The Little Bow

"You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself any direction you choose. You're on your own. And you know what you know. And YOU are the one who'll decide where to go..."
-Dr. Seuss (Oh, the Places You'll Go!)

(Dr. Seuss will be the honorary poet we have today. 
One of my favorites, with great things to say.
His poems are crafty, swift and complete, offering wisdom in rhymes so sweet.)

Wow. What a ride.

Always has a sense of humor in his approach
and a  helpful hand to offer.
“From there to here, and here to there,
funny things are everywhere.”

Back in the land of the free I arrived safe and sound in LAX at 1am on Sunday July 25^th. The superman of my world greeted me with those familiar open arms as I exited the plane. It did not feel like that long ago when he had dropped me off. I remember watching papa pete on January 18^th as I took lift off on the escalator and entered the long security line. Feeling so alone, so scared, and not knowing what was in store for me and my South American adventure. All I knew was I was going.

And sure thing I did.

Baby Edu! 

“Today you are You, that is truer than true. There is no one alive who is Youer than You.”

“Today you are You, that is truer than true.
There is no one alive who is Youer than You.”

After spending the night at my sister’s home and meeting my beautiful nephew Eduardo (I am now a proud auntie of three!) my father and I made the final leap- a boat ride to the island. A sold out 12:15pm departure, thus we were destined to sit separately. I found a place next to a couple from Thousand Pines. Whether they liked it or not, they had their own private tour guide for that hour we shared together. Thrilled to be making the vast cruise across the sea to my familiar landmass, I shared all my favorite things about Catalina with this pair. They only spent the afternoon in Avalon. Little do they know it is possible to spend your whole life over here- much more than meets the eye to behold.

Home Sweet Home
"Be who you are and say what you feel,
because those who mind don't matter,
and those who matter don't mind." 

My mother picked us up from the boat in the (barely) still living 1982 Jeep wrangler, how I missed her. Incognito, not yet ready to see everyone and begin sharing the stories of my travels in person, I slipped into the backseat with my glasses on and we took the long way home.

Mother from another brother.
"Why fit in when you were born to stand out?"

Other than morning runs and dog walks, I spent my first few days simply being. Celebrating my full reign in a kitchen once again, my diet has consisted mostly of dark chocolate, Mario’s beans, spinach smoothies and my special blend of iced tea… 
i know-bizarre- but all special things I have been without for far too long. I began the long (and yet to be completed) process of unpacking, enjoyed every meal with my family (God Bless Mario!) and didn’t think too much about all that has happened over these past 6 and a half months. A time of transitioning was needed, and was indeed had. Today I woke up and downloaded nearly 5,000 pictures on my computer. Scanning over them once again was like going through a time warp. Wow. I did all that. I was there. That is me. So much has changed. So much has happened. So much I have been blessed to experience.

So, here I am. Tying a pretty little bow around the South American adventure with this final blog post. During the process of writing this blog I have discovered all the more my passion for writing so… stay posted to my "normal" blog from here on out.   http://kyriaedwards.blogspot.com/


This afternoon I waved goodbye as my little sister departed for her first big international adventure. She will be traveling around France and Spain for two weeks along with 20 other students from her high school. Last Sunday I arrived, and this Sunday La is leaving. All things really do come full circle.

"You'll be on your way up!
You'll be seeing great sights!
You'll join the high fliers
who soar to high heights."  

As I wrote last, I finished my travels with a 16 day 200 hr RYT Yoga teacher training course. I successfully completed it and am now a certified yoga instructor! Whoo! Now let me just say if you are imagining a “yoga retreat” where the people are beautiful, yoga is done from morning to night and the birds sing the worlds delight… you would be right. But… it was also SO VERY INTENSE!!! Really, intense. My day spanned from 5am to 9pm. Countless hours of yoga practice and studies of philosophy, anatomy, history, postures, safety, modifications… there was a lot to cover. The life of a yogi. The balance of business and spirituality. A divine opportunity to acknowledge as well as move beyond our own greatest challenge- ourselves.

“And the turtles, of course... All the turtles are free-
As turtles and, maybe, all creatures should be.”

Although unintentional, I soon realized I had led my way down the hard road, by coming unprepared.  I was traveling for 2 full months before my arrival in Costa Rica where not once did I take a yoga class (outside if my own practice) and my mind was not devoted to the study and pursuit of yoga. Now yoga is a lifestyle, and one I aim to follow daily- so in that extent I felt on board but… I was a tad bit out of practice when it came to the asanas, and it was obvious. Fortunately I was surrounded by wonderful yogis who helped me along with their patient and ever loving support. 


