Ride home

After we climbed the summit we camped at the base of Tres Picos. I was not looking froward to leaving for a number of reasons. 1) I didn't want the moment to end, 2) we had to hike all the way back in one day, 3) we had time constraints, 4) after we got back we still had to call a taxi, and finally 5) we had to sleep on the bus. Well we were lucky to run into a true gentleman that took care of the first four concerns in one swoop. He offered us a ride no just back to the start of the ranch, he also drove us (for free) all the way back to Sierra de la Ventanna (a hour by car). Trail magic is all I have to say. ;)

Summit

We made it to the top of Tres Picos today. What a day! We spent the afternoon approaching the mountain. Around 3.30 we ran into a man coming off the top of the moutian. He told us we had about a two hour hike and only 2.5 hours of light left. He told us if we wanted to go up he would wait to make sure we made it back safe. The climb approaching the moutian was brutal. Several times I felt like quitting. Seeing me struggling, Jessie gave me the following piece of advice "Take small steps, just keep moving foward." The advice didn't ease the pain in my legs and the climb was just as hard but it help. I relaxed took small steps where I normally would have stopped to rest. I could have asked Jesse to take smaller steps so I could keep up. He set a tough pace and Kelly manged to keep up better than I. I can't blame the extra weight I was carring because we dropped or packs at the base to save time. When we finally made it to the summit it was all worth it. I introduced Kelly and Jesse to the Yetti. We had a great time taking photos and basking in our accomplishment. I felt so proud of myslef and the group as a whole. I can honestly say now that if I would have known how hard everything was going to be I probally would have never even tried. But I did and I made it. That was one of my proudest moments of my life.

Sierra de la Ventanna day 3

I woke up early today to watch the sun rise. It was cloudy so I did not get to see the sun come up. The the morning was still nice. I got to spend some time by myself. Today we are going to the top of Tres Picos. I'm so excited for the trip. I wanted to wake Jesse and Kelly but let them sleep.

Yesterday we were just finding our way. We camped by the water tank which is basically the start of the trail. After a fill up on water and a little something to eat we set out on the trail. (I did not know at the time that I wrote this how hard physically this day would be. I should have slept in also)

Sierra de la Ventanna Day 2

Today was our first day out on the trail. The day was really awesome. Our bus was two hours late b/c there was a wreck on the highway. We made it to Sierra de la Ventanna by 8 or 9. We stopped for coffe and stocked up on supplies. After a lunch of awesome pizza and empanadas we caught a cab to Paseo de Funke. I met up with Monica (trail guide). She gave us a breif (very breif) over view of the trail. We didn't even hike for 2 miles before we were off the trail. We still managed to go in the right direction. While we were finding our way back on the trail I really felt like the group bonded. We jumped some fences and helped one another. Blake did well to keep us moving and in the right direction. Kelly had that light in ther ehye while she was taking her pictuers. At one point she said:

Kelly: "O.K. if we jump this fence we can go under that gate..." (to get where we needed to be)
With some team work we did it and the she said, "Camping is awasome!"

I'm really gald kelly enjoyed herself. I would like her to come along again. She didn't complain or otherwise say one thing negitive the whole day. That is saying a lot considering all the conviences we gave up.

I got the tent up without a prolbem. I could have done a better job staking the tent down. The wind picked up during the night and the rainfly flapped all night. Otherwise the tent help up perfectly.

Jesse and Kelly made an awasome dinner. We were all hungry from the trail. Tomarrow is a big day. I can't wait to be at the top of Tres picos with Jesse and Kelly.

Sierra de la Ventanna Day 1

Today Kelly, Jessie, and I left for Sierra de la Ventana. I'm so excited for the trip. We were a little late getting to the bus station but a nice man helped us find the right place. Perhaps we got our first bit of trail magic before the trip even started. When we got on the bus it was much better than I expected. We got the front fow with a view. The seats lean all the way back and they are very comfortable. I can't wait for the morning. I really look foward to the time we are going to spend togeather.

Miles travled: 350?

Trip 1 Serria de la Ventana

Pre trip

Today I went with Blake to buy my tickets to Serria de la Ventana. The girls made other plans so I thought it was just going to be him and I. Lucky for us Kelly came though like a champ and decided to go. So we are a group of three. I'm so glad Kelly decided to join us i really hope she enjoys the whole trip b/c she is really making a leap of faith.

