Showing posts with label Small World Theory. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Small World Theory. Show all posts

Sunday, June 6, 2010

Weekend of Goodbyes...Uploading Photos...Writing Papers

6-4-10
After a fun night celebrating my friend Melissa's birthday, I got up in time for my first make up class. We talked about the military dictatorships and the democratization. After, I headed home. There I got lunch and did homework for Spanish class, I eventually went to that class. We talked about the subjunctive. After, I hung out for the afternoon, and tried to start some of my papers. I then went out with two of my NYU friends, Lilly and Desiree, Andrea and Chelsey. We got some food. We then met up with other NYU people for their last night/two of their birthdays. It was fun though it was filled with goodbyes. But there was also a hello in the form of meeting the next door neighbor to my mom. For my final goodbyes for the night to some of the ones I am closest with, we got pizza and said goodbye. It was sad. I may go to NYC for my break in October to see them.

6-5-10
I woke up and worked on my papers. I also sent some postcards and got lunch. I eventually helped Desiree and Lilly get their bags in the cab and said my goodbyes, though I plan to see Desiree in Seattle where she lives. I spent most of the day saying working on papers and uploading photos. I got dinner and kicked it. I went out and hung out with some friends for a bit before coming home and going to bed.

6-6-10
I woke up and uploaded the last batch of photos. I met up with Matt and we got food and ice cream and continued our catching up. After, I wrote a good portion of my literature paper that is due on Thursday. I also skyped with my mom. I ate dinner and continued on my my paper.

All my photos are finally uploaded.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/jsinclair88/collections/72157623292085454/

Friday, May 21, 2010

Salta at Night/12 Hours in the Desert/Pumamarca

5-19-10 continued.
Since my last post, I took a gondola up the mountain that looks over Salta. I was scared the whole way up but survived and it was beautiful. I took pictures from up there. Then walked the 1073 steps down and walked back to my hostel. I rested for a bit. Then I went around the main places in Salta and took night photos. I then back to my hostel for a bit. Then I headed to the other affiliated hostel for a free BBQ. There I met up with my friend Lisa from my program, and met a friend of hers from her stay in Salta. Turns out her friend is from LA and went to Marlborough and graduated with my friends from there. Small world yet again. I ate delicious food and had wonderful convos. Then I headed back to my hostel to go to bed for my early morning.

5-20-10
After a bad night of sleep, I finally got up at 6:25. I got my stuff together and headed to breakfast. I ate and waited to be picked up. Finally, the van came and I got in. I was with 2 Basques, 2 Australians, 5 Argentines and 1 Brit. We headed out. Our first stop was in a place called Campo Quijano. There we saw a train that used to be part of the train of the clouds. Then we headed out again. I fell asleep for a bit. I woke up when we heading out to see some of the bridges and tracks of the train of the clouds. We got a history lesson on it while we drove out. After some photos, we headed back onto the road. We stopped to take pictures of the beautiful rocks and then stopped in a small town called Santa Rosa de Tastil. There were people selling things. I wandered around and took photos. We then hit the road again, with a stop at a place called Abra Blanca which is 4080 meters above sea level.

We stopped for lunch in a town called San Antonio de Los Corbes. It was a cute little town. I ate llama and rice. It was really good and would eat it again. I took some photos around the town especially of a cute little kid. Then we headed back on the bus. It was like a two hour ride to the Salinas Grandes (salt flats) so I slept most of the way. We arrived. I saw two girls i knew from University of Belgrano so we hung out and took photos. I wandered around and took more. It was beautiful. Eventually, I got back in the van and we headed out. We were now heading to Purmamarca. We stopped at a point called Altos del Morado, which is 4170 meters above sea level. We stopped once more to take photos of the beautiful rocks.

We finally reached Purmamarca, where I grabbed my stuff and wandered the roads. I eventually found a hostel. I dropped my bags. I wandered the small town. They had a market in the center which I checked out. I then followed a road and ended up walking around Los Cerros de Siete Colores (the rocks of seven colors). It was so beautiful. I want to come back here one day. I ran into the Australians, Basques and two girls I saw at the Salt Flats. I took many photos.

I headed back to my hostel. There I showered for the first time since Tuesday. I then walked the town and got dinner. At my hostel, they had a show, which I took some photos and video. I then got ready for bed and slept for the greater part of 10 hours. It was amazing.