My first week there was nothing short of a struggle. Physically sick with everything from headaches to the stomach flu to back pains (all of which I never usually have) to being emotionally out of whack. However, as I became settled and more comfortable in this new place, the beauty of it all began to unfold- allowing for true presence to pave the way for a conducive learning environment.

I underestimated the intensity of these two weeks and did not know they would demand so much of me. But I am grateful that they did. An incredible learning and growing experience for myself as a teacher, a student, and a yogini.

"The storm starts, when the drops start dropping
When the drops stop dropping then the storm starts stopping." 

Looking back on it now, I understand why my body, mind and spirit reacted as such. And rightfully so. I threw myself into an extremely challenging environment, totally different than anything I had been in during the past half year. During my travels, as I would go from one place to the next I would allot myself a couple of days to transition and settle. I did not have that time to settle into the teacher training. On top of that, my flight from Peru to Costa Rica was 7 hours late, so I missed my caravan, thus leaving me to spend the night in San Jose alone, where I then missed my bus the following (long story), left to wait four hours in a tiny bus stop where… well… I had a (much deserved at this point) mini-meltdown and then I pulled myself together. Learning some pretty valuable life lessons all on my own. Sometimes we are meant to figure things out by ourselves.

"So be sure when you step, Step with care and great tact.
And remember that life's A Great Balancing Act.
And will you succeed? Yes! You will, indeed!
(98 and ¾ percent guaranteed)" 

Then I arrived and all was well at the teacher training. It is wild how the time goes. Here I am now sitting on my couch almost as if none of the past 6 months ever happened. It feels dream like to look back on it all. The same Kyria sits here now who learned to ride a bike in these streets (two times), mastered social skills from these small town people and who developed a sense of “YES I CAN” from all the support of the community. 20 years later, YES I DID.

With that said, this is not the only adventure. I realize more and more it is not about South America, what I saw or what I did, it is how I did it all that matters. The lessons learned, opportunities had and relationships built helped give me the tools I need to better live the rest of my adventure. Every day is the journey. Since I have been back many people have said “I want to hear all about your trip! All the stories and memories made…” Part of me does not know when that “trip” started and ended. If I am only looking at the time in which I was out of the USA, we are missing the real value that was held during that exploration.  It is when I take a step back and look at this one grand event in the context of my whole  life’s journey, that the real significance can be seen and honored.

"You’ll miss the best things if you keep your eyes shut." 

I believe that traveling is one way to expedite ones learning and experience, therefore speeding up the process of self-growth and enlightenment. Anytime we go beyond our “comfort limits” we are bound to find something worthwhile. While traveling there are endless opportunities to do and see externally, which in turn allows us to see more internally. The more foreign of a destination, the more opportunity for change and exploration.

When I see people that live differently than I do, I am reminded we are not all the same and that there is much glory in the diversity between cultures. And on the flip side, we are all kind of the same. The Beatles had it right all along, “All you need is Love.” I am biased as I am forever an apprentice to Love, but other than the need to eat, sleep, work, and play- we all need to love and be loved in return. Sounds simple. 


The beauty in all of that is as long as these basic needs are met, and we live within our means, happiness and satisfaction are sure to be waiting patiently in our mailbox. From the homeless to the wealthy rich I have know, the key to opening that box is our mindset. As my yoga teacher loved to say “It is all mental.” And it really is.

"Be grateful you’re not in the forest in France
Where the average young person just hasn’t a chance
To escape from the perilous pants eating plants
But your pants are safe, you’re a fortunate guy
You ought to be shouting how lucky am I" 

Even if we have nothing, absolutely nothing, we still have control over our mind. Ultimately the world is what it is and we as individuals perceive it differently and therefore are different (along with biology, nature, nurture, and all that jazz) but at the root of it all is our mind. If we allow ourselves to view the world in the light that it really is, we not only allow ourselves to be divine as we are intended to be, but we also share that love and light with all whom we come in contact with. Thereby making the globe as a whole that much richer on all levels. Win-Win.

Now perhaps I am just a tired love hippie who is exhausted from half a years travel and has most recently been washed up as a beached mermaid on a stranded island and I am blabbing nonsense about love and life and the pursuit of happiness but, all of this is true… to me, in my mind and soul. But it may not be for you, which is wonderful too. I believe we all need to find our own philosophy, and we can use others for inspiration, but ultimately we are the rulers of our own worlds and must therefore write up a manifesto- or else we may be swooped up into someone else’s.  The deepest joy comes when we find others whom share a similar outlook and passion as we do. There we can really connect and begin to build our own family.

