A Very Buenos Airesy Day

I think I'm in the midst of a very BsAsy day today. I woke up late, and was late to my spanish class. Oh ya, people here are late all the time. Not to worry. Finished that, went back home to (shower and) rest for a little. Made a sammich. Then the bombing/fireworks started going off. Oh sure, another protest in BsAs, why not! Tomorrow is the big Labor Day holiday (Dia De Los Trabajores), it's also called May Day. I thought May Day is a day to wear pastel colors and celebrate spring and flowers... it's actually kind of a big deal. Everyone has got tomorrow off. Me too! Then I left for the Carlos Gardel Museum. For you dullards, Carlos Gardel is the tango king. He tragically died in, what else, a plane crash right in his prime. (Bye bye Miss Argentina Pie...?) I'm obsessed with the squiggly bright colored painting they do here... (self, please learn the name of this art).

Then I succeeded at failing to meet Cousin Bryan and Cousin Elise for the 2nd time (This is the FOURTH time I've lost people). I'm praying to the Dioses that they get a cell phone pronto.

Time for shopping... some people got some souveniiiiirrrsss!! Are you one of the lucky ones? We shall see.

Tonight, more beef and wine. I'm telling you all, total BsAs Day.

Tomorrow I'm going to an "estancia" to ride some horses and get my gaucho on. Back on Saturday.

A day in the life

PS. ¡¡HAPPY BIRTHDAY KRISTEN!!

Stickin it to the man

Just now, a parade of protesters banging drums, walking down my street. Tell it like it is y'all! More explosions, now sirens. Pigeons are not happy.

Someone's pissed or excited

There's major explosions going on right now. Are they bombs or fireworks. Are people pissed or celebrating? Who knows. After ham sandwich and doritos, I'll inquire and report back.

¡Baila, Baila!

Last night we went to a "milonga" which is a tango bar. This is not a tango show... just a bar, where people baila the tango. They had a 1 hour lesson for the beginners (us). It was so much fun! I'm definitely going to get my tango lesson on some more, so I can go back and show those porteños how it's done. El Catedral is the name of the milonga... and it's way cool. It's a bit warehousey, crazy weird stuff on the walls... later they had a live band, and it was just very very cool. I will be back.

After downing some Stella, Cuz B, Cuz Elise and Dancing Partner Luca and I hit the flo'. We did well, caused some traffic jams, minor collisions, but it was really fun. When they asked who did NOT know the 8 basic steps, we all raised our hands. Bueno. Then later on, I think a 75 year old man asked me to dance... or asked why I wasn't dancing? Not sure. Either way, score.

Get yo'tango on

Mi Querida Buenos Aires

Let's talk about surprises. Every day, there's a new one. A new route to take, a new huge building I haven't seen (Congresso, yesterday), BEAR EXHIBITIONS i've randomly stumbled across, Subway Sandwich, protests in the street. Then today, I found an ice cream place even closer to the one I already found. Every day... it gets better and better. So today I bought a flag.

¿Nap, then ice cream? ¿Or ice cream, then nap?

Today was quite the day of leisure. Had my classes in the morning then was going to visit the Carols Gardel museum. But again, like last Tuesday, it's closed. Dangit! I hope I can remember to go any other day of the week but Tuesday. So, I walked around, found myself at the Microcentro again... where the Pink House is, and a nice little plaza. Well, big plaza. In the plaza, there was a huge student protest. I thought they were having P.E. outside, but then they started banging drums and marching the streets. Fun! I ran after them with my camera and eventually got pinned between kids with whistles and a railing. Taking it to the streets... it's how we do. I'm sure some of you are wondering what they were protesting. Me too. I asked someone, and he was very happy to explain it to me. I just didnt quite comprendo... I did grasp it's something about the government, lack of money, etc. Join the club.

Then I headed home and plotted out the rest of my day... Napping, ice cream, groceries, laundry pick up. In what order should I do this? I finally figured it out. I'm making my first actual dinner here. I even bought meat. Yikes. Then I stuffed it into my backpack and carried it home. Doble yikes.

