HMS
IGUANA
VIDEO
(DIVX COMPRESSED) CLICK HERE !!
Orinoco
Double Rainbow Sunset... ( 9 MB 1:06 )
Yanomami Circle Dance.... ( 27 MB 3:36 )
RUTA
HUMBOLDT
Samariapo
(Upper Orinoco) to San Carlos de Rio Negro (Upper Amazon)
via
Casiquiare Canal on board "Iguana"
THU
JUN 23 AUS-CCS CO
#1540 connect to CO #1666
June 24-27: CARACAS
June
28: To Puerto Ayacucho
July
10: SAN CARLOS and SAND BEACH
San
Carlos to Puerto Ayacucho:
Puerto
Ayacucho to Caracas:
Caracas
Airport: Hotel La Parada 70K+20K xfer
WED
JUL 13: Caracas to Austin
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Travelers need to reach Puerto Ayacucho. There
are, to this day, two flights that depart from Maiquetía's Simón Bolivar International
Airport, one morning flight departing at 9:00 am and one early afternoon departing
at 1:00 pm. These schedules are subject to change, but we can count on having
for sure one flight and almost sure two daily flights.
Our
river voyage begins at the port of Samariapo, 60 kms. South of Puerto Ayacucho
by road, where travelers embark Iguana. The first day we go by Ratón Island,
the largest inhabited island of the Orinoco. We pass by Castillito, a statue
of a virgin on a rock, and spend the night at San Fernando de Atabapo, Estado
Amazonas first capital.
Atabapo
is at the meeting point of three rivers, Atabapo river, Orinoco river and
Guaviare river from Colombia. It has a very poignant history in rubber tapping
times. Iguana departs in the morning and we stay for a tour of a caucho (rubber-tree)
(Hevea brasilensis) plantation. We depart before noon in aluminum boats until
we reach Iguana.
From
here the journey continues to Santa Bárbara rapids, where we spend the night.
We will be able to appreciate Ventuari river's mouth, one of the most important
affluents of Orinoco River. The following day, weather permitting, you will
appreciate a gorgeous view of Yapacana tepuy. We will stop in several communities
to share, exchange and get an idea of community life, amongst them piaroa,
curripacos, hivis, baniva and yanomami.
We
will also pass the mouth of Cunucunuma River right before reaching Casiquiare
channel, natural channel that joins the two biggest south-american waterways:
Orinoco and Amazon.
Casiquiare
deviates from Orinoco river and we will navigate all the time with the river's
flow. We will navigate during three days on this river, visiting curripacos
and yanomamis communities. We will spend one night with the yanomamis to be
able to share a little with these wonderful people of one of the most primitive
culture, getting to know just a little bit about yanomami's daily life.
Casiquiare's
left shore is part of UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, the biggest one in its kind.
We continue our navigation downriver until Casiquiare channel meets Guainía
River, from Colombia, to form Río Negro.
We
now start our Río Negro navigation, stopping at San Carlos de Río Negro.
Tour
Operator: Expediciones Selvadentro
Vía
Alto Carinagua km.1, Carinagua-teri,
TTAC
# 222 RTN # 06232
House/Office
Cell Phone:
Natalia
Bird, Lucho Navarro,
Mon,
04 Apr 2005
Hello.
What
is best months for Ruta Humboldt? Do you have any departures for 2005?
Thank
you.
Mark
Halliday
Austin,
Texas
Hello
Mark:
We
do have a departure for Ruta Humboldt in July. Actually we will be returning
from a Humboldt Route so it will be San Carlos de Río Negro-Puerto Ayacucho.
We will stop in San Carlos de Río Negro on July 16 2005. Are you interested
to come by yourself or do you have more people interested? Does this date
suit you? Please reply to us whenever you can so we can work out a plan.
Thanks,
Natalia
y Lucho, Expediciones
Selvadentro
www.selvadentro.com
Natalia
y Lucho-
Thanks
for the quick reply! I sent a similar enquiry 3 months ago with no answer,
must have gotten lost in the Christmas rush. How many confirmed people do
you NOW have for the July 16 departure from San Carlos? Maybe I can get some
friends to go, but they don't generally have enough dinero.
At
this time is it possible to confirm just one pax, or is the return trip dependent
on further bookings? I assume it will be the bongomaran regardless of the
number of passengers? I cannot sit in a bongo for 2 weeks Selvadentro was recommended to me by Roger
Manrique while on a Llanos tour out of Merida. He was great, and spoke very
well of your operation.
Sincerely,
Mark
Halliday, Austin,
Texas
Wed,
06 Apr 2005
Subject:
Re: Ruta Humboldt departure San Carlos July 16
Hello
Mark:
We
received your inquiry in December and it did actually got lost in the Christmas
rush. Sorry!
For
the July 16 departure we have 3 people, you would be the fourth. The trip
does not depend on further bookings as it is a returning trip, Iguana needs
to harbour at Samariapo. You are assuming incorrectly, the trip will not be
made in Bongomarán but in Iguana. Please refer to our site www.selvadentro.com
and check it out. It is a very confortable vessel, specially designed for
river navigation. We require a 50% deposit six weeks ahead in our bank account
in Puerto Rico. It can be made whenever you want as soon as it is at least
six weeks ahead. We will specify the exact cost in our next email. This is
all for the moment, write to us about anything you need. We will gladly return
your email. All the best,
Natalia
y Lucho, Expediciones
Selvadentro
Bruce
Means wrote:
A
hard copy will be in the mail tomorrow. Good luck on your trip. Check for
splendid Cocks-of-the-rock birds at Piedra de Culimacare. The mystery is,
does the Casiquiare flow in either direction periodically? Read the article
and find out.