More of these good times to come!
"It's opener, out there, in the wide, open air."

It really is a wonderful world, and I can say that with all the more certainty now. While I crossed some places off on my "must see" list, the list only grew as more days passed in travels. I have a heart to travel and the desire to take me there. But for now I am greatly enjoying the comfort of home, the sweet unspoken joy of knowing exactly where I am and who I am with. The casuality that comes with knowing how the day will probably play out and what tomorrow will look like too. 


There is much to be appreciated about where I am from, this place and the village that it houses helped create the original mold for who I was to become. Only as I begin to venture farther and farther away do I realize it is ok, and at times even healthy, to break that mold and be the woman I choose to be. And it is also perfectly good to return home once again, embracing all that is new within and all that is constant without. 

"Today was good. Today was fun.
Tomorrow is another one."

After 178 days of traveling around 6 different countries thanks to the 14 planes taken and countless number of buses I sleeplessly enjoyed, I hereby declare this little bow tied. I am ready and enthusiastic to continue on this journey of life, and also grateful to close this beautiful chapter that has been one great South American adventure. 


I would also like to thank all of you. I wrote this blog for three reasons: One: to assist me in my nearly mad desire to record keep and remember all that has happened. Two: to help me digest the passing of events as I transitioned from one thing to the next at a rapid rate. And last but not the least bit least… to share it all with you. It means the world to me that you all have taken the time and interest to read a bit about my life. I can only hope it was a beneficial and enjoyable experience, and please do share a bit of your life story back with me too.

We are all in this together, and there is only so much we can learn on our own and via our personal observations. But if we all share some bits of wisdom that we have collected along the way… it is bound to be a much more rewarding journey for everyone.

Pura vida y namaste,

Kyria 

The entire globe I would love to roam, but as Dorothy once said, "there is no place like home."

As I ran today on this land where I am from, 

I was reminded once again of something truly awesome.
The world is vast, mysterious and great- a divine opportunity to learn, grow and re-create.
But it is in this soil where I am always welcomed, loved and known - 

that I can return again and again to rest my heart at home.

