Hoy Brazil!

May 20, 2011

Leaving Argentina



The peace that comes with being so high.



Hello. Goodbye.

Four months. Snap.

Backpacking thru Patagonia, Studying in Buenos Aires, Living with a family, making friends, and traveling sola. Yo conozco Argentina. Fui a Puerto Madryn, Bariloche, Calafate, Ushuaia, Mendoza, Tandil, Iguazu y Salta.  And now the time has come to say goodbye yet again, an act I feel I am beginning to perfect.





Having grown leaps and bounds as a person, a spanish speaker and a traveler- I love this country. I have learned a wealth of knowledge about life and love and what it means to journey through this time on earth. As I sit at the airport in Salta waiting for my 6am flight to board I take notice of my emotions and my current state of mind. My heart rate is normal, I´m not perspiring, no tears are forming...

Estoy Lista.

…………..

 

Change of perspective.


Three planes and 18 hours later… I arrived in Santa Catarina- an island off the coast of southern Brazil! Staying at the greatest hostel I´ve ever been in right on the ocean front. A huge beautiful breakfast with fresh juices and a wide rainbow of fruits with sandwiches, homemade swedish pancakes, and lots of love! Plus free beach toys from beach balls to kayaks and surf boards and not to mention a staff that makes us feel right at home and helps us with any of our wild touristy needs. And Mansuki, the papa chef, cooks an INCREDIBLE dinner a few nights each week so we all can sit and eat toghether. Reminds me of Mama Mario a bit. They even plan trips to show us around the island and parties to show us the night life… well long story short- they are just great. Welcome to a new home.



Saturday May 21st

 

Our beach. We are located on the right side of the bay.
Ocean view from my top bunk!

If interested in hostel see:
http://backpackersfloripa.com/backpackers/


My first day I walked out barefoot and went for a run along the coast, stopped for some sand yoga after I found some treasures (shells) and then decided the water was too good to look at- so I jumped in! WOW. Hello Atlantic! Feeling so comforted to be back on an island and running in the sand I cruised back to the hostel collecting trash along the way. God always seems to supply me with a plastic bag as I begin the rubbish rounds- knowing I will fill it to the rim.

Resting around the hostel making new friends, I met a kind man from Mexico and we went on a walk around the small beach town as I practiced my Spanish and he his English. I have been able to communicate more or less with the Brazilians. Portuguese and Spanish are similar enough if one speaks slow and uses an abundance of facial expression and hand gestures--- something close to the main message can be retrieved.

I told my new friend about my 6 lovely ladies back at home and how someone basically daily bakes cookies. After missing home, my girls and the sweets. I made a quick stop by the supermercado and gathered all the necessities.

I offered a few Auzzie friends some cookie dough and they looked at me quizzically. When I explained to them it was normal to eat cookie dough, they tried at bite and enjoyed it but didn´t come back for seconds.  Same with the English. Maybe us Americans are doing something wrong? Or something SO right! Mmm… I love the dough just as much as the finished product :)

Back to the hostle I whipped up a batch of vegan banana oatmeal chocolate chip cookies and… they were the BEST cookies I´ve ever made! Honest to goodness they were divine. Thin and moist and crispy on the edges but soft and chewy in the center- needless to say I made many friends that night as I spread the cookies around the hostel family.



Sunday May 22^nd

Lake and Samba

The next day I took a stroll and did some beach yoga again before taking a bus to a boat across the lake. Recommended to me by Mansuki, I enjoyed this little tug boat ride that was managed by Brazilian men who only spoke old Portuguese and whom had been working the same structure of floating wood since before my parents were even capable of reproducing.



Sitting on the dock of the bay...

Sweet and slow we boated past dozens of kite surfers and I became lost in the hillsides. Un-accesible by cars, the hillsides are scattered with homes right at the lakes edge. Each with it´s own pier taking the place of a drive-way parking garage. A handful of them for for sale signs and my mind played with the idea of living out here.

Literally this time, all alone. Peaceful front lake property surrounded by tropical rainforest.  I arrived at dock 16 and headed out to the cachoeiras- waterfalls. A small stroll through a collection of houses and a handful of shops- dock 16 doesn´t come close to being a “town.” Then a little hike up the hill and there I was. Waterfalls. Wild how falling water is so soothing and wonderous. A trickle in comparison to Iguazu of course, but an elegant place to rest, drink my tea, eat my lunch and read a little.

Coming back to the hostel was dinner night. Everyone eating the big BBQ together with a special mix of veggies on the side for me. After a talk about the mysteries of love with an Auzzie, it was time to go SAMBA! Off we were tin the hostels own VW van to a local hot dance spot. I danced with a handful of partners, most of whom were Brazilians. Dancing really is like a 3 minute relationship. Well one type of relationship- a type where the man leads.