--Bruce
D.
Bruce Means, Ph.D.
Department
of Biological Science, Florida
State University
means@bio.fsu.edu
Very
interesting article, thanks for taking the time to send it to me, and the
nice note enclosed ! I can see how it was misinterpreted, as you explain with
the original Humboldt use of words.
Very funny ! I can therefore tell my friends with certainty we will
be going UPSTREAM from San Carlos to Esmeralda. I looked around NatGeo and
read about your production, although they didn't list any times for the next
TV run.
Maybe
you don't get many queries, but I found your story very informative. Would
you like me to send you an electronic scan of your article?
Sincerely,
Sun,
1 May 2005
Re:Casiquiare
Mystery
Hi
Mark,
I'm
just back from 11 days in the field working on the biology of some animals
I love--salamanders. Sure, I'd love to have an electronic scan of the Casiquiare
article. Is it a pdf file that I could put on my website for others to access?
Glad
you liked the article. Best wishes for a successful trip. What I would REALLY
like to do down there is to explore another splitting of rivers--by canoe.
The Casiquiare, itself, splits off at a place called Capibara and runs through
a swampy lowland (Rebalse de Macavacape) into the Rio San Miguel which rejoins
the regional watershed (Rio Guainia that becomes Rio Negro at confluence of
Casiquiare) at the village of Maroa. Apparently, the land of the upper Rio
Negro and Orinoco is subsiding, which allows rivers to run sluggishly and
braid, then split and come together again. Another famous splitting of rivers is in the swamps of Maturaca,
in which waters coming down off of Cerro Neblina flows both north through
the Rio Baria or south through Rio Maturaca. You will hear about this in San
Carlos de Rio Negro.
By
the way, while you are in San Carlos, you should take advantage of locals
who will take you by motorboat for a fee downstream to the Piedra del Cocuy
on the Brazil/Venezuela border. From the summit of the Piedra you are supposed
to see Neblina if the weather permits. And one of my greatest desires before
I die is to climb Cerro Neblina up its central valley, collecting frogs along
an elevational gradient like I have done on Roraima and Wokomung.
Best
wishes for a successful trip. Drop
me a line afterwards and let me know how it went. Truth is, unless you can
stop and get off to explore at places along the 225-mile journey up the Casiquiare,
it's pretty boring because the river is so big.
-Bruce
Natalia-
1)
Does it visit the same villages as described on the web site?
Yes
2)
Please send me your best estimate of the itinerary,
You should be in San Carlos the 18th of july.
We wil keep you informed about the Puerto Ayacucho-San Carlos flight,
which may be a charter for you and the mexican guy so you share the
cost.
3)
and maybe a little information about the staff on board.
Captain and specialized guide(Lucho) Luis Navarro, speaking spanish,
english so-so, little brazilian portuguese and yanomami.
Natalia Bird, Lucho's wife (me) hostess and chef with Lucho and assistant.
Speaking spanish, english, french and portuguese.
Julio Sandoval, Curripaco, river guide (práctico)
Pablo Estevez, marinero de río
José Salazar, maquinista y camarero
All of them have been raised navigating the amazon's rivers. (Not me)
3)
The Iguana looks nice! I was very surprised to know it is going to San Carlos.
Can Iguana go to same destinations as bongomaran, i.e. up Rio Siapa and other
smaller tributaries?
Yes
4) I am concerned about the trip being in
rainy season. I understand the area may not have well-defined seasons, but
maybe it does. Is this an important difference? Most trips I have read about
were made during Dry season. Even Von Humboldt went in May !
Navigation is much easier in rainy season. We can visit yanomami at
this time of the year in Iguana.
The dry season limits the places Iguana can go. We spend the dry season
mostly in sports fishing trips.
5) After talking with my friends this weekend,
they understand this is a special and unique trip. However, I think a low
price is the most important thing they need to be able to say yes. Also, since
we will book directly, with no agent commission, please try to give us the
lowest price you can. So now please send me price information, for one person,
and for 2, 3, 4 pax.
The price is $1,040 per person. This is the lowest price we offer for
this 8 day trip, for 8 people in Iguana.
Right now we are offering it, even though we will have 4 or 5 people.
The price should be $1,360 per person.
This
includes:
All the meals and snacks during the trip, fuit juice and beer with
meals.
Double occupancy cabin
Two bathrooms to share
Outings at indigenous villages with local guides
Spectacular scenery
Dedicated service
1% INATUR tourism tax·
Not
Included:
Air fares
Alcoholic beverages (only beer with meals)
Tips
Restaurants
as
well as any other terms and conditions, i.e. which domestic airfare is included?
no airfares included
and
the beer-carrying capacity of the Iguana?
very good question!
6)
Do we actually enter Brazil at any point?
Some of us might need to get a visa.
No, unless you want to fly to Sao Gabriel de Cachoeira and meet Iguana
there.
This is actually the starting point of the return trip.
For this you would have to flight to Manaus and from there on to Sao
Gabriel de Cachoeira.
We are proposing to pick you up at San Carlos de Rio Negro in Venezuela
because it will be less expensive for you and you won't need a visa.
7)
I think you have HF radio on Iguana
Yes
Do
you have satellite phone for emergency?
Yes
110
VAC power on board, or only 12-24 VDC ?
Both
Thank
you for your attention to these questions.
Sincerely,
Hello
Mark:
We
are in touch again, our new baby boy was born on the 20th :-).