The rough plan is to leave from B.A. at 11.20PM and arrive in two at around 7 A.m. It would be perfect if we could spend our first night on top of one of the tres picas. I got some info from the nice gentleman at the camping store. He said that it is cheap to camp and gave me a website to look up. I would love to wake up on top of a plateau and watch the sun rise! I can not wait. In total we are going to spend 3 days and 2 nights away for the city.

I had no idea that Jessie is the present of the UGA trekking club. I feel really good knowing that he has experience. For Kelly and I it will be out first time out on our own. I have been going over all the critical items. I think I have everything down. I gave Kelly my daypack to use for the trip. I put a few items in there so she could get the feel of some of the things she was going to bring. I really hope she can fit her camera in my bag. I just know if the takes pictures they will turn out great. I'm almost as excited for her to take pictures as I am to camp.

I hope everything goes well and wish me a safe trip. I will try and upload a map and more info about the trip so everyone can follow along. I doubt I will have internet so look for updates when I return. If you hear the Yetti call coming from the direction of South America then you know it is me at the top of the pampas.

What a disaster!

Today I had two classes an internship and tango class. I knew going in today was going to be tough. Everything was all together from 11:30A.M. - 7:00P.M. Anyone who knows me knows I'm good for about 4 hours and that's it so today was basically twice what I'm comfortable with.

Classes went fine.

From there I went right to my internship. There wasn't a chance to eat so I made sure not to talk to much. We spent a hour talking and making our introductions. Straight from there we were supposed to go to tango class. I went up to my room thinking it would be better to take a minute to change clothes and regroup. I show up and everyone is already well into class. So I jump in as best I can. Emily did her best to show me what I missed. I thought I was catching on a little when the instructors asked us to switch. From that point on the whole thing was down hill. Either I forgot everything I learned, I was tired or hungry, maybe the music, the hot room, or everything put together but I was overwhelmed. Everyone was telling me things in Spanish and English moving around and started to wish I never got dressed to go at all. I would have been better off in a T shit a jeans. I felt so out of place. And everywhere I looked someone was moving beautifully. Of course the instructors ask someone to demonstrate. I felt like everyone expected me to break out a 50 step sequence. I could barely do the first five. I think this is one of the few time where being drunk is actually better than being sober. I literally could not clam down enough to do two things at once.

I just wanted to relax. I wanted the scene on my blog. Who cares about the steps. I was so psyched I really think that worked to my disadvantage.

I'm going to a nice dinner in my tango clothes and hope for a better night.

WILL YOU BANG THAT DRUM

Yesterday Will, Jessie, Susan, Susannah, and Carrie went to a Boca Jr. game. I wanted to get there early so we go be in the crazy section but that went out the window. We had trouble getting everything going and we had to catch two cabs. The cars took longer than expected to get there and we had a bigger group. We managed to get into our seats but everything was packed. I think we would have enjoyed the game more in the other section but it was good either way.

After the game the group split and Will and I went to Florida to get some food. We got Ugi's pizza. After we ate we were walking along the street just chewing the fat and Will says "I wonder I if I can find a band to play with down here." and I said "Go to the where they play live music where the musicans hang out." About five minutes later we got on the red line to go home and we heard some nice music in the sub way. Two guys were playing drums and singing. We sat down for a while and enjoyed the music. A girl sat down with us and we started talking in Spanish. We were enjoying ourselves so much we decided to catch the next train. Will decideds that he wants to try and play with the band. So we ask and the guys are totally cool. The drummer sits Will down and gives him the drums. After a little warm up Will starts to ROCK OUT (check the photos). People start to come up to listen and Will is killing all the little cross moves and the band memebers are amazed. The whole thing was awasome all the way around. Will and I left pumped. I felt a rush just taking the photos so no telling how pumped Will was. He said it was the coolest thing he had done in Buenos Aires.

