5-21-10
Since the post earlier today, I walked around and bought bus tickets for tomorrow. I then walked around and headed to a place called Pancara. This is an ancient ruins a little outside the city of Tilcara. It was pratically stone buildings and cacti all over the place but still beautiful. I took some self portaits, and then had a couple take a photo of me. I then headed down.
I then headed to Garganta del Diablo. It turned out to be a 5 or 6 km hike. I was not prepared for this. But somehow found the strength to push on, despite minimal food and water in my body. It was one of the hardest ones I have had to do because of the beating sun which I had also not expected. I finally reached the entrance. I filled up my water bottle. I checked it out. Then I headed back up to the entrance. I rested and tried to get the energy to walk back down. Luckily, I met saviors in the form of a Porteño couple who drove me down. They were really nice. We talked (in Spanish of course) about random stuff.
After, I headed toward my hostel when I stumbled upon a show by the school children for the 200th anniversery of the country. It was cute. I then hung out at the hostel. I discovered I had lost one of my debit cards. I searched all over my bags but no such luck. Somewhere between Wednesday and today, it has vanished into the abyss. Luckily I have the other. I hung out and talked to the other guests before having dinner with some of the people who run the hostel. Soon I plan to sleep, who knows what tomorrow will bring.
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.
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.
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
22 Hours, 4 movies, but happiness about being here
5-18-10
I woke up and quickly got ready. I headed out the door when I realized I forgot my ID. I then hurried to school. At school, I did some studying with friends. My professor was there but my History teacher played sub. We took the exam. I then headed home on the bus, where I saw soldiers doing drills. At home, I packed and grabbed lunch. I made sure everything was in order. I then headed out the door.
I got the bus station where I relaxed for a bit until I saw my bus was ready. I boarded it but few people joined. I figured more would come on the 20 hour ride. I napped for a little bit. Then I awoke in time to watch the Blind Side. The subtitles were major fails, they seemed to by ear instead of reading the script. For example, instead of Clemson, they put California. After the movie, I read until they put on the Proposal. This time the subtitles seemed to be more commentary with few scenes with subtitles in Spanish. We periodically would stop and pick people up. They put on the Boy with Striped Pajamas. Depressing movie. They need to realize what they are putting on there. Then I went to bed.
5-19-10
After a rough night of sleep, I woke up around 9:30. They put on Seven Pounds in Spanish. I read and finished my book so I have now moved onto an Isabel Allende book. After a few hours more, we finally got to Salta. I took a cab to my hostel and checked in. After, I grabbed two superpanchos (hot dogs) and ate them since I was super hungry. Then I walked around the main part of the city for a bit. I saw a travel place and booked the next leg of this trip. Tomorrow, I am going to the Salt Flats, some towns and going to end up in Pumamarca. After that, I only have possibilities. I have to be in Tucuman by next Wednesday. Between tomorrow and then, I have no idea where I will be until the day before. But that is part of this trip to go with it. I have possibilities but no definites. I will post when possible.
Con Amor y Paz,
Jack
I woke up and quickly got ready. I headed out the door when I realized I forgot my ID. I then hurried to school. At school, I did some studying with friends. My professor was there but my History teacher played sub. We took the exam. I then headed home on the bus, where I saw soldiers doing drills. At home, I packed and grabbed lunch. I made sure everything was in order. I then headed out the door.
I got the bus station where I relaxed for a bit until I saw my bus was ready. I boarded it but few people joined. I figured more would come on the 20 hour ride. I napped for a little bit. Then I awoke in time to watch the Blind Side. The subtitles were major fails, they seemed to by ear instead of reading the script. For example, instead of Clemson, they put California. After the movie, I read until they put on the Proposal. This time the subtitles seemed to be more commentary with few scenes with subtitles in Spanish. We periodically would stop and pick people up. They put on the Boy with Striped Pajamas. Depressing movie. They need to realize what they are putting on there. Then I went to bed.