5-21-10
I woke up and grabbed breakfast (tea and toast). I then packed my bags and walked around until the bus came to Tilcara. After a 45 minute ride. I have now arrived in Tilcara. A plan is possibly formulating for the rest of the trip. But we shall see. I will be wandering the streets and the mountains of the beautiful area. It is amazing how pretty it is.

Sunday, May 16, 2010

Un Ratito doesn't mean an Hour and a Half...

5-14-10
I woke up at 7ish and headed out the hospital. I took a cab because I was too tired to walk. Upon my arrival, I checked in and was told to wait a "ratito" (a second basically). But a second here is so much longer. In this case, it was an hour and half. I would start to nod off occasionally and catch myself. My doctor swung by and tried to hurry things along. I finally got permission to go up and get the remicade.

I then headed upstairs where I was to get it. I met another doctor who would be helping me. I then was told that I could move into a room. I ended up getting a bed that usually would seem for a stay in patient. I didn't complained since I figured it allow me to get much needed sleep. I waited for a while and also filled out some forms. I then nodded off a bit while they got it all prepared. I then got the pre stuff and after a while, I waited for the real stuff. It took a while so I just told them that I am going to sleep and they can change it. I put on Cat Power and fell asleep. I spent the better part of the next three hours or so asleep. It was wonderful. I then woke up and watch the final bit drag on. I talked to my doctor and left the hospital. After, I grabbed some much needed food and headed home. I relaxed most of the afternoon and slept some more. I then hung out till dinner. I ate with friends. We made some potential plans. I hung with friends and then some of us went out to a place. Then I headed to bed.

5-15-10
I woke up and talked to friends for a bit. Then I met up with my friend Matt from Brentwood. We got lunch and talked. He told me that one of our classmates is also studying abroad here. After lunch, we walked around. I tried to get a prescription filled but they said I needed a prescription, one which I had until I realized it got thrown out by accident. We walked around a bit more. On the way, we ran into the classmate of ours that we had just been discussing. SMALL WORLD. It was nice to talk to her and we are planning to hang out sometime. Then I walked home and said bye to Matt. After, I tried to find other pharmacies to get it filled. One sent me to another which sent me to another one. I decided to wait till Sunday since it was annoying going further and further away to find this medicine. I will not miss this. I then headed home.

At home, I watched the Al Pacino classic "Dog Day Afternoon." It was instant love in my mind. A great movie, great performances by the leads. After, I went searching for food and then chatted with friends. I then discussed the plans for the night with friends. We got all dressed up and were planning to go to a nice club. Then Andrea and Chelsey and I headed to Andrea's friend's apartment. There we hung out with Argentines and chilled before heading to the the club. At the club, we met up with our NYU friends. We danced and had good times, in the various rooms playing different kind of music. We were there for a good while. Eventually, got tired and tried for a while to get a cab in the cold. I had not expected such a cold here. I didn't pack for it. Un disatre. Eventually, we got home and I slept

5-16-10
I woke up. I then uploaded photos from last night. Then I headed out to the pharmacy I was recommended. I was able to get my medicine finally!! Then I grabbed lunch and headed home. At home, I skyped with my mom and brother which was nice. I then studied for my upcoming exam. I eventually went to dinner with three NYU friends, Lilly from Oakland, Desiree (a different one than the one I have mentioned before) who is from near Seattle, and Natty from Portland Maine. After, I have studied, done Spanish homework and about to catch up in my journal.

Saturday, May 1, 2010

2 Goodbyes and 1 Hello Again

5-1-10
I enjoyed a heavy sleep. I relaxed most of the morning. I talked some friends. Two of which left today, due to them just taking Spanish classes. I grabbed lunch and talked to Abbey. Then I hung out with some of the Latin Americans living in the residencia along with some Americans as we prepared to say goodbyes. We had laughs and tears. Then we said bye. One of them lives in Chicago and another in southern Virginia so very easy to see them and to keep in touch. After, I chilled some more. The city was packed with people due to being May Day. I talked to people in the residencia. Andrew and I went to see Iron Man 2, a week before it comes out in the US. I ran into a girl who I volunteered with in Cusco. Small world (YET AGAIN!!) I liked the movie a lot. Good set up for others.

49 days until I leave
50 days until I am home.
So weird.