Row, row, row your boat

Yesterday the group went for a relaxing walk near the zoo. When we got the park David the activity coordinator said in Spanish "After a week in such a huge city I thought you might like to relax in a place with a little more natural environment." I'm glad someone else thinks so also. We all walked around for 30 minutes, took some pictures, and enjoyed the park. There were a bunch of statues (check the pics) and a bunch of cats. After the park we headed for another park with paddle boats. When we got there we had to pair up to use the boats. I wanted to take a row boat. I was a little worried that I would be the only one. After a few minutes wait I finally found someone to ride alone. Blake, Jessie G. and I all set out. Just leaving the dock was a chore. There was a bunch of traffic and steering the little row boat was much more difficult than expected. After a few minutes of trial and error we finally made it to open water. Besides the splashing it was a really nice ride. We all took turns rowing. The guys were getting hungry so we went back to the docks to get food. I waited in the boat, took some pics (check the photos), and tried to get used to rowing. After Jessie and Blake got the food they did not want to row anymore. David decided to come along for a ride. The second time our I manged the rowing much better. David and I ran into (literally and physically) the other members of the group near the bridge. We all had a good time laughing it up and playing pirates. I really felt the group bonding. After all the rowing I was spent so left the group at the park and took the green line back to my room to chill for a while.

Goooooal for gold!

Argentina won the gold in soccer tonight. I watched it at a bar not that far from the dorm. I loved the whole night. The scene was awesome. This place had all of your traditional games (darts, pool, fooseball, board games) but tonight I noticed they also have archery. Yes you heard right archery. There were people in the upstairs part of the bar shooting bows and arrows. When you think of a bar in Buenos Aires you don't think of shooting bows and arrows but this place had it. The game was good. 1-0 Argentina won. The only goal was on a one on one break away and the scorer lofted the ball with his off foot over the goalie. The bar went nuts. Everyone started chanting and banging the tables. I normally do not watch soccer but I must say I really enjoyed the entire expereince. When time ran out everyone sang and chanted. I wish I knew all the songs that they sang I enjoyed everyone else sing. I'm sure the soccer team is going to be the buzz of the town for the next two weeks or so. I guess I should brush up on my soccer words. Dale Argentina!

Now walk it out, now walk it out

I just got back from a little jogging/walking with Carrie Jensen. It was great - just what I needed. We left for the tail around 10A.M. I'm surprised I woke up that early considering how late I stayed out last night. I got a little water and trail mix and met Carrie at school. The trip over was pretty interesting. We were both decked out in running gear on the subway. Of course the subway cars were shoulder to shoulder and I had a huge back pack on. Carrie seemed surprisingly cool considering how much we stood out and how packed the Subte was. When we finally make it to the trail it was a beautiful thing. I let Carrie take the lead b/c I knew I would not be able to keep up. After about 3.5 minutes of 1/2 a mile I was winded and Carrie had hit her stride. It was great to see her in her zone. At one point she said to me "This is what I have been looking for since I got here." That really made me happy. I know the feeling. I almost made it to the half way point when I spot Carrie headed back in my direction to walk with me. We walked to the fork in the road and for the rest of the trail. I was glad for the rest, the conversation, and the views. I hope I can share similar moments with all my new friends.

Pool Hall

I just got back from the pool hall. I had a great time. Blake and I walked about six blocks to a cool place called jobsbar. I had been there before. I was happy to know that the place was so close. We played a couple of games of pool and just chilled out. I was glad to have a slow night. In fact we actually did our homework before we went to play pool so it was kinda like a reward. While we were there the table kept eating our coins so we ended up talking to two girls. They were similar in age, very cute, and friendly. I did most of the talking but I was glad to know that Blake followed the whole conversation. We talked for about 30 minutes and called it a night. I really enjoyed myself and the conversation that we had.

We barely knew eachother

Yesterday was a huge day. I met everyone from the program. What a group we have! I'm super excited.

I met my host family. It was one lady living along. She was great. We chatted for a while and I was looking forward to living with her. Everything was going great. She gets a call from one of the other mothers and she said that other members of the group are going out (Jessie). So I go to look for them. We all end up have a big night of adventure where nothing really happened but the night seemed huge. I ended up going home around 4:00AM. I thought I knew where the house was but I spent 30 minutes looking for the door. I never found the place and ended up going back to my hostel for the night.

Of course there was hell to pay the next day. The program director was not happy. I explained that I got lost, and I didn't want to wake anyone, and that I had a key to my hostel, but the damage was done. My host mother did not want me to live with her anymore! So now I live in a dorm with a bunch of kids from Argentina. I guess it doesn't matter to me one way or the other. I deserved to be kicked out - I don't blame her one bit. I just hate that I "left a bad taste in her mouth."

More posts coming.

