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 28, 2010
Saturday, February 27, 2010
Finally....
2-26-10
So I while waited to get into my room, I met other people who were starting yesterday but they all got here yesterday. A girl name Kelsey from Atlanta, boy from LA name Jake (who knows some people I do, of course), a girl from San Diego name Christina, and a boy name Joe from Wisconsin, among others. We sat around and talked. We grabbed lunch, a pasta at the residencia. We finally started to get moved in. Though I am suppose to have three roommates, I only have one. His name is Andrew, he is from near Bakersfield. He did the early start version so been here for a month already. It was nice to finally see the bottom of my bags.
After finally getting everything in or at least comfortable, I took the group minus Andrew around. I had to run a camera errand so they joined so I could show them the subway and things like that. I quickly bounced the stores again and asked for updated prices. Eventually, after getting the info I needed, we headed back. We all relax and tried to deal with the wifi, which sucks with everyone using it at the same time (hence why I am typing this at 8:40 in the morning). I asked some of my photography buddies online for advice on what to get. I have settled on D200, a discontinued but nice camera. I skyped with my Mom which was nice.
Then eventually, it was dinner time. It was pizza but "homemade". It was nice and got to meet other people who have been here. We all chilled after figuring out the game plan for the evening. Some went to bed, because they were out last night. Me and the newbies headed to a bar called Bar 6. There we enjoyed some drinks and just talked. They are quite fun and I am quite excited that it is finally happening. After a while, we called it an evening because have orientation at 9:30, another reason to be up right now.
So I while waited to get into my room, I met other people who were starting yesterday but they all got here yesterday. A girl name Kelsey from Atlanta, boy from LA name Jake (who knows some people I do, of course), a girl from San Diego name Christina, and a boy name Joe from Wisconsin, among others. We sat around and talked. We grabbed lunch, a pasta at the residencia. We finally started to get moved in. Though I am suppose to have three roommates, I only have one. His name is Andrew, he is from near Bakersfield. He did the early start version so been here for a month already. It was nice to finally see the bottom of my bags.
After finally getting everything in or at least comfortable, I took the group minus Andrew around. I had to run a camera errand so they joined so I could show them the subway and things like that. I quickly bounced the stores again and asked for updated prices. Eventually, after getting the info I needed, we headed back. We all relax and tried to deal with the wifi, which sucks with everyone using it at the same time (hence why I am typing this at 8:40 in the morning). I asked some of my photography buddies online for advice on what to get. I have settled on D200, a discontinued but nice camera. I skyped with my Mom which was nice.
Then eventually, it was dinner time. It was pizza but "homemade". It was nice and got to meet other people who have been here. We all chilled after figuring out the game plan for the evening. Some went to bed, because they were out last night. Me and the newbies headed to a bar called Bar 6. There we enjoyed some drinks and just talked. They are quite fun and I am quite excited that it is finally happening. After a while, we called it an evening because have orientation at 9:30, another reason to be up right now.
Friday, February 26, 2010
So it begins...
2-24-10 continue
So I got to the bus station but I was told to get on the wrong bus. So I did until someone came and claimed the seat. Then I had to grab my suitcase and wait for my bus. Luckily this didn't take too long. I rested for a while until a woman came and sat next to me but she was in charge of the blinds which she wanted to see everything. This disrupted some of my sleep. So it was not as easy to sleep on this bus as the one to Mendoza.
2-25-10
I drifted in and out of sleep due to my refusal to do anything. My bus took forever to back to Buenos Aires but it finally did but an hour late. I quickly hopped into a cab and got my hostel. I put down my bags and checked things online. I checked Nikon's website and based on my translation they had told me that there was no point in fixing it. I wanted to double check, so I quickly dashed out the door. I got to the Nikon store where I was told this. So I have to get a new one. But to add insult to injury, they gave me back my camera and lens. It felt like salt on a wound. When I asked why, he never gave me a real reason why. I then headed around the store and asked what their various options.
After getting some prices, I headed to a used camera store that I knew of. I quickly rushed there. Turns out the street it is on, has several different used camera stores. So I went to various ones and find outing my various options and writing them down. So I came back with 5 different options to decide from. I then headed to try to meet my friend Dana to get back my camera from her but I ended up not being able to at that time because she was running errands. I headed back to my hostel. There I emailed my rents and explained the situation. Then I was able to meet with Dana. Then I headed to my hostel. I asked someone who had a camera if I could see if my lens still work and it DID!!!!!!!!!!! I was happy about this. Then I got changed and met up with Desiree. We got sushi at this restaurant that she knows the bartender. We got free shots periodically. It was nice. We talked and had fun. Then we moved to a bar. It was a lot of fun. Then we grew tired and called it a night.
2-26-10
Woke up and got my stuff together. Then I started to move into my residencia and meeting people.
So I got to the bus station but I was told to get on the wrong bus. So I did until someone came and claimed the seat. Then I had to grab my suitcase and wait for my bus. Luckily this didn't take too long. I rested for a while until a woman came and sat next to me but she was in charge of the blinds which she wanted to see everything. This disrupted some of my sleep. So it was not as easy to sleep on this bus as the one to Mendoza.
