Colored houses in Valparaiso...check out the spooky black cat in the windowsill
Street artwork in Valparaiso. Is that another cat I see?
Clock made of flowers in Viña del Mar.
Saturday, December 12, 2009
Foto Foto Foto Foto
Colored houses in Valparaiso...check out the spooky black cat in the windowsill
Street artwork in Valparaiso. Is that another cat I see?Clock made of flowers in Viña del Mar.
Na Na Na Na...goodybe...Na Na Na Na
Like a good book that ends too soon, my time in Argentina is coming to a close. After weeks of diligent job hunting, Matthew and I decided to cut our losses and change our tickets to return. If there was more time on the clock or money in the bank, a more thorough job search might have been possible. We were also thoroughly disappointed to discover that the private English schools take a break from Christmas until March. Banging my head against a wall for not realizing this before, I’ve accepted the fact that if I want to save money and then come back, the schools will still be there.
We’ve also come to understand a few more things about working in Argentina. The first is that to work in many places, you do need a work permit for the government. Many people here work “en negro,” which is basically working under the table. We have met many people working at hostels that work “en negro.” We looked all over for hostel jobs for this reason, to no avail. We walked out of interviews feeling shiny and new and hopeful, and then we wouldn’t get a callback. The one restaurant that called me back wanted me to have a work permit.
It wouldn’t be impossible to get a work permit, and I think it would require traveling to Buenos Aires and paying some money. However, due to the lack of response we got from our job search, we decided against it. The Argentine economy isn’t doing any better than the American economy, and the fish simply weren’t biting. Many hostel owners we talked to told us that the Bariloche economy is still recovering from the drop in tourism, due to last year’s H1N1 virus outbreak in Argentina. Many said they would like to have us, but simply couldn’t put a pretty peso in our pockets.
Of course, I have mixed feelings about coming home. On one hand, I’ve had some pretty incredible experiences over the past three months. Working at the Zuccardi family vineyard was absolutely amazing. I learned so much about wine, practiced my Spanish, and had a million laughs with the wonderful people there. I can check a few places off my “Places I Must See Before I Die” list (Santiago, Valparaiso, and Viña del Mar, Chile!)
I can’t forget about the winner of a hike that Mathew and I did today. There is a gondola that takes visitors to the top of Cerro Ott, a mountain overlooking the lakes in Bariloche. Did we take that gondola? No! We’re too hardcore! Not being able to find the easier path to the top, we instead hiked under the gondola, at a very steep incline.
After about two hours, we finally reached the summit, where we gulped down Coca Colas in a 360 degree spinning restaurant. Yes, it’s true, a rotating restaurant. The views are spectacular, and we got to watch three paragliders as they twirled around like dandelion seeds in the wind. We met a nice couple from Buenos Aires on their “luna de miel,” literally “moon of honey” (honeymoon, you silly ducks), and they offered us a ride down in their car. I was so grateful, being so tired that the only other option that made sense was rolling down the side of the cliff.
In conclusion, I will be seeing all of you sooner rather than later! It’s hard to be sad when I know that I will soon be reunited with many of my most precious homegirls and homeboys. Will phone when home! xoxoxo
We’ve also come to understand a few more things about working in Argentina. The first is that to work in many places, you do need a work permit for the government. Many people here work “en negro,” which is basically working under the table. We have met many people working at hostels that work “en negro.” We looked all over for hostel jobs for this reason, to no avail. We walked out of interviews feeling shiny and new and hopeful, and then we wouldn’t get a callback. The one restaurant that called me back wanted me to have a work permit.
It wouldn’t be impossible to get a work permit, and I think it would require traveling to Buenos Aires and paying some money. However, due to the lack of response we got from our job search, we decided against it. The Argentine economy isn’t doing any better than the American economy, and the fish simply weren’t biting. Many hostel owners we talked to told us that the Bariloche economy is still recovering from the drop in tourism, due to last year’s H1N1 virus outbreak in Argentina. Many said they would like to have us, but simply couldn’t put a pretty peso in our pockets.