5-19-10
After a rough night of sleep, I woke up around 9:30. They put on Seven Pounds in Spanish. I read and finished my book so I have now moved onto an Isabel Allende book. After a few hours more, we finally got to Salta. I took a cab to my hostel and checked in. After, I grabbed two superpanchos (hot dogs) and ate them since I was super hungry. Then I walked around the main part of the city for a bit. I saw a travel place and booked the next leg of this trip. Tomorrow, I am going to the Salt Flats, some towns and going to end up in Pumamarca. After that, I only have possibilities. I have to be in Tucuman by next Wednesday. Between tomorrow and then, I have no idea where I will be until the day before. But that is part of this trip to go with it. I have possibilities but no definites. I will post when possible.
Con Amor y Paz,
Jack
Monday, May 17, 2010
Dirty War and Chocolate Cupcake
5-17-10
I woke up and studied a bit more but not much. I packed some but had to drop off laundry. I then had lunch and talked a friend who just got back from Salta and Bolivia. I then headed to school. In History, we watched a very emotional documentary about the people who disappeared during the "Dirty War." I knew it was a very tragic thing but I had no idea what exactly had occurred until I saw this movie and the fact that my teacher was in tears after it. It was a real eye opener.
In Spanish, we went over the homework and had some presentations. After class, I talked to friends before heading home. On the way home, I bought myself a cupcake for later. I studied and wrote a paper about Evita for my literature class since I won't be able to write it in class on Thursday. I then talked to Abbey before picking up my laundry and packing some more. I then had dinner and packed some more. I then finished my paper and studied some more. I may or may not write a short entry before I leave tomorrow but if I don't. I will try to show some proof of my travels while I am about on here if possible, since I don't know the internet connection.
But here are some of many words that I will be carrying with me on my travels
“To the desert go prophets and hermits; through deserts go pilgrims and exiles. Here the leaders of the great religions have sought the therapeutic and spiritual values of retreat, not to escape but to find reality.” - Paul Shepard
“See the world as your self.
Have faith in the way things are.
Love the world as your self;
then you can care for all things.” – Chapter 13 of the Tao Te Ching
"who is the happier man, he who has braved the storm of life and lived or he who has stayed securely on shore and merely existed?" – Hunter S Thompson
"A man could be a lover and defender of the wilderness without ever in his lifetime leaving the boundaries of asphalt, powerlines, and right-angled surfaces. We need wilderness whether or not we ever set foot in it. We need a refuge even though we may never need to set foot in it. We need the possibility of escape as surely as we need hope; without it the life of the cities would drive all men into crime or drugs or psychoanalysis." – Edward Abbey
"I travel not to go anywhere, but to go. I travel for travel's sake. The great affair is to move."— Robert Louis Stevenson
I woke up and studied a bit more but not much. I packed some but had to drop off laundry. I then had lunch and talked a friend who just got back from Salta and Bolivia. I then headed to school. In History, we watched a very emotional documentary about the people who disappeared during the "Dirty War." I knew it was a very tragic thing but I had no idea what exactly had occurred until I saw this movie and the fact that my teacher was in tears after it. It was a real eye opener.
In Spanish, we went over the homework and had some presentations. After class, I talked to friends before heading home. On the way home, I bought myself a cupcake for later. I studied and wrote a paper about Evita for my literature class since I won't be able to write it in class on Thursday. I then talked to Abbey before picking up my laundry and packing some more. I then had dinner and packed some more. I then finished my paper and studied some more. I may or may not write a short entry before I leave tomorrow but if I don't. I will try to show some proof of my travels while I am about on here if possible, since I don't know the internet connection.
But here are some of many words that I will be carrying with me on my travels
“To the desert go prophets and hermits; through deserts go pilgrims and exiles. Here the leaders of the great religions have sought the therapeutic and spiritual values of retreat, not to escape but to find reality.” - Paul Shepard
“See the world as your self.
Have faith in the way things are.