Meet the Parents

Tomorrow I go to meet my exchange family. I did not know exactly where the meeting place was so I took the subway to find it. The building was not that far from a mall that I had been to before. I was really surprised that I managed to make it there without getting lost. I did have to check the map a few time but I was always in the right place. The only think I'm worried about is the meeting time. My professor told me 9:45. Is that A.M. I think it is. But I could also see why it would be at night. I'm going to go in the morning just to be sure. Why would anyone meet that late at night. I'm really excited. I bought my host family a medium sized box of chocolate. It came in a little box with a bow and then the lady put it in a pretty bag with sting handles and sealed the top. Perfect. I'm most interested to all my classmates. I hope we have a good dynamic. I really think we will based on everyone's facebook profiles. I wonder what time everyone lands in B.A. Tomorrow should be really interesting. I'm going to make sure to charge my camera.

The Subway

I have been on the Subway four of five times and I really like it. Besides just taking you from place to place it is like an interesting little world. Here are some of the cool things about the subway.

Today I saw a girl that could not have been 10 years old juggling in the subway cars. She would go from car to car and juggle for change. When I say she juggled she really juggled. Here is how she did it. First she just did something simple. Then she turning it up a little bit. I was not really impressed at this point. Interested but nothing I had not seen before. Then (while the subway car was at full speed and with people standing all around) she started juggling off the wall of the subway car. At any one time she would have a ball in her hand, a ball in the air, and a ball bouncing off the roof of the subway car. Then she started bouncing the balls off of her feet and off the ground. This went on for about two minutes. I was impressed. Everyone gave her a round of applause. Some people gave money.

People will just walk up to you and put little items in your lap. They hand out pens, stickers, hair clips, all kinds of cheep items. They even put them in the lap of people who are sleeping. Then they walk around for a little while and if you look like you are interested they sell you the item. I guess you would exit the train and not pay but they don't seem to worry about that. If you don't want to buy they come back around and collect the item. You also see many poor kids doing the same thing at cafes.

The whole experience of being in one place and then being in another when you get off the train is amazing. When you walk up the stair to street level it is like you were teleported to another world. The whole feel is different. I also like how the whole system is set up. You just find your color and direction then get off at the right stop. 1, 2, 3, easy.

Past few days

The past two days have been really relaxed. Two days ago my buddy Jon from North Carolina took me to the walking trail - I loved it. We walked and just enjoyed the sound of the water and all the trees. The views were really cool. You could see tall grass and cat tails and behind them huge buildings. What a contrast. We must have walked about 3 miles in total.

I got a new roommate from Colombia. Talking to him is very difficult. I have never heard an accent like his and he uses words that I have never heard. I try to talk to him b/c he is very talkative but I get frustrated.

Yesterday was my sister's birthday. I missed it. =( I do have a present for her but it will be a while before she gets it.

Last night I got a chance to "chew the fat" with a group of guys from the hostel. I really enjoyed joking around with them. At one point in the night I said that I was glad I asked them a question b/c I don't have many chances to talk to the "nativos" from Colombia. Well what I wanted to say was "native speakers" (nativos del lengua Espanol) but I was in a rush. They had a good laugh at my expense. They went on and on about how I think they are walking around with hand tools with feathers in their hair. It was good fun.

Today I took the subte to the campus of the University of Buenos Aires. I was very interested to see how they set up their university. When I walked in the one building that we needed to go to there were huge banners all over the place. The banners must have been 30X20 feet.

I think the UGA group arrives tommarrow and I have to meet my family on Sunday. I still need to get my hair cut and shave before then. Also I'm going to buy my family a little gift. I hope they are nice and I hope they cook well.

Stupid Americans

I had a rough night last night. Two guys from my hostel and I had such a great day in Recoleta. We should have quit while we were ahead. They are about to leave so I MADE them go to Recoleta Cemetery. We did not just visit - it was a full out adventure. We took the subway, got lost, walked, talked, ate ice cream. We were traveling in the purest way, as much as you can in the city. When we got to Recoleta I knew they would want to see Evita's grave. I knew exactly where it was. I couldn't tell them. If I told them they would not get as much from the experience. I told them that I wanted them to search for her - just as I did the first time I was in Recoleta. This way they could say they really KNOW Recoleta and Evtia. To my surprise they both embraced the idea (there are about 5000 tombs). We walked around the Cemetery for two hours. We talked about the past. We talked about the history of Argentina, what Evita means to the people of Argentina. We took photos. I really enjoyed seeing them search for Evita. You could see the desperation in there faces. I could not hide my excitement as they got closer. They knew they were close. I just let the moment happen for them. I walked around to the other side of the grave so I could see them find what we had been looking for. We stood there together and just enjoyed the moment. We all left feeling inspired and accomplished. I enjoyed watching an important moment in their journey more than when I did it myself.

