I took my final taxi ride back to Twin Falls for $40 then I departed on a flight from Twin Falls at 11a.m. and arrived back at Chicago at 1:30 p.m. This cost me $311.
Well goodbye everyone, I hope you had as much fun walking in Ernest Hemingway's footsteps as I did.
Happy Trails,
Nick Miller
Sunday, October 12, 2008
Ketchum, Idaho 8/11/09- 8/14/09
I arrived in Twin Falls, Idaho at 6:00 a.m. this flight will cost $484. I then took a taxi from Twin Falls to Ketchum. This cost me $40. I will be staying at the Clarion Inn. It cost $240 for three nights and is within walking distance of many of the place I want to visit. For food I am going to get eat at the local McDonald's for about 6 dollars per meal.
8/11/09
My first activity is visiting the Ernest Hemingway Memorial where a large sculpted head sits with engraved writings. It is a rainy day and it sets a somber tone for the day. It is hard for me to enjoy this place because I had just been around the world celebrating all of Ernest Hemingway's life and its joyous occasions. Although since having explored one extreme of Hemingway's life, why not explore the other. Hemingway had a troubled end which led to him committing suicide. He survived plane crashes, big game hunting, and a lifestyle of rebellious partying. Perhaps the only thing that was strong enough to kill Hemingway was himself.
8/12/09
In my second day in Ketchum I visited Sawtooth National Forest. Hemingway loved the outdoors and did all of his life. He enjoyed hunting and fishing and any competitive match. At this forest there was much vegetation and wildlife. It inspired me to think about Hemingway throughout his life and all of the crazy things that happened to such an extraordinary man.
8/13/09
My final stop before heading home was to Ernest Hemingway's grave site. This is also five minutes from the hotel. This grave site represents the death of one of the greatest American writers of all time, as well as the end of my trip. I was exhausted from the many travels I had taken in the last month and was ready to head home to sleep in my own bed. As my reflection shone back at me through the polished rock of Hemingway's gravestone. It helped me reflect on what I had really learned. All I came to find was that Ernest Hemingway was a nearly average sized man who had more impact on the world than one thousand men combined. All the places I had went to Ernest Hemingway left footprints the size of the Grand Canyon, not just on the places, but on the people and culture as well. Every place had a memorial to commemorate his life accomplishments or to acknowledge his feats in life. All the man did was fish, hunt, drink, and write stories, and yet he still left a trail across the entire planet that all I could do was follow. Even 100 years after his death we still read his stories and talk about his life like it was yesterday. Ernest Hemingway was a remarkable man in every sense of the word.
8/11/09
My first activity is visiting the Ernest Hemingway Memorial where a large sculpted head sits with engraved writings. It is a rainy day and it sets a somber tone for the day. It is hard for me to enjoy this place because I had just been around the world celebrating all of Ernest Hemingway's life and its joyous occasions. Although since having explored one extreme of Hemingway's life, why not explore the other. Hemingway had a troubled end which led to him committing suicide. He survived plane crashes, big game hunting, and a lifestyle of rebellious partying. Perhaps the only thing that was strong enough to kill Hemingway was himself.
8/12/09
In my second day in Ketchum I visited Sawtooth National Forest. Hemingway loved the outdoors and did all of his life. He enjoyed hunting and fishing and any competitive match. At this forest there was much vegetation and wildlife. It inspired me to think about Hemingway throughout his life and all of the crazy things that happened to such an extraordinary man.
8/13/09
My final stop before heading home was to Ernest Hemingway's grave site. This is also five minutes from the hotel. This grave site represents the death of one of the greatest American writers of all time, as well as the end of my trip. I was exhausted from the many travels I had taken in the last month and was ready to head home to sleep in my own bed. As my reflection shone back at me through the polished rock of Hemingway's gravestone. It helped me reflect on what I had really learned. All I came to find was that Ernest Hemingway was a nearly average sized man who had more impact on the world than one thousand men combined. All the places I had went to Ernest Hemingway left footprints the size of the Grand Canyon, not just on the places, but on the people and culture as well. Every place had a memorial to commemorate his life accomplishments or to acknowledge his feats in life. All the man did was fish, hunt, drink, and write stories, and yet he still left a trail across the entire planet that all I could do was follow. Even 100 years after his death we still read his stories and talk about his life like it was yesterday. Ernest Hemingway was a remarkable man in every sense of the word.
