I had another battle with waking up since light comes in through a window and people don´t know howto be quiet. Luckily, I was able to fall back asleep. Eventually I got up at around 9:30. I had breakfast and read for a bit. Then I showered and got ready for the day. But unfortunately it was a bit rainy so I held off going into the main part of the city.
Eventually I went into the city. I grabbed some food. After I stopped in a market with different vendors. I bought some gifts for friends and some pants that are comfortable and easy to sleep in since it is kind of cold here. From there, I walked around a bit. My shoes were not meant for all this rain. So I went into a shoe store. I bought some nice and decent hiking type shoes that will be really good for going to Machu Picchu. I am so excited for that. Due to the weather and the bags I had, I decided to go back to my hostel. I ended up staying there for several hours because there was so much rain. I only left to have a Skype date with Abbey since it is our 17 months today. After our date, I ran into my Brazilian friends and hung out with them for a little bit.
Since then, I have been moving photos to my harddrive and watching the Hope for Haiti telethon. Though I am sure they care, there people in my hostel who somewhat seem indifferent to this tragedy. Its really sad that they seem relatively unaffected.
Now to pack and go to bed early since I have an early morning in front of me.
Friday, January 22, 2010
The Kindness of Strangers
My first Guilfordian article of the semester
http://www.guilfordian.com/home/index.cfm?event=displayArticle&ustory_id=d0031fbe-d705-4e47-a87d-48abd0ee723c
Currently working on the second. Enjoy
http://www.guilfordian.com/home/index.cfm?event=displayArticle&ustory_id=d0031fbe-d705-4e47-a87d-48abd0ee723c
Currently working on the second. Enjoy
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Cusco For Sale
I periodically woke up before getting up at nine something. I went downstairs and had some bread and tea for breakfast. I then showered and read for a bit because there was some rain because it is the season for it. Eventually it stopped so I headed into the main part of the city. I passed many people who tried to sell me things, from weighing me to belts to pictures with Alpacas. Cusco is a really beautiful city but it is sad that there is so much poverty here. They have to sell their roots as a way to provide. I mean I am not helping by taking photos of it. It just makes me sad.
I took photos and walked around. Anytime I snapped a photo near certain people, I was harrased for money so I had to say no. I took pictures of the various churches and religious things in the area. I stumbled upon a political rally but didn´t quite understand it so I left. I walked into a massive open airtype market, but covered due to the rain. There they had plenty of food and other kinds of products. I saw lots of animals being butchered in front of me. The smell and the sight of dead animal heads was a bit too much for me, and I love meat. After walking around for a bit, I headed back to my hostel. I had perfect timing because it started to pour after I got back. I read for a bit.
Eventually it stopped, so I headed back in the city. I got some food to eat. I then dropped off a roll of film from Lima. I went inside one of the nearby churches and walked around. It was pretty but I unfortunately couldn´t take any photos. I eventually left and walked around somemore. I window shopped for gifts. I may make some purchases tomorrow. I took some more pictures. I ended up sending another batch of postcards and buying my next batch. After walking some more, I ended up at the convent of Santo Domingo. I went in but was not allowed any pictures. They had a mausoleum for a fake Jesus. I didn´t understand but I don´t understand most Catholic things.
I walked around some more after and ended up at a park where I sat and took photos. I watched children play hide and seek. I listened while dog howled like a wolf. It was pleasant to watch to sit there and observe. I then picked up my photos. None of them are amazing but they are something. I went back to my hostel and relaxed. I had to drink water. That is the hardest part of the high altitude, breathing. I then went to an internet cafe for a Skype date with Abbey. After an hour or so, we bid adieu. I then had to make a mad dash to my hostel due to the rain.
After hanging for a bit, I ended up being asked to dinner by two Brazilian cousins, Mario and Carolina. I had met them the day before when they were in my shuttle to the hostel. We walked around looking at the many options for food. After a bit, we decided to eat at a bar type resturant that had Thai food. I ordered a mix of steak and chicken satay. It was pretty good. We talked about various places we want to go to, soccer, the Spanish lifestyle, Paulo Coelho, politics etc. It was a lot of fun. I quite enjoyed it. Carolina lives in Portland currently which is pretty cool. She gave me advice on a bar in Buenos Aires, and Mario tried to teach me some Portuguese but most of it has not stuck. We got back to our hostel. I typed this up and will soon head to bed.
