Change of Plans isn´t always Bad

5-23-10
I woke up after a very cold night and had breakfast. I bet you can guess what I had. I then showered and got my bag packed. I took a cab to the bus terminal. I decided to try to go back to Buenos Aires in time for the bicentennial celebrations. I bought a ticket to Tucuman with the hope that I could move up my ticket that is suppose to leave Wednesday. After waiting for my bus, we departed. I read more of my Isabel Allende book and listened to music while on the road.

Like most things in Argentina, nothing is on time. Had my first bus been on time, there is a chance I could have made the bus back to Buenos Aires today, but nope. But the positive thing is that I won´t lose money on the ticket and can leave tomorrow getting me back Tuesday morning in time for whatever Argentina has in store for Tuesday night. I figured that I have seen a lot on this trip, and plan to come back to see more. But how more chances will have to experience something like this. No regrets.

I am now in a hostel for the night.

Walk, Run, Fly or "Excuse me while I kiss the sky"

2-23-10

I woke up around 9:30 so I could have breakfast. I ate some crossiants which hit the spot. I read during this time. The book is really picking up and I will probably finish by Sunday at the latest. I then showered and got ready for the day. After reading for a bit, I walked around and grabbed some lunch. I then went back and relaxed some more, including reading. Like I said, hard to put down. I was slightly second guessing my decision to go paragliding.

Eventually, the van came and picked me, and two girls from Buenos Aires up. We picked up a German from another hostel, and headed out on our bumpy way. We passed many places I had yet seen including a Walmart (weird). Eventually, we picked up the people flying with us, along with the gear. Then we headed up high, very high. The road was windy around a mountain. I fought slight motion sickness along the feeling that the truck was going to fall off the cliff. It was really scary. Eventually, after far too long, we got to the top. It was beautiful. I could see so much. Eventually, we put on our gears and got strapped to our guides.

First you walk, then you run, then you fly. I closed my eyes shortly after take off but eventually I felt comfortable. It was amazing. I so could do this again. I loved it. The rush was enjoyable. I was around 2000 meters if not more above the ground. I really enjoyed it. My guide was really cool. Eventually, we tried some tricks like going really fast in a circle, but this got me sick so I told him not anymore. We eventually hit the ground, with my butt instead of my feet but I was ok. We enjoyed a nice cold beer after which helped me relax.

After back the hostel, I relaxed for a bit. I then headed out to drop off a roll of film. Then I wrote this (the computer at my hostel is broken). The rest of the night´s plan, eat dinner, pick up my photos, then read and relax.

The big show

Me and the Big Head
Day 19 (1-29-10)



I woke up and was kind out of it. This was most evident by the fact that the first thing I did was trying to go the bathroom and smacked my head in the doorway. I keep doing that and I am probably going to end up with a major bump on the top of my head. I asked if I could stay a week longer so I am. I then booked flights to Buenos Aires on 13th. There I will stay in the same hotel till the 15th. Then I am probably going to go a hostel till I don´t know when.



I talked to Abbey for a bit before getting lunch. I headed to the big market. They have many people trying to get you to come get food from them. I found one I liked. I ordered lomo saltado and wrote. It was really good. I then headed back to the hostel and hung out. I eventually walked back to the school with my big head in hand.



Today was pretty easy. For the first part I mostly hung out and watched the children play. Then because today was the day of the show, there was no circle time. We had to practice our dance moves. With some minor difficulties, we finally got the kids to practice. Then we headed to the show. I was amazed by some of the information that the children knew for example that Buddha´s real name is Siddartha. I def did not know that when I was their age. Yuri has done an impressive job with this kids.

My "family" was the second to last group to go. Up to the last minute, my group struggled to focus. But when it came time for the performance, they did a pretty good job. I was pleasantly surprised. Yuri called out Justin, Melisa and I for not partcipating so we had to do it just us three. I have both on video that I will post sometime.

After all the performances, the children said their goodbyes to those who are not rerturning. It was sweet to see all the affection the kids had for them. Then all the volunteers for next week had a meeting. This meeting lasted two hours because of discussion. We discussed everything possible, it seemed like at least, related to the project even cocaine and other random things. We finished at 9:30ish. While we were in the meeting, it apparently hailed.

A bunch of us went to the neighboring pizza place because we were really hungry and it was raining. It was a lot of fun. We talked about all ings of things from tv shows to travels etc. Eventually we paid the bill and went back into the hostel. While I waited for the computer, I watched clips from Baraka. It is an amazing movie. I instantly added it to my Amazon wishlist. I didn´t have much time on the computer because they kick us off at 11:30ish. I got off and read and wrote.