Of course, I have mixed feelings about coming home. On one hand, I’ve had some pretty incredible experiences over the past three months. Working at the Zuccardi family vineyard was absolutely amazing. I learned so much about wine, practiced my Spanish, and had a million laughs with the wonderful people there. I can check a few places off my “Places I Must See Before I Die” list (Santiago, Valparaiso, and Viña del Mar, Chile!)
I can’t forget about the winner of a hike that Mathew and I did today. There is a gondola that takes visitors to the top of Cerro Ott, a mountain overlooking the lakes in Bariloche. Did we take that gondola? No! We’re too hardcore! Not being able to find the easier path to the top, we instead hiked under the gondola, at a very steep incline.
After about two hours, we finally reached the summit, where we gulped down Coca Colas in a 360 degree spinning restaurant. Yes, it’s true, a rotating restaurant. The views are spectacular, and we got to watch three paragliders as they twirled around like dandelion seeds in the wind. We met a nice couple from Buenos Aires on their “luna de miel,” literally “moon of honey” (honeymoon, you silly ducks), and they offered us a ride down in their car. I was so grateful, being so tired that the only other option that made sense was rolling down the side of the cliff.
In conclusion, I will be seeing all of you sooner rather than later! It’s hard to be sad when I know that I will soon be reunited with many of my most precious homegirls and homeboys. Will phone when home! xoxoxo
Saturday, December 5, 2009
Bariloche (The Other Windy City)
Hey folks!
We've been in Bariloche now for about 10 days now. Time is flying! We found an apartment. It's about 30 minutes walking from the city center, so I think we'll be whipped into shape in no time. The only bad part is that we don't have internet up there, so it's not as easy for me to keep in touch. Please forgive.
Matthew and I are looking for jobs. It's not an easy process, but we do have a few leads. We are mainly looking for work in hostels or restaurants. I'm also going to look into writing for some of the publications I've seen around here, like traveler's magazines.
It's nearly summer here, but sometimes the wind is so extreme, I feel like I'm in a Colorado winter. How is the Colorado Winter, by the way? I hope you kittens are all bundled up in your mittens.
Abrazos y besos (Hugs and kisses!)
We've been in Bariloche now for about 10 days now. Time is flying! We found an apartment. It's about 30 minutes walking from the city center, so I think we'll be whipped into shape in no time. The only bad part is that we don't have internet up there, so it's not as easy for me to keep in touch. Please forgive.
Matthew and I are looking for jobs. It's not an easy process, but we do have a few leads. We are mainly looking for work in hostels or restaurants. I'm also going to look into writing for some of the publications I've seen around here, like traveler's magazines.
It's nearly summer here, but sometimes the wind is so extreme, I feel like I'm in a Colorado winter. How is the Colorado Winter, by the way? I hope you kittens are all bundled up in your mittens.
Abrazos y besos (Hugs and kisses!)
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
The road to Bariloche
Hello! I've been on the road awhile. Matthew and I went to Chile, because neither of us had ever been to Chile, and we were intrigued by the foreignness of it. We couch surfed in Santiago. For those of you that don't know what CouchSurfing is, it's a network of people who offer their homes to travelers. It is safe and reliable because people vouch for each other and write comments after staying in someone's home. We stayed with a lovely couple, who made us fruit salad every night and told us all about the interesting things to do in Santiago.
After a few days in Santiago, we traveled north to Valparaiso. It is a city built on a hill. There are many elevators that take you from the center up to the hill. When I say elevator, I mean a lift, an archaic lift that allows you to avoid climbing steep hills to get to other neighborhoods higher up in the city. We visited Paulo Nerudo's (a famous poet) house, which was very interesting. He wrote such beautiful words. I will post one of his poems soon. Vina del Mar was very touristic and sort of boring. They do have a clock made of flores, which was Alice and Wonderland-esque.