-Ki

~~~

And one of my favorites to wrap it up tight...

"I like nonsense, it wakes up the brain cells. Fantasy is a necessary ingredient in living, It's a way of looking at life through the wrong end of a telescope. Which is what I do, And that enables you to laugh at life's realities."
-Dr Seuss

Yoga is my religion.

I don´t think of myself as religious. But I suppose if I had to choose one, I would choose yoga.
Does that count?

A few years ago I was attracted by the asanas, and I thought that was all that yoga was: poses. Now as my whole self is being drawn into yoga I am learning so much more.



This diagram nicely sums up the 8 branches of yoga .
CLICK to make me bigger
(for a further breakdown see: http://www.yoga-insight.com/history/yogas-8-fold-path.aspx)


 I feel as though yoga is often viewed only as a class you can take in a studio to get a workout. While we all love our ado mukas savasanas (down-ward facing dogs), this is actually just one branch of the yoga tree that is properly known as Hatha Yoga. Hatha yoga holds many benefits practiced on it´s own as it promotes flexibility, tones the body, enhances vitality, cultivates balance, and calms the mind. But when practiced in addition to the complete yoga lifestyle, the benefits are limitless...

 Yoga is a belief system; equipped with it´s own unique set of codes, creeds, history, symbols, practices and way of connecting with the Divine. In some translations the sanskrit word is translated as "union of the self with the divine."

When practicing all the branches of yoga and nuturing my own tree of life as a yogi, everthing changes. It transforms my mentality which in turn transforms my reality. Socially, Emotionally, Physically, Spiritually, yoga has the power and ability to affect it all. As I have become more in touch with my practice I can see how I am begining to view the world and myself as an entity in a different kind of light.

To sum it up, I treat myself with more love and respect and I treat all living things with more love and respect. I thought that I was doing this well before, but really during my plethora of free time here I have been able to explore myself on a deeper level which has provided me with the opportunity to dive into yoga all the more.

With this I have seen some things that I choose to turn away from before.
Things like my thoughts about others, even strangers that pass by on the street. I can be so quick to judge sometimes. Things like my diet and listening to my body. What do I need as fuel right now and how much of it? My intentions: are they of truth and created from positive motivation? The way I sit down. Is my spine in happy alignment with the rest of my body? Or am I hunched over and ignoring the building of pressure in my lower back and between my shoulder blades?

My yogic journey is a fresh one and the path is unfolding step by step as all do. I am grateful that is has been and will continue to be a path of incredible knowledge and growth, both for myself and the world. I believe every little thing ripples out and affects much more than is even possible to account for. From a smile shared with a stranger to a word of forgiveness from a loved one. It all matters.

Yoga for all.

I have yet to figure out the grand mystery of life and what it all really means (stay tuned a breakthrough may be coming :) but what I do know is that I am HERE NOW. Not sure for how long, not sure what comes after, not sure exactly why: but for now in this very moment I am given a choice. The same choice I have each day when I rise out of bed and in each moment as I am going through my day. I choose how to lead my life, knowing that my decisions, actions, thoughts and intentions affect much much more than myself.

Enjoy this moment and leave it more positive than when you entered it. Enjoy this life and leave the world more positive than when you entered it. One way I can reach this each and every time is by spreading the love- to all living things, including myself. It feels oh so good to my soul, which is always a good sign to be followed. And one good way I have learned to spread the love is via yoga. The restraints, observances, poses, breathe, withdrawl of the senses, focus, meditation, all leading to a state of oneness.

Day by day.

Namaste.

Little (long) Life Update.

Backtrack.
How it feels that so much has happened over the last 2 weeks. Pictures seemed to work well last time, lets try it again.


Feb 23rd

Tomar un Te with sweet Li at our Felicidades

Feb 24th



I passed this tradition on the way to school.
Once someone finishes their final exam at the university their family and friends greet them in the courtyard with a shower of eggs, flour, vinegar and anything else they find in their kitchen. It is also normal to cut pieces of their clothes and even their hair!
Meanwhile the Janitor sprays you and the sidewalk, with expertise as this happens all too often, in an effort to wash the almost cake-like batter off of campus property.
How is that for a congratulations?





We got locked in the classroom.
 Literally. Right after the teacher left the wind slammed the door shut and we spent a good 10 minutes shouting for students or teachers to come and save the day. Finally the hero (Jeff seen above in picture) kicked the door in and it swung open. Success.
Interesting social experiment, lock 16 hungry college students in a room and see what happens.

Making my first big buy all in spanish I was proud of my achievement!
 Then the salesman followed me outside and asked me to go out, semi creepy- semi flattering

All in all, a good decision for so many reasons:
1. Can talk to my loved ones anytime anyplace.
2. Free to release my inner mind via blogging.
3. I am now one of the 21st Century.
Bienvenidos.

Feb 25th

