Day 4 (1/14/10)
After packing, I talked to Abbey for a bit. I then worked on the forms for customs. I then rested for a while. Then Alexandria, Jane and I went out to dinner to a resturant near by. It was pretty good we had plenty of food. We had an awkward waiter who invited us to a bar with other people from the resturant but it was kind of weird. Jane and I continued to catch up. After dinner, our waiter informed us that someone, I don't think we ever found out who, bought us each a flute of champagene. This was pretty cool. We left and headed back to the hotel and chilled with Hugo. I said my goodbyes and headed to bed early because I had an early flight. After some struggles to go to bed, I finally fell asleep
Day 5 (1/15/10)
Like falling asleep, I had trouble getting up but eventually I did and put on clothes and went to talk to Abbey before I left for Chile. We got to talk for a bit which was pleasant. Eventually I had to go. I grabbed my bags, checked out and stored one. I hope nothing bad happens to it. I got my computer among other stuff I need in there. Before I checked out, Jane was having trouble falling back asleep came to say goodbye. It was nice to run into her and hang out with her. Hope to see her sooner.
I left in the cab with no problems. Got to the airport and got on an earlier flight by an hour. Security was muy facil. I bought and wrote some postcards. I boarded and did my immigration forms. Then I went to sleep. I woke up and disembarked. Then I waited 50 minutes or so to pay my visa fee. Then went through passport control, got my bags, called my mom that lasted a few minutes because of roaming and international costs. Then I went through customs and then got a taxi here. Now at my hostel and about to get some money.
Friday, January 15, 2010
Thursday, January 14, 2010
What to do for a month in South America
1-13-10/Day 3 (continued)
After I left the Starbucks, I went back to my hotel to hang out. I read and finished my book, leaving me with a few books to read though I am thinking of borrowing a book from my hotel. I watched some tv and then went out for a quick dinner. After I relaxed for a while, before hanging out in the lobby with some of the night staff and their friends. I got to practice my Spanish, which I have not lost much of which is nice. After a few hours of hanging, and chatting, I went to bed.
1-14-10/Day 4
I woke up this morning around 9ish but still wifi (still not working, no real surprise there). I very briefly talked to Abbey but she had an emergency to take of so she had to go. I then booked a flight from Lima to Cusco, due to its relatively cheap price and it is much safer. I realized that if I stay in Cusco for five days, which is what I am thinking, that still gives me roughly a month of unplanned activities. I really am unsure about what to do with this time. I am thinking Bolivia but I am going to plan it, if I go, either in Chile or Peru to make sure it is safe in La Paz. I don´t want to go if it is too risky, obviously. I miss my life in the US, but I will not let it comsume me. I guess I just wish I had a travel buddy. It would make this a lot easier but I will meet people like I have already and then when my program starts it will be fun too.
I went to figure out what happened with my phone. When I got to Movistar, they couldn´t figure it out at first but they eventually did. They told me to wait 30 minutes so I grabbed a quick lunch and went to the bank. When I returned, my phone was working. Me and the ladies at Movistar were very happy about this. They even gave me ten extra pesos on my phone for which I gave them a hight five each and many graciases. I then headed back to my hotel. I then headed back to Starbucks to use their wifi. There I checked and sent out emails, uploaded photos my facebook, wrote a possible article for the Guilfordian, talked to some friends and booked a hostel in Cusco, apparently very near the center but also close to the airport. I am now planned till the afternoon of the 25th. No idea what to do from then on. I want to go back to Buenos Aires for a little bit and I might go to Patagonia with a friend but besides that, I have no plans. So if you got suggestions, let me know. I headed back and started to pack but I took a break to post this.
Agenda for the next few days
Santiago tomorrow for the night, Lima: Saturday-20th, Cusco: 20th-25th. So don´t expect a blog entry every day, but occasionally and same with photos. I might do mini things to show I am alive and well but don´t expect a lot
Check my photos on my flickr, www.flickr.com/jsinclair88. You will see the Argentina labeled album. Remember, any is for sale and enjoy
After I left the Starbucks, I went back to my hotel to hang out. I read and finished my book, leaving me with a few books to read though I am thinking of borrowing a book from my hotel. I watched some tv and then went out for a quick dinner. After I relaxed for a while, before hanging out in the lobby with some of the night staff and their friends. I got to practice my Spanish, which I have not lost much of which is nice. After a few hours of hanging, and chatting, I went to bed.