PS. Happy 17 months Abbey!!!
I took photos and walked around. Anytime I snapped a photo near certain people, I was harrased for money so I had to say no. I took pictures of the various churches and religious things in the area. I stumbled upon a political rally but didn´t quite understand it so I left. I walked into a massive open airtype market, but covered due to the rain. There they had plenty of food and other kinds of products. I saw lots of animals being butchered in front of me. The smell and the sight of dead animal heads was a bit too much for me, and I love meat. After walking around for a bit, I headed back to my hostel. I had perfect timing because it started to pour after I got back. I read for a bit.
Eventually it stopped, so I headed back in the city. I got some food to eat. I then dropped off a roll of film from Lima. I went inside one of the nearby churches and walked around. It was pretty but I unfortunately couldn´t take any photos. I eventually left and walked around somemore. I window shopped for gifts. I may make some purchases tomorrow. I took some more pictures. I ended up sending another batch of postcards and buying my next batch. After walking some more, I ended up at the convent of Santo Domingo. I went in but was not allowed any pictures. They had a mausoleum for a fake Jesus. I didn´t understand but I don´t understand most Catholic things.
I walked around some more after and ended up at a park where I sat and took photos. I watched children play hide and seek. I listened while dog howled like a wolf. It was pleasant to watch to sit there and observe. I then picked up my photos. None of them are amazing but they are something. I went back to my hostel and relaxed. I had to drink water. That is the hardest part of the high altitude, breathing. I then went to an internet cafe for a Skype date with Abbey. After an hour or so, we bid adieu. I then had to make a mad dash to my hostel due to the rain.
After hanging for a bit, I ended up being asked to dinner by two Brazilian cousins, Mario and Carolina. I had met them the day before when they were in my shuttle to the hostel. We walked around looking at the many options for food. After a bit, we decided to eat at a bar type resturant that had Thai food. I ordered a mix of steak and chicken satay. It was pretty good. We talked about various places we want to go to, soccer, the Spanish lifestyle, Paulo Coelho, politics etc. It was a lot of fun. I quite enjoyed it. Carolina lives in Portland currently which is pretty cool. She gave me advice on a bar in Buenos Aires, and Mario tried to teach me some Portuguese but most of it has not stuck. We got back to our hostel. I typed this up and will soon head to bed.
PS. Happy 17 months Abbey!!!
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Way up high, 11,000 Ft. high to be exactly
Day 10 (1-20-10)
I did my daily battle with waking up but eventually gave in. I finished putting things in my bag. I tried to pay my bill but there was someone new at the front desk and clearly didn´t know what he was doing. So I waited around for a bit. Eventually I paid the bill and got myself in a taxi. I left the hostel not sure if and when I would return. I liked it and if I have to stay in Lima for a night it will probably be there.
My cab driver was pretty cool. We talked about a variety of subjects, like travel plans, my Spanish which he though was pretty good, people getting robbed, and Michael Jackson since his music was playing. It was a pretty enjoyable cab ride. I got to the airport and checked my bag. I then passed various American food places like McDonald´s, Papa John´s, Starbucks and Dunkin Donuts. I bought some postcards. I then paid my 6 dollar exit fee and got through security. Then I walked toward my gate. I bought my ticket to Machu Picchu. I am so excited. One day, I hope to do the trek but I want to do it with a buddy. More meaningful in my eye. I then sat at my gateand wrote postcards. Have tons more to write, so don´t stress. Then I boarded.
I fell asleep for most of what I thought was my flight. I was reading my book when over the PA it was announced that we had to turn around to Lima, when we were maybe 20 min from Cusco and an hour from Lima, because of bad weather. Its currently raining season here so thats why. So then we went back to Lima. It sucked majorly. We landed and sat at the tarmac for probably around an hour. While we waited, I looked at pictures and looked at quotes for comfort during this stressful period. As Paulo Coelho says, "Life always waits for some crisis to occur before revealing itself at its most brilliant." In my life, those brilliant moments are the ones of a shared laugh, a deep discussion, or any moment with those people who I love and keep dear to my heart. Seeing them again one day is the gold on the other side of the rainbow.
