It has been raining all day here. Pouring rain. And all we’ve done is eat, nap, watch movies, rinse and repeat. I’m feeling a bit fishbowl headed now, after having been inside so long, but there is something so nice about hanging out at home. Last night we went to La Dorita for dinner where I, very proudly, had some flank steak for dinner and Elemento malbec wine (since Italy, I’ve given up giving up meat). So delicious! The food here is just fantastic. Even milk tastes better here. We explored Palermo during the evening and found many great bars and outdoor cafes.
I am afraid that I will fall in love with this place even more than I already have.
Can any place be more humid than Asia?! YES! Here. Goodness. 10am in the morning and it is hot and muggy and sticky. There is no way to dress for this place – everything sticks. The breeze doesn’t help. The traffic is crazy. There is smog everywhere. Madness and heat and chaos. And I don’t know why, but I love it so so much =).
I love the nightlife, I love to boogie!
We went out for drinks and dancing at Club Museum in San Telmo last night. From the outside, it looks like a normal venue but inside, the place opens up into a massive warehouse space with gorgeous lighting, 4 tiers and fabulous music. From 11pm onward, the dining tables were cleared, a band played and then the DJ came on. So much fun! We danced till 2am on a Wednesday evening with everyone else in their suits and ties.
I love that no one cares it’s a weeknight. Mmmmmm….I could get used to this. Friday every single day!
Today, it is 35 degrees in this city. And we’re eating ice cream on the cobblestone streets of Palermo. Life is hard.
I’m waking up (at 11am on a Wednesday morning) in my new flat in Palermo Buenos Aires. I’m finally moved in – all the clothes are in the closet, we went for our first grocery trip last night and the bathroom is set up with all the amenities. It feels nice. So so so nice to be settled in. I CANNOT believe I’m here!!! =)
Today we go exploring in the neighbourhood to shop for a language school and to find our favourite new haunts. Buenos is beautiful this time of year – not too hot and so full of life. The traffic is crazy, dog poop is everywhere, the shopping is just as wonderful as always and I love love love that it is a walking city. We walked 3 miles yesterday to finish errands and it feels wonderful.
I’ll be sending pictures out soon and a video glimpse of the loft. So wonderful to be back in this city – but this time, as a local! =)
Wow, do I ever look dark in this photograph. A month in Africa and then a month in Italy will do this to you. I’m finally starting to get around to processing oh, about 1000 or so pictures from the last 4 months of travel. It is hard work and really needs some time.
This photo was taken in Verona, on a very hot August day on our way to one of the most beautifully situated Roman amphitheaters I’ve seen. We walked for miles and saw the city through a local’s eyes. We tried horse in a random cafe for lunch, visited a converted museum and walked in on a rehearsal for a dance recital to Stravinsky’s Puccinella. Mmmmm… Italy, how I love thee.
And I’m off. In a few hours I’ll be on a plane to EZE for the 2nd time this year. This time, it will be for a while. It has been so lovely being home. It’s amazing how quickly the mind and the body can adapt to change. Life with the parents, with the Bear, with the friends. It has all been so good for me – mentally, physically, emotionally. There is nothing like the nurturing love of family to bring you back down to earth again.
But, it’s time to move forward with this plan to learn, to explore, to discover all things necessary about myself. There are lists of experiences to check off, people to meet, businesses to build and books to write. There is a lot on my to-do plate and the time to play house in Buenos Aires has been on the list for a while.
This time, going away is different. I’ve remembered how nice life here at home can be. I have a beautiful family to come back to, friends to catch up with and a whole new lifestyle and city to experience when I return. It is nice to be leaving a place not running away from something. No bridges have been burned, no wounds to heal, no words left unspoken. There is just adventure and discovery and novelty ahead, and a knowledge that home, real home, is where the heart is.
But now, it’s time to get lost. Playing house in Argentina, family reunion in the Philippines and then three months exploring Asia.
First thing is first – I’m going to be a Porteno for a little while. Stay tuned for the updates.
You know what's amazing?! Technology is such that you can now read my blog in whatever language you choose! The Google Translate gadget will convert the entire webpage into one of 51 languages in the list, including Yiddish, Swahili or Malay, to name a few. Seeing posts in Japanese is pretty trippy. And somehow, it sounds so strange to me when I read my writing in Tagalog. But how amazing is that?!
Just some random reading that I thought I would share:
- Intelligence Quotient vs. Emotional Intelligence. Which one is a better guarantor of success? He who feels the most wins.
- What’s the secret to happiness? Smile.
- Real men buy flowers. All you boys out there – if you love someone, let them know.
- Great apps for your Android phone. Notepads, Skype Lite, Greed (an app for Google Reader on small screens). Go see.
- Fire in your hands. A portable fireplace for those of us who can’t afford places with fireplaces just yet =)
This was shot just a little over a year ago when Mom and I visited Iguazu falls on the border of Brazil and Argentina. It was a perfect time to go – off season, warm and quiet. There were no crowds and we had nearly the entire park to ourselves. Waterfalls are always difficult to photograph (white spray isn’t really that interesting to begin with) but I find that focusing on the surrounding areas makes for some pretty interesting pictures. This article has some pretty great tips as well. I can’t wait to get back to this place =)
This is an oldie, but a goodie. Taken in November 08 during a trip to China with JS. Hong Kong is a fusion of British influences and Chinese history. The food is magnificent: fresh razor clams, garlic crabs, fish noodles. We spoiled ourselves with foot massages and explored the chaos of Kowloon markets. Such a great place if you’re traveling with someone who is as open and relaxed as you. I miss it.