My first and I spun in circles, slow circles but I couldn´t feel him leading me- too soft. Another one just moved his hips wildly and was more interested in being sensual than following the moves of Samba. Another man who stood over me at 6´4 was way too hard- literally put his hands on my hips and pushed them side to side- whoa buddy. Then there was the non-moving man. We stood there and made maybe three circles the whole song. Then there was the teacher- he counted and showed me a few moves.

Then… Mr. White Golf hat man- stole the show. He was both strong and smooth, gentle and considerate, noticed when I was off beat and shared a few new steps with me. He was SO happy! I wasn´t too comfortable with my Samba technique but having dance experience I could follow along. “Tranquila Tranquila” he would say. Not having had many great dance partners in my time- I am used to being the leader. Not this time, I had to slow down and just listen with my body to his lead. That is the key in partner dancing: having a man who knows how to lead and a woman who knows how to follow. Also, having a man who supports the woman. The man may set the foundation for the dance, but the woman adds the flair. Once I told him I was from California I swear his eyes lit up all the more and his hat almost flew off. I felt like telling him not everyone from California is a movie start, but it didn´t matter- we were Samba-ing!

All in all I´ve been thinking about this whole “travel” thing.  As with anything- it is what you make it. And as with anything (extreme the obvious extremes of course) there is no right or wrong. I had to take care of some buissness stuff today, but then I headed off to soak up the sun and the knowledge from my book. After a dip in the ocean I laid upon my sarong again and thought “Is this ok?” I am in Brazil and here I am, just napping on the beach- I should be out “doing something.” Then my father´s words came out from my memory file and said “It´s not what you do, but how you do it.” True.

Happy Pose!

What it comes down to is my happiness and the happiness of those around me. As long as my actions are elevating both- all is well in the world. Yes, there is something to be said for taking advantage of the unique opportunites here like the activities- tours- and local lands. But it is also just as important to take advantage of the open time, free responsibility and relaxing environment I am in. I could go on a tour and be pleasantly entertained all day or I could spend all day on the beach resting and exploring my mind. Both are good options and both are readily available here and now- where they may not be so easily accessible back at home.

Monday May 23rd

Now my fourth day at this hostle I have grown closer to the folk here than at any other hostle I´ve been too. Seeing people come and seeing people go. It has been a perfect set-up for a social study. Life in the hostels are different than life everywhere else. EVERYONE is on the move and it is expected for everyone to continue being on the move- but for the time, here and now, the majority wants to have a good time. And what often comes with having a good time- is spending time with others. People are open to being friends and many want you to come along on their adventure for the day. All eating, sleeping, playing in the same space makes an environment conducive to a more rapid growth of relationships.

 

A local artist spreads the love.
There are hearts on trash cans, telephone poles, sidewalks, ect...
All in beauty and clear view for all who pass by.
I wonder how many people see them?



As I was laying in the soft white sand today, I realized all the more (I feel like I write this in every one of my blog posts, but it is a lesson I continue to learn…) Love is all that matters. It is the essence of life and life is all the brighter with love in it. First love of oneself in necessary and then when the right person comes along at the right time- sharing that love and life with another is incredible. A type of travel in and of itself. There has no doubt been times on this trip where I have thought of having a lover with me, or even sharing in this journey with friends and family. I think it is normal to want to share the beautiful things with beautiful people. Get their perspective of the same things, allow your energies to mix and let yourself radiate because of thier contagious joy.

I spoke last night with an Australian friend and we shared some of our own love stories as we were open to eachother´s viewpoints/ advice. That has been one of the most glorious things about traveling- people open up. I am not sure if it is because they are more relaxed or because they know we are going to split ways anyways so why not just let it out and see what happens. Or if it´s just a way to pour the information out in hopes of becoming friends faster. Or if it is because we are all away from our usual support circles... that we utilize eachother for that loving assistance.

Perhaps it´s a mixture of it all.

Tuesday May 24^th

Survivors!
Brazilian style and for 2 hours only...
can they make it???



 Ten friends and I embarked on an hour and half hike up and over the hill sheltering our hostle. Through the jungle trail and guided with our very own River guide (a sweet dog who lives on the street and walked with us the few miles to the beach. 

Meet River. AKA Mr. Incredible.
Upon returning home we opted to take the bus
in the mist of the cool night and...
they did not allow 4 leggedfriends aboard.
The next day and after navigating 6 miles on his own-
River was once again at our doorstep.
GoodBoy!

After making it past the Tarantula and Ant Hills with the vicious attackers on the forefront (my friend accidentally stepped in one, thus tearing down their civilization in a single step and recieving a stinging foot for the rest of the day in rapid karma.)



Buena vista from the top of the world.