2-25-10
I drifted in and out of sleep due to my refusal to do anything. My bus took forever to back to Buenos Aires but it finally did but an hour late. I quickly hopped into a cab and got my hostel. I put down my bags and checked things online. I checked Nikon's website and based on my translation they had told me that there was no point in fixing it. I wanted to double check, so I quickly dashed out the door. I got to the Nikon store where I was told this. So I have to get a new one. But to add insult to injury, they gave me back my camera and lens. It felt like salt on a wound. When I asked why, he never gave me a real reason why. I then headed around the store and asked what their various options.
After getting some prices, I headed to a used camera store that I knew of. I quickly rushed there. Turns out the street it is on, has several different used camera stores. So I went to various ones and find outing my various options and writing them down. So I came back with 5 different options to decide from. I then headed to try to meet my friend Dana to get back my camera from her but I ended up not being able to at that time because she was running errands. I headed back to my hostel. There I emailed my rents and explained the situation. Then I was able to meet with Dana. Then I headed to my hostel. I asked someone who had a camera if I could see if my lens still work and it DID!!!!!!!!!!! I was happy about this. Then I got changed and met up with Desiree. We got sushi at this restaurant that she knows the bartender. We got free shots periodically. It was nice. We talked and had fun. Then we moved to a bar. It was a lot of fun. Then we grew tired and called it a night.
2-26-10
Woke up and got my stuff together. Then I started to move into my residencia and meeting people.
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Preparing various futures
2-24-10
Before bed, I decided to write down cities that I am considering looking for jobs in post grad. Yes early, but this way I can start making a list of places for employment in each of these cities. There were several qualifications: 1) Big city, 2) Some form of sports team in the area or easy to get to and last 3) A good music scene. My list is the following as of now in no order, and these are just possibilities: Phoenix, LA, San Francisco/Oakland, San Jose, San Diego, Denver, Portland, Seattle, Chicago, Cincinnati, Austin, NYC, Charlotte, Boston, DC, Baltimore, Atlanta, Detroit, Miami, Nashville, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, St. Louis, New Orleans. This is all subject to change but I need to start look at possibilities to start preparing. On the same thought process, I am thinking I might need to start looking for a summer job soon, maybe. I would like to have something lined up by the time I come back stateside. So I need to get the ball rolling on that.
Today, I woke up and got my stuff together and formally checked out. I had breakfast and read. Then read some more. I wrote in my journal. Then I watched Lost and talked to Abbey for a bit. Then I grabbed lunch and read some more. I am nearing the end, so a run to a bookstore is in order soon because I only have 20 pages left. I have been hanging out for a little bit. My 14 hour bus leaves in like 3 hrs hence why I am writing this now. I also made some emails. I find out my camera´s fate tomorrow. I am a bit nervous. I am expecting the worst or if it is alive, I am sure it might be cheaper to buy a new one than repair it and I would have a replacement sooner :D.
Mom and Dad, if you read this entry, I will email you two when I find out what happens so we can figure out the next course of action. Love, Jack
Before bed, I decided to write down cities that I am considering looking for jobs in post grad. Yes early, but this way I can start making a list of places for employment in each of these cities. There were several qualifications: 1) Big city, 2) Some form of sports team in the area or easy to get to and last 3) A good music scene. My list is the following as of now in no order, and these are just possibilities: Phoenix, LA, San Francisco/Oakland, San Jose, San Diego, Denver, Portland, Seattle, Chicago, Cincinnati, Austin, NYC, Charlotte, Boston, DC, Baltimore, Atlanta, Detroit, Miami, Nashville, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, St. Louis, New Orleans. This is all subject to change but I need to start look at possibilities to start preparing. On the same thought process, I am thinking I might need to start looking for a summer job soon, maybe. I would like to have something lined up by the time I come back stateside. So I need to get the ball rolling on that.
Today, I woke up and got my stuff together and formally checked out. I had breakfast and read. Then read some more. I wrote in my journal. Then I watched Lost and talked to Abbey for a bit. Then I grabbed lunch and read some more. I am nearing the end, so a run to a bookstore is in order soon because I only have 20 pages left. I have been hanging out for a little bit. My 14 hour bus leaves in like 3 hrs hence why I am writing this now. I also made some emails. I find out my camera´s fate tomorrow. I am a bit nervous. I am expecting the worst or if it is alive, I am sure it might be cheaper to buy a new one than repair it and I would have a replacement sooner :D.
Mom and Dad, if you read this entry, I will email you two when I find out what happens so we can figure out the next course of action. Love, Jack
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
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.
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.
Monday, February 22, 2010
Love and Wine
2-22-10
Woke up even later, due to my late night last night. I showered and got ready for the day. I went out and grabbed food and relaxed which was pleasant. I then headed to my hostel. There I waited with others for our van to pick us to wine touring. Eventually it showed up, late due to "Argentina time."
Our first stop was not at a vineyard but a place that specializes in more desert liquors and what not. After describing the different possibilities, from chocolate flavor, absinthe, vodka etc. We all had various samples. I tried Dulce de Leche. It was pretty good. I bought dulce de leche cream to have on bread. I am excited. It is a big Argentine treat.