Mas pics

La Juanita, Parte Dos

I went back to La Juanita today... what a difference from the first day. I helped the teachers out with the student information forms, and helped translate some into english, in order to send them out to the "Padrinos" (Godfathers)-- who are people that sponsor a child. I worked closely with the teacher, and got to learn a little more about the kids coming to the kindergarten. (School starts Monday). I started to really grasp the dire living situations a lot of these kids come from. Today I was less intimidated by the environment, and better able to absorb everything and look forward to doing more work there. I go back on Wednesday.

I also met little Mariana. She was so darling, only 3, but we managed to have some sort of conversation. She came over to give me a big hug, then she threw sand at me. We're gonna be good friends, I think.

At first, I was worried about the long commute to get there... but the time on the road allows me to look around and reflect on everything. So, it's not such a bad thing (Oh, hey, bright side of things!) Luckily, we got a ride back into town (and avoided the bus and van). On the way home, the subway broke down. Since I hadn't had my requisite 50 blocks worth of walking yet, I decided to walk home, in order to see more of the city on foot... This is me making lemonade out of lemons again. Then I made some wrong turns, and REALLY got to see LOTS of the city. I finally found my way back, and did my homework with some beer and tex mex at a random bar. It was another great day.

River Plate vs. Jujuy

So as if a great day at the San Telmo fair couldn't get better, or more porteño-ish, I went to the River Plate soccer match. This is one of the must do's on my list of... must do's. I really REALLY want to see a La Boca game, but I'm happy to have gotten a ticket for this one. River Plate is La Boca's rival (See El Superclasico info). Getting to the game was pretty intense. First, I was starving. But luckily found some delish chori-pan (sausage hot dog thing), and was sassified. Then, after a few wrong turns, a few tidal wave mob crushes, a few ass grabs, 4 different security check points, and we were finally in the stadium. Drums were pounding, people were singing, and it never stopped for the whole game. I was like wow, so different from a Laker game. I learned a few parts to a song... something something "la camiseta". To paraphrase, the fans wear the River Plate shirts (camisetas) with the utmost pride and passion, even though their team is not that great.

River Plate finally scored in the 2nd period. Some homemade fireworks went off, and more singing and chanting and harassing. River Plate wins 1-0!

Mas Fútbol Fotos

Feria de San Telmo

Today was one of those totally perfect days... beautiful, sunny, breezy... good day to stroll a few blocks down to the coolest antique fair ever, catch some tango. You know, the usual Sunday. The fair at Plaza Dorrego is about 4 blocks down from me. Perfecto! I browsed the stalls, and kept wondering, who BUYS this stuff?! I mean... like old rusty clocks that don't work, weird dolls, rusty spoons. It has it all. Primo Bryan and Prima Elise met up with me to go to the market. Naturally, I lost them after 10 minutes of being there. The best part is the tango shows in the middle of the plaza. So nice. Such a great day. Then a bird shit on my head. FML!!

¿Quieres bailar tango?

Early, like, Argentina early?

Me: Ya, we went out in Palermo, but I went home early.
Someone else: Like Argentina early?
Me: Ya, I left at 4:30am

All up in Palermo's business

Yesterday I had a very cultural day... you know, just cruisin' through some museums, some gardens, having some coffee. Wow, I need a vacation from my vacation. I kid. Yesterday I was supposed to go help clean out a classroom and paint it, but by the time I was done with class, i didn't really need to go. Bonus! So, I headed out to the MALBA museum-- Museo de Arte Latino de Buenos Aires. It was aiiiight. To the left you can see an example of their art... REALLY?! Anyways, there were some other interesting pieces, but that one caught my eye the most. I don't know... the angles? the texture? Anyways, I got busted for taking pics.