Right now we are in Bariloche, Argentina. We spend over 24 hours traveling on the bus and finally arrived here. I was here two years ago when I studied in Buenos Aires, for Easter break. It is just as magnificent as I remembered. We have been looking for job with fervor since we arrived, and hopefully we will be able to secure something. I'm watching the sun set over the lake here, and it's absolutely gorgeous. I would be willing to sing for my supper in order to stay here.
You're in my thoughts, friends and family. I hope that everyone is well. We're together in spirit!
After a few days in Santiago, we traveled north to Valparaiso. It is a city built on a hill. There are many elevators that take you from the center up to the hill. When I say elevator, I mean a lift, an archaic lift that allows you to avoid climbing steep hills to get to other neighborhoods higher up in the city. We visited Paulo Nerudo's (a famous poet) house, which was very interesting. He wrote such beautiful words. I will post one of his poems soon. Vina del Mar was very touristic and sort of boring. They do have a clock made of flores, which was Alice and Wonderland-esque.
Right now we are in Bariloche, Argentina. We spend over 24 hours traveling on the bus and finally arrived here. I was here two years ago when I studied in Buenos Aires, for Easter break. It is just as magnificent as I remembered. We have been looking for job with fervor since we arrived, and hopefully we will be able to secure something. I'm watching the sun set over the lake here, and it's absolutely gorgeous. I would be willing to sing for my supper in order to stay here.
You're in my thoughts, friends and family. I hope that everyone is well. We're together in spirit!
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Huevito (little egg)
Sunday was our last day working at Bodega Familia Zuccardi. It was a little sad to leave, especially after meeting and making friends with such wonderful people there. I was able to take off the early afternoon at the restaurant to see Matthew guide a tour.
Armed with my camera, I snapped a bunch of en vivo shots of him explaining the wine-making process. One lady actually told me after the tour, "He seems like he's been doing this for years!"
At the end of the day, my coworkers shooed me into the kitchen, where there a chocolate mousse cakewas waiting for me. I told them how grateful I was for the experience and how glad I was to have met great new friends. Then these so-called friends led me into vineyard to "take photos," and promptly poured a foul mixture of raw eggs, cream, flour, herbs and whatever else was leftover from the kitchen, on my head. Supposedly it is tradition here. At first I screamed, but as they cracked eggs on my head, I surrendered to it all, delighted that my newfound friends thought me worthy of such special treatment. See video and photos below.
I only wish I had been able to say goodbye in person to Julia Zuccardi, who invited us to work there in the first place. Hopefully we will reunite one day.
We’re in Santiago, Chile, right now. We are couchsurfing with a fabulous couple and seeing the city. I’m honestly not crazy about Santiago, but I’m looking forward to heading south. Peace out!
Armed with my camera, I snapped a bunch of en vivo shots of him explaining the wine-making process. One lady actually told me after the tour, "He seems like he's been doing this for years!"
At the end of the day, my coworkers shooed me into the kitchen, where there a chocolate mousse cakewas waiting for me. I told them how grateful I was for the experience and how glad I was to have met great new friends. Then these so-called friends led me into vineyard to "take photos," and promptly poured a foul mixture of raw eggs, cream, flour, herbs and whatever else was leftover from the kitchen, on my head. Supposedly it is tradition here. At first I screamed, but as they cracked eggs on my head, I surrendered to it all, delighted that my newfound friends thought me worthy of such special treatment. See video and photos below.
I only wish I had been able to say goodbye in person to Julia Zuccardi, who invited us to work there in the first place. Hopefully we will reunite one day.
We’re in Santiago, Chile, right now. We are couchsurfing with a fabulous couple and seeing the city. I’m honestly not crazy about Santiago, but I’m looking forward to heading south. Peace out!