Our second stop was a vineyard. They explained their process. This particular bodega has been around for 400 years more or less. It was interesting to learn all about wine. Then we got to try samples. The first sample was alright, a young wine (straight to the bottle). The second bottle from the oak (sat in a barrell) was much better. They showed us some of their higher name brands, including one that costs 280 pesos (around $70 US) because it won wine of the year in 1999. They have very limited left so we didn´t get to try that out. I bought the second one to have some random night.
Our third destination was another style of vineyard. It has been around for 60 years. They had different style of process. The wine was alright. I defintely perfer from the oak wines more. Then our fourth stop was an olive oil factory. We got to learn how they make olive oil which was interesting. We tried some samples. It was hard to put down. Some of the locations were beautiful that my withdrawal hit me. We then headed back to the hostel. I rushed to an internet cafe to have a Skype date with Abbey since it is our 1.5 years. (WOW). It was lovely. Eventually, the money and time went bye bye. So I headed out. At my hostel, I read and relaxed. They made a special local dish for dinner which I enjoyed. I ate with a guy from Buenos Aires and a girl from Israel (I want to go there). After I have read. No idea what else later.
Tomorrow I fly (well paraglide).
Our first stop was not at a vineyard but a place that specializes in more desert liquors and what not. After describing the different possibilities, from chocolate flavor, absinthe, vodka etc. We all had various samples. I tried Dulce de Leche. It was pretty good. I bought dulce de leche cream to have on bread. I am excited. It is a big Argentine treat.
Our second stop was a vineyard. They explained their process. This particular bodega has been around for 400 years more or less. It was interesting to learn all about wine. Then we got to try samples. The first sample was alright, a young wine (straight to the bottle). The second bottle from the oak (sat in a barrell) was much better. They showed us some of their higher name brands, including one that costs 280 pesos (around $70 US) because it won wine of the year in 1999. They have very limited left so we didn´t get to try that out. I bought the second one to have some random night.
Our third destination was another style of vineyard. It has been around for 60 years. They had different style of process. The wine was alright. I defintely perfer from the oak wines more. Then our fourth stop was an olive oil factory. We got to learn how they make olive oil which was interesting. We tried some samples. It was hard to put down. Some of the locations were beautiful that my withdrawal hit me. We then headed back to the hostel. I rushed to an internet cafe to have a Skype date with Abbey since it is our 1.5 years. (WOW). It was lovely. Eventually, the money and time went bye bye. So I headed out. At my hostel, I read and relaxed. They made a special local dish for dinner which I enjoyed. I ate with a guy from Buenos Aires and a girl from Israel (I want to go there). After I have read. No idea what else later.
Tomorrow I fly (well paraglide).
Sunday, February 21, 2010
"I've been through the desert on a horse with no name"
2-21-10
I woke up just a little too late to miss breakfast. I sat and talked with some people. I then showered and got ready for the day. I headed to the bus station to buy my ticket back to Buenos Aires. I enjoyed the walk, though still going through withdrawl of my camera. After I got back, I relaxed for a while. Then I decided to go out and grab food. I read in the city which was pleasant. I then had a nice skype date with Abbey. After I got back and relaxed some more. Then met some people I would be riding with.
We got in the van. The ride took 30 minutes, and then some time in the desert, where it looked like they were going to leave us out there to survive. But eventually, we reached the horses. They were beautiful creatures. Yes I knew this before but it was nice to be reminded. I got on mine which was one of the biggests if not the biggest. As we headed out, mine stayed near the front of the pack most of the way. It had some issues with the other horses but I managed. It was gorgeous going through the countryside (kinda deserty) by horseback. I hope to do it again one day. Unfortunately there was not much of a sunset. But the night sky with all the stars made up for that. Eventually, we reached full circle and got back to our starting place. There we had a delicious BBQ and wine. Argentine steak is really hard to beat. A bunch of us talked about various things. We finally left around midnight and got back around 12:35. Now time to sleep.
I woke up just a little too late to miss breakfast. I sat and talked with some people. I then showered and got ready for the day. I headed to the bus station to buy my ticket back to Buenos Aires. I enjoyed the walk, though still going through withdrawl of my camera. After I got back, I relaxed for a while. Then I decided to go out and grab food. I read in the city which was pleasant. I then had a nice skype date with Abbey. After I got back and relaxed some more. Then met some people I would be riding with.
We got in the van. The ride took 30 minutes, and then some time in the desert, where it looked like they were going to leave us out there to survive. But eventually, we reached the horses. They were beautiful creatures. Yes I knew this before but it was nice to be reminded. I got on mine which was one of the biggests if not the biggest. As we headed out, mine stayed near the front of the pack most of the way. It had some issues with the other horses but I managed. It was gorgeous going through the countryside (kinda deserty) by horseback. I hope to do it again one day. Unfortunately there was not much of a sunset. But the night sky with all the stars made up for that. Eventually, we reached full circle and got back to our starting place. There we had a delicious BBQ and wine. Argentine steak is really hard to beat. A bunch of us talked about various things. We finally left around midnight and got back around 12:35. Now time to sleep.
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