Then we finally off the ground. I read some of the way and played solitare the rest. Then we finally got to Cusco over three hours later. Because of the high altitude, it is cooler here, so once I got my bag, I grabbed the fleece and put it on. Luckily, my shuttle to my hostel was still there. Cusco is smaller but prettier than that of Lima. So much to see.
Eventually, we got to the hostel. I checked in and put my stuff in my room. I started to feel lightheaded, due to the high altitude. But I pushed on. I checked emails and saw I got one from one of the volunteer places I emailed. I gave them my dates (the 25th-5th). If this works out, I could fly out the 6th to Lima, stay the night then go to Santiago and get a bus from there to Mendoza and get myself back to BA somehow.
Eventually, I went out. I walked to a plaza called Plazoleta de San Blas. It was full of life.People making products to sell, children playing games, juggelrs doing their thing, even girls walking Alpacas. I stayed in the general areaof here.
I went back to my hostel and chilled for a bit. Talked to some people for a while.I then went out to dinner. The guy who runs the hostel, suggested a resturant so I went there. It was very tiny so I had to sit with a stranger but it was ok. We talked in Spanish. He is from Lima. We talked about my plans, my life etc. It was fun. I had pizza and and my first pisco sour shot. It was pretty good. One of the meals that I turned down was Guinea Pig, I don´t think I could eat that but I probably eat there again. I went back to my hostel, just in time because it started to pour. There I watched the Simpson´s including the episode where they go to London. Soon I plan to go to bed.
I did my daily battle with waking up but eventually gave in. I finished putting things in my bag. I tried to pay my bill but there was someone new at the front desk and clearly didn´t know what he was doing. So I waited around for a bit. Eventually I paid the bill and got myself in a taxi. I left the hostel not sure if and when I would return. I liked it and if I have to stay in Lima for a night it will probably be there.
My cab driver was pretty cool. We talked about a variety of subjects, like travel plans, my Spanish which he though was pretty good, people getting robbed, and Michael Jackson since his music was playing. It was a pretty enjoyable cab ride. I got to the airport and checked my bag. I then passed various American food places like McDonald´s, Papa John´s, Starbucks and Dunkin Donuts. I bought some postcards. I then paid my 6 dollar exit fee and got through security. Then I walked toward my gate. I bought my ticket to Machu Picchu. I am so excited. One day, I hope to do the trek but I want to do it with a buddy. More meaningful in my eye. I then sat at my gateand wrote postcards. Have tons more to write, so don´t stress. Then I boarded.
I fell asleep for most of what I thought was my flight. I was reading my book when over the PA it was announced that we had to turn around to Lima, when we were maybe 20 min from Cusco and an hour from Lima, because of bad weather. Its currently raining season here so thats why. So then we went back to Lima. It sucked majorly. We landed and sat at the tarmac for probably around an hour. While we waited, I looked at pictures and looked at quotes for comfort during this stressful period. As Paulo Coelho says, "Life always waits for some crisis to occur before revealing itself at its most brilliant." In my life, those brilliant moments are the ones of a shared laugh, a deep discussion, or any moment with those people who I love and keep dear to my heart. Seeing them again one day is the gold on the other side of the rainbow.
Then we finally off the ground. I read some of the way and played solitare the rest. Then we finally got to Cusco over three hours later. Because of the high altitude, it is cooler here, so once I got my bag, I grabbed the fleece and put it on. Luckily, my shuttle to my hostel was still there. Cusco is smaller but prettier than that of Lima. So much to see.
Eventually, we got to the hostel. I checked in and put my stuff in my room. I started to feel lightheaded, due to the high altitude. But I pushed on. I checked emails and saw I got one from one of the volunteer places I emailed. I gave them my dates (the 25th-5th). If this works out, I could fly out the 6th to Lima, stay the night then go to Santiago and get a bus from there to Mendoza and get myself back to BA somehow.
Eventually, I went out. I walked to a plaza called Plazoleta de San Blas. It was full of life.People making products to sell, children playing games, juggelrs doing their thing, even girls walking Alpacas. I stayed in the general areaof here.