From there I went to the Japanese Gardens as recomended, oh, by all the books I've read. It was again, just ok. We have these too in LA, and they're better. So I was like-- eh. Then, I went to the Evita Museum. Much better!! It was really interesting to see how she came to be so revered in the public eye (well, by most, not all). I can't believe she died at 33. Most of my friends are now in their 30s. I'm not.

Later that night, I met up with some amigos in San Telmo... in a whole other area of San Telmo I've never seen... that was exciting! Had some delish pizza. Again.

Then today, I went boot shopping. And I actually FOUND some boots! Once again the impossible became possible. I hardly EVER find anything that fits over my giant calves. But I did, and I'm wearing them now and they are awesome. I spent about 6 hours in Palermo getting lost, trying on shoes, getting lost, buying some purses, getting lost, etc...

Tonight there will be some late night Buenos Aires shenanigans. Que vida.

Warning, cute boots here

Reunited and it feeels soo goood

Primo Bryan and Prima Elise have arrived, woooo! This was a very exciting day. It means I've been here for 2 weeks already, and I've added 2 new friends to my growing roster. But it was also the last night with new, now old, friend Isabella. Sad. We went to a restaurant in Palermo, that is "known" for it's fish. I've been craving seafood. Well, it was definitely fishy. I later learned (today) that Buenos Aires is not known for it's fish, and that the waiters are not good at recomending the best dishes, just the most expensive ones. True that!

This is kind of a big deal

You guys!! Have you ever wanted something so badly, then it just appears before your very eyes?! I was beyond starving after my spanish class. I'm walking down the street, thinking to myself, how badly I want a Subway sandwich. I'm all... I'd give anything for a fresh crunchy veggie turkey sandwich. Everything here is pretty heavy. Please god, anything that even resembles Subway, I'll take it. So on my way to McDonald's (ya that's right), i see this little little kid wearing a Subway sandwich board!! The sea of people literally parted to reveal this amazing news. So I asked him "donde esta Subway!?", and i went/ran there. It wasn't that good, but so satisfying anyways. They also had no ice, but the guy insisted it's "still cold". Mmmhmm. I got a 15cm pechuga de pavo, with the works. YES! SUBWAY! Woo!

La Juanita

Today I visited La Juanita for the first time... this is where I'm volunteering. It was incredibly overwhelming, and it's taking some time to sink in.... kind of like how everything has been so far. It is very far out of the city-- it requires a van for 1 hour, and another bus for another 1/2 hour. It's a little confusing for me now, but everyone else has figured it out and seems cool with it.

The community is very poor, but they stress the importance of being independent and not reliant on government assistance. This community works with a micro credit system-- For instance, the bakery was the first business to be set up here. Everything used to be done by hand. From one donation of an oven, they were able to increase the productivity, hire extra workers, and keep the prices really low for everyone. There is also a tailor shop, and a center to recycle and repair old computers... Here they also give classes to teach basic computer skills. There is also now a kindergarten, where I will be helping out with the teacher. This is all so new to me, which makes it scary but exciting too.

Today the mothers (and 1 dad) of the kids came to have a meeting with the supervisor to go over all the details, rules and general values of the school before school starts (May 4th). La Juanita strongly stresses the importance of the parents being involved. If the parents didn't show up today, they don't have their kids in this school. This is going to be really challenging for me- since I'm not a teacher, never wanted to be... but here I am in this situation. And all of it in espanol which is even MORE confusing. Tomorrow at my spanish class, I'm going to request a lesson on various phrases like: "Don't throw sand", "Don't hit him", "Give me that stick". Wish me luck friends.

Mas La Juanita

Beef & Wine

I finally had the much anticipated steak dinner in Buenos Aires! Took me long enough! Had dinner in San Telmo, at La Brigada, and it was pretty good (and HUGE). I'm sure there are better parillas around, but how many have really awesome underground wine cellars? Isabella and I roamed around the wine cellar for awhile, plotting how to steal a few bottles...until our waiter found us. Back at our table, a random man sent us a glass of wine to try. It was delish, and way better than the (cheapest bottle of) Malbec we ordered...For dessert, we got a crepe with dulce de leche. Que rico. But the best part was skyping with daddio when I got home! Suhweet!