Sanfrancisco De Paula, Cuba 8/10/09
I took a taxi from the hotel to this place. Here I saw Ernest Hemingway's Cuban home which was unchanged since he had last been there. It was rather amazing because the Cuban people made it a landmark. His boat, The Pillar, also is situated on land just down the road from his house across from the very same dock that he fished at. You could walk on the same streets that Hemingway walked on in Cuba and imagine what his daily routine was like. Many people offered me tours of the city and of Hemingway's belongings. I paid this elderly man who spoke English to take me on a tour through the house and his boat. He showed me all of Hemingway's papers and unfinished letters that adorned his desk and house. It was a very beneficial experience and it helped me realize how down to earth Ernest Hemingway was and how he was just like me but perhaps a little stronger. After my tour I took the taxi to the airport to make my flight back to the United States.
Havanna, Cuba 8/6/09- 8/10/09
In order to get to Cuba I had to fly to Cancun, buy a tourist card, and a flight from Cancun to Cuba. This together will cost approximately 1,800 dollars or1,700 pesos. The hotel I stayed at was the Ambos Mundos Hotel. It will cost 628$ for four days in the same hotel Hemingway stayed in himself. Ernest Hemingway himself wrote the first few chapters of his book For Whom the Bell Tolls. I will be eating at various restuarants around Cuba. Some of the more famous Cuban cuisines are: Ropa Vieja, Picadillo, Moros y Cristianos, and Pollo con Quimbobó y Plátanos. These will cost an average of 10 pesos per meal. Taxi was the main means of transportation in Havanna. The fars came to a total of 50 dollars.
8/6/09
My first activity in Havana, Cuba was a trip to another bar. This time it was to Hemingway's all time favorite bar, El Floridita. At this bar they have a section in the corner of the bar roped off for Hemingway because he used to always reserve that seat. Again I spoke with the owner who told my some fascinating stories about Ernest Hemingway.
8/7/09
Today I went to room 511 in my own hotel where Hemingway wrote part of his novel For Whom the Bell Tolls. His typewriter is still in this room and it gives off an erie feeling when you stare at it and try to picture him sitting there typing away in deep thought. I stood beside other Hemingway fanatics trying to get a picture of the valuable artifact and what it symbolized. It was truly a valuable experience.
8/9/09
My final stop in Cuba is at the Cuban Cigar factory. This is something that Ernest Hemingway loved about Cuba. He loved a good drink and a good cigar. I payed 15 pesos for a tour of the facility and information on the factory. This tour was very limited because they could not risk giving out the secret to a good Cuban cigar.
8/6/09
My first activity in Havana, Cuba was a trip to another bar. This time it was to Hemingway's all time favorite bar, El Floridita. At this bar they have a section in the corner of the bar roped off for Hemingway because he used to always reserve that seat. Again I spoke with the owner who told my some fascinating stories about Ernest Hemingway.
8/7/09
Today I went to room 511 in my own hotel where Hemingway wrote part of his novel For Whom the Bell Tolls. His typewriter is still in this room and it gives off an erie feeling when you stare at it and try to picture him sitting there typing away in deep thought. I stood beside other Hemingway fanatics trying to get a picture of the valuable artifact and what it symbolized. It was truly a valuable experience.
8/9/09
My final stop in Cuba is at the Cuban Cigar factory. This is something that Ernest Hemingway loved about Cuba. He loved a good drink and a good cigar. I payed 15 pesos for a tour of the facility and information on the factory. This tour was very limited because they could not risk giving out the secret to a good Cuban cigar.
Venice, Italy 8/1/09- 8/5/09
I arrived in Venice at 10:00p.m. this flight cost me $390. I stayed in Venice for four nights. The hotel I stayed at was called Gritti Palace. This was where Ernest Hemingway stayed after his second plane crash in Africa. To stay here four nights it will cost 325 euros. While in Venice I ate at assorted bistros and restaurants for approximately 10 euros per meal.