1-14-10/Day 4
I woke up this morning around 9ish but still wifi (still not working, no real surprise there). I very briefly talked to Abbey but she had an emergency to take of so she had to go. I then booked a flight from Lima to Cusco, due to its relatively cheap price and it is much safer. I realized that if I stay in Cusco for five days, which is what I am thinking, that still gives me roughly a month of unplanned activities. I really am unsure about what to do with this time. I am thinking Bolivia but I am going to plan it, if I go, either in Chile or Peru to make sure it is safe in La Paz. I don´t want to go if it is too risky, obviously. I miss my life in the US, but I will not let it comsume me. I guess I just wish I had a travel buddy. It would make this a lot easier but I will meet people like I have already and then when my program starts it will be fun too.
I went to figure out what happened with my phone. When I got to Movistar, they couldn´t figure it out at first but they eventually did. They told me to wait 30 minutes so I grabbed a quick lunch and went to the bank. When I returned, my phone was working. Me and the ladies at Movistar were very happy about this. They even gave me ten extra pesos on my phone for which I gave them a hight five each and many graciases. I then headed back to my hotel. I then headed back to Starbucks to use their wifi. There I checked and sent out emails, uploaded photos my facebook, wrote a possible article for the Guilfordian, talked to some friends and booked a hostel in Cusco, apparently very near the center but also close to the airport. I am now planned till the afternoon of the 25th. No idea what to do from then on. I want to go back to Buenos Aires for a little bit and I might go to Patagonia with a friend but besides that, I have no plans. So if you got suggestions, let me know. I headed back and started to pack but I took a break to post this.
Agenda for the next few days
Santiago tomorrow for the night, Lima: Saturday-20th, Cusco: 20th-25th. So don´t expect a blog entry every day, but occasionally and same with photos. I might do mini things to show I am alive and well but don´t expect a lot
Check my photos on my flickr, www.flickr.com/jsinclair88. You will see the Argentina labeled album. Remember, any is for sale and enjoy
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
A Chance Encounter
After walking around the neighborhood for a couple hours yesterday and taking some pictures. I went back to my room and watched shows and relax. While lying in my bed, a girl walked by my window who looked vaguely familiar. After we did a double look, I realized she was a super old friend of mine, named Jane Rosenthal. We talked and caught up and it was wonderful. She and her friend from Bard, Alexandira, are in town studying Spanish for a few weeks.
After catching up, we decided to go out. So we met up around 9ish to go a restaurant recommended to us. It's name was Des Nivel. It had really good steak which Argentina is known for. We talked over a bottle of red wine. Jane and I discussed a lot of our old classmates and Los Angeles and life. We then shared a liter of beer. Then we headed back to our hotel there. Once there, we hung out with two guys who work the night shift at the front desk of our hotel. We shared another bottle of wine but now between the five of us. We talked about various things and then went to the roof and talked more with one named Hugo. I might try to interview him because he sounds very interesting. After, we went back downstairs where Jane and I shared a bottle of beer. Then we headed out to a bar, with Hugo and another guest named Jeremy. It was fun. We all did a shot of tequila which was intense. It was a lot of fun though. After a while I headed back to my room and went to bed.
1/13/10 Day 3: I originally woke up this morning around 9 something but it was way to early to function so I went to bed for a few more hours. When I woke up this time, I tried to get online but no so luck(wifi is down in the hotel, so I am currently typing this at Starbucks). After showering and getting dressed, I chilled before seeing Jane and Alexandria. We headed out to lunch at a place called Bar 6. It was good. I had chicken, rice and vegetables made in a wok bowl. So good. After lunch, we headed out for a walk. We went to get money and me a phone. I did get a phone from Movistar but I am not sure if works currently because I never got a confirmation text that it was activated so I might go investigate tomorrow if I don't know. After, we went searching for the mausoleum where Eva Peron and others are buried. We eventually found it and wandered. Apparently there are 5000 people or something in the there. I didn't hear all what was being said. After spending like thirty or forty minutes there, we left and grabbed a beer. Then we got in a cab, despite some warnings, with a nice old driver who talked to us about a variety of things. Then we got back and I headed back out to get online to check somethings and talk to Abbey. Not sure the plans for tonight but you eventually hear about them.