Mas vino por fav

Recoleta Cemetary

After school I went to Recoleta to see the famous Cemetary. Wow, it's gorgeous. I met up with El Chaltén hiking friend, Isabella. We were so excited to be in city clothes and makeup. Recoleta is also a really beautiful neighborhood, where all the fancies live. Later, we had ourselves some delicious overpriced food at a pretty outdoor cafe. Nice day!

Recoleta Pics

La Bommmmba De Tiempo

Yesterday, April 20th, I went to La Bomba De Tiempo
-- a big drum/percussion show. It was suhhweeeeet! I went with some amigos from the volunteer group. I heard there were tons of foreigners that come to this. Everyone was right. So I found some Argies to hang with. One calls himself "The Great Noodle". This is a total hipster hippy dippy scene, with crazy drum music for hours which = crazy dancing. Buenos tiempos!

Mas Photos Acá

Bears! Rawrrr!!

Yesterday was my first day of school. I started at 9am. This was the first time I've actually had to be somewhere at a certain time, in the MORNING. So, I have to admit, I was a little excited to have something of a...how do you say... a "schedule". I gave myself an extra hour to get lost and have coffee with medialunas. Turns out, I needed a whole hour to get lost. My favorite thing to do is to make every wrong turn possible... then when I get to where I need to be, I'm only like 10 feet away from where I started. Bonus.

School = me + one teacher. It's great! I get a whole 2 hours of español all to myself. I'll do this for the next 2 weeks... at 9am... everyday. Can I handle it?

On my way to change some dinero, I stumble across this amazing plaza holding an art exhibition. Most of you know I love bears the mostest. Can you imagine how happy I was to find a plaza full of bears hugging, from around the world! So cuddly!! I loved it. Also, Tena, this reminded me of Build-A-Bear's project... so i thought of you :) This is in Plaza San Martín.

More beary love here

El Superanticlimaticlassico

Today was the much anticipated El Súperclasico between La Boca and River Plate. I wore my new Boca T-Shirt! Me & some other amigos gathered at a bar in Palermo and I caught the second half. It was a cool bar, good atmosphere for the game. People were really excited when Boca scored the first goal. And 1 person was excited when River tied it. So, then it ended. In a tie. Just like that. I must have asked 5 people "is that it?!" No tie breaker? No winner? No singing and chanting and gloating? Pft! Kinda anticlimatic eh? So then afterward we walked around the little plaza selling cute things, and walked by lots of stores selling cute things, then found a pretty little rooftop restaurant. I'll be back, Palermo. I'll be back.

Speaking of rooftops, I need to make friends with my neighbors. They had a rooftop bbq party for the game and I wish I was invited. They were listening to oldies and blues not too long ago and are now jamming Bob Marley. Must. Make. Amigos.


PS. In the video, I love the pissy River Plate fan reactions at the end.

¡My First Hangover!

Today was my very first hangover, so special! It's very possible that I'm too old for these porteño late night shenanigans. At one point I checked the time and it was 4am, and I gasped. After people calmed me down, I was fine and lasted another hour-ish. I was in bed by like 5:30am. When I left the club, people were still trying to get in. Good lord people! Palermo is a nice little area. Tres chic, and tres far from my apartment, so thank dios for taxis.

La Boca ~ El Caminito

Took a little jaunt through La Boca today. New volunteer friend Luca & I cruised through El Caminito first. My first impression was "Wow, Disneyland". It's so colorful, and SO touristy. But once that wore off and we got out of the main area, it was pretty cool. La Boca is one of the more poor areas in Buenos Aires. My book says it's the city's first port, and an African slave colony before Italian immigrants settled in the 1880s. La Boca is also home to La Boca Juniors and the soccer stadium La Bombonera (it means chocolate box? yummy?). This area has all the bright colorful buildings, people doing tango, and awesome cardboard cutouts to stick your face in.