8/2/09
My first activity in Venice was to visit Harry's Bar. This was Hemingway's favorite place to go and drink in Venice and it was only five minutes walk from the hotel. I ordered a drink and sat and talked with the owner of the bar and explained to him why I was here. He began to explain to me all of the stories that he had heard about Ernest Hemingway while he had been the owner of the bar. He told me that Hemingway spent his "greyer years" in Venice but still drank as if he was in his prime. We spoke some more about the beauties of Venice. He then recommended that I go see the Grand Canal and I told him I would do my best but I was on a tight schedule. As I was paying my tab and preparing to leave the bar he told me that I could keep the glass just as long as I didn't mention it to the regulars. I thanked him and headed back to the hotel.
8/3/09
My next activity was to visit the Luxury Suite in the Gritti Palace. This was where Hemingway wanted to stay after his second plane crash in Africa. he Invited many friends to see him and enjoyed the atmosphere as he healed. The gentleman who was currently occupying the room was kind enough to let me view the room free of charge. The best part of the room was the view. It portrayed the Venice canals beautifully no matter what the time of day it was. I offered the man a gondola ride on the Grand Canal the next evening and he accepted.
8/4/09
I arrived at the Grand Canal at 7 o' clock like we had planned the previous day. We split the gondola fare between us and it came out to be about 10 euros a piece. It was very pleasant sight that Ernest Hemingway enjoyed and so did I. The lights reflecting off of the water proved to be quite a sight. I was dropped off at my hotel and once again I packed my belongings and prepared for my next flight.
8/2/09
My first activity in Venice was to visit Harry's Bar. This was Hemingway's favorite place to go and drink in Venice and it was only five minutes walk from the hotel. I ordered a drink and sat and talked with the owner of the bar and explained to him why I was here. He began to explain to me all of the stories that he had heard about Ernest Hemingway while he had been the owner of the bar. He told me that Hemingway spent his "greyer years" in Venice but still drank as if he was in his prime. We spoke some more about the beauties of Venice. He then recommended that I go see the Grand Canal and I told him I would do my best but I was on a tight schedule. As I was paying my tab and preparing to leave the bar he told me that I could keep the glass just as long as I didn't mention it to the regulars. I thanked him and headed back to the hotel.
8/3/09
My next activity was to visit the Luxury Suite in the Gritti Palace. This was where Hemingway wanted to stay after his second plane crash in Africa. he Invited many friends to see him and enjoyed the atmosphere as he healed. The gentleman who was currently occupying the room was kind enough to let me view the room free of charge. The best part of the room was the view. It portrayed the Venice canals beautifully no matter what the time of day it was. I offered the man a gondola ride on the Grand Canal the next evening and he accepted.
8/4/09
I arrived at the Grand Canal at 7 o' clock like we had planned the previous day. We split the gondola fare between us and it came out to be about 10 euros a piece. It was very pleasant sight that Ernest Hemingway enjoyed and so did I. The lights reflecting off of the water proved to be quite a sight. I was dropped off at my hotel and once again I packed my belongings and prepared for my next flight.
The Nile River 7/25/09- 7/31/09
I arrived in Cairo at 1:30 a.m. this flight cost me $601. I immediately checked into my hotel to get some rest. The hotel I stayed in was the Nile Hilton Hotel. Throughout my stay at the Nile River I took various tours and cruises along the river itself to find out what it had in store The cost of my tours was approximately 200 egyptian pounds. It was a truley beautiful sight and I got many great pictures of the people and their activities. I ate at the hotel for around 20 egyptian pounds each meal. The guides informed me that it is the longest river in the world and that it floods once a year flooding peoples homes and more importantly fertilizing the soil. I left the nile on 7/31/09 at 2:45 p.m. headed for Venice, Italy.
Kenya Africa 7/14/09- 7/24/09
The main attraction of Kenya that I am here to visit is Mt. Kilamanjaro. I arrived in Nairobi, Kenya at noon. I picked up my rental car that I used for my ten day stay in Kenya. This nine day rental on an economy car cost me $412. For my food in Kenya I purchased 100 euros worth of imparishable foods in France to sustain me for this trip. Since there are no flight from Kenya to Uganda I drove the rental car. My first stop along my way to Mt. Kilamanjaro was in Nairobi National Park. There I stayed in the Nairobi Safari Club. I stayed here for two nights and during my stay I spoke with the president of the Safari Club and discussed the best hunting. As I told him about Ernest Hemingway he told me about how much the laws have changed since Hemingway was around. He informed me that before everything was allowed to be hunted. Now there are every strict restrictions on what can be hunted and how much. I was given a tour of the grounds and informed on the local lifestyle and customs. My stay at Nairobi National Park costed 190$ or 19,000 schillings. From there I drove to Amboseli National Park and stayed in the Amboseli Sopa Lodge there for two nights at a cost of 20,000 schillings. During this stay I traveled to Chyulu Hills which was Ernest Hemingway's favorite hunting spot. From here you could see Mt. Kilamanjaro and the entire plains of Africa. Of all of the places I have traveled to so far this one was the most unchanged. It was simply a large hill with a few scattered trees. They were probably the same scattered trees that Hemingway saw when he stood here. There was not much to do at the hills considering it was just a mound of dirt so I continued to my main destination, Mt. Kilamanjaro. The mountain was not far from the previous place I was sleeping so I continued to sleep there during my visit.