 On the other side there was a long white coastline with sand so soft it felt like walking in powdered sugar. Upon arriving, there was one Brazilian man with his sidekick (who quickly became River´s best bud) and not another soul in sight. All the men united over the round object filled with air and played soccer for hours. Amazing how something as simple as a ball can unite a group of people and offer stimulation them for hours.

The men played soccer as the woman sat in the sand and spoke of Love. We laughed at ourselves for realizing how gender sterotypic this was- but I suppose some generalizations hold truth.

 Wed May 25<sup>th

Joaquina Beach- Sandboard Time!
And...
the perfect place for photo shoots and reflection on the Majesty of Nature herself...</sup>
Exploring the dunes with a sweet canadian chica, two cute swedish ladies, two charming german men and a friend I made at the Samba dance night... we had ourself one sandy fiesta!  

We found something fun along the way;
although a bit one sided
they could support us :)

   

The little boy is without a doubt the best part of this picture-
He came out of nowhere!



Forget not that the earth delights to feel your bare feet and the winds long to play with your hair.  ~Kahlil Gibran


My first time in mountains of sand!
I felt like I was in the Sahara!



Climb the mountains and get their good tidings.  Nature's peace will flow into you as sunshine flows into trees.  The winds will blow their own freshness into you, and the storms their energy, while cares will drop off like autumn leaves.  ~John Muir





If at first you don´t succeed...

 

Dust yourself off and try again!



"The human spirit needs places where nature has not been rearranged by the hand of man."

 

And the night just got better!
This incredible woman makes these bombom chocolates by hand in her kitchen
(which fortunately happens to be right next door to our hostle)
and they come by nightly to sell them to us. 12,000 they sell during the month of January!
Mmm only 1.50 real (so like .75 cents)
The best chocolates I´ve EVER had. Period.
Plus... Mr Chocolate man knows I´m their biggest fan and calls me sweet things ;)


And then...
I adapted fully back into the island way of life.
A life I am all to familiar with, but have desensitized myself to after living in Buenos Aires for four months and traveling around south america- on the go go go solo.

My view for the past 10 days.

A beautiful wonderful time of rejuvenation and peace. Self exploration more than local exploration. After a few days of settling in I became fully comfortable with il bel far niente- italian for "the art of doing nothing." Walking, swimming, eating, playing, yoga-ing, friend making, dancing, reading, writing, ect... The art of doing nothing.

A new perspective on the art of traveling as well. Staying in the same beachside hostle for 10 days provided me with a unique opportunity to say hello and goodbye plenty of times, as well as see how the mixture of backpackers directly create the atmosphere. Party troops to beach side tanners to fellow nothing doers, there is an ecclectic arrangement of people on foot that are circling the world. And to live with them, eat with them, share stories and good times with them has been a true joy indeed.

As I speedily type this blog entry I await my carraige that will transport me to the next adventure. I will fly to Rio today and begin my two weeks at a WWOOF yoga camp. I will off the web for that time and will fully indulge in the 4am daily meditaion, yoga, good food, beautiful people and perfect nature that I will soon be introduced too.

Here´s to continuing the journey.

Success!

I so needed that. To make cookies, but really to make a bit of home and spread the love. It satisfied my sweet tooth as it pleased my heart. Then when I gave a friend a massage- Kyria was alive and glowing! I realized that really, “home” can be anywhere. What is important is to remember what makes me “me” and then nourish that. Wherever I am (although the ocean may not always be at my doorstep) I can be right at home. More than anything, it is about a mindset. Allowing myself to ahhh exhale and rest. Allowing myself to let it go and be open to possibility and the goodtimes around me.

The past month, the next 5 months, and love.

Hello. I love love.
I study it, live it, take as many classes as I can on it, read books about it, practice it, recieve it and see it in every moment of everyday life.


Love. Wild wonderful crazy true blue giving taking through and through goes away and then comes back to you makes no sense and then always shines clear and bright when you are ready to receive the light always there always ready it is what you make it make it little make it grand make it short nurture it to a lifetimes span make babies make memories make jokes make fights make love.


make love.



Trip to Colonia Uruguay to renew my visa.
Plus it is a beautiful peaceful getaway town
 just an hour boat ride across the Rio de la Plata.



Hello. I love Love.


If love were a major it would be mine. But it is not offered as such at this moment in space and time so I study people and society to better understand love and study education so one day I can spread love to the future and help offer them the skills to build such in their own lives.


The way I see it, Life is Love. Love is Life.


I have played with this in my own life. Gone through many mindsets and experiences and daily I add more to my encylopedia on the topic. The beauty of it is that it is everygrowing and everychanging. Each interaction, each day, by each person is a different expression of the same concept.

 What is love?


This is a wildly unanswerable question that I will live my whole life finding answers too. And then changing them, again and again each time I see it neccessary to change my outlook on the subject, in relation to my own course in life´s journey.


