Carry Little, Live A Lot

Posted by Holly Olp on May 28, 2010

It’s that time of year…the time of year where the beach towns slow down and the summer sun can only be felt through your flikr slideshow. It’s the time of year when our tight group of long-term staff gradually spread our wings and experience the traveler’s life we’ve been enabling others to enjoy the last six months.
For me, this will be my first multi-destination, backpacking-type trip. Fortunately, I’ve had eight months to learn from the guests here at El Diablo Tranquilo, and have a great network of friends, restaurants, hostels, and destinations to visit. I’ve learned to do my washing by hand and I’ve learned how to make a mean meal out of whatever leftovers and budget foods I can find. One piece of advice, however, has stuck with me more than any other: DO NOT OVERPACK. Question everything you choose to bring, because a time will come when you will wish you had carried less.

That being said, I’m having a hard time downsizing the contents of my electronics pocket. While scouring my preferred travel blogs and twitter feeds, I found a great post that gave me some insight on the subject. Although after reading it, I find myself still debating what I need and don’t need, it’s nice to know I’m not alone, and in the end, it’s not what’s really going to matter. I am about to take a great trip, and have the time of my life. Thanks Andy!

Check out Andy’s article here: http://www.501places.com/2010/05/should-we-fill-our-backpacks-gadgets/
Author: Andy Jarosz, 501 Places

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Un dia de pesca

Posted by Holly Olp on May 26, 2010

Cuando vengas a Punta del Diablo, seguramente vas a encontrar mucho comida con productos del mar: empanadas de pescado, cazuela de mariscos, pescado grille…y la lista sigue. Aprende algo de las personas que hacen esto posible : Los pescadores y sus historias de vida. Mira este corto documental sobre la pesca artesanal en Punta del Diablo para saber mas de nuestro cultura, nuestra gente, y tu comida cuando visites este rústico paraíso. 

Productora: Indias Filmica
Director: Yonathan Luzardo
Youtube: Yonnybravo2

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Happy Birthday Maria Ines

Posted by admin on May 22, 2010

It takes more than the date on a calendar to make a day special, so grab a friend and make your own break from routine. Whatever the time of year, Punta del Diablo is a magical place. Though summer is long gone, the clubs stay dark, and you see more wandering dogs than stray people downtown, in this place it’s hard to avoid a good time.

María Inés grabbed a friend and ventured out to try something new for her birthday. Thinking about what beach town might provide the best refuge for merriment, she remembered the loco gringo who had gotten in a car accident with her months ago had a place in Punta del Diablo. After making sure we were open – and you know we always are – the girls came out, arrived just in time for some dinner and drinks, and moved on to another year in style.
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Don’t just sit on your hands and wait for life to happen – we’re always here and there is always a story to unfold. Come on out and make your own memories, whether they include a birthday party complete with drinking games between good friends and a supporting cast of strangers from the world over or a romantic get-away full of fireplaces, sunset horse rides, and room service – well that’s up to you.

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Feliz Cumpleaños Ines

Se necesita más que una fecha en el calendario para que un día sea especial, así que agarra una amiga y salí de la rutina. No importa el momento del año, Punta del Diablo es un lugar mágico.  A pesar que el verano ya paso,  los boliches están desiertos y hay más perros callejeros que humanos es difícil no pasarla bien aca.

Ines se junto con su amiga Andreina y se aventuraron en busca de algo nuevo para su cumple. Pensando qué lugar sería el mejor para pasar el evento, Ines se acordó del gringo loco que tenía un hostal en Punta del Diablo con el que choco en Montevideo hacia unos meses.  Después de enterarse que estábamos abiertos (estamos muy contentos, este es el tercer invierno que nos mantenemos abiertos) las chicas salieron hacia acá y llegaron justo para la cena, unos vinos y para celebrar la entrada del nuevo año de Ines con mucho estilo

No esperes que la vida pase. Nosotros siempre estamos acá y siempre una hay historias por contarse. Vení  a crear tus propios recuerdos, no importa si son los de un cumpleaños festejado con amigos cercanos y otros viajeros del mundo o si son los de una escapada romántica llena de estufas y  cabalgatas que terminan en atardeceres mágicos.

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5 Reasons Why Slow Travel
Beats Going On Vacation

Posted by Reception on May 11, 2010

bravenewtraveler.com

Let me start by offering the disclaimer that I have no particular use for what is commonly called a “vacation.”

“Vacation” is for people who find their vocation unpleasant, and desire to “escape” as often as possible.

For these folks, sitting on a beach is probably the most appropriate option, because the idea of working while on “vacation” would seem repugnant.

I would ask these good people why they despise their jobs and need to escape. I would also ask who and what are enslaving them and why they keep showing up to a job they dislike every Monday AM.

But that, perhaps, is the topic for a different essay.

Instead, I will explain why working on a farm beats sitting on a beach; or why slow travel is more rewarding than tourism of the conventional sort.

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Day Trip: Fortaleza de Santa Teresa

Posted by Holly Olp on May 11, 2010

Today, I’m taking you with me. We’re going on a trip, a sight seeing tour. We’ll find untouched landscapes, picture perfect gardens and wild horses. But we’re not going far. Today, I’m taking you with me to Fortaleza in Santa Teresa National Park.

To Begin:

Today we’re going by internet, but next time, feel free to get to the National Park and Fortaleza entrance by bus, car, or foot (if you’re feeling ambitious). Simply head in the direction of Chuy on Route 9 by bus or car, and get off at the very next exit. If you’re walking, bring a water bottle and hit the beach passing Playa Grande, keeping the ocean on your right.

Now that we’re at the entrance, lets grab a map and start checking things off the list. Today, I’m taking you to the Mirador, Sombrador, and of course, Fortaleza. There’s plenty of other things to see along the way, including a small zoo and park for the children, a quiet pond and gazebo for gazing and relaxing, wild horses running the fields, paths for exploring, and green fields, pastures, grass and trees in every direction.

Don’t just take my word for it. Our first stop is the Mirador. Take it all in from the top of the lookout. MiradorImagine this view extending in both directions, making a full 360 of greenery, and a nice splash of hazy ocean view in the horizon. It’s breathtaking. If you’re feeling extra touristy, maybe you ask the guard with you in the lookout to snap a picture with you.
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