人生有很多的幸運與巧合，以為將自己一個人前往時，卻發現網友 Singing 也即將去南美，遂決定結伴壯膽。而原本以為不能去的 Mei 也在昨日忽然絕處逢生般的終於媽媽點了頭，應允她去，只是旅遊的天數縮短，但不管怎樣，我已經要感恩老天垂憐，感謝 Mei 的媽媽放寬尺度、成全她的夢想。話說回來，整理前往南美的裝備實非易事，也是需要無比的耐心、細心與巧思，幸虧 Singing 熱心解說該怎麼準備，還展示如何收納，讓這個任務頓時變得簡單起來，所以我就搭著前人的心血整理了一篇 checklists，如下。
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在台灣疾病管制局找到以下健康照護須知，摘要並稍作補充以供參考。
(一) 預防蚊蟲叮咬：許多疾病是藉由病媒蚊而傳播，比如瘧疾與登革熱。針對此類疾病可採用以下防蚊措施：
(二) 注意食物飲水安全：腸胃道傳染病是遊客出國最常罹患的疾病，建議使用以下的方式來確保食物飲水的安全：
(三) 其他注意事項：
◎延伸閱讀
(Read more...)3. B型肝炎疫苗(Hepatitis B immune globulin): 一劑約 700-800元。 4. 瘧疾藥品 (Malaria medicine, 去氧羥四黴素 Doxycycline 100mg)：一顆約 4 元。 5. 傷寒疫苗 (Typhoid): 6. 狂犬病(Aujeszky disease)/破傷風 (Tetanus ( Lockjaw ))：一般旅客原則上是採行”暴露後預防”(Post-exposure prophylaxis)。 ◎延伸閱讀
疫苗針打不打？藥拿不拿，拿了吃不吃？一時沒想太多，但為了避免感染惡疾回來，導致重病不治，昨晚匆匆在網路上掛了台北馬偕家庭醫學科旅遊門診，今天一大早就跑去台北馬偕注射疫苗了。
門診醫生是黃偉新、護士為吳美慧，我跟Mei (Mei 仍抱著最後一絲決心還在為了出國持續抗爭中)一起鑽進了 4 號小診間，黃大夫看起來很年輕開始例行性的詢問：
黃大夫：要去哪裡玩啊？
Jess and Mei: 南美洲 的祕魯、波利維亞、智利與阿根廷
黃大夫：要呆多久？
Jess and Mei: 恩 ..3/19-6/5 左右
黃大夫：(從原本很冷靜的表情轉而吃驚)哇，這麼久，你們不用工作嗎？
Jess and Mei: (兩人尷尬的笑了起來)我們失業很久啦，哈哈哈
吳美慧護士在旁不禁噗哧ㄧ笑，心理一定想這兩人真是不知民間疾苦(我們心中的 OS)...