The sweetness is in the simplicity. As a sweet soul friend of mine told me while describing the marijuana trade in california and how it has the power to transform our entire socierty from the roots up "It is simple. It makes sense. If someone is trying to describe something to you and it makes your head spin round and round trying to figure it out- something is off. The truth is simple and will connect with your heart. You will understand and you will see."


What is Love?
Simple. Truth. Seeing.


Starting with one well known source, the bible says
"Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love." (1 John 4:8)
God is Love


The Greeks had 5 ways of explaining it...

Affection love (Belonging) = eunoia 
Friendship love (cherishing) = phileo
Desire love (attraction) = epithumia
Erotic love (longing, romance) = eros
Selfless giving love - Greek word= agape


Answers.com says this:
" love is a part of life that has a life of its own. Value and nourish it, and it will grow and become deeper and more valuable. Find it, give it no value and forget to nourish it, and it will die. Simple as that." 


Old colonial road:
"Calle de los Suspiros" Street of the Sighs
Used to be the gathering place for prositutes.


So nearly a month has gone by with no blog entry. What have I been doing? One may wonder.
Well, I would say I have been loving. On others, on this country and on myself.

So much so that I decided it was time to start another blog solely focused on that four letter word.

"A Love Story a Day."
kyrialove.blogspot.com

For the meantime, Argentina is wonderful. I have learned a bounty of new spanish words and grammer forms, can hold my own on the streets (even give directions if it´s a good day) and... I have been learning life. My life and this world via my eyes. What a joy and special opportunity to simply allow myself to just be... floating free in and out of the streets, dialects with friends and thoughts of my own. I can spend the whole day just thinking and writing about anything and that is ok. That is great actually. There is nothing else "I need to do." To do lists are close to non-existant here.

Two weeks and it is all over. Well that sounds dramatic... it is not ALL over but yes, classes are over. Wild. That went by fast.



Las Cataratas

This coming week of class and then my program and I head to Las Cataratas aka Iguazu Falls. Upon returning from the largest waterfalls in the world, I have my final tests and then- Fin!


 I was thinking about why I haven´t written for so long. This is what I came up with:

1) Time
I have been so enjoying living in the moment here and spending my time with friends and with myself. I am embracing this special freedom that I have. Other than a couple exercises of spanish grammer for homework and 3 hours of school each day. I don´t have to do anything! That is insane. Anyone who knows me knows tha I have a pocket book calendar the size of a back-pack calendar and it is usually filled to the rim with color coded responsibilities. And I love it. I enjoy being deep in my classwork, active in multiple clubs and living my social life. But here, here in Argentina, life is defferent. At first I found all sorts of ways in which I could fill up my time and then I decided "No thank you. I am going to try it different for a few months." So here I am. When all I have is time in the world, I somehow lack the time to write about it.

2) Novelty
As in any relationship be it scholastic, romantic, or traveling in another country, a lack of novelty leads to routine. Novelty is critical in keeping our lives and relationships up and active, exciting and new but...
sometimes it is nice to be down and peaceful, comfortable and familiar.
When I first arrived here I wanted to go and do and see and try everything. While I am still experiencing new things every day, I have begun to sink into my life as a porteña. I am delighting in my relationships here with friends more than anything else. Something so special about all being in this same wild situation of picking our whole lives up (at least the small materialistic things that can fit into a suitcase and add up to under a 100 pounds) and moving to another country and all being plopped down together in this never sleeping city for an X number of days!

 It took some time, but no doubt I am blessed with a sweet circle of sisters and brothers in which to delight in this time together. I think that is what it all comes down to in the end- LOVE. My friends here to now know how often I think about, see examples of, relate and observe nearly anything and everything to that special "L" word. The novelty is exhilerating, but there is true joy I have found in just BEing. And being around those I love and those who love me.
 

Tree in Colonia, Uruguay



3) Substance
While I have often thought, "hmm, it has been a while since my last blog" and I have started a number of them I didn´t have any stories of gold searching, dragon hunting, cave exploring or something similarly adventurous to write about. Recently I have been itching (literally: thank you mosquitos, figuratively here...) to write. Writing is a release for me. A way to analyze, organize and share my own thoughts. A way to transform my wildly 3-dimensional life into black and white symbols nicely orgainzed in a linear pattern on this computer screen. Mmm... now it is all settled. Nice and neat.
So I gave into the itch and began to write, remebering that life isn´t always full of Indian Jones like moments, but that the simplicity and divinity of living: walking, cooking, eating, laughing, massaging, loving...is beautiful. It cannot be bought in an all inclusive tour package nor is it in my "Things to Do in BsAs" section of Lonely Planet. But, as I have experimented with letting my heart lead the way, this is where I am. Simple and sweet.