If someone says money can´t buy happiness, than they´ve been spending their cash in all the wrong places. This 2 peso (.50 cent) pastry made for the perfect start to my day. Mmmm.... as satisfied as I´ve been with breakfast since the divine awakening of Mama Carol´s cookie dough.



    

After School we went exploring and were attracted to a man selling these on the street. He told us his story as he began selling those little circle things (arts and crafts in 2nd grade toys) that you put a pencil in and then twirl around to get a wild spiral maze like design. Do you know what I´m talking about?
Well he starting selling those many moons ago, and naturally got bored after a while, so he started playing with them himself and then got the idea to make these.

For only 10 pesos you can get a beautifully handcrafted (glass square) to use as and incense holder, coaster, or table top decoration! I loved them because many were styled with Om signs, astrology symbols and mantras in sanskrit.
I began to ask him about the history and translations of these symbols and he was filled with excitment. For over an hour we sat there crissed cross applesauce, as comfortable as we could be on the sidewalk and talked all in spanish about shiva, yoga, and various spiritual teachings. Enjoying his company but also ready to move on to different adventures, Li and I tried our best to signal we were ready to leave, but I think he missed all our clues.

An Argentine man, passionate about this topic (and if I may say so myself) equally as thrilled to have 2 cute girls paying attention to him, he talked and talked.
I left after an hour and a half with 6 little glass art thingys, 2 full sheets of paper filled with recommendations of contacts, you tube videos and books to read, as well as a new appreciation for all the people that cross my life´s path.



Then the most incredible (and a bit expensive...) white mocha!
Yes count them, five layers.



When I got home my most favorite spanish practicing buddies greeted me.
Segundo y Juana.
Tonight was a sleepover!
It is amazing how comforting children are for me. The freedom to be a kid, scream, play, run around (non-stop) and just have fun! Unburdened by the weight of the world and living purely for the satisfaction of each moment. Sweet youth.





We had played with colors, which I used as art therapy and they used to make a mess :)
Segundo drew a portrait of me that is now hanging on my wall and is a perfect resemblance, if only I had an orange head, four fingers and was cross-eyed.

We then had a funny face competition:
Juana

Segundo

And, yours truly.
Hmm... maybe Segundo´s picture of me really wasn´t that far off...

There were monsters under my bed that night.

And sweet angels too, it´s alright you can say it
"Awww so cute!"

Feb 26th

Saturday Li and Ki Explore the City!

We went to see the largest bookstore in all of South America! Over a million people walk through its doors annually. Now known as El Ateneo, it was first a theatre named Teatro Gran Splendid in May 1919. When threatened to be demolished, others had a better idea. Books anyone?
  

There is something for every one! The only challenge is to find it...

Lights, Camera, Action!
By far the most beautiful librería I´ve ever been in.
They even have a cafe on stage and still-intact theatre boxes available for use!
A transport to another world, found within the pages you hold.



We cooled off with some icecream (me-Li)
Honestly the ice cream is SO GOOD here! Big and smooth and creamy, they make it an art piece as they mold the two flavors together, toppling over twice the height of that back in the states. Mmm...

Then we went to see our first movie here in Argentina!
"El discurso del Rey" aka "The King´s Speech."
The movie itself was wonderful and the whole experience too. We were underdressed in regular skirts and Ts, and had failed to wear our jewelry and make-up as well. People looked as though they were going to a live theater performance, not one that had previously been filmed.
It was in English (as most movies are here) with Spanish subtitles (great for practicing!). I began to think about how much power America has over the world, yes military, economic and so on and so forth, but even just pure entertainment. I love foreign films back home, but those are a treat, not something that is enjoyed every time I go out to see a movie. But here the vast majority of films are from the USA. Unless it is like this one pictured above, a preview of Ricardo Darin´s next film "Un Cuento Chino" ;)

 Feb 27th
(See "I´m in Heaven" Blog Post. Day at the cafe.)

I cooked! This was the first time I chopped, sauteed, mixed and baked since I´ve been in Argentina and it was healing. But two challenges came forth:
One, Rosario my host mama hates garlic, her grandmother told her at age 7 that "Women never eat garlic." Since then she has obeyed the law and now it has forever been banned in the house. And two, the onion I bought at the Chinese store, along with the rest of my groceries in an effort to support local business, was sad & mushy when I cut into it.
 So already at a disadvantage with my 2 number one ingredients mama mario has taught me to begin every dish with... I hoped an extra dose of good vibes would make up for it. And it did! Home-made spicy tomato sauce with baked acorn squash and peas. In the pursuit to fill each lunch with my quota of color and veggies for the day.

Feb 28th

Choosing to follow my heart today after school it led me to a bookstore. There I found "Almost Moon" by Alice Sebold (author of The Lovely Bones), among a limited selection of novels in English. Nearly one week later now, I am almost done with it! Anyone who knows me, knows that this is quite the news :) I love to read, but often lack the time or find another book and begin to start that one before I finish the last one. And here I am almost done with a 300+ page book in 7 days! I feel like a nerdy 3rd grader who finished a picture book all by themself, but honestly I´m excited. Both the fact that I have nothing but time here and that this is my only novel is most surely responsible for this change in reading patterns.