Saturday, November 14, 2009
Spooky
Topic of this entry: ghosts. I’ve been meaning to write about this for a while now. One morning, while breakfasting with all my restaurant coworkers, I witnessed the following conversation between two friends.
“Haven’t you see the ghosts in the garden?”
“Of course, there are always shadows moving around. Lots of people have seen them.”
After awhile others join in, commenting on how they’ve felt a presence or seen things fall and break on their own. Eventually, they turn to me, the only one of the bunch that’s actually around the vineyard at night (since I live here).
“Julia, have you noticed anything strange?”
I really want to say, “Of course not, ” because the idea frightens the scardy cat in me. But truth be told, I can’t say no, because I’ve woken up at night to the sound of the bathroom doors creaking back and forth in the creepiest way. There’s no wind outside and the windows are all closed, anyway. I swear the doors don’t creak during normal daylight hours.
I tell this to my compañeros, who all get excited, saying, “See, see, I told you so!”
It seems pretty common here to at least entertain the idea. Maybe these beings have their place on this vineyard, not unlike me. Is that you, Casper?
“Haven’t you see the ghosts in the garden?”
“Of course, there are always shadows moving around. Lots of people have seen them.”
After awhile others join in, commenting on how they’ve felt a presence or seen things fall and break on their own. Eventually, they turn to me, the only one of the bunch that’s actually around the vineyard at night (since I live here).
“Julia, have you noticed anything strange?”
I really want to say, “Of course not, ” because the idea frightens the scardy cat in me. But truth be told, I can’t say no, because I’ve woken up at night to the sound of the bathroom doors creaking back and forth in the creepiest way. There’s no wind outside and the windows are all closed, anyway. I swear the doors don’t creak during normal daylight hours.
I tell this to my compañeros, who all get excited, saying, “See, see, I told you so!”
It seems pretty common here to at least entertain the idea. Maybe these beings have their place on this vineyard, not unlike me. Is that you, Casper?
Thursday, November 5, 2009
Snapshots
Restaurant crew: Marcela, Daniela, me and Rosa
With Marcela and Dani in the rosegarden
With Pablo da boss
With Marcela and Dani in the rosegarden
With Pablo da boss
The Prime Time of Your Life
Today (day off!) we took the tourist bikes for a spin around the vineyard. It was simply charming, until we rounded the bend and two large, barking dogs began to chase us. One of them was so close behind, I was sure he was going to bite my leg, but he didn’t. I pumped my bike pedals with all the energy the afternoon sun afforded me, and left the mangy animal to eat my dust, escaping with my limb intact and my adrenaline pumping full force. And yes, I did scream like a little girl.
I take full advantage of the downtime provided by this peace n’ quiet kind of place and use it lose myself in various books. So far, I have read Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance by Robert M. Pirsig and As I Lay Dying by William Faulkner. They are both wonderful literary works in very different ways. The long-winded, antiquated prose in As I Lay Dying made my head spin at times. I definitely recommend Zen and the Art of Motocycle Maintenance for anyone that enjoys heady philosophical discussions and/or road trips across America. Next up on the reading list is White Teeth, by Zadie Smith.
Nine hour days here definitely wear on me, but every single day is without a doubt interesting. A few days ago, two American women came to do one of the cooking classes offered here. My manager, Pablo, let me know about 30 minutes ahead of time that I would be translating for them. He added that I could learn all about what they would be making (bread and empanadas) and even eat it afterwards. Good motivation.
In about 10 days, we are going to cross the border into Santiago, Chile. We will cross the Andes mountains on a bus, and supposedly the views are absolutely gorgeous. After a few days seeing the sights in Santiago, we’ll either venture further south into Chile, or we’ll hop on another bus, cross the Argentine border again, and go to Bariloche.
For all of you that are thinking about visiting, take this opportunity to Google , “Bariloche, Argentina.” It’s incredibly beautiful and picturesque, and you know you all want to come visit. As of right now, Bariloche is the final destination. I would love to work at one of the ski resorts there, in either summer or winter or both. I’m well aware that I am missing a lot of snowfall back in Colorado. Please throw lots of snowballs for me. Lots of love to everyone from the southern hemisphere!