Many hours later I starting looking for something to do for the night. As we were getting ready we ran into my Mexican neighbor (Lilia is her name) - the same one I took to lunch a few days ago. Of course I invited her to come along to the bar. She said she was tired (typical). So we ate and drank for a little while. Just before we are about the leave my buddy from the hostel made one last ditch effort to drag her along (I had given up long ago assuming she was not interested). She said yes. I didn't really expect her to accept naturally I was excited. The night was beginning to take shape. We took a taxi to the bar (we could have walked) b/c we had a girl with us. When we got there the scene was dead except the bar we were going to. When we got there everyone was stoked b/c there was live music and we ran into a group of friends from another hostel. The night was in turning for larva to pupa. We all drank and talked and joked. I was so happy with the way the entire day went that I decided it was worthy of a Yetti call (my happy noise, very loud, very embarrassing for those around, very fun for me). I explained the whole yetti culture to everyone in English and Spanish. This would have been the first Yetti in Argentina and an event on the Tango List. I knew all this and still decided to do it. So I release the beast. Not one minute later the girl was pissed - she walks out. The whole dynamic changed. I could not believe she was pulling this shit. She was an invited guest (not paying) and received special treatment (she sent her martini back twice) now after I use my first Yetti in Argentina she messes up the whole night. I could feel the blood rushing to my head. I just shut everything down. I paid the tab, caught a cab, and didn't say a word in Spanish to her the whole ride home. We got to my hostel to drop off the Mexican girl and left to go to another hostel to wind down (and bitch about the girls rudeness). On the way over we ran into the other group from the bar (bunch of people from Europe). I wanted to vent. I was pissed (so were my buddies) that she ruined a great night. Unfortunately, some of the European girls overheard us bitching and complaining. I didn't really give a damn so I pretty much said what I was felt. In in an effort to change the subject we started talking about linguistics and European languages. They were all breaking down the origin of various names. I chime in with this little jewel:

"Where is the name Haagen-Dazs from?"

I knew they would not have an answer b/c it is a made up name by an American company in order to sound European. They take the bait. So I go off on a little rant about American marking to European...Foreign Branding...bla bla bla. I think they misunderstood my intentions - they left. I think they were offended too.

My buddy smartly decided we should call it a night. Talking with him on the way I understood how much of a fool I made of myself and how poorly I represented my country. I never wanted to be the drunk obnoxious American. Last night I was. I fell asleep feeling ashamed. I just wanted to sleep and forget the whole second half of the day.

Boca Jr's/Tango List Update

Go to a Boca Jr's match

I went to a soccer match yesterday. I loved it. The whole thing reminded me of being in Athens for a football game. We were lucky. The whole trip was just a spur of the moment thing. My hostel buddies and I woke up and they mentioned that there was a soccer game today. We went over to La Boca and bought the tickets and got in - nothing to it. When we got there we met a really nice local guy and his son. He told me all about the history of the team and the players. He also said that there is a museum that you can go to and see the locker room, go up to the field, see all the trophies the team has won and things like that. I would like to go on that tour another day. During the game there was so much fan fare. It is almost like the fans are more intrested in cheering than they are in watching the game. There were so many flags, banners, and cheers. Right before kick off the upper level lowered a huge banner that blocked the view of the lower section. I couldn't tell what it said because I was on the inside. Then after a few minutes of cheering and songs the banner was raised and we got to watch the game. The game itself was intresting. No goals in the first half and 4 in the second. Boca won 4-0. When we got back to the hostel they were showing highlights of the game and I got to see some of the stains from other camera angles - that was cool. I loved the whole experience. I'm glad we got to sit with the die hard fans and talk with the locals that made the whold experience so much better.

