Mama said there would be days like this

Today was such a mess. I woke up early to say my goodbyes to the Belgium guys (7.00AM). I thought while I was up I would get some things out of the way and eat breakfast. As I was about to leave my ipod froze. The title of the song was visible but none of the buttons did anything. I spent the next hour trying to fix the stupid thing. I had to unlock all my things, take out all the wires, turn the computer back on, mess with itunes, triple check all the plugs (in the dark so as not to wake the other 3 guys in the room). Nothing worked. Then I had to put everything back and lock everything. I missed breakfast. Naturally I was pissed. I walked down the the electronics store to see if they could help. They told me to go across the street (the widest street in the world by the way - no joke) to a video game store. I couldn't find the place - of course - because I was too frustrated and he happened to use a combination of words that I'm not used to hearing. So I decided to walk ten blocks to a better electronics store. They told me that the only place that could help was across town in Palermo - the Apple Store in a shopping mall. I didn't want to go because I told my self I would not take any more taxis but I was already two hours invested at this point and I just wanted my ipod to work. So I took a cab (6$ US) to the place (hunger begins to set in). I get to this mall and I could swear I was in the United States. The mall was so much malls in the U.S. that I begin to start looking at clothes and things, comparing prices...blah blah blah. I even found a Universidad de Palermo information stand (I stopped and asked where my building was in Palermo and the girl showed me). Then I saw a Nike Human Race poster so I went into the store to try and register. They said I had to go online. Finally I found the place. I knew they could help me. The guy took about 45 seconds to look at my ipod then he hands me a little slip of paper and tells me I have to go across to tech support because they only sell the ipods not fix them. I'm 4 hours in at this point. My buddies left, my ipod is broken, I missed breakfast and lunch, and I have been three places and nothing has worked. I feel even worse because I set a goal not to take a cab and I did. Not only that, I have to take another one back and I still haven't gone to tech support. No telling where that is. So I decided to give up. I went into the little market and bought some food and went home. By this time my ipod had ran out of batteries. I was sure it was dead forever. Then when I got home and connected the ipod and turned the computer on it worked! What a day. That was the hardest 10 hour stretch I have had in Argentina. I put my groceries up and treated myself to a stake dinner well deserved (10$ US).

Phone Calls

I made all my phone calls home today. I got to talk to daddy for the first time since I left. He was happy for me. He asked a lot about my safety - I could tell that he is worried about that. He told me that Kaleb is in TN visiting. I'm really glad that daddy and Kaleb get to spend time together. Kaleb has had a lot of strong male influence in his life lately and that is a great thing that I hope continues.

Diana was over at Chasity's house visiting while she is recovering from surgery. I wish her a speedy recover (I know she will be bouncing around in no time).

I did not get a hold of mama. I wish I would have gotten the chance to thank her for the money she put in my account and I hope she know how much easier my life is now that I don't have to worry.

I did not get a hold of my Uncle Sam. I think he went out of town. I'm worried that he is not on his meds. I will be sure to keep calling. He still has not deposited the 500 dollars that he owes me for the car. I'm not really worried about that right now but I think I might have to if I don't here from him soon. I hope everything is going well for him.

Belgium Guys

For the past couple of day I have been rooming with a couple of Belgium guys. We really got along great. I really enjoyed their sarcastic cutting sence of humor for a change (that is something I have not found in any person from Argentina). They traveled all the way from Los Angles to Buenos Aries by bus! During there travels they crossed every country in Central and South American (minus a couple). They are leaving for Belgium tomorrow so I am meeting them at the end of their trip. The intresting aspect for me is seeing there reactions to the end of their time in South America. I know that I will have some of the same feelings that they are feeling when I have to leave.

Today they invited me to go to a pool hall with them. I did not know that we were going to a pool hall until we got there and I found out that that the particular bar that we were in was for pool. Of course I was excited and of course I loved every minute. The place was great in every way - the perfect place for me. We all hung out and shot pool. Nick has a girlfriend from Chile who was in town to say her goodbyes. Nick raved about what are girl she was and after meeting her I can understand why.

Tonight was one of the best so far.

Note to readers: I have a HUGE thing in the works I just don't know when it will happen. Stay tuned!