Figuring out my plans for Salta but I am leaving the 18th and coming back the 24th. Missing only two days of classes.

Wednesday, April 7, 2010

Chocolate: The Saviour.

4-7-10
I woke up especially early since I had to get blood drawn. I dragged my hungry self to the clinic where I waited for like ten minutes or so. I got my blood drawn no problem. I have to pick up the results on Monday or so. I then headed home. It took a little longer than it should have due to a delay on the subte. When home, I read for my class today before I watched Lost. Lunch time came and I rushed to eat due to the fact that I couldn't earlier because of the blood drawing. So I was hungry and lightheaded. After lunch, I headed to class with friends. Before class, I talked to friends. In my first class, my teacher mentioned that the musical Evita is false due to Che and Evita never actually knowing this. This would seem like an ok thing except he has mentioned it every class. We did talk about some of the supposed topics like the IMF and part of the Argentine economic crisis.

After class, I rushed to the cafeteria to buy some chocolate due to the fact I was again feeling light headed. In Spanish class, we went over the homework before talking about random stuff. After class, I picked up the book I needed for my Political and Social Change class. I then headed home. At home, I relaxed and talked to Abbey. My computer is again acting up. I really am excited for the day that I no longer have it. I ate dinner and talked to friends. I then did some of my essay that is due Friday. I will finish it tomorrow afternoon. It shouldn't take me too long. I also chatted with someone who I knew at Brentwood who is studying abroad here too. It is such a small world I live in. We are about to meet up and catch up. This shall be interesting.

Sunday, February 28, 2010

Recape of the weekend

2-27-10
After getting to the university, we met other people from our late start program along with the people in charge. Then we headed to a classroom. We introduced all of ourselves. A lot of the people seem interesting and it seems a good group. We went over the rules, policies, what to expect etc. It sounds like a potentially good semester. Then we headed out to lunch. We ate and got to know each other. In typical fashion, our meal lasted three hours but it was enjoyable. Then Jake, Joe, Christina, Kelsey and I headed out with another girl. We saw her apartment and chilled for a bit before heading to our residencia. We hung out there for a good. We all watched the news about the Chilean earthquake.

Eventually, Joe, Kelsey and I headed out and grabbed some pizza for dinner. We chat and had fun. After getting back, Jake, Joe, Christina, Kelsey and I showered and got ready for going out. Some other girls from our program came. We were going to Amerika, a huge gay club here. We finally found it and went in but the other girls from our programs bailed. So it was just Jake, Joe, Christina, Kelsey and I. We had so much fun dancing and laughing at the many crazy things there. Eventually, it turned into a foam party which was crazy fun. After a long night with many laughs, we headed home.

2-28-10
I woke up late. I showered and got ready. Desiree and I met up for lunch. We ate at a nice Vegetarian restaurant. After, we walked around a open air market for Sundays, where she looked at the various items for sale. Then we grabbed some delicious ice cream. Back, I posted pics from last night and uploaded some others to my flickr. I will let you all know when they are ready. I had a skype date with Abbey. Eventually, after watching USA lose the gold for Hockey, some of us headed out to eat dinner. It was very simple. Eventually, we headed back to relax. I met an NYU girl (NYU houses people in our building for their program) who went to Campbell Hall and knows people I do. Small world yet again.

Sunday, February 14, 2010

Recap of the weekend due to bad internet connection

2-13-10
I did manage to wake up in time for my cab at 6:30. I got to the airport with some time to spare despite new regulations. I slept pretty much my whole flight to Lima. It is weird to have left Cusco. I was thre for 3.5 weeks. It was an amazing place and made great friends. In Lima, I ran with an Australian couple to our various gates. Got through passport check and made it to my gate with time to spare again. On the flight, I read 100 pages of my book, watched the Proposal, which was better than expected, and listened to music. I got through passport check again with no problem. Was worried my bag didn´t make it but it did eventually show up. I have come back to Argentina 29 days after leaving. So much has changed within me.