4) Distractions
I feel as though I am in this crazy semi-home semi-vacation state of living. I do feel at home in the moment and then... I think about 2 weeks from now. It has been about 4 weeks since my last blog post (that went by fast) and in 2 weeks (based off the sensation of the last 4 weeks will probably go by at a lighting rate) my program here ENDS. Wow. Over. Done. Signed sealed delivered as Stevie would say sing.
Yes in 2 weeks May 7th, my time at the University and living here in BsAs will have come to an end. El tiempo pase muuy rapido.
With this looming in the back of my mind, like a storm I can feel but has not exposed itself yet, I have begun planning my post-BsAs life.

.......................

Where I am at now:

I am so excited for all that is already on it´s way (perhaps the "looming storm" analogy wasn´t the best choice) and I am also so looking forward to these last few weeks. Although I really love my friends and life here and am learning a well amount of spanish, I know I will miss this place and time. A truly remarkable opportunity I have right now to just BE. The fact that I am in another country away from friends and family and all my belongings has given me the chance to explore myself all the more. With nothing other that the bag of material possesions I saw as uselful to bring, I was able to build my life anyway I choosed.  I love my life and I love myself so there was not a 180 personality transformation that took place, but my mind and heart opened so much that I really really lived. I AM (present tense) really really living.

Openness leads to vulnerability and vulnerabiltity leads to growth. My friends and I were discussing how beautiful relatonships are and the simple wonder of honesty and act of being vulnerable with another. At times daunting at first and then so often incredibly rewarding after. The only way to allow someone else to let you in is to open yourself up first. Just like taking a leap of faith and trusting that something sweeter will catch you as you land. a gamble at times sure, but worse case scenario you end up in a new place with new opportunites awaiting and a differnt perspective on life than you held before.

old to new

The exciting question now is "What will be next?"
After these next couple of beautiful weeks of building memories with special people in those last minute places I have yet to venture to, I will have a little over a month to explore solo. What an incredible time. I am playing with different ideas as to how I will spend my 5 weeks in south america. I can do a hostel type travel, hopping around to different cities or I can spend more time in fewer places, building relationships, creating a connection with the environment through volunteering or WWOOFing. As of now I am looking into living on a permaculture farm in the mountains of Córdoba, then meeting up with extended family in paraguay before volunteering at the only organic ice cream farm in Sao Paulo Brasil. There is only one thing I need to do and that is arrive at Rio De Janerio in mid June to meet my girlfriend at the airport.

We will travel through Brasil and Peru for 26 days. The two of us will then spend a week in Rio with a local friend before flying off to Peru to expose our eyes to the sights of Machu Picchu and our eyes to the sounds of the Amazon rainforest and our toes to the beaches!

Then...we will kiss our goodbyes as she flys back to the grand US of A and I fly to the pura vida Costa Rica for my yoga certification training course.

By the end of July I will be back home. USA home.
Then I have a month to work work work or...
I can travel around and see my american friends I have missed so over the last half of year.
Any recommendations?
Is it time to work, or should I keep on playing?
I have gotten pretty good at it over these past few months...

Then off to SB for my final year of school!

Whew. Feels good to have my whole life figured out. Well at least the next 5 months. Well at least part of the next 5 months...

As for this past month of Argentina life, well that will just have to remain a mystery. To the future, and beyond!

Lots to look forward too. Lots to plan. and Lots of fun to be enjoyed right now.
I suppose the trick is finding that balance between living right here right now all for this moment and... taking a step back from the here and now, to invest in my future of tomorrow.

"So beautiful when she says goodbye, I love to see her go.
And then before I arise, she will return and wake me with her glow."

The City is my Teacher. The Nature is my Preacher.

I must say first, Welcome to my mind. I have this desire to remember everything that I do in this unique time and place- from coffee drinking to skydiving (well almost). What I write here is thoughts to myself and memories to keep safe. And it is a joy to share.

*** It´s ok to just look at the pictures too :)


Everyday I think of something to write about, something I want to share with you or something I want to record so I could then have the liberty to let it slip from the forefront of my mind. I have been filled with a whole new sense of gratitude and desire to go-do-see-try. Recently, I have been so busy filling my time with living; experiencing new things, people, places, foods, ect. that I have failed on keeping record.
Live first, write second I say! But here I am. Taking a Kí day and resting, writing, and breathing.
 All things in moderation right?

Here it goes, a trip down memory lane.
Some highlights include:
Mendoza Wine Country for Spring Break
Visit to Recoleta Cemetery
Fútbol Game
and Tandil Camping trip
Paved with pieces of stories and bits of wisdom collected along the way...


March 6th

Find a place to relax.
(I unwound in my favorite cafe. The whole top floor to myself. Feels like a tree house.)

March 7

Find your place in the sun.

March 8th

I began the day with a wonderfully challenging yoga class via buena onda yoga. And the studio is very very close to my house! Upon walking out  I saw a pile of English used books for sale. I found "The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao" (2007) written by Dominican author Junot Díaz. A big 20 pesos (5 bucks) and a new book to enjoy!

