jonshapiro

"Take risks and experience as much as you can."

jonathan shapiro

Near Albany, new york, USA

About jonshapiro

Full Member | Member since 6th Sep 09

Citizenship: USA
Marital Status: Married
Occupation: psychologist
About jonshapiro:

I'm a 60 year old, semi-retired psychologist interested in off-beat, long term independent travel, writing about my adventures, and learning digital photography. My wife Nanette, usually travels with me, and I have two grown children, both in their 20's. Currently I am teaching English to Burmese monks in this country, and plan to visit Burma this winter at their invitation. An offer I couldn't refuse.

Hobbies:

I enjoy all kinds of skiing, especially backcountry adventures, as well as trekking, biking, and most anything else that gets me outdoors with an elevated heart rate. My more sedentary activities include, as noted above, writing, photography, as well as reading about politics and novels.

Favourite places:

Hard to pin down. Certainly Laos, Ladakh in northern India, Nepal, the mountains of Peru , Patagonia, western China (Yunnan) etc. Almost any place that is wild with high mountains and friendly people.

Activity : photos (254) forum (11) guide (0) blog (22) diary (0) trips (0)

Latest Blog Entry

Colca Canyon

Posted by jonshapiro | 22nd November 2009

After a week in Arequipa our younger daughter Mia, age 23, arrived with her boyfriend. In a few days, we left for Colca Canyon, said to be twice as deep as Grand Canyon. It is dotted with Indian villages on both sides and high snowed capped volcanos such as Ampato, 6288M.

The bus ride took us through a vicuna reserve, high on the empty Altiplano. We could see a number of these animals which resembled small llamas as we drove past. On the way to Chivay, 3600M, we had to go over a high snow covered pass. Near the top, we heard the brakes squeal and the bus shuddered to a stop. Right in front of us was an enormous boulder that had rolled down onto the road, partially blocking it. Luckily the bus did not go over the cliff, which was not far from the front wheels. Several people got off and tried to help the driver push the rock off the road, but to no avail. After about

Continued | Vagabonding at 60