Later that afternoon I met with a man who offered me a job in the middle of the street (not as creepy or bizarre as it sounds, I promise) I decided I didn´t really need nor want to work. Grateful for the opportunity (to get paid to help translate emails into english), but choosing instead to bask in this special time in my life. I have never been so unrestricted before and for these next few months, I want to keep it that way.
"Following my heart" home I walked and walked and walked until I came upon a familar coffee shop that is right next to my school (which is a one and a half hour walk AWAY from my home).

 In the noise of my mind and the excitment flowing off the street, captivating all my senses, I had walked in the OPPOSITE direction. Just when I thought I was figuring my way around the city. But all was well, just a prolonged adventure home :) So I hopped on the next bus and read the first chapter of my new book.

March 1
HAPPY NEW MONTH! Wow, one and a half months have officially gone by. This is now the longest I have ever been away from America. Previously living in Thailand for a month last summer, I have set a new record for myself and will continue to be here (it looks as of now, but who knows what the future has in store...) until the start of August. Five more to go :)




Miss Katie (backpacking girlfriend) and Emily (new favorite person!) and I shared this sweet and uplifting fresh homemade Ginger-Mint-Lemonade from Felicidades. We studied for our final and made the final countdown... only 3 more days until the end of class!

This super cute little girl became a splendid distraction from verb drills. We played a ceaseless game of "come get the sugar packet" until she became more interested in the "throw sugar packets out the wondow" game. Barely one and a half she was full of life and had yet to learn many social customs. She stared at me, played with strangers, gave her barbie doll away and threw things out the window. All things "you are not supposed to do" but I love that she did. If only we could keep some of that pure human curiosity and openess with us until we turned 2, or 20 or even 100.

 March 2nd
(See "Beyond the Bus" post)

and lots and lots of studying for my written spanish final the following day!




March 3rd
After 2 solid hours of taking the spanish exam, I was done. I stood up with that light dazed and confused feeling that a world exists beyond the paper I held in my hands. So intently focused on each question, all else had been erased from my present consciousness as I escaped into the passages, verbs and vocab within that 8 and a half by 11 inch universe.

Noon and not much on the to-do list I walked to the park where friends and I practice Yoga on a weekly basis. I found a nice tree and used it for back and emotional support as I dived right back into an alternate universe. This time into a world where a daughter kills her mother and begins to come to the realization of what she has done, along with the many consequences slowly but surely coming her way. "Almost Moon" is a dark but, honest reality, and the whole story takes place in one 24 hour period. I am captivated.

After about an hour passed by, the tree was more uncomfortable than comfartable as I felt like a creaky old woman rising to my feet. I decided I would walk home, a new way. There is a vast nature reserve on the outskirts of Buenos Aires creating the border between the city and the Rio Plata. As well as a series of parks. That became my destination: Something green.

I walked down side streets, going into stores that sparked my interest, not feeling pressured to buy anything but only to observe and possibly strike up a conversation with a porteño shop keeper. When I first arrived in BA I would walk on the main avenues, feeling safer with the mighty buildings surrounding me and the never ending stream of people walking with and against me. Now I avoid them.
The maddness of it all and the energy of go-go-go is unpleasant for me. Instead I move a few streets in towards the heart of the barrio and that is where it´s at. Real people, living real lives. Homes and cafes and panderias decorating the sidewalk. Low buildings and lots of trees. People walking at half the speed and double the tranquilty than their counterparts just a few blocks up. I feel relaxed and someone here. Not just another person lost in the crowd. Here in the backstreets people say hello.

My friend who sells fresh fruits and vegetables on the corner every day all day. This is about as close as it gets to "farmers markets." Scattered around the city are little crates and tables with your "five for the day" ready to be purchased. This man´s son is quite the charmer, whistling at ladies double or triple his age. He just started 2nd grade on Monday. Summer is over for the children of BA.

Walking along Libertador, I spotted an older woman with her unleashed dog. Or should I say the dog spotted me? This dog stared at me as I walked down the block, holding my gaze for a good 30 seconds. I believe there is much more to animals than we know.
  I stopped at the stoplight and asked her what her dogs name was. "Tigre" she replied as her face lit up. Tiger and her walked slow and in unison, she in front and him following steadfastly behind. Walking as they have together for the past 16 years.

Nice sign combo: JFK + Liberty.

Drawn to an old building across the street, I drew closer to check it out.

I had arrived at el rosedal de palermo.

Security personnel to ensure no dogs entered and no people stepped on the grass, helped to keep everything in pristine condition. Spotted with head sculptues of war heros, poets, politicians and others who did something worthy to have their head forever looking upon people looking upon them.