It was fun being a true tourist today! Cameras and guidebooks and all.

More La Boca Pics Here

El Superclásico - This Domingo!

This Sunday is the big "Superclásico" futbol game versus the two main rivals, Boca Juniors & River Plate. This is a huge deal, and I'm so excited for it! It's like Lakers vs. Celtics, maybe times a hundred. or a million. I will be at a bar with my game face on. I'm gonna go ahead and put my pesos on Boca Juniors, because I'm of the people. ¡Oléééé Oléééé Olééé Olééééé!

Read More Here!

More Photos!

As promised, here are more photos from San Telmo and El Microcentro. I'll keep adding to the San Telmo album as time goes on.

San Telmo

El Microcentro

By the way...

Things you don't need to bring when hiking/climbing glaciers:

iPod
Silver Hoop Earrings

Both are gone/broken/missing. sigh.

Paola vs. Patagonia - Final Round!

It wasn't too long after conquering Cerro Torre did my legs start tightening and buckling on me... I was hardly able to walk. I was pretty sure this would wear off in time for the Fitz Roy hike. I've been warned many times of how strenuous this hike is. It's estimated at 4 hours each way... with a "tough" final hour up a steep hill. Well, what's one more hour than what I did at Cerro Torre?

Patagonia got off to yet another strong start early on in the hike. I was huffy and weazy, until it finally got more level and we found ourselves in the middle of stunning nature again. This time, the hikers are Me from LA, Isabella from Italy, Katherine from US, and Maria from Ireland. We are all solo female travelers and we are all awesome.

The hours pass, and we're finally faced with the final climb up the mountain. Holy shit. You guys. I've never, in my life, ever, ever, eva eva? EVER done anything more difficult than this. Now, blame it on never exercising, blame it on never really "hiking" much, blame it on the sinus head cold i'm developing, blame it on something, but this was SO HARD, and I could NOT keep up with the other fab ladies. But it's ok, I needed to do this on my own. I talked to myself. I wimpered. I gasped. I looked up to see how much further I had to go, and then I cried. I quit. Then I started again. I kept going. I finally reached the top, then realized, I hadn't actually reached the top. So I kept going. Then, it was finally over, and the view was just breathtaking. I'm at the base of Fitz Roy, at Laguna De Los Tres, surrounded by glaciers and mountains. I looked behind me to see what I conquered, and I cried like a baby. Just for a little bit. Then I inhaled my sandwich and a half, and really soaked it all in. There was a little more I could have gone downhill, but that meant I would have had to come back up it... I had absolutely no life left in my legs, and I still had 4 more hours back to the base to go.

This was physically and emotionally grueling. But I did it. And therefore, I win the final round in the battle vs. Patagonia. And I rule.

The stats:

Laguna Torre (1st hike): 3 hours one way, 250 meters high, 11KM

Laguna De Los Tres (2nd hike to Fitz Roy): 4 hours one way, 750 meters high, 12.5 KM.

Click here for more Fitz Roy goodness

Paola vs. Patagonia - Round 2, ding!

So, El Chaltén is the "Trekking Capitol of Argentina". I know when you think "mountain trek", you think, "Oh, that's so Paola." Just know this, the only hiking I've ever done is in Griffith Park...the one that takes 30 minutes to complete. So, new friend Isabella from Italy and I got up early, packed our little sandwiches (salami & cheese) and headed off to conquer Cerro Torre. This is the smaller, pointier of the 2 peaks in El Chaltén. This is also considered the "easier hike".