Puerto Madero

Puerto Madero

Today I walked a few blocks past the Casa Rosada to a place called Puerto Madero. This is B.A.'s newest neighborhood. The place used to be "the docks" but the port of Buenos Aires out grew the capacity of the the old port so it was turned into a residential and fine dining area. Everything is very chic. There are all types of modern restaurants. There is plenty of recreational area along the river walk that makes for nice view. There were people riding bikes, jogging, and I even saw one person using a kayak. This must be an area of growth because many of the building are very modern shapes and made of glass and steel. There is a spectacular bridge for walkers that spans the river's center. The shape of the bridge reminds me of one in Valencia. As I was walking I found a casino! I didn't gamble any money (because I don't have any) but I was glad to know where the casino is. I might pay the blackjack tables a little visit on my birthday (Oct. 17). I must have walked three miles when I decided to stop for lunch at Burger King. While I was in line I met very nice guy named Eduardo. He must have been in his late 30's or early 40's. He sat with me as we ate and we talked about Argentina and a traditional Asado (cook out). He gave me his e mail and said that he would invite me to his family's Asado one day. I was excited to hear this because that is on my Tango list (I think). As we were talking the wind blew my napkin away. I went to pick it up and all the pigeons began eating my food! I had to scare them away. Then I threw them a few fries so they would leave me alone. That only made things worse. I eat my burger (I wasn't going to buy another, 5 second pegion rule) with an audience of about 5 pigeons and Eduardo. I'm going to go back tomarrow for photos.

Hot Dog!

Hot Dog!

Today was a pretty boring day. So I will try and give you a little piece of an interesting part of my day. I was out walking the streets looking for cheep food (as per usual). I come across an empty place with a sign that says:

Pomocion 2 Panchos y gaseosa 9 pesos

Now I don't know what a pancho is but if I get two and a drink for less that 3$ US it is worth trying! So I ask the store owner behind the counter and he says:

Store owner: UM...Hut dog (points to the buns and all the toppings)
Me: Perro caliente (how you would say hot dog in Spain)
Store owner: Um ju git two...um...panchos (extends his arms) and un coke for 9 pesos.
Me: Esta bien (that's good).
Store owner: What you want, coke?
Me: Coke esta bien (I hand him the money).

By this time I could tell this guy like to speak English. He begins to make my hot dog.

Store owner: One now...one later.
Me: (pointing to the toppings) Que son estos?
Store owner: Um...Ketup...Mayonesa....(listing all the toppings with a little help on some)

After he made the hot dog we began to talk about local points on interest (Sports, social issues, that kind of thing). He had to switch to Spanish because some if the ideas were more complex. We talked about the state of Buenos Aires as it pertains to the economic crisis in 2001 and how that has changed the goals of the city. I had no idea that in 2000 Buenos Aires was one of the cities in the running for the Olympics (Athens won). He told me Buenos Aires is in no position to host an Olympics anymore because there are too many people that go hungry. He said the investment is better spent on hospitals for the poor than hosting an Olympics games. I was sad to hear him say this. Buenos Aires has regressed and his feeling are proof. I told him about the time surrounding Atlanta when they hosted the Olympics and how much Atlanta has grown. As I ate he told me about place in the cities where children die of hunger. I could tell by the look in his eyes and the sound in his voice that he was not joking in the least bit. I felt bad for even suggesting Buenos Aires would benefit from an Olympics. I thought about the people I saw digging in the trash earlier and quickly tried to change the subject. Being a good conversationalist he let me off the hook and we began to talk about something else.

I really enjoyed talking to the store owner and I think he like talking in English. The hot dogs (panchos) were good. I think I will go back next week.

Chill’n with the Chileans

Chill’n with the Chileans

I had to change rooms at the hostel where I'm staying. My bed was reserved so they moved me to a room on the second floor. I'm happy because the internet continues to work even though I'm further from the access point. Then the attendant surprises me with the news that four of my new roommates are girls from Chile. Well I like girls and I like Chile (and chili). Naturally I was excited. These girls did not disappoint. All of them are super sweet. They speak just enough English where they can't bail me out everytime I can't think of a word. We spent the day in San Telmo at the flea market. I had already been and they had not so I decided to go for another look. Plus we walked so we didn't have to pay for a cab. While I was there I began to remember what shopping with a group of girls is like. There were plenty of interesting people to watch as they looked at all the trinkets so the waits were not bad. As night was setting in we stopped for dinner at a little restaurant. I enjoyed sitting there eating with them (check the photo under my photos). I'm excited about the new people in my life. I hope we all have a good time just as I did with my previous roommates. I'll keep you posted.