After catching up, we decided to go out. So we met up around 9ish to go a restaurant recommended to us. It's name was Des Nivel. It had really good steak which Argentina is known for. We talked over a bottle of red wine. Jane and I discussed a lot of our old classmates and Los Angeles and life. We then shared a liter of beer. Then we headed back to our hotel there. Once there, we hung out with two guys who work the night shift at the front desk of our hotel. We shared another bottle of wine but now between the five of us. We talked about various things and then went to the roof and talked more with one named Hugo. I might try to interview him because he sounds very interesting. After, we went back downstairs where Jane and I shared a bottle of beer. Then we headed out to a bar, with Hugo and another guest named Jeremy. It was fun. We all did a shot of tequila which was intense. It was a lot of fun though. After a while I headed back to my room and went to bed.
1/13/10 Day 3: I originally woke up this morning around 9 something but it was way to early to function so I went to bed for a few more hours. When I woke up this time, I tried to get online but no so luck(wifi is down in the hotel, so I am currently typing this at Starbucks). After showering and getting dressed, I chilled before seeing Jane and Alexandria. We headed out to lunch at a place called Bar 6. It was good. I had chicken, rice and vegetables made in a wok bowl. So good. After lunch, we headed out for a walk. We went to get money and me a phone. I did get a phone from Movistar but I am not sure if works currently because I never got a confirmation text that it was activated so I might go investigate tomorrow if I don't know. After, we went searching for the mausoleum where Eva Peron and others are buried. We eventually found it and wandered. Apparently there are 5000 people or something in the there. I didn't hear all what was being said. After spending like thirty or forty minutes there, we left and grabbed a beer. Then we got in a cab, despite some warnings, with a nice old driver who talked to us about a variety of things. Then we got back and I headed back out to get online to check somethings and talk to Abbey. Not sure the plans for tonight but you eventually hear about them.
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
"All of the Sudden I Miss Everyone"
Day 1: 1/11/2010
After a late night of packing and what not, I had to wake up early because of my flight to Dallas leaving at 11:30. I stirred and tried to fight my alarm clocks but eventually walked up stairways in a zombieesque fashion. I grabbed a bowl of cereal and waiting on Skype to chat with Abbey. Eventually, she showed on schedule, fresh from her first day of class. While we chatted, I had to finish my packing which I did. Eventually we said our goodbyes but planned to Skype more before I leave for Chile, Peru and hopefully Bolivia.
After loading my bags into the car, my mom and I headed to the bank to deposit a check. Then we fought the pounding rain and got to the airport. I checked in and said my goodbyes to my mom. Security was a relative breeze considering all what is going on and what is being said. I walked around the terminal. During this I realized the first thing I didn't pack, a Flipcam. So I went to get one, only to find out there was an issue with my new debit card so I had to pay with another one. This was a scary and stressful moment. I called my bank to find out the issue. Apparently the airline I am flying to Peru was booked twice. So I called the airline and they demanded lots of information, including proof of the double purchase. This I could not do since I was minutes away boarding. I called my mother and explained what happened and everything needed and she took care of it (I am fairly certain). I don't understand why they couldn't do anything about it since they have the records right there. This was unneeded stress.
I boarded my flight but once I was aboard, I had a breakdown. The reality of the study abroad finally hit me. I started to fight tears that had been building up for years. I realized all who I will miss and I felt helpless. This will be a difficult journey but I must make it work because there is so much to look forward to on the other side. I must be strong. While on the flight, to distract my mind, I started reading The Audacity to Win by David Plouffe, Obama's campaign manager. At the rate I was reading, I thought I would finish by the time I arrived in Buenos Aires (this did not prove true). For lunch, I had a decent chedder and BBQ chicken sandwich and then wrote up to here.