Something particularly sweet about this man´s glasses and mustache combined.

Love was in the Air.
These gardens are so romantic. Everyone walking around or sitting on a bench in pairs.
Mothers with daughters, best friends, lovers... and me and my book :)

I found the perfect spot to stop and rest for a while. I laid on the bench by the creek and began to giggle out loud. I was so happy! Here I am in Argentina, in the most beautiful park I´d seen in the country, just finished my final, had a good book in my hands and the warmth of the sun sinking in through the protection of the trees leaves above me. Pure delight. Not to mention I was in the prime environment to ponder the subject of love once more.
I was totally satisfied.

After some time had passed I said see you later, and continued my walk. This time exploring through the Palermo Woods.
Another magical place, but this one simply trees upon trees upon trees.

Continuing on once more, I came across the Museo de Arte Popular. At first I thought to myself, "I´ll come back later." Then a strong cord inside me vibrated, "Carpe Diem!" So I did. Paying the hefty 1 peso entrance fee (a quarter) I wandered inside.

As I studied the intricateness of this face, I felt as though it could come alive at any moment.
In 9th grade we did an art project similar to this where we made masks using our own faces in Mrs Rockwells class.
I can only imagine all the time and energy put into this one.

After 4 and a half hours, I made it home. Now with a newfound appreciation for all this city has to offer and all that still remains to be discovered.
Back to here and now: Time to study for my oral exam tomorrow!



March 4th

Mi final dia de este clase! Today was my oral test and it went great! Telling a story with a partner all using different verb forms in the past tense + a little bit of Q and A.

Everyone waited in the hall until it was there time to perform. Meanwhile, I led a little mini post final yoga session with a few classmates against the bright lights and shiny floors.

I got an A! Yeah!
I guess the trick is to spend most of my time wandering the streets living spanish ´rather than reading about it in the book :)

 (In the heat of all the excitment I left my book in class and returned hours later to find it gone. I do hope it appears again pero si no lo encuentro, creo que es bueno suerte de yo perdí mi libro en la última dia!)

Sweet teacher Mercedes.
¡Muchas gracias por todo!



No eggs and flour for Emily and I!
We´ll stick with the American pat on the back tradition :)
PS: check out all the flags, this really is an international school



My celebratory party took place in this nearby health foods store.
Gifts for myself from myself include:
Chia Seed
Flax Seed
Bee Pollen
and a whole grain + quinoa alfajor!

Saturday March 5th
One of the Best Days thus far.

I woke up and wasn´t quite sure what to do.
Class is over.
It is Spring Break. Many of my friends are outside of Buenos Aires, having opted to go on a trip before our Mendoza trip. ( I decided to save my money now and use it for my 2 months of travel post school :)
And it is Saturday.

I was greeted with a huge wave  of possibility and indecisiveness as I thought about my line-up for the day. Having slept in running shorts and a sports bra, I allowed my costume to guide the way. Tennis shoes tied, shirt on, hair up, half a banana eaten, teeth brushed and feet out the door.

Rewind: I Run. Back at home I run regularly. And I enjoy it. Since I have arrived in Argentina I had yet to run up to this point. As wild as that sounds to me, not going on one single run for a month and a half, I know why. Everything has changed in Argentina. Of course the core of who I am is still the same, but many of the decorations surrounding that have adapted to this new environment.

Walking has become my Running. I walk much more here than I do back home. Hours everyday exploring the city, getting from point A to point B, and getting lost, with a smile. Also with walking comes both the security of having my backpack with map, keys, H20, book, ect and also the liberty to stop, sit, read, buy something. Since I walk slower than I run (which I think is the case for all mammels...) I see more. Walking gives me the priviledge to see the little things, to turn around if I choose, say hello to someone, or pick up trash. 

But today was a day to run! I wrote a little note to Mama Rosario describing my path of destination and approximate time of return, just in case I vanished in the mist someone would know which mist to look at first. Sounds a little dramatic, but true and I think a small note informing someone/anyone of your location (especially when you are outside of your normal home) can literally be a life saver. But that is just mama ki talking.

After saying Buenos Dias to the neighbor, I pulled open the apartment building door with the golden handle and entered my fast track sidewalk. Right Left Right Left Right Left, my feet were moving at a faster pace than they had for some time now and they loved it! The memory of running pulled closer now as shoes hit the pavement. My breath, focus, and pace in alignment.

Dashing across the white striped crosswalks, weaving in and out of people, and hopping over holes in the road I headed for grass. Feeling a bit out of place in the middle of cars, people and tall buildings, I was comforted when my feet hit soft green ground only 5 minutes later. I ran back in direction of the Palermo Rosedal Gardens where I had previously been on Thursday. Running through the Palermo woods and arriving at the gardens I hopped on the path made especiallly for runners, roller skaters, bike riders, ect.

After about 30 strides had passed I heard music, loud music. Then I saw it.