I take full advantage of the downtime provided by this peace n’ quiet kind of place and use it lose myself in various books. So far, I have read Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance by Robert M. Pirsig and As I Lay Dying by William Faulkner. They are both wonderful literary works in very different ways. The long-winded, antiquated prose in As I Lay Dying made my head spin at times. I definitely recommend Zen and the Art of Motocycle Maintenance for anyone that enjoys heady philosophical discussions and/or road trips across America. Next up on the reading list is White Teeth, by Zadie Smith.
Nine hour days here definitely wear on me, but every single day is without a doubt interesting. A few days ago, two American women came to do one of the cooking classes offered here. My manager, Pablo, let me know about 30 minutes ahead of time that I would be translating for them. He added that I could learn all about what they would be making (bread and empanadas) and even eat it afterwards. Good motivation.
In about 10 days, we are going to cross the border into Santiago, Chile. We will cross the Andes mountains on a bus, and supposedly the views are absolutely gorgeous. After a few days seeing the sights in Santiago, we’ll either venture further south into Chile, or we’ll hop on another bus, cross the Argentine border again, and go to Bariloche.
For all of you that are thinking about visiting, take this opportunity to Google , “Bariloche, Argentina.” It’s incredibly beautiful and picturesque, and you know you all want to come visit. As of right now, Bariloche is the final destination. I would love to work at one of the ski resorts there, in either summer or winter or both. I’m well aware that I am missing a lot of snowfall back in Colorado. Please throw lots of snowballs for me. Lots of love to everyone from the southern hemisphere!
Sunday, October 25, 2009
Bodega Familia Zuccardi
Mendocinos (people from Mendoza) are very kind, welcoming and respectful people. They also love to make fun of each other and me. The other server here are always asking about my family and friends, what kind of music I like and what I do for fun back home. They tease me about going to bed early (which is what happens when you live on a vineyard 20 miles away from the nearest bar), and my silly language mistakes. Today, I thought I asked my friend Dani is she could bring some water to the server station. What I actually said was,"Could you bring water to the gas station?" I try to think of my friend Caroline's wise advice: Always be able to laugh at yourself. Right, Karo?!
The Mendocino accent is proving to be pretty difficult for me to understand, as opposed to the porteño (from Buenos Aires) accent that I am used to. Often times, I have to ask someone to repeat something two or three times. It can be frustrating, especially in groups of native speakers, because you don't want to stop the conversation to ask, "Wait, what?" I try to enjoy the learning process, but I so badly want to speak and understand all kinds of Spanish naturally.
Another interesting thing about the vineyard is that people are always zooming around on two wheels. People that work here ride around on motorcycles, but a lot of people use bikes, too. There are also sirens that go off at all hours here, which is very strange, because nothing goes on here at night. We're going to try to get our hands on some bikes to use on a day off.
There is a dog here named Syrah, like the wine. He is big and friendly and keeps me company while I write these blog entries. He keeps himself busy trying to catch the frogs in the pond.
One last tidbit before I go-last Sunday, which was actually Mother's Day in Argentina, I accidentely set off the alarm at the restaurant. I didn't get the memo that we were supposed to arrive at 10 a.m. instead of 9 a.m., and when I tried the door, it just sort of popped open. Alarms, everything. Those who know my tales from Buenos Aires know this also happened to me at my host family's house. Anyways, I waited for the security that seems to be around at all hours except for just then, but no one came. I slinked away back to our little Casa 5 and then later told my boss. Shame, shame, shame. At least I can laugh, no?
