1 comments about Una excursion a los indios Ranqueles.

1. Argentinian President Sarmiento sent this soldier, L.V. Mansilla (1831-1913), son of an important General, as a chief of the border against the Indians in Río Cuarto, southwards of Córdoba in 1869. The events he lived in those days made this book, first published in 1877. He's got a gift for narrative and he describes, mixing anecdotes and witty sentences, his peaceful task in Indian land. Two monks, four officers and a group of soldiers went with him. This book achieved a prize in the International Geographical Congress in Paris.

5 comments about Crying with Cockroaches: Argentina to New York with Two Horses.

1. What struck me most about this book was the sheer fortitude, ingenuity, perserverance and luck that Marianne evoked. Her initial lack of knowledge about horses makes it even more remarkable that she completed the journey at all, much less with such grace and aplomb. The way she tackles her dream trip is an inspiration indeed. A unique read that is sure to keep you turning the pages and leave you wanting to hear more. What will she do next?



2. Crying with Cockroaches is a great read, and unbelievable in its scope of what one person (with a little help along the way) can accomplish. My husband and I had the good fortune of meeting Marianne during her trip, which only enriched the reading of her story. It's entertaining and compelling, a must read for those inspired by tales of triumph over adversity.



3. When you meet Marianne Du Toit she doesn't look crazy. She seems like a perfectly normal, charming and inteligent young woman. And then she starts telling you stories about her trip, and you start to wonder...
   
   Then you read her compelling narative and you have to wonder how this woman summoned the courage to take on such an incredible journey. She claims she had no idea how tough it would be and that seems as good an explanation as any. Thankfully, nobody suggested she climb Mt. Everest on roller skates.
   
   Her book is a wonderful tale of what the human spirit can accomplish with a healthy dose of determination and a little grass roots help along the way. Du Toit uses her equine adventure to enthrall and enlighten.



4. "Crying with Cockroaches" provides an interesting insight into an extraordinary journey of both personal and geographical achievements. Du Toit documents her trek with two horses in an honestly written account. The beautiful pictures help bring the story and the terrain of the Americas to life. Animal welfare is a predominant point and seems even more relevant as the relationship and co-dependency between Du Toit and her two Criollos develops. The story also uncovers the good and bad of human behaviour in a trip so unpredictable and dependent on the offerings of others. The most appealing aspect of this book however is in my opinion, the determination and perseverance of the writer who was focused in the pursuit of her dream. This is inspirational in view to the challenges she faced in a seemingly impossible journey. These messages will no doubt, be encouraging and motivational to any reader of this book. A highly recommended read to any adventure seeker or those in face of a challenge!



5. A friend suggested I get this book and I was sceptical at first as I have read only a very few, true-adventure stories that excited me. Crying with Cockroaches however had me mesmerized from the very start. I purchased the book in January and have read it cover to cover, twice already.
   
   The voice of the author is so clear and her honesty, humour and optimism transparent on every page. All I can say is get this book. It is an easy read, well-written, great photographs and an excellent example of what we all can accomplish with determination and a strong will. The author is truly likeable and also humble, despite having undertaken this magnificent journey on her own but for two equine companions. She did not even know much about riding but her love for horses and really all animals and her perseverance to make this happen, made her triumph at the end. You'll laugh and cry, be exhilarated and moved as you are swept through the Americas on this epic adventure.
   
   It's not a "horsey book" but just really a five-star read to be enjoyed by all ages.
   
   HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.

2 comments about South American Explorer: Visitor's Map of Southern Chile and Argentina Including the Chilean Fjords.

1. There are better maps of southern South America, but the map of the Chilean Fjords on the reverse side is great. One unexpected feature that I really like is the inclusion of numerous factoids about the geographic areas on the map, as well as many historical facts.



2. Regrettably, I didn't notice until I received it that the map was printed in 2002. It doesn't show the road from Puerto Natales to Torres del Paine; it doesn't show ferry routes. There's probably a bunch more that's missing. Too bad. One disadvantage of attempting to buy a MAP online.

2 comments about Che Boludo: A Gringo's Guide to understanding the Argentines.

1. This may well be the best book ever written. Believe me, I have read them all and this one blows them away.
   Truly amazing. I would love to meet the genius behind it.