然後黃醫師開始跟我們訴說，瘧疾藥建議要吃，AB 肝炎疫苗要先檢測有無抗體或帶原 (醫生說國人40歲以上的大部分都有抗體, 以下的就得先檢查)。黃熱病疫苗一劑約 1000，A 型肝炎疫苗一劑約 1600(有點忘，下次再度確認)，防瘧疾的藥 (Doxycycline) 一顆約 4 元(錢其實都是我們在問的^^)，果然一切都需要錢啊。
大家都知道背包客的原則就是能省則省，所以我們就一直東問西問，想看看能否什麼藥不吃，什麼針不打，以便節省到一丁點的錢。沒想到黃醫師在緊要關頭説了一句「打預防針其實就像是保險的概念一樣」，哀，真是一句話驚醒夢中人！
但鑑於防瘧疾的藥 Doxycycline 會有些討人厭的副作用，雖說我們會在祕魯跟波利維亞呆上一個多月，我兩還是很猶豫到底要不要吃，我只好脫口而出「就備而不用吧！」沒想到黃醫師聽到後很冷靜的說「要吃！」我們還真是三條線~
後話，這次看診的醫生跟護士人都很好，整場諮詢的過程笑聲不斷，沒想到打個疫苗雖花錢還真開心 ^__^。
◎國際旅遊疾病與疫苗相關網址：
1. 國際旅遊疫情與 疫苗 須知 : 玻利維亞－登革熱 2008/2/21 (新疫情)
2. 國際疫苗接踵單位與收費標準
3. 台灣疾病管制局
◎疾病與疫苗須知：
1. 黃熱病疫苗 (Yellow fever bacterin): 疾管局對所有年紀大於9個月以上的旅客，建議出國前10天要打才有抗體產生。 一劑約 1000 元 + 證明書 200 元。
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2. A型肝炎疫苗(Hepatitis A immune globulin): 一劑約 1260 元。
◎馬偕醫院家醫科旅遊門診須知：
1. 台北馬偕黃熱病疫苗注射服務，只有每週二跟五，一天只限 10 個人注射。
2. 若為 AB 肝炎疫苗，每天都可注射，不限人次。
3. 可在醫生那直接說明需要攜帶到國外的藥品，醫師可予以專業建議幫忙開藥，但藥物均為自費。
4. 今日看診費用明細： 共 2200
由於我是一個愛湊熱鬧的人，還有總是ㄧ心幻想能在異國參加當地慶典，甚至跟著當地人在街上跳著民俗舞蹈，所以這次去南美洲想當然耳一定要好好查一下旅行的那幾個月有何特殊節慶可以參一腳。
以下就是我列出來的幾個 events from March to May 2008。如果大家對其他時間的節慶有興趣，可以利用 iExplore , WhatsonWhen and TravelMax三個網站來查詢。不過奇怪的是有時後我發現不同的網站寫的 event 時間會不一樣，目前還不知如何查到最具公信力的答案。 另外還意外找到一個可以查全世界各地關於 wine 的 events 網站 LocalWineEvents.com，可以試試喔！
1. Events in Peru:
3/17/2008)2. Events in Chile:
The peculiarly-named popular religious feast-cum-equestrian-display Fiesta de Cuasimodo is celebrated on the Sunday after Easter Sunday throughout many parts of Chile, particularly in urban areas and around Santiago. The basic idea is that knights, dressed in full and colourful attire, gather outside the local church and escort the priest on his tour to give the Eucharist to the infirm and dying throughout the area.3. Events in Blovia:
Festival of the "Gran Poder" La Paz, Bolivia 5/01/2007 - 6/30/2007
The biggest street party in La Paz is a religious festival with a carnival feel. The "Festividad del Senor del Gran Poder", the festival of the All-Powerful, stems from a cult that developed around a painting of the Trinity of the early 17th century. The second person in the painting represents Christ depicted with native features. From the 1930s, street processions began, headed up by an image of a dusky Christ carried on a ceremonial bier. Nowadays the event has a strong folkloric element, with more than 50 "brotherhoods" contributing costumed participants, adopting varied themes such as Incas, conquistadors, colonialists and so on. Thousands of dancers follow the parade, their voluminous skirts twirling along the way. Eating and drinking plays a prominent role in the day's celebrations. Pinning down the date of Gran Poder can be problematic: this is a moveable feast of the people. (Photo from stephanie-sas' photostream)
4. Events in Argentina
今天終於確定我要一個人去南美了，很好，我怎麼現在還說很好...但除了說這個難道我要把一個人的落寞與緊張寫出來嗎？在答案還沒揭曉前，其實我就有一股很強的預感知道我即將一個人成行。好像不知從何時開始，我的第六感就越來越強，總會猜出某些懸而未決事件的結果，是因為我的觀察力變敏銳了嗎？還是我始終以為可以的其實並不可以，還是我已經習慣期待落空了...