First night out in B.A.

First night out in B.A.

Last night was my first night out in B.A. I had a blast. We did not do anything spectacular but just being out at night and taking in all the sights and sounds was cool. My roommates and I went to a little cafe in Palermo. They all had a small cafe (and managed to sip in it for over an hour). I had a Quillmes which is the Argentine beer of choice. We spent a good hour in the cafe laughing and talking about nothing. At one point that I mentioned that my camera was waterproof I put it in my glass of beer to prove that it was. That was worth a good laugh especially when I attempted to take a drink while the camera took a picture while in my glass. The photo did not take. (check the photo). Later we went to this hip little bar that remined me a lot of home. There was a happy hour and many of the bar tenders spoke English. The whole place was like a cave with many stairs to climb, many nooks, and just as many crannys (I like the word cranny). The entire ambiance was red back lighting and earthy wood tables and chairs that seemed to be cut from the stump of a tree. Oh and they played the song "Baby I got ya Money" by Old Dirty Bastard (a.k.a Big Baby Jesus). So that instantly made the place more cool. I tired out around 2:30 am. I guess that is the American last call kicking in. I caught a cab home and went to sleep. Even though I really enjoyed the night I got the same empty-why-am-I-doing-this feeling that I always get after a night out in the U.S. I thought maybe that would be different now that I'm in B.A. I guess not. At that moment, for the first time of the trip, I felt bad. It was a great first night out in B.A.

Hostel one week update

Hostel One Week Update

O.K. it has been about one week in the Hostel and I really loved it! I was nervous coming in with the thought that this in only temporary until I figure out what I'm doing for the rest of the trip. My outlook has changed completely. I feel lucky to have stayed with the people that are in my room. There was no conflict at all. They really opened up from the beginning and made living here easier for me.

As far as the facilities go, I wonder how this place makes any money. I only pay about 9 dollars U.S. a day. My computer is always plugged in the the internet (no extra charge). There is a small breakfast everyday and the bathrooms are not the worst that I have seen. Hell they let me use the sheets and blanket (did not pack those).

I know about the horror stories - I'm just glad none of that happened to me. Because if something did happen I would probably written off living in hostels forever and I would have never got to experience the way the youth travel in other countries.

MALBA

MALBA

Museum of Latin American Art in Buenos Aires.

I love this museum! There are so many fascinating works of art. There were multimedia pieces, abstract paintings, photographs, moving industrial art, ceramics, and of course a few crazy off-the-wall things. Unlike the Fire Arts Museum this Museum had several jaw dropping pieces. The star of the show was definitely Antonio Berni's Manifestacion from 1934. There were also works from Diego Revira, Alejando Solar, among others. Everything seemed to catch your visual attention. The only bad thing about the whole experience was that I could not take pictures (I managed to find some pictures on line).

Aside from the art itself the building was a marvel of modern architecture. Every wall and floor was white stone and the individual rooms had wood floors. In the main entry you had a perfect view though glass windows. The internal frame of the wall was visible and you could see the steel cables - a theme carried though out the entire building. From the outside you can see steel, a water feature, and stone. There is also a light feature that moves according to the amount of noise on the street. I don't know if this is some kind of political statement or not. What a perfect building to house a modern art museum. All and all I really enjoyed myself and I would gladly go back to this museum again

Mate

Mate

Last night I received a big surprise! My two new roommates brought a big bag of Mate and they were nice enough to share it with me and explain a little about how Mate is drank. From what I can gather (there Spanish was a little different that what I was used to) Mate is a drink made by mixing hot water into a metal container filled with herbal leaves. Then the drinker drinks as much of the water through a metal straw from the container as they can. The bowl is filled again with hot water and given to the next person to drink. Mate can also be served cold (given a different name) and with sugar. They tell me that mate was drank by people in the in the campo and farm workers on cold nights like last night. The mate tastes a little bitter like green tea but I really enjoyed the taste. We all sat around the campfire (space heater) on the hardwood floor and in our bunks, drank our mate, and talked about politics. I did not add much to add to the discussion (sometimes it was in Portuguese) but I followed what was said and enjoyed hearing other people ideas on what is going on in their country. The discussion was genuine almost like I wasn't there and everyone was just talking. The feel of the night reminded me of a sleepover - with bigger kids and more serious conversation. I would love to say that later there was a huge pillow fight and prank phone calls in Spanish but that was not the case