The Jungle Life

I have just returned from Iguazu and I could not help myself but come straight to the keyboard to record the details of our trip. From our start to finish, this trip was the smoothest traveling experience I have had in Argentina. We decided to fly to afford ourselves more time and it was completely worth it.

When we arrived we were taken to our hostel, (Hostel Inn which I recommend 100% for anyone traveling there). It was beautiful, clean, and was basically a hotel for a hostel price. The staff and grounds were exceptional and we made ourselves right at home. 

The first day we ventured over to the park and went to "La garganta del diablo" or "The devil's throat." It was slightly overcast, which added to the ominous atmosphere of the falls. As we walked along the bridge we passed different types of fish swimming under our feet, plants and trees we had never seen before, and droves of people from all over the world! From large tourist groups, to class trips, to locals, to study abroad students there was a wide variety of languages. As we drew closer to the falls, we lost sight of the bridge which was swallowed up by mist. Likewise, we could hear the powerful pounding of the water warning us of what was to come. Peering over the edge, our jaws dropped. I have never been filled with such awe, beauty, and fear. The power of the falls is astonishing and at the same time somewhat terrifying. as we made our way along the bridge the mist and wind strengthened. It was incredible to stand with your eyes shut and just feel the fresh, crisp water. After two minutes I was drenched, but it was well worth it. 

While we were there I met and Argentine who was an actor from BA visiting as well. We got to talking and his friendliness astounded Sarah and I. We ended up exchanging phone numbers and hopefully we will meet up in the city soon! I have found Argentines to be so welcoming and so willing to offer their friendship, that sometimes we north americans think "something's up", but they are genuinely being nice people (or at least all the people we have encountered). We enjoyed the falls then went on an ecological tour with a guide. We saw all types of flora and fauna native to this jungle region along with rare species of birds. We ended the day and called it a night pretty early.

The next morning we set our alarms to soak up the sun. We laid by the pool, swam, and slacked off as much as possible. Later in the afternoon we went back to the park and embarked upon the "Great Adventure." We were in a truck with a group of Argentines and road through the jungle while learning all type of "fun facts." We arrived at the water and prepared ourselves for the next leg of the trip...a boat ride under the waterfalls. We found two empty seats and got to know the people around us. We soon learned that there was a group of 22 Irish men who play golf together and travel together every two years. Argentina was their destination this year. They were loads of fun! One was funnier than the next and the accents helped ;)

The boat ride was breathtaking. Rainbows appeared everywhere and we passed by other boats from the Brazil side (as we were on the river which separates the two countries). After ten minutes on the boat we were drenched head to toe with the most refreshing water I have ever experienced. It was incredible. When the ride finished we got out and walked up the mountain side and were able to take AMAZING pictures. There were all different pathways which lead to different cataratas. Breathtaking! When we finished we walked back home, completely content with the day.

At the hostel, we met a group of amazing people. A couple from the UK and Australia, two girls from Ireland, a group of Dutch, and lastly two best friends from New Zealand who actually lived in Iguazu for 6 months. We were quite the crew. They are what made this trip for us. We laughed, talked, drank, ate, and shared an amazing experience together. The two guys from New Zealand took us to places that no tourist would even know existed. On Sunday we went to a river in the neighborhood of the local people. We played with the kids in the water, searched for quartz in the river, and met a family that lives in the jungle quite literally. From start to finish it Sarah and I said to each other "What are we doing?" and "Where are we?"Also, I can finally check off riding on the back of a truck off my list. I feel like I can now really say I was in South America!

When it came time to leave, we were in tears. Although it had only been 48 hours it felt like a week. I wish them all the very best and hopefully our paths will cross again :)

Las fotos

Feria de los Mataderos

This weekend I went to the Feria de los Mataderos with my friend Sarah and we enjoyed a beautiful day outside of our normal routine. Although still inside the city, I was shocked out how much I felt outside of the city. Sarah and I discussed how we felt like we were in a different country. I particularly loved the spirit of this fair. There were so many people, families, and friends just enjoying the day. We watched people dance, listened to music, went to the museum, and had delicious choripan and tamales! All the people were extremely friendly and there were as many foreigners as locals. It was the first time I had the sensation I was back in Peru. Many of the people carried the distinguishable Latin American traits, but we were met with such warmth.