I went back to my hostel and chilled for a bit. Talked to some people for a while.I then went out to dinner. The guy who runs the hostel, suggested a resturant so I went there. It was very tiny so I had to sit with a stranger but it was ok. We talked in Spanish. He is from Lima. We talked about my plans, my life etc. It was fun. I had pizza and and my first pisco sour shot. It was pretty good. One of the meals that I turned down was Guinea Pig, I don´t think I could eat that but I probably eat there again. I went back to my hostel, just in time because it started to pour. There I watched the Simpson´s including the episode where they go to London. Soon I plan to go to bed.
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Preparing for the next leg
Day 8 (1/18/10) continued:
I went out to the supermarket and bought myself a Caprese sandwich. I then walked back to the hostel and ate with some of people I am friends with. We chit chatted for a while. Then two older brothers from San Fran joined us. We all talked for like 20 minutes or so. Then we decided to head out. We ended up at a wine bar. We got two Argentine bottles for seven of us. We talked about travels, video, photography, and more. It was pretty fun. Then we all headed back and then slowly made our way to bed.
Day 9 (1/19/10):
Today was a pretty simple day. I woke up and grabbed some breakfast and drank some orange juice. I chatted with some of the people in my hostel. I showered, brush my teeth and got ready for my day.
I then headed out and took some pictures for 30 minutes or so. I finished off my first roll here on the Holga. I hope the pictures turned out. I eventually meandered into the internet cafe. There I looked up more volunteer programs since I was hearing very little responses. I figured I might actually have to go the places and ask in person. I skyped with Abbey which is always wonderful. We discussed a possible weekend getaway in September which would be amazing. Then I headed to the grocery store and bank. I got some fried rice for lunch and stir fry for dinner. I headed back to the hostel.
I ate my lunch and watched some tv. I then read some of my book and printed my boarding pass. I got online to check things and had another Skype date with Ms. Dean. We swapped Time Traveler's Wife quotes. Unfortunately, we could not do voice to voice the whole time because of a weak internet connection. I discovered a few places in London I want to go that I have never been before. So I hope to go there whenever I shall make my return to that fabolous city. Eventually she had to go because of things to do and I had a guy kind of creepying. He is quite awkward. I then ate dinner and chilled and packed for Cusco.
I went out to the supermarket and bought myself a Caprese sandwich. I then walked back to the hostel and ate with some of people I am friends with. We chit chatted for a while. Then two older brothers from San Fran joined us. We all talked for like 20 minutes or so. Then we decided to head out. We ended up at a wine bar. We got two Argentine bottles for seven of us. We talked about travels, video, photography, and more. It was pretty fun. Then we all headed back and then slowly made our way to bed.
Day 9 (1/19/10):
Today was a pretty simple day. I woke up and grabbed some breakfast and drank some orange juice. I chatted with some of the people in my hostel. I showered, brush my teeth and got ready for my day.
I then headed out and took some pictures for 30 minutes or so. I finished off my first roll here on the Holga. I hope the pictures turned out. I eventually meandered into the internet cafe. There I looked up more volunteer programs since I was hearing very little responses. I figured I might actually have to go the places and ask in person. I skyped with Abbey which is always wonderful. We discussed a possible weekend getaway in September which would be amazing. Then I headed to the grocery store and bank. I got some fried rice for lunch and stir fry for dinner. I headed back to the hostel.
I ate my lunch and watched some tv. I then read some of my book and printed my boarding pass. I got online to check things and had another Skype date with Ms. Dean. We swapped Time Traveler's Wife quotes. Unfortunately, we could not do voice to voice the whole time because of a weak internet connection. I discovered a few places in London I want to go that I have never been before. So I hope to go there whenever I shall make my return to that fabolous city. Eventually she had to go because of things to do and I had a guy kind of creepying. He is quite awkward. I then ate dinner and chilled and packed for Cusco.
Monday, January 18, 2010
Lack of Facial Hair
Day 7 (1/17/10) continued
After I continued on my journey. I ended up walking to the Parque de Amor. It had a huge sculpture of lovers and along the wall, they had gaudi type thing with quotes about love in Spanish. It was really romantic and it reminded me of Abbey. Overhead, paragliders flew. I would like to do it but being afraid of falling makes it hard. Maybe one day. I walked to lighthouse and then my hostel.