OK
as the days have passed, new arrangements have been made and this is the situation
right now:
Departing
from Samariapo on July 2nd or 3rd: we have three (3) persons booked Coming
from Sao Gabriel on July 15th:
we have five (5) persons booked
Coming from San Carlos on July 18th: we have one (1) extra person, adding
up to six for the way back. If you are coming by yourself, you can come in
either one, if you are coming with your friends, you should come in the first
trip.
You
can come in either one of these trips, if you are coming with your friends
it will be in the first trip, where we have space for three (3). That trip
actually goes all the way to Sao Gabriel das Cachoeiras in Brasil (10 days).
Even though we told you we would not be going to Brasil, now things changed
and we have space for this trip if you are interested. It will be a 10 day
trip, but if you want to get back to San Carlos, it will be around five more
days. Or continue your way to
Manaus,
capital of Brasil's Amazon State. The trip from Can Carlos finishes on the
25 of July, with an option to continue for three more days to Autana-tepuy,
finishing thus on the 28th of July.
OK
this is all for now, let's keep in touch! All the best,
Natalia
y Lucho, Expediciones
Selvadentro
Natalia-
Congratulations
! Considering the situation, your reply was very prompt !
My
Mother asked if you would be taking a new baby into the jungle?
Yes! Our sons are always with us in the jungle.
It is the best way to have them always by our side.
So if it's safe for a baby, it should be safe for you!
More
exactly, what day should we book the return flight CCS to USA?
Depends on your final choice.
Can
you please send a preliminary itinerary saying where we will be on what days?
I
understand it might change.
We are including two preliminary itineraries, one for each way.
Please feel free to ask any questions that may arise.
And
finally, an estimate of the domestic airfares required.
If
we can pay with Bolivares, we know how that works. :)
Caracas-Puerto Ayacucho flight: 160,000 bs
Sincerely,
Expediciones Selvadentro
Estado Amazonas, Venezuela
0248 - 414 – 7458 TTAC #
222 RTN # 06232
info@selvadentro.com, www.selvadentro.com
SAN CARLOS DE RIO NEGRO - SAMARIAPO
7nights / 8 days
We
start our Río Negro navigation at the town of San Carlos de Río Negro, capital
of Río Negro municipality. We continue our navigation upriver until we reach
Casiquiare Channel. Here we will observe the meeting of Guainía River, from
Colombia, and Casiquiare Channel, forming Río Negro.
We
will navigate during three days on Casiquiare Channel, visiting curripacos
and yanomamis communities. We will spend one night with the yanomamis to be
able to share a little with these wonderful people of one of the most primitive
culture, getting to know just a little bit about yanomami's daily life.
We
will pass the following Casiquiare's affluents: Pasimoni, Siapa, Pasiva and
Pamoni. Casiquiare's left shore (right margin on the way up) is part of UNESCO
Biosphere Reserve, the biggest one in its kind. We will meet Orinoco river, the river from which Casiquiare
Channel deviates two join the two biggest south-american waterways: Orinoco
and Amazon.
Afterward
we also pass the mouth of abundant black rapid waters Cunucunuma River. We
will stop in several communities to share, exchange and get an idea of community
life, amongst them ye'kuana, piaroa, curripacos, hivis, baniva and yanomami. Wweather permitting,
you will appreciate a gorgeous view of Yapacana tepuy. From here the journey
continues to Santa Bárbara rapids. We will be able to appreciate Ventuari
river's mouth, one of the most important affluents of Orinoco River.
Then
Iguana reaches San Fernando de Atabapo, Estado Amazonas first capital. Atabapo
is at the meeting point of three rivers, AtabapoRiver, Orinoco River and Guaviare
River from Colombia. It has a very poignant history in rubber tapping times.
On our last day we go by Ratón Island, the largest inhabited island of the
Orinoco. We pass by Castillito, a statue of a virgin on a rock, and keep on
going to the port of Samariapo or to Autana River, for another three days
of exciting discoveries.
Natalia-
Thanks
again for prompt reply! That is a surprise it is 8 day trip, but a good surprise
! The lower price has two of my friends more interested. I have included the
two friends in the CC line above. They may contact you with any more questions,
and make their decision when they are ready. So please reply to all 3 people.
We can each make payment individually to you later, so please send more details
about the procedure.
The sooner you deposit, either a 50% or a full deposit, your place
will be confirmed in this trip.
Checking account: 229xxxxxx
Banco Popular de Puerto Rico
Sucursal San Francisco
Transit Number (ABA) 0215xxxxxx
I
will now shift my plans to outbound itinerary from Samariapo on July 2. This
suits me better in some ways, now that the option is available. If I interpret
the information correctly, we would disembark Iguana at San Carlos approximately
July 11-12? or maybe earlier
if actually 7 nights?
7 nights/8 days
I
am a little intrigued about going through to Brazil, but I will keep things
simple for now.
If
I transmit 50% ($520) to your account in San Juan next week, when is the other
50% due?
You can transfer it to our account one week before the expedition starts.
Or when you get to Puerto Ayacucho you can pay to us in cash.
I
think I can do wire transfer from my brokerage account, but I have to learn
about the procedure. One of my two friends still considering the trip has
asked about the cancellation terms. His Father is sick, and anything is possible.
If the cancellation occurs one week before the expedition, there is
no devolution.
If it occurs two weeks before the expedition, 50% will be retained.
He
simply wants to know how much he would lose if he pays now but cancelled later.
Also, can you estimate the San Carlos-Ayacucho one way fare (or charter?)
Regular trip $120 there is a very good possibility for this flight.