After I finished righting all that, then I napped until final decent. In Dallas, I roamed around and tried to get online but no success. My mom called with an update on the situation (I think it is all good now). I walked around the airport looking at books (including L. Ron Hubbard's books) but didn't find anything that I felt like getting (I may regret that). I grabbed some food. I then heard the PA announce my flight was to board soon so I sent out my final goodbye texts and a welcome home to Abbey for when she gets back from London. After I got on my plane, I again was hit by study abroad and had a breakdown, so I put my nose in the book to distract me. I then worked on the customs forms and then wrote in my journal (which I am typing up now). The movie selection is pretty weak so I watched mostly repeats of shows I watch. I need to remember to download some movies or shows before I head back to the US. Then I tried to sleep.
Day 2: 1/12/2010
Last night, I struggled to fall asleep due to having a lot on my mind. So much change, so fast. But eventually I fell asleep (don't know for how long). I woke up but tired to go back to bed but no so luck. So I watched more show re runs before returning to my book. After a while, we hit a bumping patch going into the final descent so I kind of got a little sick feeling. We finally landed with me still feeling dizzy and shaky. I disembarked and headed into passport control. There I had to fork over $131 because apparently this is how much it costs Argentines to get a visa and so they want revenge. But I think now I won't have to pay again till 2020. I grabbed my bags and converted my money. I went through customs with no hassle at all. Then I got myself a taxi and paid in advance so I wouldn't get scammed. I noticed instantly a temperature change (I switched into shorts post shower). I got in my cab and headed into the city. It is huge. So many buildings and people. Eventually I got to my hotel. There I waited like 40 minutes before I got into my room and headed almost instantly into the shower. Then I relaxed for a bit. I plan to explore in a bit
After a late night of packing and what not, I had to wake up early because of my flight to Dallas leaving at 11:30. I stirred and tried to fight my alarm clocks but eventually walked up stairways in a zombieesque fashion. I grabbed a bowl of cereal and waiting on Skype to chat with Abbey. Eventually, she showed on schedule, fresh from her first day of class. While we chatted, I had to finish my packing which I did. Eventually we said our goodbyes but planned to Skype more before I leave for Chile, Peru and hopefully Bolivia.
After loading my bags into the car, my mom and I headed to the bank to deposit a check. Then we fought the pounding rain and got to the airport. I checked in and said my goodbyes to my mom. Security was a relative breeze considering all what is going on and what is being said. I walked around the terminal. During this I realized the first thing I didn't pack, a Flipcam. So I went to get one, only to find out there was an issue with my new debit card so I had to pay with another one. This was a scary and stressful moment. I called my bank to find out the issue. Apparently the airline I am flying to Peru was booked twice. So I called the airline and they demanded lots of information, including proof of the double purchase. This I could not do since I was minutes away boarding. I called my mother and explained what happened and everything needed and she took care of it (I am fairly certain). I don't understand why they couldn't do anything about it since they have the records right there. This was unneeded stress.
I boarded my flight but once I was aboard, I had a breakdown. The reality of the study abroad finally hit me. I started to fight tears that had been building up for years. I realized all who I will miss and I felt helpless. This will be a difficult journey but I must make it work because there is so much to look forward to on the other side. I must be strong. While on the flight, to distract my mind, I started reading The Audacity to Win by David Plouffe, Obama's campaign manager. At the rate I was reading, I thought I would finish by the time I arrived in Buenos Aires (this did not prove true). For lunch, I had a decent chedder and BBQ chicken sandwich and then wrote up to here.
After I finished righting all that, then I napped until final decent. In Dallas, I roamed around and tried to get online but no success. My mom called with an update on the situation (I think it is all good now). I walked around the airport looking at books (including L. Ron Hubbard's books) but didn't find anything that I felt like getting (I may regret that). I grabbed some food. I then heard the PA announce my flight was to board soon so I sent out my final goodbye texts and a welcome home to Abbey for when she gets back from London. After I got on my plane, I again was hit by study abroad and had a breakdown, so I put my nose in the book to distract me. I then worked on the customs forms and then wrote in my journal (which I am typing up now). The movie selection is pretty weak so I watched mostly repeats of shows I watch. I need to remember to download some movies or shows before I head back to the US. Then I tried to sleep.