從去年開始到今年，似乎在暗示著我不能再依賴任何人事物了，人最終只能信賴自己，所以今晚我一個人去誠品閱讀相關旅遊資料時，腦海裡已經想像著自己一個人的旅行。我還想起 2005 年的夏天，自己也曾在北京 travel alone, 那時的旅程由一開始的很緊張變成很安靜，緊張是因為怕遇到壞人，安靜是因為始終一個人走、無人應答。有時寧靜的四周會湧入一些聲音，無意中跟賣紀念品的小販東聊西扯起來、在路上偶遇也是ㄧ個人旅行的異國旅人，意外的快樂就這樣偶爾竄進無聲的旅程中，盪漾出那日我最開懷的笑。
朋友說我一個人去南美洲，不怕嗎？其實我怕得要死。朋友說他最佩服的是我這趟旅行的勇氣，
而他最擔心的是我的安全，其實，我沒告訴他我是有骨氣卻沒膽量(我真的是大無畏杰斯嗎？)，但因為有了骨氣我驅使自己向前走，圓一場看似可有可無，卻蟄伏心中已久、有著非做不可決心的一場壯遊。
走吧，別再多說了，我還得看是否有機會將房子短期租出去、得辦智阿簽證、訂機票住宿、採購與整理裝備，總之，整裝待發就對了！
PS. 此篇應該是誰在阻撓篇終結版了吧！之後還有誰會來亂勒？拜託不要吧！
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研究南美旅遊資料一段時間，發現在南美洲點對點的遷徙真的是對背包客的一大考驗，不僅耗時也考驗著大家長途跋涉的耐心。今日花了點時間把目前查詢到在南美搭公車或飛機所需耗費的時間做了張圖來表示，以利大家閱讀。若有網友發現上面的資料有誤，也歡迎校正。謝謝！
陸續會再不定期的更新這張表。
終於開始思考要怎麼帶衣服了... 雖然爬台灣的高山多次，也累積了一些衣物準備的經驗，但這次前往南美適逢冬季、位處三四千公尺高山、又正值全球氣候異常，還有在預算有限下，我還是得精心思考該如何帶足夠保暖又穿脫方便的衣裳。 Backpacking clothing can be grouped into 4 basic categories: inner layer, mid layer, insulation layer and outer layer. Each type performs a specific task within a clothing system. Whether or not you need them depends on your backpacking plans. Step #2: Consider Your Fabric Options Inner Layers Mid Layers Insulation Layers Outer Layers A Note on Outer Layer Design ◎延伸閱讀
剛好今天在 REI 的網站上看到一篇How to Choose the Right Backpacking Clothing，文章裡很詳盡的介紹如何準備衣服與相關衣物材質的介紹，貼來與大家分享之 (待我徹底研究與採購完畢後再來寫一篇整裝心得)。
How to Choose the Right Backpacking Clothing
The clothes you bring with you on a backpacking trip must perform 2 important jobs. First, they must protect you from the elements (rain, snow, and wind). Second, they must keep you comfortable during a variety of activities and weather conditions.
The best way to choose backpacking clothing is to build a "system" of clothing layers that can be mixed and matched to handle different trips and different conditions.
Some Basic Definitions
Layering is the practice of dressing in a number of lightweight clothing layers instead of 1 or 2 heavier layers. Layered clothing systems are versatile (you can add or remove layers in response to changing conditions) and efficient (a number of thin layers will be warmer than 1 or 2 thick layers, and they'll take up less room in your pack).
Certain clothing layers enhance comfort by pulling sweat from the surface of your skin and transferring it into other clothing layers. This process, called wicking, keeps you dry and comfortable in warm conditions. It also keeps you warmer in cold conditions by reducing evaporative and conductive heat loss.
To stay comfortable when temperatures rise or your activity-level increases, you need clothing layers that let your sweat and body heat escape. A garment's ability to do this is referred to as its breathability. Breathability is affected by the materials that a clothing layer is made out of and the design of the layer itself.