I got back and read a bit of my book then took a nap. So strange, I am not used to napping but whatever. After I woke up and hung out with people in my hostel. Eventually, I decided to go grab some food. I went to the supermarket. It was pretty snazzy and full of life. I grabbed some bread, jamon serrano and an ice tea. Then I headed back to the hostel.
I ate and chatted with the other guests and one of the owners. We talked about learning the languages and other things. I then had a long Skype date with Abbey. Then after saying goodbye, I went outside to join the grouype. Someone had bought some really sweet wine and bread and nutella and dulce de lece. It was really cool chatting and sharing good food. An American, from Northern California, came out and we discussed the lack of the facial hair in South America. We teased him about growing the beard as a statement for leaving San Jose for Humbolt. After a little bit, I headed to bed.
Day 8 (1/18/10)
I woke up around tenish. I had a mediocre crossiant. I then showered, brushed my teeth and then headed to the internet cafe. There, I skyped with Abbey and she helped me make my corrections to my Guilfordian article. She is just smarty. We then said our goodbyes and I headed back to the hostel.
An Australian girl and I headed into the center of the city. It was very smoggy and dirty. The city had a lot of traffic. Eventually we got a few blocks from Plaza Mayor. We had to get out a few blocks away because of the plaza being blocked off due to the 475th anniversary of the founding of Lima. We saw people waiting outside the town hall. So we hung out there to see what is up. We saw people coming out with medals and others came out to cheers. I took some pictures of the scene.
After, we walked to the Cathedral of Lima. It was really pretty. It also serves the museum of religious art. I took some pictures in there. It was pretty interesting to see the differences between a South American church and churches from Europe and North America. I will post pictures on my Flickr and Facebook upon my return to Buenos Aires since I need to edit them. From there, we walked to the Museo San Francisco. Unfortunately, I could not take photos in there. We got a tour who showed us around. It was pretty interesting. We went into the catacombs, where they have uncovered 25,00o bodies so far. They had tons of bones. It was interesting and musty. They also had a cool library that I wanted to take a picture but couldn't.
After, we headed out to the post office. I sent six postcards but have plently more to write and send. We then grabbed a cab and headed back to the hostel. There I wrote in my journal, Skyped with Abbey, checked emails and moved my photos.
After I continued on my journey. I ended up walking to the Parque de Amor. It had a huge sculpture of lovers and along the wall, they had gaudi type thing with quotes about love in Spanish. It was really romantic and it reminded me of Abbey. Overhead, paragliders flew. I would like to do it but being afraid of falling makes it hard. Maybe one day. I walked to lighthouse and then my hostel.
I got back and read a bit of my book then took a nap. So strange, I am not used to napping but whatever. After I woke up and hung out with people in my hostel. Eventually, I decided to go grab some food. I went to the supermarket. It was pretty snazzy and full of life. I grabbed some bread, jamon serrano and an ice tea. Then I headed back to the hostel.
I ate and chatted with the other guests and one of the owners. We talked about learning the languages and other things. I then had a long Skype date with Abbey. Then after saying goodbye, I went outside to join the grouype. Someone had bought some really sweet wine and bread and nutella and dulce de lece. It was really cool chatting and sharing good food. An American, from Northern California, came out and we discussed the lack of the facial hair in South America. We teased him about growing the beard as a statement for leaving San Jose for Humbolt. After a little bit, I headed to bed.
Day 8 (1/18/10)
I woke up around tenish. I had a mediocre crossiant. I then showered, brushed my teeth and then headed to the internet cafe. There, I skyped with Abbey and she helped me make my corrections to my Guilfordian article. She is just smarty. We then said our goodbyes and I headed back to the hostel.
An Australian girl and I headed into the center of the city. It was very smoggy and dirty. The city had a lot of traffic. Eventually we got a few blocks from Plaza Mayor. We had to get out a few blocks away because of the plaza being blocked off due to the 475th anniversary of the founding of Lima. We saw people waiting outside the town hall. So we hung out there to see what is up. We saw people coming out with medals and others came out to cheers. I took some pictures of the scene.