Charter $630 in case there are no regular flights
We
see that the trip may be filling quickly, so now is the time for us to decide.
Yes it is!
Thank
you again for your attention.
Mark
Hello
Mark:
We
are confirming we received the transfer. We are sending an invoice. Now several
details:
1. We received a $505 transfer. This is almost 50%. There are
$15 missing, which we suppose your bank charged. Please consider this when
paying the other 50%.($535).
2. This next and final payment can
be made at Puerto Ayacucho in cash or can be wire transfered before you arrive
to Puerto Ayacucho. Just notify
us how you will proceed.
3. When will you be arriving at
Puerto Ayacucho? How? Please tell us
so we can arrange to pick you up at the airport/bus terminal/space
shuttle terminal!
4. Where do you want to spend the
night/s before departure? Should we
make reservations for you at a hotel?
Feel
free to contact us for anything else. Wil be waiting for your prompt reply.
All the best,
Natalia
Bird Jové
Expediciones
Selvadentro
Mark
Halliday wrote:
Good
Morning Natalia ! Well, that is a (small) surprise, the transfer was indeed
for $520, I even received the paper copy confirmation in the mail today. I
am guessing your bank charged you some fee? Please check with your bank....if
you need a confirmation that I sent $520 I have the paper copy and can email
a scan of it. I also paid a $25 fee for the transfer on this end, but that
is my problem.
I
will now book a "frequent flyer" free ticket into Caracas, I am
not sure of the exact dates, and may come earlier if I decide what else I
would like to do. When I went to Merida last December, I stayed at the Hotel
Turistico "La Parada", Av. Atlantida, Calle 10–Quinta Rebeca,
Catia La Mar, Tel (0058-0212) 351.21.48 on both arrival and pre-departure
nights. It seemed fine, B 70,000, unless you have a better idea.
I
have attached an interesting story about a Casiquiare adventure, in case you
have not seen it. I also had a few interesting e-mails with the author. Are
the other two places still open? My friend, Fernando Dubove in Dallas, may
be contacting you any day now.
I
am looking forward to the trip !
Sincerely,
Hello
Mark:
Good
afternoon! Well, I guess I need to check with my bank what happened. I don't
need a confirmation, let's leave it like that. The rest of the money, you
can pay cash in Ayacucho, if you are willing to.
Thanks
for the story, I will read it. Never seen it.
About
the hotel I guess it's fine. I have stayed in Catia la Mar but in the place
I stayed the noise of the airplanes did not let me sleep. So I rather stay
in Macuto, which is a town to the east of Maiquetía. But this depends upon
your experience.
Yes,
there is a honeymoon couple from Holland, they speak English. The other passenger
is Mexican, so you will be able to speak Spanish. You should be in San Carlos
the 18th of July. We will keep
you informed about the Puerto Ayacucho-San Carlos flight, which may be a charter
for you and the mexican guy so you share the cost.
Yes
the other places are still open, in fact there's 3 places. I will wait for
your friend's email. All for the moment, anything else do not doubt to contact
us! All the best.
Natalia
Bird
Expediciones
Selvadentro
Tue,
14 Jun 2005
Hey
Mark, I have just talked with Jorge by the time I read you mail. and He said
"Excellent" too, And we are planning to follow up your schedule
in Venezuela especially in Caracas (the Best Nigth life in the world). He
has a Daihatsu Terios to reach wherever you want. don't hesitate to call me
cel phone 04166204878 job 9014493 and home 2721814.
And
Yes the big Fiesta de San Juan is Thursday to Saturday June 23 to 25. (he
was born on june 24th) We are so excited to show you the nigth life in Caracas,
the prettiest women, and the rumba. and We Wish we could be your oficial tour
operator and go to the big Fiesta de San Juan too. Well, we are waiting for
you. Take
care.
José
Félix Armas
todo
bien jorge, gracias !
en
este momento yo tengo mi dos bolsas abierto in mi sillas, pensasndo que es
importante para la selva ! hoy yo busca por una tienda de tattoos ! verte
manana en el noche !un otra cosa interesante, un amigo de mi, Jack McCulley,
es en Caracas hoy at Best Western CCT hotel con Sra. Blanca, esposa de Jack
de Iquitos, Peru, es un luna de miel, ellos pasando a Canaima manana. todo
es listo, gracias otra vez !
Marcos
Thu,
16 Jun 2005
Hi
Natalia !
Thanks
so much for the good information.
Caracas
to Puerto Ayacucho: Tuesday June 28 Mid-day if possible (not early morning
or late evening)
Your flight departs Maiquetía at 1:45 pm Price: 209,100.
I am trying to arrange for you to pay in Maiquetía (airport)
but if this is not possible, we will pay and then you pay us.
San
Carlos to Caracas: Wednesday July 13 (my flight Caracas to Austin is morning
of July 14)
We made reservation for you on Monday the 11th,
which is the day of the regular flight San Carlos-Puerto Ayacucho.
There is no flight San Carlos-Caracas, for this you would need a charter
flight
that anyway needs to stop at Ayacucho to refuel.
I will make a reservation for you on Venezolana for Puerto Ayacucho-Caracas.
There are two flights: 10:00 am and 4:00 pm. Tell me which one you
prefer.
will wait for your prompt answer.
If
necessary I can leave San Carlos earlier, but my idea is to spend 3-4 days
in region of San Carlos or elsewhere in Amazonas (after I leave Iguana) to
see what there is ! If you can reserve the seat and tell me the price in Bolivares,
I would like to buy the ticket (with cash Bolivares of course) at Caracas
airport after I arrive, i.e. after Saturday June 25.
