstrates a complete lack of understanding. Most of us pampered gringos are used to getting away with both of those on a regular basis, but in those places, the population is largely self-policed. You are going to get treated the way people think you deserve to be treated. If there was a group of people wanting to injure and maybe even kill travelers as we've heard, somehow their emotions were evoked to that level. I expect we will never know how but stuff like that doesn't just happen randomly.

[ONandOFF]

Originally Posted by Ulyses

...

... and then on to Uruguay to spend some time on the beach. I'm tired of being cold.

Hey Bryce, I'm looking at those fuel containers and wondering if perhaps they are serving double-duty as spare gas carriers... is that possible, are you cooking with gasoline? Looks like you're making what we call bistec - yumm!

Punta del Este - I'm sure you'll love it. I did, about 35 years ago.
Dios lo acompañe!

[tvbh40a]

They are flipping awesome! The colors are showing up great on my computer.

Enjoying the RR. Slow down and have fun.

[Ulyses]

Originally Posted by Rob.G

I just read that blog post. Holy crap! That's insane. I think I'll be avoiding Peru unless they actually do something about those villagers.

Rob

I offered to go burn down the village and spread salt on the ruins. That'll learn em!

Seriously though, that is something I would not expect to happen in Peru.

[Ulyses]

Originally Posted by ONandOFF

Hey Bryce, I'm looking at those fuel containers and wondering if perhaps they are serving double-duty as spare gas carriers... is that possible, are you cooking with gasoline?
Dios lo acompañe!

Yep, I'm cooking with gas. Because I have a gravity fed fuel system, I just unplug my fuel lines and fill up my stove canister off of my fuel tank. It makes things simple. It does clog the stove up a little bit; you just have to be dillegent in cleaning it. And yes, in a pinch, I have an extra 600ml of gasoline.

[James5150]

Originally Posted by ONandOFF

Right on. Saves time finding the towns and takes any guesswork out of checking the route.

Well I thought that was a reference to something I had somehow missed earlier in the report. I had no idea of any couple being attacked in Peru in the news. But I went looking and found their blog. Nightmare is suitable description for what they went through. I don't know how to read between the lines here, but one thing to keep in mind when traveling out of our country is that even though we may beleive we do, we really no longer have rights. If we try to assert any "rights", we are going to be taught some kind of a lesson. We are not going to be coddled by the authorities nor the people in these countries like we are in our own. A compounding factor is that men are still in charge in Latin America as they haven't turned control over to the women like we have in the US. So a gringo woman trying to take the reins isn't going to go over well even in the best of situations. Our best approach is to be humble, cooperative, and understanding - above all show respect. After all, we are invading on their turf. If they want to see our documents, we show them the document copies we have specially prepared for such occasions. If they ask us not to leave, we hang out with them. Refusing to show them the documents, then taking off demonstrates a complete lack of respect. Then heading the wrong way down a dead-end road demonstrates a complete lack of understanding. Most of us pampered gringos are used to getting away with both of those on a regular basis, but in those places, the population is largely self-policed. You are going to get treated the way people think you deserve to be treated. If there was a group of people wanting to injure and maybe even kill travelers as we've heard, somehow their emotions were evoked to that level. I expect we will never know how but stuff like that doesn't just happen randomly.

Yea it must have been the lack of respect that got them beatin half to death. This is why I dont travel out of the U.S. Ulyses be careful out there and make it home safe

[alvincullumyork]

Originally Posted by Ulyses

I offered to go burn down the village and spread salt on the ruins. That'll learn em!

Seriously though, that is something I would not expect to happen in Peru.

FSU!!!!! I knew you should have taken a 240g

[some call me...tim]

Originally Posted by ONandOFF

Right on. Saves time finding the towns and takes any guesswork out of checking the route.

Well I thought that was a reference to something I had somehow missed earlier in the report. I had no idea of any couple being attacked in Peru in the news. But I went looking and found their blog. Nightmare is suitable description for what they went through. I don't know how to read between the lines here, but one thing to keep in mind when traveling out of our country is that even though we may beleive we do, we really no longer have rights. If we try to assert any "rights", we are going to be taught some kind of a lesson. We are not going to be coddled by the authorities nor the people in these countries like we are in our own. A compounding factor is that men are still in charge in Latin America as they haven't turned control over to the women like we have in the US. So a gringo woman trying to take the reins isn't going to go over well even in the best of situations. Our best approach is to be humble, cooperative, and understanding - above all show respect. After all, we are invading on their turf. If they want to see our documents, we show them the document copies we have specially prepared for such occasions. If they ask us not to leave, we hang out with them. Refusing to show them the documents, then taking off demonstrates a complete lack of respect. Then heading the wrong way down a dead-end road demonstrates a complete lack of understanding. Most of us pampered gringos are used to getting away with both of those on a regular basis, but in those places, the population is largely self-policed. You are going to get treated the way people think you deserve to be treated. If there was a group of people wanting to injure and maybe even kill travelers as we've heard, somehow their emotions were evoked to that level. I expect we will never know how but stuff like that doesn't just happen randomly.

I imagine that after driving from Wyoming to Peru, they've probably gotten a good feel for how to conduct themselves in other cultures. Sounds like this was truly a case of being in the wrong place at the wrong time.

[ONandOFF]

Originally Posted by some call me...tim

I imagine that after driving from Wyoming to Peru, they've probably gotten a good feel for how to conduct themselves in other cultures. Sounds like this was truly a case of being in the wrong place at the wrong time.

Certianly it could be put that way. Who knows if perhaps the indiscretions of some previous travelers were being revisited on them. Like us all, I'm just trying to imagine it, having not been a part of it. I have no doubt the perspective of what preciptated would be quite different from each side. Having some insight as a result of visiting in dangerous areas of Latin America and having several in-depth discussions with the folks who live in them, I figured I'd share some of what I've learned and observed for the benefit of those who may venture to similar areas. By no means am I trying to assign blame to either side, yet I believe it's fair to speculate that it can be shared. If there's a "take home" message, it could be that when in a situation where the people "self-police", we are most likely to fare well by cooperating, not by challenging. Acting with humility can go a long way toward eliciting compassion.

Bryce, that's brilliant that you carry spare gasoline and use that for cooking - what a great way of combining resources!

[alvincullumyork]

Originally Posted by some call me...tim

I imagine that after driving from Wyoming to Peru, they've probably gotten a good feel for how to conduct themselves in other cultures. Sounds like this was truly a case of being in the wrong place at the wrong time.

Originally Posted by ONandOFF

Certianly it could be put that way. Who knows if perhaps the indiscretions of some previous travelers were being revisited on them. Like us all, I'm just trying to imagine it, having not been a part of it. ....Snip....

I have my own thoughts on this as well but we should probably leave the analysis and guessing games to another thread.