After, we walked to the Cathedral of Lima. It was really pretty. It also serves the museum of religious art. I took some pictures in there. It was pretty interesting to see the differences between a South American church and churches from Europe and North America. I will post pictures on my Flickr and Facebook upon my return to Buenos Aires since I need to edit them. From there, we walked to the Museo San Francisco. Unfortunately, I could not take photos in there. We got a tour who showed us around. It was pretty interesting. We went into the catacombs, where they have uncovered 25,00o bodies so far. They had tons of bones. It was interesting and musty. They also had a cool library that I wanted to take a picture but couldn't.
After, we headed out to the post office. I sent six postcards but have plently more to write and send. We then grabbed a cab and headed back to the hostel. There I wrote in my journal, Skyped with Abbey, checked emails and moved my photos.
Sunday, January 17, 2010
"Have you been to Greece?"
I am currenty doing this at an internet cafe with a working keyboard.
So back to day 5
Since I posted about that, I took pictures and videos of people dancing. I then headed to bed but felt relatively lame doing so since everyone in the hostal seemed to be going out but I was tired and had an early morning in front of me. The Floridian girls who I met turned out to be just as lame as I was becaue they had to catch a bus in the morning. I struggled to sleep but finally did.
Day 6 (1/16/10)
I kept waking up during the course of the night, from people coming in from a wild night or the person in the bunk next to mine having the worse snore EVER!!!!!!! I woke up a bit earlier than I had to in hopes that Abbey would be online but she wasn´t but I took care of sme emails. I got my stuff together and a bottle of water before the cab picked me up.
I got to the airport with no problem at all. Checked in and got through the security. Stopped in a store to buy some postcards. They had a lot of books in English I considered but I resisted. They also had a Starbucks, Dunkin Donuts and a Ruby Tuesday in the airport. Legit. I went to my gate and wrote my postcards that I plan to send tomorrow. I then boarded and then fell asleep for most of the flight despite a movie that I wanted to see was showing. I woke up and read and filled out the forms. I got through passport control no problem because I didn´t have to pay an entrance fee (though I will prob have to pay an exit fee from what I hear). I exchanged some money and grabbed my ba. I met up with the driver I orgainzed through my hostel.
The city reminds me a lot of California. It is right on the coast. I can´t wait to explore it. The hostel is in a neighborhood called Miraflores which isn´t the center but I don´t mind. I plan to go there on Monday. The hostal is a pretty cool building with lots of rooms and games and movies. I talked to some people. I relaxed and went on the computer in the lobby. Turns out the keyboard is broken so I have to point and click every key which is better than nothing but still a pain. Luckily Abbey was online when I was. We skyped voice to voice because they have a headset for it.
After we chatted for a while, I walked to the beach. There I met two Canadian couples. They were very nice and I explained my journey and its possibilities. They said Bolivia, if you are smart, isn´t that bad. So that is a possibility but I will touch on that later. I took some pictures (will upload some to Facebook sometime, though they will be better if I can play with them on photoshop first, if you can wait). I then walked around and bought a water bottle and walked to my hostel. I met an Australian, some Greeks (who asked everyone if they had been to Greece, it was a running joke by the end of the night) and a man from near Rome. We talked about our respected journeys and shared advice. I then read my book.
After reading I napped for a bit. I got up and ran into an American couple, a Canadian and a half American half Peruvian boy and we all went to dinner. It was a lot of fun. I got a frozen lemonade and streak and rice and vegetables. I love South American food. We headed to the hostel but made a stop to buy some beer. We hung out with most of the people in the hostel, playing games, taking photos, talking about our trips, singing to the radio playing random American music. Then I headed to bed.
Day 7 (1/17/10)
I woke up at various times this morning but pretty much slept till ten which was amazing. I got up and talked to the Australian and Italian guys. I then hopped online and so did Abbey we had a great Skype date where we talked about her wild night (wish I could have been there, though I had fun). My mom called me for all of five seconds but then she got on Skype. After Abbey and I said bye. I talked to my mom about things. We tried to figure out what to do with my month of whatever. We discussed some volunteer work and we looked at places. I found one in Cusco I liked and would enjoy. It would be working with children which I love. I emailed them seeing if I could volunteer for 2 weeks from like the 25th to the 7th. Then I can get to Mendoza and get back to Buenos Aires from there. It would eat up 2 weeks which would be nice and I could help and play with kids. So I hope I can do it.