Then my book and I explored all the parks within a half hour walking distance from my home. Four parks in total, each equipped with it´s own style, vibe and purpose. I found a favorite.

Find your park.
Plaza Libertad.
Where children play and lovers lay.
The grass is green and the environment clean.
Perfect for yoga or reading a book
Come on down and have a look

March 9th

Find your creativity,
and let your friends know you care.

MENDOZA: Wine Country for Spring Break
What: Nectar of the goddesses
Where: Mendoza, central argentina prime for grape growing
How: Bus and bike baby
When: Mar 9-13th
Who:  73 UC students and you would wish you too
Why: ¿Por qué no?

Mmm... me encanta vino. There is so much to love:
The culture that creates it
The sweet juicy dusty straight from the vine baby grapes that start step one of the process
The way it brings people together
The delicate process in which you are meant to introduce yourself to the wine:
Look, smell, swirl, smelll, taste, disfrutá
The way it can taste like anything from cherries to wood to dry to smooth.
The way it gets better with age.
The way it is not a means for getting smashed,
but rather a medium to be enjoyed by adding to your meal and gathering.
And the way it makes me feel warm- from my core to my interactions with others.


March 10th

Work for each other.

Work for the fruits of life.

Work for your desires.



Work for chocolate.

March 11


Be in nature.

Be a Lover,

 

and Be Loved.

Be Present,
before the train of life passes you by.

Be Daring.

Be open to Vitamin D and Laughs.

Be exactly where you want to be.

Befriend a stranger.

Be accepting of love from all places
(even if it is from the bus driver...)

Take Chances
and drink from the fountain of youth.

Take a bath in a sulfur spa.

 

Take your own way.



Take a moment to support local economy.

Take time to reflect.

Take the opportunity to come together.

March 12th
 Today I was going to go skydiving. I had my deposit paid, rallied up 6 girlfriends to go too, we were ready to rumble at 7am and then... the man came and said "sorry ladies there is a storm." So... we waited around for a few more hours hoping the storm would pass, but it didn´t. Oh well, I guess it wasn´t mean to be here and now. One day I will jump out of a plane :)

So my friends and I settled for bike riding to the nearby wineries instead. Not a bad switch. Less exhilerating but more delicious!

Get on top of it.

Get Educated.

Get Organized.



Get Excited.

Get Crafty.

Get Cozy.



Get Silly.

Get Full of Color.



Get fresh air.

March 13th
(no pictures but a moment of great accomplishment for me)

As I was walking home after the bus back from Mendoza, a sweet little old lady came up to me and asked where the movie theatre was. AND I TOLD HER!
Sounds simple enough, but
1. I understood her
2. She understood me
3. I actually knew where it was!

After she smiled and said gracias I walked on and did a little victory dance (literally in the sidewalk). That was the moment that marked the passage from tourist to citizen. Hello Buenos Aires, I am LIVING HERE!

March 14th
Solo exploration of a nearby church and cemetery. Followed by a picnic in the park with friends.

Pews temporarily removed for mopping.
Even the church has to get cleansed from time to time.

Out of Death comes Life

"At the 24 anniversary of your birth,
your parents and sister miss your absence in pain."





Continue on.

...................

After leaving the Recoleta Cemetery I found this man...



And then he found me. Creepy Clown.
(Can you see where his other hand is???)

MMPPP
Monday Merienda Potluck Picnic in the Park

Surround yourself with good food and good people.

March 15th


Some of the best ice creams in the world
with some of the best ladies in the world.

Explore
and watch your step.

March 16th

New Teacher
with wild white-board writing skills.

 March 17th

Chocolate numbs all pain.

and after a sufficient amount of sugar and deep thinking...
I SIGNED UP FOR A YOGA CERTIFICATION COURSE IN COSTA RICA!
(see previous blog post for details)

March 18th

I woke up today with an enlivened spirit. Since I pushed the submit button on my yoga application everything fell into place. Before that night I had been self diagnosed with a minor case of home-sickness. Adjusting to my new support circle and this entire new way of living in Buenos Aires. That is a big deal. It is a lot to undertake and without my usual realease of family and friends by my side to cheer me on, without my running trails, my cookie making partners, my sunset to look at, ocean to dive into or even my clean air to breathe- I began to keep little things held up inside.