Love the world as your self;
then you can care for all things.” – Chapter 13 of the Tao Te Ching
"who is the happier man, he who has braved the storm of life and lived or he who has stayed securely on shore and merely existed?" – Hunter S Thompson
"A man could be a lover and defender of the wilderness without ever in his lifetime leaving the boundaries of asphalt, powerlines, and right-angled surfaces. We need wilderness whether or not we ever set foot in it. We need a refuge even though we may never need to set foot in it. We need the possibility of escape as surely as we need hope; without it the life of the cities would drive all men into crime or drugs or psychoanalysis." – Edward Abbey
"I travel not to go anywhere, but to go. I travel for travel's sake. The great affair is to move."— Robert Louis Stevenson
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.
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.
Thursday, May 13, 2010
An afternoon at Alto Palermo
5-13-10
I woke up and grabbed breakfast. I then got ready and headed to class. When I got school, I placed an order for the newest book I have to read for class. I was worried I was going to be late for class, since we had a three hour class. But when I showed up, my peers were waiting. Turns out the teacher didn't show, so I could have got more sleep.
After an hour of waiting and talking to friends, we finally started class. In class we discussed the latest book, Santa Evita. I am not sure how I feel about the book. After, I picked up the book and headed home. I ate lunch and relaxed for a bit. Then I headed out.
I got to the mall where I was told I could buy my bus tickets. I searched for a while. Finally when I asked, they sent me to the basement where I could buy my tickets. I finally did. I am leaving Tuesday at 2:30 and coming back the following Thursday at 9 in the morning. I am really excited. I then headed home. I dropped my stuff and headed back out to the mall to meet some friends. We saw Robin Hood. It was pretty good, not amazing like Gladiator but entertaining. It set up a possible sequel and I hope they have one. I then headed home.
At home, I had dinner, then watched the Cavs lose to the Celtics before bed. Tomorrow I get my Remicade treatment.
I woke up and grabbed breakfast. I then got ready and headed to class. When I got school, I placed an order for the newest book I have to read for class. I was worried I was going to be late for class, since we had a three hour class. But when I showed up, my peers were waiting. Turns out the teacher didn't show, so I could have got more sleep.
After an hour of waiting and talking to friends, we finally started class. In class we discussed the latest book, Santa Evita. I am not sure how I feel about the book. After, I picked up the book and headed home. I ate lunch and relaxed for a bit. Then I headed out.
I got to the mall where I was told I could buy my bus tickets. I searched for a while. Finally when I asked, they sent me to the basement where I could buy my tickets. I finally did. I am leaving Tuesday at 2:30 and coming back the following Thursday at 9 in the morning. I am really excited. I then headed home. I dropped my stuff and headed back out to the mall to meet some friends. We saw Robin Hood. It was pretty good, not amazing like Gladiator but entertaining. It set up a possible sequel and I hope they have one. I then headed home.
At home, I had dinner, then watched the Cavs lose to the Celtics before bed. Tomorrow I get my Remicade treatment.
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
Club Sandwhich and Economics
5-12-10
After reaching some success and waking up for breakfast, I did my Spanish homework. After which, I read for a bit. Then I got ready for the day and headed out. My friend Desiree and I grabbed lunch and caught up on our lives. It was quite nice. Then we headed to class.
In my economics class, it was more talking about how Latin America is so far behind the rest of the world (minus Africa). I will not miss this class for sure. In Spanish, we reviewed some of the stuff from Monday as well as talked about the conditional.
After, I headed home to nap for a little while and caught up in my journal. Then I hung with people before dinner. After food, I pretty much chilled. Have another long class tomorrow, then planning to have lunch, buy my tickets to Salta and back. Then no idea.
After reaching some success and waking up for breakfast, I did my Spanish homework. After which, I read for a bit. Then I got ready for the day and headed out. My friend Desiree and I grabbed lunch and caught up on our lives. It was quite nice. Then we headed to class.
In my economics class, it was more talking about how Latin America is so far behind the rest of the world (minus Africa). I will not miss this class for sure. In Spanish, we reviewed some of the stuff from Monday as well as talked about the conditional.
After, I headed home to nap for a little while and caught up in my journal. Then I hung with people before dinner. After food, I pretty much chilled. Have another long class tomorrow, then planning to have lunch, buy my tickets to Salta and back. Then no idea.
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