I then said bye to my mom and heading into the Miraflores area. I bought an orange from a nice lady but she turned me down when I asked if I could take a photo of her. :(. It would have been a good one but I had to respect her wishes. This will be difficult. I continued to walk around and take some photos on both my D80 and my Holga. I walked through a park and then stopped in an internet cafe to type this. Now to continue walking and get some food. Post sometime soon.
Paz
So back to day 5
Since I posted about that, I took pictures and videos of people dancing. I then headed to bed but felt relatively lame doing so since everyone in the hostal seemed to be going out but I was tired and had an early morning in front of me. The Floridian girls who I met turned out to be just as lame as I was becaue they had to catch a bus in the morning. I struggled to sleep but finally did.
Day 6 (1/16/10)
I kept waking up during the course of the night, from people coming in from a wild night or the person in the bunk next to mine having the worse snore EVER!!!!!!! I woke up a bit earlier than I had to in hopes that Abbey would be online but she wasn´t but I took care of sme emails. I got my stuff together and a bottle of water before the cab picked me up.
I got to the airport with no problem at all. Checked in and got through the security. Stopped in a store to buy some postcards. They had a lot of books in English I considered but I resisted. They also had a Starbucks, Dunkin Donuts and a Ruby Tuesday in the airport. Legit. I went to my gate and wrote my postcards that I plan to send tomorrow. I then boarded and then fell asleep for most of the flight despite a movie that I wanted to see was showing. I woke up and read and filled out the forms. I got through passport control no problem because I didn´t have to pay an entrance fee (though I will prob have to pay an exit fee from what I hear). I exchanged some money and grabbed my ba. I met up with the driver I orgainzed through my hostel.
The city reminds me a lot of California. It is right on the coast. I can´t wait to explore it. The hostel is in a neighborhood called Miraflores which isn´t the center but I don´t mind. I plan to go there on Monday. The hostal is a pretty cool building with lots of rooms and games and movies. I talked to some people. I relaxed and went on the computer in the lobby. Turns out the keyboard is broken so I have to point and click every key which is better than nothing but still a pain. Luckily Abbey was online when I was. We skyped voice to voice because they have a headset for it.
After we chatted for a while, I walked to the beach. There I met two Canadian couples. They were very nice and I explained my journey and its possibilities. They said Bolivia, if you are smart, isn´t that bad. So that is a possibility but I will touch on that later. I took some pictures (will upload some to Facebook sometime, though they will be better if I can play with them on photoshop first, if you can wait). I then walked around and bought a water bottle and walked to my hostel. I met an Australian, some Greeks (who asked everyone if they had been to Greece, it was a running joke by the end of the night) and a man from near Rome. We talked about our respected journeys and shared advice. I then read my book.
After reading I napped for a bit. I got up and ran into an American couple, a Canadian and a half American half Peruvian boy and we all went to dinner. It was a lot of fun. I got a frozen lemonade and streak and rice and vegetables. I love South American food. We headed to the hostel but made a stop to buy some beer. We hung out with most of the people in the hostel, playing games, taking photos, talking about our trips, singing to the radio playing random American music. Then I headed to bed.
Day 7 (1/17/10)
I woke up at various times this morning but pretty much slept till ten which was amazing. I got up and talked to the Australian and Italian guys. I then hopped online and so did Abbey we had a great Skype date where we talked about her wild night (wish I could have been there, though I had fun). My mom called me for all of five seconds but then she got on Skype. After Abbey and I said bye. I talked to my mom about things. We tried to figure out what to do with my month of whatever. We discussed some volunteer work and we looked at places. I found one in Cusco I liked and would enjoy. It would be working with children which I love. I emailed them seeing if I could volunteer for 2 weeks from like the 25th to the 7th. Then I can get to Mendoza and get back to Buenos Aires from there. It would eat up 2 weeks which would be nice and I could help and play with kids. So I hope I can do it.
I then said bye to my mom and heading into the Miraflores area. I bought an orange from a nice lady but she turned me down when I asked if I could take a photo of her. :(. It would have been a good one but I had to respect her wishes. This will be difficult. I continued to walk around and take some photos on both my D80 and my Holga. I walked through a park and then stopped in an internet cafe to type this. Now to continue walking and get some food. Post sometime soon.
Paz
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