The Mendocino accent is proving to be pretty difficult for me to understand, as opposed to the porteño (from Buenos Aires) accent that I am used to. Often times, I have to ask someone to repeat something two or three times. It can be frustrating, especially in groups of native speakers, because you don't want to stop the conversation to ask, "Wait, what?" I try to enjoy the learning process, but I so badly want to speak and understand all kinds of Spanish naturally.
Another interesting thing about the vineyard is that people are always zooming around on two wheels. People that work here ride around on motorcycles, but a lot of people use bikes, too. There are also sirens that go off at all hours here, which is very strange, because nothing goes on here at night. We're going to try to get our hands on some bikes to use on a day off.
There is a dog here named Syrah, like the wine. He is big and friendly and keeps me company while I write these blog entries. He keeps himself busy trying to catch the frogs in the pond.
One last tidbit before I go-last Sunday, which was actually Mother's Day in Argentina, I accidentely set off the alarm at the restaurant. I didn't get the memo that we were supposed to arrive at 10 a.m. instead of 9 a.m., and when I tried the door, it just sort of popped open. Alarms, everything. Those who know my tales from Buenos Aires know this also happened to me at my host family's house. Anyways, I waited for the security that seems to be around at all hours except for just then, but no one came. I slinked away back to our little Casa 5 and then later told my boss. Shame, shame, shame. At least I can laugh, no?
Sunday, October 18, 2009
The road that will soon become memory lane...
There's a road at the vineyard that I know will become memory lane...check out my photos below.
It's not memory lane...yet. One thing I think will help it become memory lane is if we can figure out how to climb up on the roof to watch the sunset. The vineyards kind of block our view of the Andes, so it's essential that we figure out how to get up there. There are two possibilities: a tree, or a cement block that separates all the little cottages from each other. I'll let everyone know.
I'm working in the Casa del Visitante (Visitor's House) and will be a server as soon as I learn the ropes. It's a really classy restaurant and they have lunch with wine pairings. I'm learning A LOT about wine and also practicing my Spanish to the point where I kinda have a headache at the end of the day. All of the other women that I work with are very nice and help me with everything. Today I learned how to work the coffee machine and how to carry 7 wine glasses in one hand. I will be able to come back and do all sorts of party tricks.
The only place there is internet is by the restaurant, so after hours you have to sit outside to get Wifi. I feel like a creeper sitting here in the dark updating my blog, and it's a little cold, so I'm going to get going. There is so much to tell, and only a limited time to do it in. I will leave you all with some words from my Argentine host father:
Disfruta cada momento, cada instante que te da la vida.
Enjoy every moment, every instant that life gives you.
It's not memory lane...yet. One thing I think will help it become memory lane is if we can figure out how to climb up on the roof to watch the sunset. The vineyards kind of block our view of the Andes, so it's essential that we figure out how to get up there. There are two possibilities: a tree, or a cement block that separates all the little cottages from each other. I'll let everyone know.
I'm working in the Casa del Visitante (Visitor's House) and will be a server as soon as I learn the ropes. It's a really classy restaurant and they have lunch with wine pairings. I'm learning A LOT about wine and also practicing my Spanish to the point where I kinda have a headache at the end of the day. All of the other women that I work with are very nice and help me with everything. Today I learned how to work the coffee machine and how to carry 7 wine glasses in one hand. I will be able to come back and do all sorts of party tricks.
The only place there is internet is by the restaurant, so after hours you have to sit outside to get Wifi. I feel like a creeper sitting here in the dark updating my blog, and it's a little cold, so I'm going to get going. There is so much to tell, and only a limited time to do it in. I will leave you all with some words from my Argentine host father:
Disfruta cada momento, cada instante que te da la vida.
Enjoy every moment, every instant that life gives you.
Thursday, October 15, 2009
Employed!
Today was wonderful. Not just plain ol' wonderful, but really, really wonderful. Everything just fell into place. I'll back up a little. We are in Mendoza (pop. about 110,000) and spent the night at a hostel last night. Today we woke up early to go to "Bodega Familia Zuccardi," the vineyard owned by a friend of a friend of my host family. The vineyard is about 15 miles outside of the town of Mendoza. It's really beautiful there, just how you would imagine a vineyard to be, with rows upon rows of grape vines.