Step #1: Consider the Layers You'll Need
Inner layer clothing is worn right next to your skin. Its job is to keep you comfortable by wicking the sweat from your skin and providing an extra layer of insulation. Inner layer clothing is usually worn in moderate to cold conditions when a little extra insulation is needed and the chance of aerobic activity is high. It's available in a variety of thicknesses for different activities and weather conditions.
Mid layer clothing consists of the items you use every day: shorts, T-shirts, lightweight pants and long-sleeve shirts. The primary function of mid-layer clothing is to provide basic insulation and protection in warm conditions. Mid layer items are often worn alone on short trips in good weather conditions. The pieces you choose should be comfortable, lightweight and built to last.
Insulation layer clothing is designed specifically to provide additional warmth. It's typically worn whenever mid layer and/or inner layer pieces are not warm enough for the current conditions. The insulation layers you use should be warm, lightweight and as non-bulky as possible. They should also breathe well to let sweat and body heat escape.
The primary job of outer layer clothing (both tops and bottoms) is to protect you from the wind, rain and snow. But it needs to be somewhat breathable as well, to let sweat and body heat escape. Backpackers should always carry protective outer layers.
Outer layer clothing can be divided into 3 basic categories (see below). Each has it's own set of characteristics, and each protects backpackers from precipitation, wind and sweat build-up to different degrees. To choose the right outer layer clothing, focus on the general category that sounds best for your needs. Then consider the design features listed at the end of this section to choose a specific model.
-- Positives:These repel wind and light precipitation while providing excellent breathability. They tend to be less expensive than other options.
-- Negatives:They are not waterproof enough to protect you in harsh weather conditions or extended periods of rain.
-- Typical Uses- Water-resistant/breathable fabrics are perfect for backpackers who travel in arid and/or warm conditions where good breathability is important and the chance of heavy precipitation is low. They are popular among backpackers who plan short trips in good weather and those who enjoy strenuous activities like trail running.
-- Positives:These are completely waterproof, and they're less expensive than waterproof/breathable fabrics.
-- Negatives:They provide very little breathability, which can be extremely uncomfortable it's hot or if you're working hard on the trail. To let moisture out, layers using waterproof/non-breathable fabrics have to be cut extremely loose (like ponchos) or they must have special vents or openings built in to let the heat and sweat out.
-- Typical Uses- Because of the lack of breathability, most backpackers stay away from waterproof/non-breathable outer layers (unless temperatures are very low or the chances of heavy precipitation are very high). They are used occasionally in moderate conditions in inexpensive rain pants and emergency ponchos.
-- Positives:These fabrics are both waterproof and breathable (to a degree). They are good performers in a wide range of weather conditions.
-- Negatives:Even waterproof/breathable fabrics heat up and trap sweat during strenuous backpacking. Exact performance depends on the specific type of fabric used, the outside temperature, the amount of activity and other factors. Waterproof/breathable fabrics are more expensive than other types of outerwear.
-- Typical Uses- More and more wilderness enthusiasts are choosing waterproof/breathable fabrics for their outer layers. These fabrics are comfortable in a wide variety of situations and conditions. And performance levels keep improving all the time.
There is more to choosing the right outer layers than just deciding on a type of fabric to use. You must also consider the designs features included in different jacket and pant models. When you start comparing different styles head-to-head, consider the following:
--Adjustable Openings
The waist, cuffs and neck should seal tight for bad weather but open easily for extra ventilation.
最近全球氣候驟變，沒想到也造成波利維亞鬧水患，狀況似乎挺不好的，希望氣候能快點回復正常，以免波國受創更深。
doors. 
該怎麼說呢？圓夢前內憂外患總是會不斷出現，剛剛 Mei 說「秘魯在罷工耶，你知道嗎？」天啊！我確實不知道...