Patagonia got off to another strong start on me. I huffed and puffed my way up a small hill for the first 15 minutes. I thought I could never make it, and was already planning on re-scheduling my stay here. But I kept going. And WOW WOW WOW WOW. The scenery was just incredible. I really can't put it into words. I was so obsessed with the autumn colors... SO red, orange and yellow everywhere. Then off in the distance, the beautiful Cerro Torre peaks. We hiked through rivers and valleys and forests... so unreal. 3 hours later we arrived to Laguna Torre, at the base of Cerro Torre, and had a crystal clear view...perfect spot for lunch!

The funniest part was when arriving at the end, there was a couple from Los Feliz of all places. He told me he's only ever hiked Griffith Park. HA! ME TOOOO!

The 3 hour hike back down the mountain was even more gorgeous as it was going up.

So, Round 2, goes to me, Paola, for kicking ass on this hike, even though it kicked mine first, but only in the beginning. I kicked so much ass on this hike, I decided to take on the "treacherous Fitz Roy 6 hour hike" the next day. Ehhh no problemo!!


Cerro Torre Pics!

The Road To El Chalten

The 3 hour bus ride from El Calafate to El Chalten is beautiful, and seeing the great Fitz Roy peak on our very first day was a huge treat. The weather here is so unpredictable, you never know if you'll be able to see these peaks, or if they'll be covered in clouds. We really lucked out.

Arriving in El Chalten was interesting. I had to walk all the way to the end of the town, and was a little pissy about that. Then I'm all...oh ya, this is a hiking town, I shouldn't complain about that. But still, it made me all sweaty. I arrived midday, when no one was around. So the day was a bit slow for me... I walked around trying to find SOME people and it was totally deserted! It was a little eerie. So I had a beer at this little pub. They gave me a liter. I tried to finish it, but I couldn't. Sorry guys! After drinking alone, I headed back to the hostel. There I met new friend Isabella from Italy. YAAAY! We agreed to be hiking buddies the next day. Thank goodness.

El Chalten Pics

Paola vs. Patagonia - Round 1, ding!

On Friday I took a flight down to El Calafate, in Patagonia. I was so excited for this trip. When people ask me "Why Argentina?"... I sometimes mention my reaction to the cover of the Argentina Lonely Planet-- showing El Perito Moreno Glacier. I was like... oooh pretty... I'll go there. (And sometimes I come up with a more intelligent explanation.) So I went!

The morning of the tour, it was raining. I thought - eh, it'll let up. Oh, it sure didnt. I also thought, eh, no problem, I've got waterproof clothes. Oh, I sure didn't. We took a bus to The Parque Nacional Los Glaciers, and from there walked a long path to the glacier. Once I saw this massive thing, I forgot all about the rain. It was stunning, huge, massive and a total spectacle. To hear and see chunks of ice falling into the water was so incredible! It was awesome and so worth the rain. So we (me & the German roomates) kept walking along this path, and I soon start feeling a little damp in my knees. Eh. Then a little damp on my arms. Hmm. Soon I was totally drenched. We head back to the lodge, and it is THEN that i see they sell ponchos. So i bought one, AFTER i was already drenched. At least I can use it for the next stop right?

On the bus I start thinking walking on the glacier while freezing and soaking wet can't be a good idea. I start wanting to bail out. We take a boat to another lodge, and I decided to man up and keep trekking. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity, duh! After I RIPPED my newly bought poncho, (F!) the kind glacier guide gave me a giant yellow parka and off I went. I was fine once I was moving. And WOW, what an experience to walk on the glacier!! I loved it! We got our ice crampons on and started on a little one hour hike. At the end, we had some rum at the ice bar. Good times, good rum.

On the bus ride home, I was freezing and soaking wet, and decided to air dry my wet feet on the heater vent for the hour long drive home. BRUTAL.

So, Round 1 goes to Patagonia for throwing excruciating elements my way, almost making me quit, and turning me into an icicle. Also, low blow by Patagonia for breaking my ipod in the rain.