We met with Julia Zuccardi, the daughter, who basically told us if we wanted to work there, the jobs were ours! I could barely contain my excitement, but luckily Matthew stayed calm and we both expressed our gratitude for the opportunity. Julia told us that they really enjoy having people from everyone come and work, because everyone learns from one another. That is exactly the kind of experience I was looking for, so I am really, really excited. I can't wait to learn about the wine-making process, as well as make friends with these friendly, laid-back Argentines. The vibe is much different from that of Buenos Aires, which suits a mountain person like me much better.
As far as the jobs go, one of us will work in the restaurant, and one of us will work at reception. We haven't decided who will do what yet, but since we've committed to two months as of right now, we will have the opportunity to switch. We will earn our daily bread and shelter with our work, but we won't be paid a salary. Of course it would be nice to be earning money, especially for traveling, but I think it will be fine. Simplicity is underrated.
Peace out, amigos!
We met with Julia Zuccardi, the daughter, who basically told us if we wanted to work there, the jobs were ours! I could barely contain my excitement, but luckily Matthew stayed calm and we both expressed our gratitude for the opportunity. Julia told us that they really enjoy having people from everyone come and work, because everyone learns from one another. That is exactly the kind of experience I was looking for, so I am really, really excited. I can't wait to learn about the wine-making process, as well as make friends with these friendly, laid-back Argentines. The vibe is much different from that of Buenos Aires, which suits a mountain person like me much better.
As far as the jobs go, one of us will work in the restaurant, and one of us will work at reception. We haven't decided who will do what yet, but since we've committed to two months as of right now, we will have the opportunity to switch. We will earn our daily bread and shelter with our work, but we won't be paid a salary. Of course it would be nice to be earning money, especially for traveling, but I think it will be fine. Simplicity is underrated.
Peace out, amigos!
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Springtime in Buenos Aires
"Mi Buenos Aires, querido..." (my dear Buenos Aires)
Those are famous tango lyrics, sung by my Argentine host father at a wonderful asado (Argentine bbq) a few nights ago. In one night, Matthew experienced his first true asado, some impromptu tango singing and also got to know José Luis, Laura and Marianela, my little Argentine sister. It was so wonderful to see them, as they are so welcoming and truly treat me as part of their family. The Spanish was flowing as well as the wine, and it was a great night overall. José Luis and Laura have friends who have contacts with some vineyards in Mendoza, and I just heard back from one of them saying that they were interested in having us come work there! We're going to Mendoza tonight on the bus, so I'll update once we know what the deal is.
For your enjoyment, a few photos from Buenos Aires.
Here we are at "La Flor Gigante."
This is Eva Peron's tomb in the Recoleta Cemetary.
Mi familia argentina: Laura and José Luis
Those are famous tango lyrics, sung by my Argentine host father at a wonderful asado (Argentine bbq) a few nights ago. In one night, Matthew experienced his first true asado, some impromptu tango singing and also got to know José Luis, Laura and Marianela, my little Argentine sister. It was so wonderful to see them, as they are so welcoming and truly treat me as part of their family. The Spanish was flowing as well as the wine, and it was a great night overall. José Luis and Laura have friends who have contacts with some vineyards in Mendoza, and I just heard back from one of them saying that they were interested in having us come work there! We're going to Mendoza tonight on the bus, so I'll update once we know what the deal is.
For your enjoyment, a few photos from Buenos Aires.
Here we are at "La Flor Gigante."
This is Eva Peron's tomb in the Recoleta Cemetary.