I headed to the hotel. There I relaxed and was reunited with my stuff. I relaxed and was going to out to dinner with my friend Dana but she wasn´t feeling all that great. I talked to a girl from my study abroad program who I am friends with on facebook. She told me about a Pub crawl happening in the area of my hotel. I figured this was a good way to meet people I would be spending the semester with so I went. At the meeting spot, I had another small world experience. I ran into Nick Penfold, someone who I was in carpool with in Los Angeles. It was really werid. I met the girl who extended the invite and some of her friends. We chatted. I am liking a lot of the people who I have met. I had another small world experience later on, when I met a girl who went to my school in London a few years before me so we knew the some similar peeps. I met people from all different place state side. I am excited now to start my program. Eventually, I walked back to my hotel and went to bed.

2-14-10
I woke up around 11 (amazing). I hung out, chatted with Abbey for a bit. Then went out to meet with my friend Dana from Guilford. We walked around, grabbed lunch, chit chated about various things. It was a lot of fun. We walked through the gardens. It was pleasant minus the bug bites. Eventually, we parted ways. I walked back to my hotel where I discovered my computer is not being my friend right now. I am currently scanning it for viruses. First my camera gets messed up (going to a store tomorrow, wish me luck), then this. I am cursed.UGH. Then the internet pooped out in the hotel. Went to a resturant where I got dinner and downloaded an anti virus thing. I talked to Abbey but then the internet pooped out again. So I am writing this on the lobby comp.

Plan for the rest of the night, edit photos on my comp if it lets me, watch tv and sleep. Tomorrow I am going into a hostel (with hopefully decent wifi), go the camera store (to have my baby repaired I hope, PLEASE!) then relaxing.

Monday, January 25, 2010

Jack Sinclair = Example of the Small World Theory

I woke up early for the day. I tried to shower but the rain had damaged the water systems so no water. I got dressed and went to get money to pay the bill. After I got back, I ate breakfast and discussed the weather with other guests in my hostel. We watched the news where towns have been devasted by the landslides and flooding. It is going relatively unreported by the news, so I am planning to write a Guilfordian article about it. I would later learn while people here want it declared a state of emergency, but the tourism forces here don´t for fear of money purposes. This is terrible.



I got in my cab and headed to the next hostel (one connected to my volunteer program), that I hope doesn´t have leaky roofs and more respectful guests. There I got info about the program and whatnot. It sounds like a lot of fun. I put my bags in my room. Because this volunteer thing is a full week commitment, I was suggested to change the date of my plan to Machu Picchu.



I then headed to Peru Rail office. This office is run very similar to the DMV. The people working there are very confused and usually have to ask for help from several colleagues. Also your number is randomly called. After an hour of waiting, I got my turn. It only took like ten minutes. Then I headed back to my hostel.



At the hostel, I checked somethings online and talked to Abbey. I met a girl from near Seattle who went to Western Washington. Small world. I met some more of the other guests. I relaxed and played with a little girl who I think is someone who works here´s daughter. I also got some cool pictures of a child learning to juggle. I met a girl who is super close friends with Taylor Barrett from their time at Middlebury, small world again (basically my whole life). Eventually I met Yuri who runs the place I am volunteering at. He gathered all of us volunteers from the hostel to walk the block to the school.



At the school, the volunteers were split into words based on the colors, for example I wear a yellow jacket there and I am on group Sol. But first I and another volunteer had to manage the game room for an hour or so. There I played some games with the children. I got my butt kicked by three girls in scrabble. I frequently had to ask the other volunteer to make sure they were not cheating. Then I played a boy in Sorry. I swear the dice was weighted. He kicked my butt too. Finally I beat a girl at Guess Who?



After an hour or so, we were met all in a circle. Yuri then discussed the rules, what the agenda for the week was and introduced all the new volunteers. He is a very cool guy and loves what he does and has done a great job building this program. We then were split in our groups and we had to decide a country to learn about since countries are the theme of the week. Our group choose Brazil.



We went up into a room and discussed Brazil. We talked about the capital, the money, the dancing, the soccer players and whatever. It was a lot of fun. The children are kind of crazy. There were ten children and two other volunteers, Justin from England and I am not sure where Melisa is from. After we finished our agenda, we just went around the room and asked questions. Eventually the day was done. All the volunteers had to meet. There Yuri discussed more of the rules and we talked about our day. I learned that we are having a big group dinner on Thursdays where we will play games and what not. It will be fun. Then I headed back to my hostel and caught up on what I had missed.

I ate dinner at the pizza place next store which is somewhat related to my hostel. It was nice. Now to relax the rest of the evening