One thing I found particularly interesting was that before we reached the main fair, there was a park busy with commotion. From families picnicking, to vendors selling anything from socks to soccer jerseys, the hustle and bustle of this barrio was astonishing. I found this feria before the main, traditional feria to be fascinating. Literally anything was being sold from used shoes, to burned DVD’s, to fishing rods. Although these goods were not of the highest caliber, I was amazed at what pride people had in what they were selling. Just as the picture shows the lines were straight and a lack of tables did not deter them from displaying what they had to sell in an organized manner. I began to think about the U.S. and how so many would look at what was being sold as junk and not even take an interest, but I was content to walk around and converse with those who had their displays carefully positioned on the ground. 

The Best of Both Worlds

This past week my family from the U.S. came to visit me, and although it was full of some unexpected hiccups, it was amazing to show them the city I have come to know and love. As I have said in past posts, I have made a home here. At first I found myself in disbelief that my real family was finally seeing what I have been living. Likewise, now that they have returned home, they can have a visual of the city, my home, and a sense of my day-to-day.

One of my favorite moments of the week was having my real family meet my host family. It amazed me how much joy it brought me and also made me realize just how close I have become with my host family. I truly consider them to be an extension of the family I have. It was the best of both worlds. There was so much love in the room.... I was grinning ear to ear!

It was interesting to me that the first thing my host mom asked was if my family saw a difference in me. I did not really see that much of a difference in myself until they came. I have been taking for granted how well I know the city now and my ability to navigate without my guidebook or maps. Also, just the rhythm of life and living within this culture happened quite naturally for me. Of course I knew it would be different for my family, but I don't think I realized just how much I have come to embrace and live in the lifestyle here. I felt so blessed to be able to share what I have learned with my family and have a greater appreciation for just how much I have changed, in little and big ways.

My Argentina

The way in which I have become familiar with Argentina is very unique to who I am and it is equivalent to no other study abroad student's experience. This is something I love and treasure. We are all living in the same city, doing pretty much the "same" things, but when I really think about it we each are learning and internalizing the city through the scope of our own reality.

There have been many things my friends have called to my attention, that I was completely unaware of and likewise the reverse. One thing in particular I had heard before traveling here was argentine women were strong and independent, but my mind never ventured to what exactly that might mean. It was not until earlier last week on my walk to the Subte when I suddenly realized something about the women in not only my life, but in the lives of my friends as well. As I have mentioned we are staying with host family's and out of the five girls I am friends with, all of us live with single women, most with children. I am certain that this is not some rare coincidence. I have talked with others who live with one woman or a woman with her children. There are of course a good amount too with families, Dad included, but this phenomenon really struck me.

Also, on the flip side I have noticed the way men interact not only with one another, but with women, and with children here. It is so refreshing to see men openly giving love. I feel so many times at home there is not the openness to love freely on a day to day basis, especially between men. I understand that culturally Argentine's are more affectionate and outwardly apparent, but for me it is something a little deeper than that. I think it is something very interesting to observe as a foreigner. At first I thought to myself no that's not true, but throughout my time here I keep finding myself saying, "Wow, look at the way that man is with his child, or look at the care and attention he is paying to that women." To me, if you take notice, something is different than the norm you are used to.

I simply wanted to share this, and try to stray away from giving my opinion because it is just observation. Something that shook up my reality. I also didn't want to forget these sentiments that I once felt. In a way this blog is going to be my time capsule of events, memories, and reflections. 

Un besooooooooo

So, its been a while....

Yes it has been a month. Or maybe more. I realize my enthusiasm at the start was very ambitious and now am going to try and take a different approach to this blog. With the remaining two months that I have I am going to blog about one thing perhaps every few days that shocks me, inspires me, astounds me, calls me to reflect, or something I just find funny in the city. I think this is more realistic than reviewing my days. Most times I can't even remember what day it is, let alone the sequence of events.

That being said I have traveled much since my last blog (Mendoza y Jujuy) and I find this country so varied. The Andes literally took my breathe away and to have the opportunity to see them in various parts of Argentina has been a gift.

Also, my spanish has reached a new level and I finally feel like my hard work is paying off. Light bulbs have been going off for the past week or two and it has to be one of the most exciting things that has happened to me here. To maneuver in the language and attain a level of auto-correction is a small accomplishment, but a rewarding one.

My host sister and I have also been able to get to know each other better and I love just sitting at the table doing homework with her. I feel I can really call her a sister.

Hopefully this new agreement with myself will hold true and I will write more frequently.