Tango List Update

Meet someone from The South/Georgia

Today I went running to Puerto Madero. I was almost there when I spotted a college Letterman jacket that said N.C. State. I could not resist the opportunity to talk these people. The guy wearing the jacket was from North Carolina and so was his friend. They were both staying in Buenos Aires for a job inspecting the amount of polution generated from a turbine. I was so excited to talk about sweet tea, southern culture, North Carolina, Georgia, just anything. The two guys were typical young Southern guys. We walked around the port for thirty minutes just sharing our stories about places we had been. These guys travled all over for their jobs. They were in Vegas, Puerto Rico, Spain just all over. After our little walk we decided to go to an all you can eat chineese resturant not far from my hostel. The food was excellent. You had all your typical options plus they had a grill. You could chose any cut of meat and they would give it to you. What a great night. The truth is that I had been feeling a little homesick earlier. I decided to take a nap. When I woke up I thought a nice jog would clear my mind. Then I run into these guys. I didn't feel one bit of homesickness after the night was over. I actually felt like I was at home entertaining guests. I guess you get what you need just when you need it.

Siga La Vaca

I went to lunch with my Mexican neighbor today. I have been dying to go to a place called Siga La Vaca (Follow the Cow) so I invited her. We must have walked for thirty minutes to get the the restaurant. I thought it was closer. Poor girl she was wearing girl shoes and her legs are about as long as my arms. The views were nice and so was the conversation so it was not that bad. We finally made it to the place. All you can eat Argentina Stake and Salad. Plus you get a bottle of wine or pitcher of drink each. I got to try all the major cuts of meat and I discovered two things. Salad really is not salad without ranch dressing and there are only two cuts of meat that I am willing to pay for. I ate some liver, yuck. I ate a grilled shrimp unpealed, yuck. I ate tripe, yuck. The asado was excellent and the ribs were excellent. Of course the conversation was excellent. We had a great time. Maybe it was the bottle of wine but there were moment were I felt like I was on an actual date - nah.

Later in the night. I found out that I was the victim of a fake 20$ bill. I clearly had a fake and I think I got it from an ATM. Now that I know the difference I will be sure to be super sure all my bills are real. Small price to pay in my opinion (20 pesos = 6.67$U.S.) I..m just glad I did not have a fake 100(33.3U.S.$)

Can I offer you something to drink?

Today I was in the ¨super¨ shopping for groceries. I was just looking at was was there and I suddenly had a strange craving for Dr. Pepper. I almost never drink Dr. Pepper. I think the last time was when I was in Dallas at Jason´s Deli. Well I start looking around and there is none to be found. I must have been wondering around like a lost puppy looking for its mother or something. I looked almost expecting to find Dr. Pepper. but no. I have not seen a bottle of Dr. Pepper in my whole time in Argentina. Then I started to wonder what other drinks are not here. No Moutian Dew, no Fruit punch sodas of any kinda (single tear), No Sunkist of any kind, No Sunny D from what I can tell. But no worries they do have plenty of tonic water and podwer tang! Excuse me while I gather some kind of international marketing campain and bring all my frogotten drinks to Argentina. No wonder all thoes people disappeared - it wasn´t political it was thirst. They were looking for Dr. Pepper. O.K. off smart ass soap box. At least they have Coke.

Training Day 2

Today was such a nice day in Buenos Aires. There was no wind, the sky was clear and there was just enough cold in the air. I went for a little run on the same route as yesterday. I set a slower pace and a managed to run for a greater distance. I feel like my breathing is improving and my pace is good. A few more days like today and I should see a big jump in performance. I think I covered about 3.5 miles - a good bit of that was walking. Tomarrow I´m going to rest and push harder on Friday.

In the morning I made my calls home to everyone. If you didn´t get a call and would like one send me a message on facebook and I will add you to my weekly list of people to call. Mama sounded less than pleased that she had to deposit money in my account so soon. Daddy was happy that I was doing well. I caught Leslie at the perfect time - she was on her lunch break. She was happy to report that she got a raise! I missed Cathy again and Chassidy. I missed Chis and left a message. He sent me a message and I´m gald to hear that he is keeping up with our hiking plans. I can´t wait to get back from B.A. and start of A.T.

Birthday Vote

If you notice there is a little poll on the right hand side of the blog. The question is "What should I do for my birthday?" You have four options. I am going to actually do whatever wins. Since I am in a different country and no one can actually "give" me a present - this is your way of giving me a present. Of course it will be a surprise. I have a personal preference but I'm not going to say the thing I want to win because I think that would sway the vote. So vote as many times as you can. Right now there is only one vote.