Is
this OK?
Sincerely,
Thu,
16 Jun 2005
Hi
Mark, if you wish we can to look in airport, confirm time of arrival and airline, i stay than you are fine, here
in Caracas all is good, one strong hug my friend. My cell number is 0414 130
1099 and home 0212 272 1269 international code (0058) dont forget.
Thu,
16 Jun 2005
I'm
avaliable from all Friday 24 (hollyday) to Monday afternoon, Tuesday I have
to work. I don't have plans, We could make some one, a kind of schedule. We
can start and think, What do you wish you could do the friday 24th? See you.
Sat,
18 Jun 2005
Jorge
y Jose:
Muy
Bien, mis amigos ! No problema for ingles, lo mismo problema para mi en espanol,particulamente
cuando yo escribe !
Ahora
todo esta bien por el viaje. Yo confirmado el cambiar de mi boleto por dos
dias antes, i.e. ahora estoy confirmado totalamente por llege in Maquetia
aeropuerto:
Thursday
June 23rd arrival 9:38 PM con Aerolineas Continental Vuelo Numero 1666 de
Houston. In caso de que yo no buscate en aeropuerto, o en caso de que hay
un problem por ustedes en la ultima momento, mi idea is por pase la primer
noche in Catia La Mar, Hotel LA PARADA, Avenida Atlantida Calle 10 Quinta
Rebeca, (58-212)-351-2148 / 352-3884 / 614-3494
es lo m ismo hotel yo conoce de la primer y ultima dias de mi vacacion en
Diciembre.
Yo
pienso que su idea de Tambores es perfecto! Es possible por pase el noche
in hotel cerca alla, o es mejor returnamos a Caracas en el noche? Probablamente
es dificil para hoteles durante de fiesta, pero yo no se mucho.
Digame
ideas de cosas que yo puedo comprar aqui in estados unidos, por ustedes, por
ejemplo, posible qualqiere es difficil a comprar in Venezuela? Sin otra idea, yo voy a comprar botellas
de whiskey por ustedes in Houston antes de salir. En este momento, yo cancellado
mi reservacion originalmente por Hotel Intercontinental por Sabado y Domingo.
Es facil a reconstruir este reservacion for estos noches con mi descuento,
pero otra noches el precio es estupido. Mi vuelo de Caracas a Puerto Ayacucho
es en Martes June 28.
Hasta
La Blasta
Marcos
The
Hotel I think we can find a good one in caracas without problem everybody
go out the city it's hollyday. Whisky whatever you want tatto I trust in your
choice Your luggage We'll ask
at the airport or in the hotel remember we pick you up, no problem About the money exchange Jorge should
know. I'm going out of office from now to thursday morning. It's mean no more
mail till that day so See you my friend.
Ok
keep the contact, thanks for the Whisky bottles. Would you mind buying a tattoo
for us?. To put it on in San Juan Party. Well my friend the schedule is done.
We are just waiting for your coming.On Thursday 23rd at 9.38 PM pick you up
in the airport to the hotel and then...It's party time!
José
Félix Armas, Ejecutivo
de Negocios
Sun,
19 Jun 2005
Hi
Mark,
espero
que te encuentres bien, sorry for my inglish is bad!! ..... el Jueves 23 9:38
p.m. te esperamos en el aeropuerto, será un placer para nosotros acompañarte,
piensa bien si quieres quedarte mejor en Caracas esa noche.
Amigo,
no te preocupes por algún presente, nuestro apoyo y cariño es incondicional.
Ten cuidado en el viaje ok? te veremos pronto.....un fuerte abrazo amigo.
Jorge
Jules
Jorge
Peche wrote:
Mark
frien, not is problem goin for you to airport, next weekend Jose and me are
free from Thursday. I know where is San Juan de Barlovento, the party of TAMBORES
is good, many womans and rumbas, well if you want call us to cell phone.
My
inglish no is good, i need practice, i sorry....
Jorge
Jules Peche
Chavez
is death!!!!!!!
June
21
Hi
Natalia-
I
will go to Caracas this Thursday, June 23, just 2 days from now. I will be
with friends at San Juan Fiesta (maybe Tambores) This may be the last chance
we have for e-mail before I fly to Puerto Ayacucho on Tuesday June 28th 1:45
PM. Do you have any final information for me about this flight?
yes, I paid for your ticket yesterday at Puerto Ayacucho. You need
to pick it up at Maiquetía.
I sent the receipt in an attachment. Print it and take it with you.
When
I arrive Puerto Ayacucho I will check-in Hotel Amazonas and later contact
your Selvadentro office. I will then be looking for small adventures to do
near Puerto Ayacucho until Iguana leaves !
OK, very nice. You can surely go rafting in the Orinoco and visit some
communities also.
Also cross the river to go to Colombia.
I
have been able to get Malarone pills for Malaria.
Thanks
again for all your advice.
Sincerely,
Mark
Halliday
Natalia-
OK, I have printed out the receipt for
ticket Caracas-Puerto Ayacucho,
Venezolana Flight VNE220,
Tuesday 28-06-05
RECORD LOCATOR # VCS7K1
I
will have both Bolivares 209,100 for the ticket and US$ 520 for the second
50% of tour for you when we meet in Puerto Ayacucho ! Thanks again for your
good logistics skills ! Now to
the Fiesta de San Juan !