But something happened that night at 2am. I put my worries to rest and just let it all go settle somewhere beyond my body, mind and soul. I switched my focus from what I was missing to the bountiful supply of all I was being offered.  I allowed myself to fully envelope the incredible enviroment, people and opportunities open to me. Here and Now.
I had been having an wonderful time in Argentina up to this point of course, but today was really a defining moment of fully fully embracing my life here. Funny thing is that once I was excitied about living life here and now, I had SO SO much to be excited about! New relationships began to unfold, new opportunites arised and my natural disposition was much more relaxed and joyful.
Sometimes we have to begin leading the life we want to live, in order for our path to unfold into that life we have been dreaming about all along. The power of our mind is beyond understanding. Your mind forms your reality. If there is an issue, try changing it in physical manifestation (making a "real life" change) and if that doesn´t work, the only choice you have is to adjust your mindset and the way you view it.


---Started the day off by leading yoga in the park with friends and then...

Headed to lunch at my new favorite place to load up on calories and nutrition.
The Happiness House
(good name right?)
A big ready to go buffett that is charged by the weight.
Everything yummy and vegetarian!
Right by school and right by the park :)
---Thanks Alex!



Broke good-for-the-soul-bread (made with love by Tahnee)
with Tahnee and Jules on their terraza.
Plus some divine tomato, basil, chili, olive oil, goodness graciousness to put on top!

And that night I met up with some friends I made in Bariloche who live in BA! Just 3 porteños and I eating pizza, drinking some champagne (classy right?) and playing pool. Good to have some quality manly-man time. And... it was the perfect opportunity to live life like the locals! In a beautiful old house (house, not apartment which is basically all I have seen thus far) and talk in spanish the entire time. One computer technician, one studying to be a doctor and another massage therapist- and all were very sweet and helpful if I was left behind in the conversation. So much fun and great practice too!


Saturday March 19th

Night of the super full moon, and one of my most favorite days.

Up and out I went to meet miss Jules on the corner. While most students have purchased cell phones, I have not. I love not having a phone, and I want to take advantage of this time where I don´t need to have one. It has been one sweet breath of fresh air. As I waited for her on thecorner I felt very awkward. The little man in front turned green and I didn´t walk. Then the other little man to my side turned green and I still dodn´t walk. It is so silly but I was worried that people would be looking at me thinking "how bizarre, that girl is just standing on the corner." I felt nervous as if I was waiting for a drug seal in broad daylight. Then I realized, as with any situation, it is all in my mind- and I hold the power to change my reality.

So I took a breathe, reminded myself that no one really cares if I am standing in a side walk and I sat down on a door step. What a whole new experience it was. I enjoyed just sitting there, watching life, cars, dogs and wind blow by. Of course, no one even seemed to notice I was sitting there and I almost felt invisable. Just by changing my approach to the situation I began to view it as a social experiment and it was even kind of fun! In no time, Julia walked up and (silly but true) I could have enjoyed sitting there much longer.

But the day was just getting started and little did I know, this was a day to love.

Meeting up with lovely Tahnee we headed to one of my now most favorite places in BA.
Alex, King of finding incredible hidden in the wall treasures, led us to El Galpón: the organic market and co-op in BA. Hidden at the end of a long dirt alley and disguised in a big yellow shed, it is open only on Wednesdays and Saturdays. And it is amazing!

from the distance

from the outside

from the inside
To the far right you can see a purple sheet. That was "luz vitals"
owned by a glowing woman who made all sorts of wondrous bath and body profucts.
 I now happily own and regularly use: a jar of lavendar oil and 2 bottles of massage oil.

Eat the rainbow.
Mmm... So colorful and fresh and re-energizing!

Off to a perfect start, the day was sublime. Syncronizing energies and a constant circulation of love. Something to be experienced more than it is meant to be written about. A day I am grateful for and more so, the beautiful individuals who- with open arms and open hearts- cultivated the environment for a community to gather.


Sunday May 20th

Meeting with a friend from the block and his crazy cool buddy we ventured to a nearby park to have mate and enjoy the day. After hitting a volleyball around with a tree, we walked into this...

Clases de Tela al Aire Libre en Plaza Francia!

After standing for a moment in amazement and amusement, I walked over and talked to the tela instructors. The warm women gave me all the information I needed to know. I will begin next week!

That night I went to my first Argentine Fútbol Game!!! Wow.


Players are Gods here and fans are soldiers preparing for battle. We had to go through numerous police men before we could even hand over our ticket, and after the game we had to wait 40 minutes until all the fans of the visiting team had left the premises. (It is not uncommon for post-game parking lots to get very very dangerous. Sometimes deadly.)

Fortunately, I only got hit once.
Just kidding! Funny picture though :)

Move your arm front and back like so at a 90 degree angle while singing
"Ole, ole ole ole (name of your favorite team) x 2 and repeat for 4 hours.
Being a UCSB Gaucho myself, I have already had a few years to practice- apparently I had the motions down as a porteño standing behind me complemented me on my moves!



In the end...

Boca perdió 2-0 con Olimpo en la Bombonera. Luckily the Olimpo fans above us celebrated by throwing paper.

They have been known to throw other items such as bottles and bags of feces. I know, it´s horrible.