所以為了了解狀況，以下是在網路上搜尋到的一些消息，看到外國的討論區上有人說現在已恢復正常，但希望近期要前往秘魯的網友仍是稍微小心點。
外國討論區：http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic-g294311-i818-k17...ike_in_Cusco-Peru.html
Peru workers strike traps 100s of tourists
Saturday, February 23, 2008 06:05 [IST]
Lima: Hundreds of tourists were trapped near the ancient Incan city of Machu Picchu as a workers strike against private development entered its second day and paralyzed Cuzco's airport, transportation officials have said.
"We deplore this inconvenience which can interfere with passenger travel and tourism but we think it would be worse to open the airport under these conditions," said Deputy Transportation Minister Carlos Puga yesterday.
The airport at Cuzco, the staging city for travel to the mountain-top citadel, was expected to reopen today, unless the demonstrations continued, Puga said.
The Cuzco regional workers federation called Thursday for workers to block key roads in the city for 48 hours, forcing the shutdown also of rail access to Machu Picchu, Peru s leading tourist attraction.
Around 500 protesters yesterday blocked streets and access roads in Cuzco as part of the demonstrations, called against a new law which would permit private firms to set up shop in the areas close to Peru's archaeological sites.
Protesters branded the law an "affront to the heritage" of the country.
However, some tourists were able Friday to visit Machu Picchu, a 15th century site atop an Andes mountain peak 2,500 meters high and which attracts some 800,000 tourists a year, most of whom travel there by train. The city was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983.
Peru: Cusco riot / protest to end today, Velasco Astete Airport could open tomorrow
Transportation 22 February, 2008 [ 11:15 ] 
(LIP-ir) -- After Cusco's 48-hour strike ends Friday evening, flights to the Imperial City will resume once again on Saturday morning, said Carlos Puga, the vice minister of transportation and communication.
The Peruvian Corporation of Airports and Commercial Aviation (CORPAC) closed Velasco Astete Airport at 10 a.m. on February 21 because of violent protests that were taking place in the region.
In an effort to keep passengers safe, airport authorities closed the airport just before protesters surrounded it.
"It is likely that if protests don't stop then the airport will not reopen. We are sorry for the inconvenience this may cause passengers and tourists, but we believe it would be worse if we opened the airport under these circumstances", said the vice minister.
Approximately 500 police officers are guarding the airport to make sure it is not overrun by violent protesters, said Peruvian police colonel Alfonso Chavarri.
The officers were sent from Lima and guarded the airport on Thursday as students and construction workers attempted to take control of it.
Police used tear gas to drive protesters away, who had completely surrounded the airport and tried to get onto the property by making a hole on one of the airport's outside walls.
Upon realizing they could not get into the airport, protesters made their way to the city and had several encounters with Peru's national police.
The majority of Cusco's main roads are completely blocked in some cases protesters are charging those that want to use the road.
Warden Message: Peru General Strike, Caution Advised
Consular Affairs BulletinsAmericas - Peru 15 Feb 2008
Peru: Strike in Cusco - Private hotel investment law rejected
Peru 7 February, 2008 [ 12:15 ]
(LIP-ir) -- Upon the announcement that people in Cusco would take part in a 24-hour strike on Thursday, Peru's Minster of Foreign Trade and Tourism, Mercedes Araoz, stated she lamented that a law which was to benefit the tourism sector in Cusco had been misinterpreted.
Araoz expressed she was concerned with the way Cusco's people had reacted to the law, which in her opinion, would foster investments in hotels as well as other touristic services that would create jobs and preserve the region's historic monuments.
The law known as the Promoción del Desarrollo Sostenible de Servicios Turísticos en los Bienes Inmuebles Integrantes del Patrimonio Cultural de la Nación has already been voted against in congress and will be voted on again next week.
The law proposes to make it easier for private investors to be awarded concessions - for the construction of hotels - in areas near archaeological sanctuaries and Cusco's historic downtown.
Even though the new law was voted against, Hugo Gonzalez, the regional president of Cusco, announced that a 24-hour strike would begin on Thursday.