Day 2: 1/12/2010
Last night, I struggled to fall asleep due to having a lot on my mind. So much change, so fast. But eventually I fell asleep (don't know for how long). I woke up but tired to go back to bed but no so luck. So I watched more show re runs before returning to my book. After a while, we hit a bumping patch going into the final descent so I kind of got a little sick feeling. We finally landed with me still feeling dizzy and shaky. I disembarked and headed into passport control. There I had to fork over $131 because apparently this is how much it costs Argentines to get a visa and so they want revenge. But I think now I won't have to pay again till 2020. I grabbed my bags and converted my money. I went through customs with no hassle at all. Then I got myself a taxi and paid in advance so I wouldn't get scammed. I noticed instantly a temperature change (I switched into shorts post shower). I got in my cab and headed into the city. It is huge. So many buildings and people. Eventually I got to my hotel. There I waited like 40 minutes before I got into my room and headed almost instantly into the shower. Then I relaxed for a bit. I plan to explore in a bit
Monday, January 11, 2010
The End of the Beginning
Today, I woke and relaxed a bit before having breakfast. Then I packed some before I had to go out and pick up some photos as well as buy some boxers. When I got back, I grabbed some lunch and watched the football games. I am rooting for the Cardinals because they are exciting especially Larry Fitzgerald. Then I worked on packing which took some time since I had numerous things to pack. But I worked at it slowly. I also got to have a Skype date with Ms. Abbey Dean which was pleasant as always. I helped her figure out things to do in London. My mom joined in for a bit. After Abbey went to bed, I went back to packing. This took most of the evening but I got it done eventually. I grabbed dinner, talked to my dad and watched a special on the Simpsons. I can almost say that the Simpsons and I are one in age. After, I watched Ridley Scott's American Gangster while I finished packing. I also had to fix a minor mix up with my flight to Peru but I got it done. Then I headed to bed for an long day in front of me.
Tomorrow (or I guess today) I leave the country for five months and ten days to be back June 21st. So weird. This is hard. For a person who is so used to leaving, the last two times I have left the country (including this one), are getting harder and harder. I have found a good fit here in the U.S after many doubts about it before. I have found wonder in the ways of friends who I love with all my life. I shall miss everyone who has touched me in a sincere way but I am excited for the adventure in front of me. I will miss Guilford and the life it has given me but I know I will be back in August. I will miss the laughters and smiles of all your faces but I will keep where no one can ever steal them away from me, in the heart. I shall see you all again soon. I know it. Know that I love you and you will be on my mind always.
Tomorrow (or I guess today) I leave the country for five months and ten days to be back June 21st. So weird. This is hard. For a person who is so used to leaving, the last two times I have left the country (including this one), are getting harder and harder. I have found a good fit here in the U.S after many doubts about it before. I have found wonder in the ways of friends who I love with all my life. I shall miss everyone who has touched me in a sincere way but I am excited for the adventure in front of me. I will miss Guilford and the life it has given me but I know I will be back in August. I will miss the laughters and smiles of all your faces but I will keep where no one can ever steal them away from me, in the heart. I shall see you all again soon. I know it. Know that I love you and you will be on my mind always.
Sunday, January 10, 2010
"Nothing is permanent, not even death."
I woke this morning and wrote my blog of the previous day's adventures. Today was full of packing, stressing, planning and relaxing. After breakfast, I read for a bit, because I am trying to finish this before I leave. Then I slowly put together a cd for a friend, with another one to make. Then I pulled out clothing I want to take with me on my travels, for both my time in various countries and once I am settled. Then I tried to book some flights and hostel. Between spending an afternoon and night in Santiago, Chile and flying into Lima, Peru the next day or getting into Lima at midnight, I chose the former for safety. So the current plan is I arrive in Buenos Aires the 12th and there till the 15th. I fly to Santiago on the 15th and stay in a hostel for the night. I then will have to get up early on the 16th and fly to Lima and will be there till the 19th. By then I will head to Cusco. Now to figure out how to get there. But I have a place to stay up to then so YAY! It did take some stress from the credit card company but I have it figured it out now.
After I packed some more, though there a few minor things I should get before. I then printed some pictures to put in a photo album to take with me. It so soon, I can't believe it. After this, we went out to see the last Heath Ledger movie, The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus. Being a Terry Gilliam movie, it was extremely trippy but I did enjoy it. I didn't know what to expect but it was pretty damn good. Tom Waits is quite good at being the Devil, and some notable actors step in a very sweet way. After we grabbed sushi at one of those places that has the conveyor belts. It was good and real cheap. Then came home, watched The Soup and then some of SNL but it sucked. So then I read and went to bed.