2. Finally a really useful guidebook, ¡Che Boludo! will allow you to find the trouble you have been looking for. Este guía es la posta! Este chábon no es un zoquete.

No comments about Argentina / Chile / Uruguay / Paraguay Map.

No comments about Argentina Atlas de Rutas Firestone 2008.

4 comments about Full Circle: A South American Journey (Lonely Planet Journeys).

1. Full circle details the past and the ceratin present of sepulveda's life, his torture and exile from his country because of his belief and his travels through South America as he cannot return. The story begins and ends with his aim to try and get to the village of his grandfather's birth in Spain and to see if he has any surviving relatives. A book that touched me in a way no other book has ever done and none probably will, and belive me, for once that is no understatement.



2. This book was disjointed. It was really hard to follow what was going on and where the author was going and why. The book seemed to be a compilation of miscellaneous stories about his life. Some of the stories made sense, while others were out of place and unintelligible. This made for a difficult read.



3. Full Circle is a book that cannot be read only once. The stories become like old freinds and are joys to visit with again and again.



4. a very honest and coolly written book. While the narrative appears disjointed at first, one realizes that if the author were to write all the details in chrono sequence, given that he has been travelling for years, it would have been several fat volumes. This is not srictly a travelogue in the sense of day 1 we did tis, day 2 that happened.. rather, its a collection of incidents and events that took place in the couirse of the author's travels, that illuminate life in the various places he has been.
   I feel like hitting the road again, with no fixed destination in mind, no final goal, timeless...

1 comments about Argentina, Una Travesia Aerea/argentina, Air Flight.

1. I bought this book in a store in Buenos Aires for 150 pesos (U$S 42). The pictures are breathtaking and remind me of the trip I took to Patagonia earlier this year. I highly recommend this book - it has maps of each region and where each photo was taken. It covers all of Argentina, from the romance of Buenos Aires, the beauty of Patagonia (like Alaska for us Americans), and the desolation of the Salta in the north (salt flats). I only wish I would have bought a second copy to give as a gift to family - I figured Amazon would have stocked it, given the quality. Worth the wait and price even if you have to get it here and pay list!!

1 comments about Fodor's Argentina, 4th Edition (Fodor's Gold Guides).

1. This year I have used and then reviewed five guides on Argentina. Fodor's has commendable qualities, but its weaknesses outweigh its strengths. This guide will give you excellent direction on what to see/where to go. Its selection and recommendations of accommodations is the best out in guides today. However, if you want a guide to help you select an excellent, unique restaurant, if you want a guide that informs you about the history and culture of Argentina, and if you want a guide that will provide you with maps that help you locate restaurants and hotels, then look elsewhere.
   
   Fodor's excels at helping you to pick the best accommodations.. Their recommendations are accurate and, if there is a "Fodor's Choice" next to the accommodations it is worth checking that hotel out. I was never disappointed using this guide for accommodations.
   
   However, Fodor's restaurants recommendations in the guide are typical and common. Those that I visited were not the unique "finds", nor the excellent "mom and pop" restaurants that other guides occasionally give you. Rather, the restaurants Fodor's selected were populated by tourist and often filled with large groups. That alone would not be a distraction if the food at these restaurants was great, but, the food was good, but not worth touting in a guide.
   
   One of the most disappointing and dysfunctional aspects of this guide is the total omission of information on the history and culture of Argentina. Another was the serious lack of maps.
   
   A guide without maps is like a horse without a saddle, hard to enjoy and after awhile the absence is very noticeable. Good guides will have maps that help you locate both their recommended restaurants and the hotels. Fodor's only has these maps for Buenos Aires. Once you leave Buenos Aires there are NO MAPS to help you in this area.
   
   Caveat: After the economic collapse Argentina became a bargain country to visit. That is changing very fast. Hotels, airfares and restaurants prices are quickly rising. It is difficult to stay in Buenos Aires (unless you are staying at a hostel or backpackers hotel) for less than $100 a day. You, should plan on at least $150 for a moderate priced, well located hotel, good meals (with a good wine of course) and some sightseeing. Before you travel, use the internet to check out current hotel prices.
   
   For a overall reliable guide I recommend: Rough Guide to Argentina(2005). This guide is conditionally recommended 3.5 stars.

No comments about ACROSS UNKNOWN SOUTH AMERICA - KINDLE EDITION [ENG].