Gonzalez explained the strike would be held to make sure the law was rejected once again.
Tourists will not be able to reach Machu Picchu by train on Thursday because of the strike, announced PeruRail. Representatives reported the service had been canceled for that day for safety reasons.
(Read more...)
我們的足跡會從台灣的山頭再一起跨向南美嗎？我期待著下一張在太陽帝國的合照...
今天 Mei 說，B 的朋友曾經旅行南美洲，一聽到我們只有兩個女生要去那邊旅行，就直說太危險啦！那邊可是殺人搶劫都有，很危險，他還說自己在那都被綁架過。害我們兩個嚇得皮皮啜，也不敢再找 B 的那個朋友諮詢，以免越挫越沒膽。
但是，我們可不是就此掉以輕心，為了做好萬全的防範，在網路上找了一些如何安全行走南美的相關交戰守則，如下：
◎出處：130天背包自助游南北美洲
安全問題：我這次所經的國家，危險程度最高的是委內瑞拉和巴西，其次是秘魯和玻利維。主要危險是大城市里的搶奪和搶劫，甚至會動用槍械。衡量一個城市的危險度，可以用幾個方法，一是看街頭無所事事在游蕩的人是否多，多則危險；二是看外國游客特別是背包客是否多，多則安全；三是看在廣場、熱鬧地區有無人拿相機、DV機在拍攝，如果無則危險。看最新版的LP（孤獨行星自助游指南）、咨詢當地華人、與他國的背包客交流是獲得信息的好辦法。智利和阿根廷最安全，你完全可以挂著相機在街上走。
◎出處：【遊記】 巴西防偷防搶安全指南 
（穿成這樣絕對沒人想要搶你，在里約路上遇到的兩隻超HIGH乳牛）
在巴西要不成為偷兒的目標，首先是要越像當地人越好。咦？你心裡想咱們亞洲人怎麼裝都無法像當地人啊？你說的這不是廢話嗎？喔不不不，巴西因為有許多日本移民，所以雖然你是東方臉孔，但要是你穿著打扮夠有巴西味，那麼其實他們會誤認為你是在巴西住很久的日本裔巴西人。所以其實要偷偷裝成當地人還是有撇步的。
一、曬黑
當巴西人不曬黑？真是說笑了，巴西人是三天兩頭往海邊跑兩面煎烤的，每個人膚色都是美麗的古銅色，所以你想想，要是一群人中都是古銅色肌膚，但你卻是白晰晰的，是不是很容易成為焦點呢？所以其實就我的觀察，在巴西容易成為小偷跟搶匪下手的對象，很多都是金髮碧眼皮膚白的歐美人士。雖然巴西南部也有金髮碧眼的巴西人，但畢竟在里約或是比較靠北的地方，還是以膚色深為主，所以膚色不夠深，請去海邊勤煎烤吧。
二、學當地人穿衣服，越少越好
巴西人是怎麼穿衣服的？短褲、T恤小可愛，腳上再一雙Havanianas巴西拖鞋，注意喔巴西人（以里約為範本），他們穿的都是感覺好像可以很容易就去海邊馬上玩水的裝扮，切記，你寧願穿一件短褲有著深口袋把東西裝裡面，也不要沒事背個包包，因為有包包就給人裡面有財物可以搶的錯覺，數位相機小小台的放口袋（請繫條繩子跟你的手腕綁一起，走路時手插口袋很輕鬆的散步，順便保護相機），鈔票捲起來塞暗袋或內褲，女生呢幾乎都把錢藏胸罩裡啦。（男生都很羨慕喔...因為他們沒有這項特殊配備，哈哈哈）。護照跟旅支之類的都鎖在旅館保險箱裡，手錶跟手機都不要帶出去。若比較貴重的物品你需要帶出去，最好是腰間綁個暗袋之類的，若你真的需要帶包包，裡面也不要放貴重的物品，也就是說被偷被搶了不會心疼的哪種東西可以放裡面。
三、名牌東西就別帶出門吧