Mi familia argentina: Laura and José Luis
Thursday, October 8, 2009
Poisonous Ivy Child in the City
As many of you know, I came down with a case of poison ivy a couple of days before I was supposed to leave for Buenos Aires. I believe this special little plant brushed my leg while I was taking a walk by Boulder Creek and then I scratched it all over my body while I was sleeping that night. Well, it kept getting worse over about 25 hours of traveling, to the point where raised, oozing welts covered my arms, legs, stomach and half of my face. When Matthew and I arrived in Buenos Aires, I came to my senses and told him, " I need to see a doctor." He agreed, having witnessed me being eaten alive with his own eyes.
Beware reader: This is going to get graphic.
I had to wear shorts as we searched for medical attention due to the large amount of goo dripping down my legs. I have never felt like such a social pariach as when people on the crowded streets looked at my legs and then made a face that can only be described as horrified. We stopped at a pharmacy first, because in South America many times they can just give you over-the-counter medication. They took one look at me, made those same faces, and sent me to El Hospital Universitario (a teaching hospital, which fortunately was only a few blocks away). Once there, they sent me to dermatology, where I only had to pay 10 pesos (about $3) to see the doctors. You know how on the medical shows on TV they call all the students in to see certain cases? Well, that was me. Four very kind residents/doctors crowded around me and fired questions at me, such as, "Did you roll around in this plant?" I answered all their questions in my best Argentine castellano, and they decided on my treatment. Antibiotics, a special wash for the shower, and creme. Oh, and I dropped my pants for a cortisone shot in the rear end. I know that moment will never fade from my memory.
Anyways, I'm fine, I've been improving rapidly and pretty soon I will no longer look like a monster. Matthew has been really amazing and supporting throughout all of this, for which I am very grateful. It is nice to have someone by your side when the world is staring at you like you are a freak of nature. Remember these words, family and friends, and give a hug to those people that would be there for you!
Anyways, I thought my poison ivy deserved to be the star of this post, but I will write more later about our time in the city. I can't wait for the asado (Argentine barbeque) that we're going to eat with my Argentine host family this weekend. Love you all!
Beware reader: This is going to get graphic.
I had to wear shorts as we searched for medical attention due to the large amount of goo dripping down my legs. I have never felt like such a social pariach as when people on the crowded streets looked at my legs and then made a face that can only be described as horrified. We stopped at a pharmacy first, because in South America many times they can just give you over-the-counter medication. They took one look at me, made those same faces, and sent me to El Hospital Universitario (a teaching hospital, which fortunately was only a few blocks away). Once there, they sent me to dermatology, where I only had to pay 10 pesos (about $3) to see the doctors. You know how on the medical shows on TV they call all the students in to see certain cases? Well, that was me. Four very kind residents/doctors crowded around me and fired questions at me, such as, "Did you roll around in this plant?" I answered all their questions in my best Argentine castellano, and they decided on my treatment. Antibiotics, a special wash for the shower, and creme. Oh, and I dropped my pants for a cortisone shot in the rear end. I know that moment will never fade from my memory.
Anyways, I'm fine, I've been improving rapidly and pretty soon I will no longer look like a monster. Matthew has been really amazing and supporting throughout all of this, for which I am very grateful. It is nice to have someone by your side when the world is staring at you like you are a freak of nature. Remember these words, family and friends, and give a hug to those people that would be there for you!
Anyways, I thought my poison ivy deserved to be the star of this post, but I will write more later about our time in the city. I can't wait for the asado (Argentine barbeque) that we're going to eat with my Argentine host family this weekend. Love you all!
Sunday, October 4, 2009
The adventure begins!
I can't believe that I'm leaving for Argentina tomorrow! I'm so excited to see what's in store for me this time. Matthew and I are staying for a week in Buenos Aires, in an apartment that my host family owns. I'm looking forward to showing him my favorite spots and introducing him to friends in the city. After that, we're headed to either Mendoza or Bariloche to look for work in English teaching or hostels. I'm really excited for whatever comes my way! I'll be posting again soon, and I'd love to hear from you all too! Much love, Julia
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