Training day 1

I have been putting this off for too long. I decided to go for a little run in order to get ready to run the Nike Human Race 10K. My goal for the day was to run to Puerto Madero, rest a bit, run a lap around the port, rest, and then run back. Well needless to say that was a little but much for the first day.

When I stepped outside it was drizzling. I was glad to have my rain jacket and running shorts. I ran to the port. The trip there was so nice. The streets had less people and I felt like I was moving at superhuman speed. A walk that would have taken 10 minutes in the crowd only took 4. I was tired by the time I got there so I took a rest. Then I ran a few blocks and across the bridge. The port was so peaceful there was almost no one there. Then right as I get to the center of the bridge I cross paths with two young women joggers. We smiled at each other. They must have been feeling the same way I did. They were all deck out in rain gear too. I wanted to jog all the way back home but I could not help but stop at the little burger place. I ate a salad and water (I was feeling healthy). I caught my second wind and jogged most of the way back. I would guess that I covered about 2.5 miles. I still have quite a ways to go.

Nothing much going on

The past couple of days have been kind of boring. I have been itching to get out of B.A. for a little while but I don't want to go through the trouble. There are still two weeks until the group from UGA arrive. I want to do one more "big" thing before I have to start school.

I spent most of the day today walking around looking for the outdoor shop that I found the other day. I did not manage to find the place. I guess it is not that big of a deal - all I wanted to buy was a whistle. I must have lost my other one. I did find my shovel so that is a plus.

Yesterday I had a fantastic dinner. I ate a basket of bread, a small starter of chicken and egg, a huge rack of grilled ribs on the bone, a pint of beer, one glass of coke, and some ice cream for 14$US (that is tip included). I had such a great time but I did not have anyone to eat with. So today I asked a girl to dinner. I probably should have asked a couple of days ago but I thought I might go to Cordoba. She has not responded so either she has yet to check her mail or she does not want to go. Maybe another time.

Not that there is anything wrong with that

Wow I just had a very interesting experience. I was on my way to watch a movie when I ran into a few of my old roommates (The Chilean girls). They invited me to go out with them. I would much rather go out and speak Spanish than watch a movie in Spanish so I agreed. After much ado about nothing (20 minute metro ride, finding Vodka, waiting for people to change, typical girl things) we made it to Palermo Viejo. As we are walking around one of the Chilean girls tells me in English "We are going to a gay bar." I instantly said "Yo no." (not me). Then we went on for about 5 minutes why I did not want to go to the gay bar. Some of the reasons: Not my country/bad situation, I'm not gay, I'm a guy, and so on. Of course she said "no, it's not like that." At that moment I felt very American and very Southern. I'm was getting more and more pissed that she did not tell me this two hours earlier so I could make a choice. I tried to leave on a positive note because it was there last night in town and I didn't want to spoil the night for everyone. I caught a cab and as per usual I had the empty why-am-I-here-I-should-know-better feeling. To add insult to injury I didn't have enough cash on me to pay the cabbie so I had to ask him to stop at an ATM. Well the ATM's in this neighborhood are totally different than I have ever seen in my life. The bank closes the ATM's in a room and you have to swipe your debit card in order to unlock the door. Of course I didn't know this so I looked like a jack ass for five minutes trying to open the door and then the cabbie tried to explain how to open the door. I thought he said that I had to use a card that was located by the door. I spent another two minutes (getting more pissed by the second) trying to find a card. I got back in the cab and asked the cabbie to go to another ATM that was not locked. I told me that I had to you MY card. At this point I was embarrassed and frustrated so I just told him to go to another that was not locked. He did; and as he drove off the said that they would all be lock. "Not in the microcentro." I said. He stopped at another locked ATM and I used my card and it worked. I'm glad that I know how to access the locked ATM's but I was just mad at the situation in total. I gave him a nice tip.

On a more positive note I beleive this situation calls for an update of the Tango List. Check the next post.

Tango List Update

Tonight I can cross off #11 on the Tango List.

Tell someone how I feel even though I don't think I should.

I thought this would be one of the easier things to do on the list but in fact it was not. I really felt a rush of bad energy when I had to tell the Chilean girl that I wasn't going to go to the gay bar. She seemed surprised that I didn't give in. I'm sure I could have dealt with the hole situation better but I did what I thought was right for me at the time; that is the most important thing. If the girl can't understand the value in that then I don't mind if she is offended.