你不會要來個南美還帶著LV的包包吧？還是帶個GUCCI的太陽眼鏡？這不是擺明了來搶我，我很有錢嗎？請記得，這些東西在亞洲國家拿就好了，巴西或南美為了安全你還是最好不要帶的好。
四、注意人多的地方，盡量不要落單出遊
來巴西要學會的第一堂課就是呼朋引伴，大家一起出去玩。越少落單機會你就越安全，人越多的地方小偷跟搶匪越多，很多被搶或是被偷的時候都是因為獨自一人，或是到了有很多人聚集的街上派對、遊行、甚至嘉年華會現場跟散場時發生的，所以千萬不要掉以輕心喔！你可以玩得很開心，很HIGH，但安全還是要注意的。
五、若真的遇到搶匪了，就把口袋錢財或包包給他吧
真的，搶匪也不想要鬧更大，他們只想拿了錢就走，於是你就把包包給他們不要抗拒就是了。小命重要不是嗎？所以才千萬叮嚀錢跟貴重物品不要帶太多在身上。
六、問清楚哪些區域跟哪些街道比較危險，就盡量不要獨自走那邊
這些資訊問旅館人員他們都會跟你說的，而且若你住的是會好好照顧你的青年旅館，他們其實會比你還要擔心，你可以跟他們要地圖之後順便跟他們請教，青年旅館也會幫你辦一起去看一些表演的團體活動，大家一起出動也比較安全。
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行程規劃真的很不容易，為了紀錄一路走來的辛苦，特地放上嘔心瀝血製作出來的第二版，也應該是出發前的最終版行程與大家分享。
此版本行程與第一版的主要差異是放棄了3個國家：巴西、墨西哥與瓜地馬拉。主要考量實在是因為不想每天在中南美洲東奔西跑，故忍痛犧牲 3 國以換取身心之合諧。
◎出發前拍案定稿版 (2008 South America Travel Schedule)
◎南美行程 (2008 South America Travel Schedule) 拍案定稿地圖版 (Map Version)
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就在行程三修四改，總算要拍案定稿、要準備開始訂機票住宿之後，乎聞夏林不能去。雖說這是每次出遊前就會遇到的狀況，但難免讓人沮喪。事情為何不能順利點呢？
好不容易，夏林前陣子說服了爸媽甚至奶奶自己要前往南美旅行的計畫，我們以為關卡已經稍為突破，剩下的只是夏林跟奶奶確認玩多久而已。但夏林為何至今不能去？你無法想像的突發家庭因素從天而降，在此不便多提，只能說這是ㄧ場上天的考驗。有時，即使自己已經勇敢踏出一步，都可能有各式各樣的難關在前阻撓著這場尋找幸福之旅？也許你會說，幸福真的要出去才能找得到嗎？當然未必，這只是給我們另一個機會去探索幸福的真諦。
而從這次的旅程，我看到了一種意志力的挑戰，我整天研究著狹長的南美地圖，探索著不知名的城市景點，在背包客棧、各式網站閱讀網友的建議與經驗指南，我們到底該怎麼走，該怎麼一點接著一點的前進，每個地方該停留幾天才不會累垮，該怎麼辦理那些超級刁難國的簽證才能踏進他們的國土，我們的 backup solution 是什麼？
我常常思索我們能否突破各式困難險阻？我們會在哪一個關卡徹底放棄？放棄的那一刻是否就是棄守了自己堅持已久的一種信念、一個期盼？那一刻，我們會不會很失落？
另一個難關，Mei 也許正在嘗試突破著，到底該怎麼跟爸媽說才能允許讓她出國？我只能對這個問題留待無限美好的遐想空間，相信長輩總會諒解，身為兒女追求幸福的一種渴望。
而我呢？我只能說我有一個身兼大家長的好哥哥，當他知道我要去旅行的時候，只對我說了句「記得要回來」。
Jess
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