I arrived at Mt. Kilamanjaro on 7/19/09. I met my tour gide at the base of the mountain. He would be the one to guide me throughout my two day tour. The first day we traveled half way up the mountain, which is about as far as you cn go without oxygen tanks. My guide took me to a secluded spot on the mountain that gave you the best view of the surrounding area. I did not even try to take a picture because I knew the photograph would put to shame the beautiful sight that was bestowed upon me. I could see all of the plains and the clouds molded into one beautiful sculpture with animals scattered about in packs and herds. This sight was what Africa was and what it is about... harmony.The weather on the mountain was around 20 degrees Fahrenheit and on our walk down the guide described to me in fluent english that the mountain was actually a dormant volcano with three volcano cones: Kibo, Mawenzi, and Shira. The second day we did more of the same and he showed me different views of the mountain and the things around it. After my tour of Mt. Kilamanjaro I felt like I had seen every nook and cranny of Africa and had seen all I needed to see.
My next destination was the Entebbe International Airport in Uganda. Entebbe is on the northern side of Lake Victoria. But before I reached Lake Victoria I stopped at a few places along the way. My first stopp was in Murchison Falls there a local man took me to the place where Ernest Hemingway survived his first plane crash. With broken English he described how his there was still some leftover scrapmetal from the plane crash. He even let me take apiece as a souvenir. This small piece of metal would mean little to anyone else but a true Hemingway fan. I thanked the man and payed him 1000 schillings for his services. Next, I traveled to Butiaba which was the area of the second plane crash.Finally I reached my final destination for the night. I arrived at Lake Victoria Hotel on 7/23/09 at approximately 1 p.m. This gave me enough time to tour Lake Victoria and to prepare for my flight to Cairo egypt the next day at 5:15 p.m.
I arrived at Mt. Kilamanjaro on 7/19/09. I met my tour gide at the base of the mountain. He would be the one to guide me throughout my two day tour. The first day we traveled half way up the mountain, which is about as far as you cn go without oxygen tanks. My guide took me to a secluded spot on the mountain that gave you the best view of the surrounding area. I did not even try to take a picture because I knew the photograph would put to shame the beautiful sight that was bestowed upon me. I could see all of the plains and the clouds molded into one beautiful sculpture with animals scattered about in packs and herds. This sight was what Africa was and what it is about... harmony.The weather on the mountain was around 20 degrees Fahrenheit and on our walk down the guide described to me in fluent english that the mountain was actually a dormant volcano with three volcano cones: Kibo, Mawenzi, and Shira. The second day we did more of the same and he showed me different views of the mountain and the things around it. After my tour of Mt. Kilamanjaro I felt like I had seen every nook and cranny of Africa and had seen all I needed to see.
My next destination was the Entebbe International Airport in Uganda. Entebbe is on the northern side of Lake Victoria. But before I reached Lake Victoria I stopped at a few places along the way. My first stopp was in Murchison Falls there a local man took me to the place where Ernest Hemingway survived his first plane crash. With broken English he described how his there was still some leftover scrapmetal from the plane crash. He even let me take apiece as a souvenir. This small piece of metal would mean little to anyone else but a true Hemingway fan. I thanked the man and payed him 1000 schillings for his services. Next, I traveled to Butiaba which was the area of the second plane crash.Finally I reached my final destination for the night. I arrived at Lake Victoria Hotel on 7/23/09 at approximately 1 p.m. This gave me enough time to tour Lake Victoria and to prepare for my flight to Cairo egypt the next day at 5:15 p.m.
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