Saturday, January 9, 2010
This Boy Can Dream
Yesterday after waking up from a pleasant sleep, I got up and grabbed breakfast. Around midday, I headed into the city to see if I could find a cheap decent flash for my D-80. After getting some good advice from the people at the store, I know what I am looking for, an SB-600 or 800. Unfortunately could not find one cheaply, I have decided to try later, maybe even in Buenos Aires, where the exchange rate works in favor. I then proceeded around downtown to do some minor looks at stores. I considered getting black nice pants but I can do that down in BA. I also did a look in Borders for a book that I had some difficulty finding. I typed it into the search box with a result of "likely in store." I dashed over to the Metaphysical section, where I FOUND IT! Great Success. I had not found this but one store. Despite not getting other things I wanted, I got one thing I had been searching for without ordering it! I then headed home. There I had lunch, read and relaxed. I got to talk to Abbey and others via Skype.
My friend from Julia, who lives in Seattle as well, texted me and asked what I was up to for the night. I said no plans. So she told me to come to a friend's house where they were chilling. But first I went to my aunt and uncle's house. This turned into a hilarious episode where my grandparents wanted to go a Japanese restaurant, but the other adults knew it was bad but didn't want to the bubble. Eventually they let up and confessed that it sucked. So we decided to order Chinese food. While we waited, my cousin and I watched Jersey Shore. That show is ridiculous. Then we ate and chatted. After we all parted ways. I stopped at a market and grabbed a six pack to contribute. Eventually after getting a bit lost, including by accidentally turning into a cemetery, I found my way and showed up just in time to catch the tail end of Inglorious Bastards. Wonderful movie I must say. There, was my friend Julia, a Guilford student named Aaron who I have shared a class, there was Guilford alum, Dan Miller, who was my predecessor as Photo Editor for the Guilfordian as well as two of Julia's friends, Josh and Anna.
We then headed to a restaurant, where some people got food and others beer. Our waitress was convinced Anna looked like one of her good friends and tried to prove it to us via Facebook on a blackberry but it wouldn't work. It was a pretty hilarious episode considering it kept getting worse and worse. She pretty much dug herself six feet deep. Dan and Josh, who is also a photographer, and I talked camera stuff which was cool. I am def jealous of Dan's gear. From the restaurant, Anna and Dan left and Aaron, Josh and Julia and I went to Julia's house where we drank and watched Fired Up! This movie looked sooooooooooo stupid when I saw the trailer but we all could not stop laughing. It was a pleasant surprise. It was a lot of fun. Then I headed home where I went to bed.
My friend from Julia, who lives in Seattle as well, texted me and asked what I was up to for the night. I said no plans. So she told me to come to a friend's house where they were chilling. But first I went to my aunt and uncle's house. This turned into a hilarious episode where my grandparents wanted to go a Japanese restaurant, but the other adults knew it was bad but didn't want to the bubble. Eventually they let up and confessed that it sucked. So we decided to order Chinese food. While we waited, my cousin and I watched Jersey Shore. That show is ridiculous. Then we ate and chatted. After we all parted ways. I stopped at a market and grabbed a six pack to contribute. Eventually after getting a bit lost, including by accidentally turning into a cemetery, I found my way and showed up just in time to catch the tail end of Inglorious Bastards. Wonderful movie I must say. There, was my friend Julia, a Guilford student named Aaron who I have shared a class, there was Guilford alum, Dan Miller, who was my predecessor as Photo Editor for the Guilfordian as well as two of Julia's friends, Josh and Anna.
We then headed to a restaurant, where some people got food and others beer. Our waitress was convinced Anna looked like one of her good friends and tried to prove it to us via Facebook on a blackberry but it wouldn't work. It was a pretty hilarious episode considering it kept getting worse and worse. She pretty much dug herself six feet deep. Dan and Josh, who is also a photographer, and I talked camera stuff which was cool. I am def jealous of Dan's gear. From the restaurant, Anna and Dan left and Aaron, Josh and Julia and I went to Julia's house where we drank and watched Fired Up! This movie looked sooooooooooo stupid when I saw the trailer but we all could not stop laughing. It was a pleasant surprise. It was a lot of fun. Then I headed home where I went to bed.
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