I still had fun though, I swear :)

More El Calafate Pics

El Microcentro

Visited Microcentro today with new amigo, Victor. This is where the Casa Rosada is (Pink House)-- This is their version of the White House, and my mom's version of paradise. This is also where where Madonna used to make her famous speeches to the people of Argentina from the balcony. Also vistited the Cathedral and walked around the area-- eventually ending up by the Puente De La Mujer. There is a quaint little walkway by the water, with nice restaurants, outdoor dining, and then a Hooters and TGIF's :) After our beer, we heard the Casa Rosada is open to the public, which I guess it's rare. Lucky us! We got to go inside and take a look around. It's very grand and I couldnt believe they just let us walk around.

I'm heading down to El Calafate tomorrow (Patagonia!). I'll be back Tuesday, and until then, I won't be able to update el blog.

I promise I'll start updating my flickr account with more pics!

And yes, by Madonna, I meant Evita. I'm hoping you all caught that. Some, maybe not so sure :)

Origen Cafe

Today I found Origen Cafe. Thank god. I looked everywhere for a little cafe where I can park it and hang out. Maybe have some breakfast. Maybe a cerveza. Maybe both. I found it. I noticed Stellas are cheaper than Coronas (lol!). It took me 25 minutes to find it, and it's 2 blocks away... again, still taking the long way.

From there, I saw a little sushi place, a little pizza place, and heladeria (woot! ice cream), and a pastry shop called Costa Ricas. Shout out! So i bought an empanada from there.

On my way back to my piso, I found a little used book store, and met Cesar, the owner. He was really nice, made me feel welcome, and I think he was telling me of when he used to be fat and have long hair? Maybe? Anyways, I bought a book.

At this point, I had a little skip in my step, smiling a lot. The area is starting to feel more homey. Then I got home, looked in the mirror and saw a large chunk of green parsley in my teeth. fml.

Carlos & Me

This one is for you mom! Carlos Gardel is/was the Tango king of Argentina (back in the day)... and this is hanging in my little cocina. Cute.

Stella, Tango, Pigeons

After unpacking and trying to nap, I venture out on my own. Naturally, I take the very long way to the center of town. I ordered myself a Stella. Yessssss. Goodness. This is my first drink in BA. I know, right? Then I had some friends join me. And by friends, I mean pigeons. And by pigeons, I mean, swarms of nasty birds. Someone called them "Palomitas" (doves). I'm like no sweetie, those are not doves. I literally SCREAMED at one point when 8 landed on my table. Sigh. People got some good laughs. Anyways, it was really nice-- saw a little tango dancing, had a beer, and was on my way.

Got some groceries: 2 Cup O Noodles (hell ya chicken picante!), Water, 2 Heineken tall boys, Yogurt, Bread, Jelly, Tea.

I'm Heeeerrre!

Reporting to you from my new piso! The apartment is just like in the photos, which is a relief. There is one framed photo of Carlos Gardel on the wall, which is kinda funny, and lovely.

I have to admit, I'm totally overwhelmed right now. And totally exhausted. But I feel very welcomed here by everyone. My volunteer advisor came over to chat and go over a bunch of details (ie. this is where you live, this is where you do not go).

Time to unpack, buy some food, and take a little nappy.

Also, I completely fell out of the shower. And by completely, I mean, I yanked the shower curtains down with me. What a great start! Times I've almost broken my neck: 2.

And for those of you (Katie) who were worried about me not getting my McDonald's breakfast yesterday morning... well, guess what i had at the Buenos Aires airport! You better believe it. An Egg McBagel, except they forgot to give me the egg. It's ok, I still enjoyed it.

Here's me in my new diggs:

Hola from Miami!

Currently into layover hour #2 of 4. So far so good... well, aside from almost eating s*%t at the airport and not finding McDonald's... Other than thaaaat, i'm feeling pretty ok! Still nervous, but more in the good way, less in the nauseating way.

More later!

Last day at work, kinda sorta

About to get my wine on at work...nothing new there. But, I'm saying adios (for now) to my fab work buddies. I'll miss you guys, thanks for everything!! See you very very soon.