Best
regards,
Jack-
I
did not get any info from you, so here are my plans: I am in Caracas with Jorge y Jose today, tomorrow we will go
to beach and look for some festival drumming. Saturday afternoon I will stay
at:
TAMANACO INTERCONTINENTAL CARACAS
Weekend
rate is $130 plus 16% so about same as you were paying at CCT Hotel lincludes
breakfast for two, but I have a free night coupon which makes it affordable,
so I will check out late Monday and go to Hotel La Parada down nar airport,
in city called Catia del Mar, then fly out early afternoon. Near the Intercon
is a club called BEER STATION that you might enjoy,Jose y Jorge said pay $15
entrada and multi-levels of free beer, plus lots of other nice places near
hotel which is just above Las Mercedes night-life area. I hope you get this,
so contact me by telephone where you are on Sat maybe 6-8 pm.
Tue,
21 Jun 2005
Hey
Mark,
Blanca
and I decided to go somewhere for a honeymoon. After all was said, we wanted
to go to Venezuela. Did not know I was even coming here.I thought you might
be here.We are doing the expensive, no hassle thang. We are in the Best Western
CCT, in the mall. Room 611. I will find the number and resend. We go to Canaima
Friday, and return Sunday, then return to Lima the 28th. Give us a call.
Jack
Wed,
22 Jun 2005
To: Glenn and Barbara Halliday
Mr.
Phelps: Friday It Is: Venezuelan
military confirms plot to assassinate President Hugo Chavez
Prensa
Latina is reporting that Venezuelan officers have confirmed the existence
of a plot to assassinate President Hugo Chavez ... that's why the site of
the parade for the anniversary of the Battle of Carabobo on June 24 has been
changed.
Defense
Minister, General-in-Chief Jorge Luis Garcia Carneiro and Army Commander,
Division General Raul Baduel told media that the evidence recommended not
to expose Chavez to unnecessary danger.
This
time, the annual parade will not be staged at the traditional site of the
decisive battle for national independence, but at the military compound of
Fuerte Tiuna in Caracas, probably with the presence of the Head of State.
Div. Gral. Baduel stressed that, so far, President Chavez has underlined his
desire to preside over the parade.
He
told mass media the event on Army's Day will have the participation of the
Army's Air Command and a representation of land units. Venezuelan authorities
have ruled the involvement of active military in the assassination plot, which
is attributed to individuals residing abroad, mainly ex military linked to
the failed coup of 2002 and internal opposition groups. For his part, Defense
Minister Garcia Carneiro said Chavez will attend public celebration for Independence
Day next July 5, though under strict security measures. He added that the
President will not ride in a convertible car as it was scheduled in the parade
for the occasion and his presence in the main platform will be short. "We'll
step up measures because he risks too much and fears nothing. We have to hold
him up," the high ranking officer pointed out. Garcia Carneiro explained
that "worrying reports" combine with the US government's recent
failure at the Organization of American States and augmented accusations against
Venezuela to reinforce the likelihood of an assassination plot.
Mark
Halliday wrote:
Hi
Mom and Dad: OK, glad you got the pix, had lunch with Jack and Blanca de Iquitos
today, I am now at the near-airport La Parada. Was pretty fine to have always-on
broadband in the room and send a few 100 Mb of video home via FTP. Yes, we
finally got to the beach, not perfect as you see in pix, but not bad. But
just another latin family affair, I should have seen it coming but didn´t.
NO visit to drumming festival at the coastal black villages. I didn´t read
between the lines so well, but every day I learned something new like:
1)
there are only blacks at those villages
2)
it is raining really bad there
3)
the blacks would ignore us
4)
the drumming is only at night
(vs the 3days
of 24-hr described by people who actually went in previous years !)
Caraquenos
are some of the richest and most racist of latins. Glenn, Rob, Larry and I
all saw that clearly about 10 years ago when we passed through here ! However,
I did visit either 5 or 6 new malls in Caracas, so that alone was worth the
trip ! Other interesting news:
1)
Fidel is coming to Caracas Wednesday
2)
Fidel cancelled his visit and Chavez asked why in his 4-hour speech yesterday
3)
Chavez announced raising military salaries 50-60%
4)
Fidel is raising doctor´s salaries in Cuba from $14 to $16 per month.
(3000+
of them are in Venezuela, which gives Fidel cheap oil like russians used to)
5)
Chavez did not get assassinated this weekend. Caraquenos are disappointed.
Now
off to the jungle.
Marcos
de la Selva
Natalia-
Thanks
for the quick reply, but this created a few more questions! I did find the
invoice after all, although it only shows $505 paid. I did not notice it was
attached to that email, sorry.
1)
OK I checked with my bank, they charge me $15 for the transfer,
I sent a new invoice where the amount is the correct one.
2)
I guess you might soon be out of the office? Are you located in Caracas or
Amazonas or where?
We are located at Puerto Ayacucho, Estado Amazonas capital.
Is
there an address for Selvadentro?
Yes there is: Vía Alto Carinagua km.1, Carinagua-teri, Puerto Ayacucho,
Estado Amazonas
I
see the telephone (58) (248) 414 7458. Is this a cell or a fixed office phone
somewhere?
This is a fixed cell phone for our house/office.
Who
will answer if I call this number?
Either I, Lucho or Sr. Cruz Sánchez or our answering machine.
3)
This is very strange there are no flights to Puerto Ayacucho !
They are back on business. Don't worry.
We will make your reservation, please tell us the exact dates you want
it made. ;-)
What
happened? Another bankrupt airline? How will you get there yourself? Are there
"luxury" buses on that route? I noticed "executivo" service
to some cities in Venezuela.
No to Puerto Ayacucho because of the river crossings.