Monday March 21st

Originally planning on celebrating life via a week at the Rainbow Gathering we spent much time and energy of this week devoted to planning out that trip. One half hour before we were going to leave, the trip fell through. Long story short, we didn´t end up going. Dissappointed at first and then trusting that everything happens for a reason, it was still a wonderful weekend.

During our planning adventures we went to this car rental company way on the out skirts of town.

Having a birds eye advantage we could view the un-swimmable Rio de la Plata.

And from the other angle we could see the thick pollution covering the city like a blanket.
Being in the city it is hard to see the actual contamination, but it is there.
 "Buenos Aires" is not the most fitting name anymore.

Leaving Barrio Chino.

Tuesday March 22

On my way to school a van was pulling into a parking garage. I lookedat the driver to see if I could walk first or if he was going to pull in front of me. People get hit by cars so I just wanted to make sure. He signaled for me to cross and I did the standard head nod and semi hand wave signaling back "Roger that, thank you." Apparently I sent another signal. A few blocks later I hear this "Hola" from behind me. It was the man from the car! I didn´t get creepy vibes from him, which would be very easy to attract in a situation like this, instead it was all humorous to me. Oh the Argentine men. I am not trying to sound like I was the best thing that walked  by the sidewalk that morning, but he was all googly-eyed and apppeared mesmerized. He practically walked me to class, never stopped looking into my eyes or smiling as we spoke in Spanish the whole time.

While I dont know if I will see this man again, I must say I LOVE THE PASSION! Can you imagine? Going to park your car, see a woman walk by, hurry to park your car and then run after her on the street?!?!
That is insane in American standards, but here, it happens (although this is more on the extreme end even for porteños). I wish more people had the courage, ganas and drive to go after what they want with such determination! If you want it (or her in this story) GO GET IT! What is the worst that happens? You come back with no girl? That is just how you started off right? All you can do is win or come out even. Now I hope this story has inspired you to tell that woman she is beautiful, to ask that man out on a date, to hold the door open for someone or to be so bold as to chase the next best thing down the street!
I admired the gesture and naturally it shot up my ego a couple notches as well :)

After school there was another handsome man in the works...
Adrian Padilla is in Town!!! 


One of my dear friends and fellow 2008 class member from the island was studing abroad in Chile and now he was traveling through BA with a couple of friends! I got to play tour guide for an afternoon and take them to a few of my favorite spots.

Recoleta Cemetery of course.
I can go there time and time again.
It is like a maze where time itself is put on hold.

Then we went to possibly the best ice cream place in the world.
Address: Quintana 188

A 1/4 Kilo for everyone!
Although we ate most of it en route, a good amount was enjoyed as a picnic in the park.



Yes. That is a big red chair.
Me and my horrible sense of direction got us lost in my mind,
but then we were found by this neato architecture museum.



Dragon Ball Z left his ball for us to play with.

Me (left) and Kate (right)
getting our back bend on.

 Wednesday March 23

Started the rainy day off by laying my eyes on the largest croissants I´d ever seen!
No, I didn´t buy one.

After being tossed around as if stuck inside a washer machine, it was certain that Rainbow was a no go. Tragic but true. There was only one thing to do. Make good food with good people to heal the wounds and comfort the soul.

Brussel Sprout Burritos to the rescue!
Plus my most favorite salad with freshly candied walnuts!
How could you not feel better after a meal made of love like that?
 

Thursday March 24th
This Thursday and Friday are holidays (Argentina has A LOT of holidays...)
What are we going to do we said? Camping! So we went. Tandil here we come!
(that was the much simplified version of the story)
 


A Rainbow of our own.






Spontaneous trio, we decided just a couple of hours before the bus departed to head to nature!
Lets Go Play Ladies!



Friday March 25th 

Our campsite could have easily been mistaken for being in northern california.
Felt like a familiar environment. Camping was good for the soul - a break from city life.

Mother Earth is a Hippie.

Snuggle buddy 1

Snuggle buddy 2



In lieu of smores.

Don Quijote and the Windmill.

An old church.

The whole crew!
Eryn my host sister (fourth from the left) and 5 of her NYU friends welcomed us to join their campsite!

Perfection.


That night I woke up at 4:30 am and the fire was still going so I sat for a while. Alone with my mind.
My intention was to stay and watch the sunrise when all of the sudden- DOWNPOUR!
Rain came out by the buckets, so after ensuring the fire was out, I ran to my tent (silly by now as I was already dripping) and aimed to sleep until the morning light.

Saturday March 26th

Take down camp. Head back home. Shower and...

Celebrate Life!
With food.

With love.

and with sweets.

Mmm... all around a delicious evening.

Sunday March 27th

Rest day. Felt a tad under the weather.
But on the bright side, I had pleanty of time to write.