English

Hi there!

We are a family of three: Oleg (dad), Lera (mom) and Fedor, our 3-year-old son. After finishing PhDs (Applied Physics/Computer Science) and work at Stanford University we took a gap year and decided to go traveling in South America. Over 8 months we cycled 7000 km from the Southern tip of the continent through Argentina, Chile, Bolivia, Peru, Ecuador and Colombia. At times, when the wind was too strong or the traffic was too chaotic, we hopped on buses.

On the way we experienced the desolation of windy Patagonia and high Bolivian Altiplano where we camped under enormous night skies full of unfamiliar constellations. We crossed the Andes over a 4800 m pass, where our lungs and brains were depleted of oxygen. We passed through picturesque fishing villages on the Ecuadorian coast and rugged terrain of Colombia. Importantly, we met an infinite number of cheerful and generous people. Tyre punctures, wild berries, field repairs, hospitality, lost tent poles, TV interview, dog bite, camping by the church… There was everything.

We wrote this blog in Russian language. Yet, you are welcome to browse through the pictures to get some inspiration. You can also follow us on Instagram @lerabanda and @olegrum. Please don’t hesitate to write us if you have any questions!

As of early 2019 we are returning back to California and starting new jobs.