4)
Did you find anything about Manaus-Caracas flights (ida solamente)? I saw
some mention of LAB airline, but then they fly Manaus-Miami-Caracas, seems
not too smart, but costs $400 or so. Remember, I had the idea to go through
to Manaus, but it may be too late to consider this now. But if I will need to buy very expensive charter flight San
Carlos to Ayacucho-Caracas ? (please tell me again this price?).
You can get on a regular flight from San Carlos to Puerto Ayacucho.
That
is interesting the group on Iguana is going to Manaus. What kind of group
is this we will be with?
No idea! People from Holland I think.
Do
you know what they have arranged from Sao Gabriel to Manaus?
I think they are going to flight.
And
what day they would arrive Manaus?
Need to find this out.
5)
Malaria: what do YOU recommend
?
If you want to, you should take malaria profilactic pills.
Need to be sure you are taking one that is appropriate for the parasite
in this region.
It
isn't really what I want to take, but the question requires local knowledge.
Do
the people in the villages we pass through have Malaria?
Yes, in some villages there are people that have or have had malaria.
If
so, then I need to take pills. I assume Chloroquine is not enough, so would
take Malarone or similar. What do you and Jose do yourself? Take any medicine
or not? The doctors here in US don't have good knowledge.
I never take any pills, just prevention:
Lots of bug repellent if going through a place where there may be malaria,
long sleeve and socks. I have never had malaria but Luis (not Jose!)
has had it eight 8 times in his life.
Sorry
for so many questions, but I will be away from my home after this week, so
want to understand everything now !
Sincerely,
Hello
Mark:
Hope
everything is going ok for you. Some details: The trip will start on July
2, departing from the port of Samariapo. We will get to San Carlos on the
8th day on July 9. We will get to Sao Gabriel on July 11. I hope you have
this in mind, since you are returning from San Carlos.
Natalia
Bird Jové
Mark
hello!
will
need your passport scaned and emailed to get some paperwork done!
meet
you soon
natalia
Here
ya go !
I
am thinking about the CCS- Puerto Ayacucho ticket, what day will you/and or
captain/crew be travelling to Purto Ayacucho yourselves?
we are going back on Iguana again, will pick up other clients in Sao
Gabriel
I
am also curious, what route is IGUANA doing before the trip to San Gabriel
and return?
will be going to San Carlos also
I
have thought a bit about going through to Manaus, but there does not seem
to be any air service Manaus to Caracas to come back and then use my CCS-USA
ticket to finish the trip. Unless I have missed something, I would have to
fly to Manaus-Sao Paulo and then to USA very expensive one-way ticket. any
ideas?
There is a service twice a week, but right now I don't remember the
airline, can tell you later
Thanks
Mark
Monday,
June 27, 2005
Subject:
Jaguars
Hi
Fernando-
I
am at a hotel near Caracas airport, heading to the jungle tomorrow.
¿¿
Did I tell you about the jaguars we are going to see ??
Mon,
27 Jun 2005
Natalia-
OK,
I am in Hotel La Parada in Catia del Mar, tel 58-212-351-2148 room 23 heading
to domestic airport maybe 11 am tomorrow. I tried to reconfirm Venezolano
flight from CCS Intercon today, but they just ended up calling you because
the airline did not answer but the receipt had your number! All is OK, (I
think). If anything is different please leave a message at Hotel La Parada
for me. Thanks, and see you soon.
Mark
Mon,
27 Jun 2005
Gaby,
Jorge, y Jose (Mortice)
Thanks
to all of you for helping me know Caracas better. The beach was fun ! Unfortunate
we did not see the drumming, but it is not so important. I have some good
photos of everyone, I will send them when I am back in Texas July 14-31.
I
am now in Hotel La Parada in Catia Del Mar and will fly to Puerto Ayacucho
tomorrow. I visited this afternoon with my friend Jack and his wife from Iquitos
Peru. They enjoyed Canaima, and today are in CCT hotel. racias otra vez para
todos !
Marcos
de la Selva
Tue,
28 Jun 2005
Extrañe
que no vinieras a tomar fotos del vitral de mí trabajo pero en otra oportunidad
será...Que Dios te bendiga siempre espero poder compartir otros momentos bonitos
e inolvidables contigo con un mejor inglés para que me entiendas...Un fuerte
abrazo, besos y bendiciones....cuidate mucho...
María
Gabriela Villasmil Urdaneta
Sala
Constitucional
Hey
Mark,
You
are a modern day Che Guevara. You need to get yourself a Harley and do the
South American Che Guevara style of travelling. By the way planning on going
to Colombia and Peru during the X-mas and New Year Holidays.
Alfonso
Thu,
30 Jun 2005
Subject:
in Puerto Ayacucho
To:
Casso Alfonso
No
way man, motorcycles are dangerous ! And.....Che got killed by the CIA, but
I work for them. hmmmm. I am very safety minded: when I was asking about things
to do locally, our tour company owner said I might want to cross the Orinoco
here to a little colombian town called Casuarito. But then the guy running
me around town said he wouldn´t go if he was me. Thats about as direct a NO
one ever gets from a latino ! He described observing an all-night FARC attack
on the village a few years ago, but from this side of the river. When I am
back in AUS lets have a beer and you tell me about your Xmas plans !
Adios
de la Selva
Marcos
Commandente
Marcos,
Looking
forward to a beer upon your return.
I forwarded your email to my bro in Colombia and I will shortly forward
his reply. He basically said
he gets the intell reports and that you are loco en la cabeza... Expect email
soon.
Alfonso
PS.