At least a hundred porteños dancing, following a dance instuctor onstage and following his moves so as the whole crowd looked like a synchronized pop band. The inner dancer in me, hopped over the runners barrier and inched closely to the crowd. Hesitant at first, and then feeling that is was open to anyone, I jumped right in!
I felt like I was back in my cheerleading days, counting out moves to the count of 8, and dancing in sync with everyone around me. Not only was it so much fun!!! It was quite a sight to see. Nearly everyone in their exersize clothes, almost all older than me (much much older than me) and even men in their 60s+ in normal clothes stopped and joined the performance.
Our instuctor did not hold back. Vibrantly gay and pushing us to the limit so that we could be mistaken for a wildly excentric group of Beyonce´s backup dancers. Oh yeah we were getting down. Really.
So simple and so wonderful, this program is put on by the city of BA and is called Buenos Aires Hacer Deportes (BAHD). Get an enthusiastic dancer, put him on stage, get a large sound system and the rest will work itself out. People would run/skate/walk or bike by, stop, and join!
This was much better than a typical dance party. Having the man on stage directing you made it all the more enjoyable, no one had to think about theit next dance move or feel self-conscious. We were all doing it, together!
In the perfect outdoor, breezy setting, rockin music and fun dance moves, one could feel the energy grow light with joy and freedom. Everyone needs to have a little exercise, fresh air and get down their bad self. This was the place to do it.
After an hour of that, it ended. I walked along to find a group of people stretching and I asked them what they were a part of "Buenos Aires Correr." A group where you meet weekly with locals and run together + it´s free to join! How wonderful.

I took my time and walked home, not sure if I felt light headed and a bit dizzy from the humid, ecstatic dancing or the half of banana that had long ago been digested. 2 and a half hours later I arrived home with one incredible run and dance performance in my pocket. I was reminded yet once again how the universe provides if only we trust in it. Our job is to take that first step.

The day only got better as I hydrated with this beauty.
(and yes we drink out of gold rimmed glasses here :)
A whirled up a concoction of banana, milk loads of ice, chia and flax seed and then topped off with some bee pollen.
¡Energía deliciosa!

Then my spirit was recharged after a good skype session with Pops and then another with a sweet soul sister of mine.

And best for last...
MoonLight Yoga!!!
Wow. It was soooo good.
I had been googling yoga in BA when I came across and invitation titled "Moonlight Yoga." Need say no more, I was already hooked. I sent an email right away to reserve a space and looked forward eagerly for this night to come.
After missing the stop I hopped off the bus, ran across the street hopped on the same bus going back in that direction and then hopped off at the right stop (barely) 2 minutes later. Nervous to be walking alone in this foreign part of the city after 9 o´clock at night, I took a breath said a prayer and followed the light sound of music. These tunes got louder and louder as I opened the door and knew I had arrived.



 Buena Onda Yoga! Tonight was an intimate gathering of less than 20 people and together we did an hour and half of yoga accompanied with live soothing music, followed by a vegetarian feast fit for the kings! There was a lot of love and good vibes circulating with extra leftover for a second serving. There was also a camera crew there and they were shooting and episode for the tourist channel! The host sat next to me and asked me some questions and I answered with as much suave and grace as I could muster. A little interview all in spanish! If you happen to be in Argentina in April, turn to the tourist channel and you may catch a glimpse of me doing yoga!

Mango Lassi with homemade (the night before!) natural yogurt!
Miss Meghan was the star chef and is going to be having weekly thursday dinners at her home.
Count me in!

I was very excited about the Whole Wheat Chapatis and apparently the woman next to me was too :)
ps: can you spot the heart?

Vegetable Curry with Basmati Rice Potato, Chard (Mmm Chard!) and tomato stir-fry
by far the best meal I have had here since that sandwich in Be Frika, actually- this was better.
For dessert we had Tres Leches Cake and fresh homemade Chai.
Mmmm divinity.

I am practicing yoga everyday. Often times sola, being lead by a friend. or leading a class myself in the park or classroom hallway (and anywhere in between). But being here tonight in a real Yoga studio with candles, our own mat (with a fresh flower on the front) and a certified teacher made all the difference. I absolutely love teaching yoga but it is a whole different experience. In following I am free to get lost in my own breathe, focus on my own angles and just be. One of the more challenging classes I´ve ever taken, my heart beat raced, I sweat, I breathed and I came down again. A rejuvenated person, cleansed of stale energy. I think I took my deepest longest breathe that night.

An all around beautiful gathering with many new friends made. One of which was the brother of the yoga instructor and is also a student studying here. We talked and it turns out he lives one block down the street! Crazy wild world :)
Four of us said our goodbyes and hopped in a cab to go home. John is a kind man from Chicago and is spending 10 days in BA. Upon leaving the cab he left us with 50 pesos to to go towards the ride. As I was the last one to get out, the total was less than expected, coming in at 45 pesos. So I gave the driver the extra five as a tip and the flower the studio had given me. He looked surprised and I said "Para tu mujer."

Un día perfecto.
me encanto la vida