And by the way CIA stands for Casso Intelligence Agency.
your friend is crazy.....that is joking matter....he must have some
inside scoop....we get the intell reports daily of certain areas... bad that
is...
Fri,
1 Jul 2005
Re:
in Puerto Ayacucho
...cross
the Orinoco here to a little colombian town called Casuarito. But it sounds
so innocent... go for it Marcos.
An all night FARC attack would probably look just like 4th of July fireworks.
such a deal !
RB
Thu,
30 Jun 2005
Hi
Mark, espero q estes bien, todo por aqui esta chevere, el lunes fuimos a buscarte
al hotel al medio dia y te dejamos un mensaje en la recepcion. Siento mucho
no poderte ver el lunes para almorzar, sera para otra oportunidad, espero
que tu viaje a Pto. Ayacucho lo estes disfrutando mucho, Gaby te manda saludos,
yo estube muy ocupado porque vendi la camioneta y ahora estoy preparando mi
viaje a EEUU, bueno amigo espero te encuentres muy bien y ten cuidado, ya
que no se puede confiar en mucha gente por ese lugar, definitivamente tu eres
un hombre con mucha suerte por conocernos a José y a mí. Abrazos de Sebastian,
Gaby, Félix (papá de José), José y Jorge.
P.D.
Si regresas a Caracas por favor avisanos o llamanos. Bye
This
is my e mail. Thank for every thing. I enjoy so much your friendly. I hope
so see you again. Mis mejores deseos...para tí Marck...Cuidate mucho y que
Dios te bendiga siempre donde quiera que te encuentres...En lo que este a
mí alcance cuentas conmigo....Besos con cariño...Si quieres conocer donde
trabajo la página es www.tsj.gov.ve/
How
are you? What is your opinion about La Gran Sabana? Do you like it? I' m fine,
I finish my second post-grade. I'm so happy about that. Now I 'm studying
about the oportunitys in USA for the phd. But I need the vacation. Hugs and
Kisses
Gaby
de Gabycocinas...María Gabriela Villasmil Urdaneta
Tribunal
Supremo de Justicia, Sala Constitucional, Caracas-Venezuela
Natalia,
Lucho, Cruz, and all-
I
now have MANY pix up on my web site at:
http://www.mrhalliday.com/2005/2005-07-RutaHumboldt/RutaHumboldt.htm
Please
send me your mailing address in PR, Natalia, I can send a CD (or data DVD
if you can read that) with pix and video (although I can't send it until after
Sep 4 when I return from Morocco). Thank You for a wonderful adventure! Remember
Parintins 2006 !
Natalia
!
1)
look again and tell me if there is anything else I can fix in the section
on Selvadentro.
2)
Then send me your address in Puerto Rico!
401 Calle Columbia, Apt.503, Cond. Columbia Plaza, San
Juan, PR 00927-4004
3)
Can you read DVD data or only CD data?
can read DVD
4)
can you tell me the names of the villages we visited?
a) the first village
where you gave the newspaper article copy?
Kiratare
b) the miners village?
Cárida
c) then Tamatama?
no. Tamatama was where we stopped for a national guard check after
Cejal,
1st yanomami village, the one on the Orinoco
d) the Yanomami village?
on Casiquiare: Viriunave
on Orinoco: Cejal
thanks
much.
Marcos
P.S.
Best regards to Cruz, the ONLY BUDDHIST in the Amazon !
will tell him when he comes back,
Hello
Mark:
Wow!
You did a great job! Thanks. There is one little thing that changed which is our cell phone. If you
can change it 0414 487 3810. Of course we remember Parintins, let's keep in
touch and start planning.It was very nice to have you on board. Hope to meet
you next year en route for Parintins. All the best,
Mon,
1 Aug 2005
Excellent!!!
Great pictures my friend, I've just sent to my father your web site I hope he'll enyoy that. These pictures
are terrific!!! Especially Yanomamis, the nature, I envi you, ja! Nice trip.
I'll recommend the W-page to some friends. Gaby, jorge como están no sé nada
de uds.? están aquí en Venezuela o qué?
I'm
happy know that you'r ok!!... the pictures is amazing and you trip too, i
believe than you are insane to make this trip. Well friend i'm happy for you,
now i'm on NY whit my parents, i stay here at december. My phone is: (732)
826 1330. Take care friend and enjoy the life.
Sun,
11 Sep 2005
Subject:
Parintins 2006
Hola
Mark:
Hemos
comenzado a investigar sobre Parintins para ya ir haciendo el calendario del
año próximo. La fiesta es la última semana de junio, específicamente el último
fin de semana de esa semana. Para escoger un lugar bueno para Iguana, es por
orden de llegada, firstcome, first serve. Tenemos también que sacar una licencia
provisional en la Capitanía de Puertos de Amazonas. Por ahora es lo que sabemos.
Also
about the cost, this trip is going to be more expensive than when we are in
Venezuela. Fuel is very expensive for us over there, as well as food is also
much more expensive than in Venezuela. Just to let you know. Just wanted to
touch base with you and find out about your plans. All the best, will wait
for your answer,
Natalia
y Lucho
Tue,
14 Feb 2006
Re:
Parintins 2006
Hi
Natalia !
Sorry
for the delay, I was in Africa for all of August. At this time I am not too
optimistic about my friends to form a group for Parintins. I realize this
is nothing you can plan with. For myself, I would only be able to decide maybe
1-2 months before. Please keep the idea, and If you get other people interested,
please do let me know your schedule for 2006.
Best
regards,
Mark
VON
HUMBOLDT
CASIQUIARE
CANAL