My day so far has consisted of: being handed a cerrated knife and a plate for no apparent reason by the part-time housekeeper, being asked questions about my life when I'm not even able to spell my own name due to being asleep while awake, and having to pee so bad I couldn't see straight and realizing that the only bathroom was occupied via a shower.
I've been up for 20 minutes.
On a food note, when the custom is to have only a piece of toast and jam and coffee for breakfast, you turn into a food hoarder. Not trusting the eventuality of lunch, you take food whenever it is presented to you. This may be a bit of an exaggeration but in adjusting to Argentina, I have to say, I miss my eggs and orange juice for breakfast, and not being handed knives by housekeepers. I am not a morning person, as my mother will vigorously vouch for, and being asked to hold even a small conversation (in any language) is my idea of breakfast torture, a conversational hold up with words.
Now I am waiting for the shower to be vacated by Pepin, my host dad.
Livin the life
besitos
-j
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
Monday, February 27, 2012
Instant Coffee and getting hostel-clean
Last night I could not sleep. My head was overflowing with the events of the last few days and I kept combing through them. Also, Buenos Aires nightlife STARTS around 2AM and ends...when the sun comes up? So there was a lot of actividad outside my window. Sorry to ruin the fantasy for anyone but I haven't gone out yet in BA. I'm still soaking in all the changes. It will happen however, I will get fancy, and there will be raging.
This morning I ventured into the world of instant coffee. It was the strangest thing I've had that purported to be coffee. I have never wanted a coffee machine more in my life and feel that if I had the equipment, I'd mainline the stuff. But instead I sat in the cocina, full of morning sunshine, clinging to my instacoffee like an alcoholic clings to a vodka tonic.
After my breakfast of multi-fruit juice, a breakfast cake thing and instant coffee, I took a shower. It was incredible. I took a shower at the hostel but this means I only got 'hostel-clean' and by that I mean all the important bits got washed but I dried off with my terrycloth travel towel still feeling a layer of grime. So this morning's shower was the first proper one I've had since I left home.
Now I'm dressed and blogging about instant coffee and life in Argentina, enjoying feeling clean.
besitos
-j
This morning I ventured into the world of instant coffee. It was the strangest thing I've had that purported to be coffee. I have never wanted a coffee machine more in my life and feel that if I had the equipment, I'd mainline the stuff. But instead I sat in the cocina, full of morning sunshine, clinging to my instacoffee like an alcoholic clings to a vodka tonic.
After my breakfast of multi-fruit juice, a breakfast cake thing and instant coffee, I took a shower. It was incredible. I took a shower at the hostel but this means I only got 'hostel-clean' and by that I mean all the important bits got washed but I dried off with my terrycloth travel towel still feeling a layer of grime. So this morning's shower was the first proper one I've had since I left home.
Now I'm dressed and blogging about instant coffee and life in Argentina, enjoying feeling clean.
besitos
-j
Sunday, February 26, 2012
my love letter to skype
Dear Skype,
On behalf of all far-flung lovers and family members around the world, I would like to thank you very much for existing. You make homesickness be less sucky. You allow me to feel connected to people I am thousands of miles away from.
Like I said, thanks for existing.
Stay golden Skype.
Sincerely,
Jordan
On behalf of all far-flung lovers and family members around the world, I would like to thank you very much for existing. You make homesickness be less sucky. You allow me to feel connected to people I am thousands of miles away from.
Like I said, thanks for existing.
Stay golden Skype.
Sincerely,
Jordan
Buenos Aires
How do I even begin to cover the last 48 hours of my life?
I'll give you some bullet points.
February 24th, my mom and I drive to Lansing airport, where I was scheduled to fly out at 3:30pm. It was of course, snowing and my flight was going to be delayed, which was long story short going to fuck me over. But then a nice beardy man behind the Continental airlines counter switched me to a direct flight leaving out of Detroit at 3:00. I wanted to kiss nameless beardy man but I settled with a handshake.
I said a long goodbye to my mother and boarded my plane to Houston. Laid over for a few hours and got on the plane to Buenos Aires. It was a weird feeling to watch the blue track lights on the runway and know the plane just lifted off and I was saying goodbye to the US for four months. Next to me were a man and woman, who I originally thought were father and daughter but after a sufficient amount of touching that would have been highly inappropriate for a father and daughter, I decided, for my own comfort, that they were instead probably boyfriend and girlfriend. Boring, long plane ride. I slept for about two hours and am now firmly decided that the only way to be on an overnight flight to a foreign country is drugged up on Xanax or melatonin. I was across the aisle from a family of Argentinians and damnit if they weren't all model-good looking and tan.
After I get off the plane, I walked right into a line, which led to another line, where I paid $140 for a visa. Then I got back in the first line. It was hot, I was tired, and my backpack felt like a million pounds. The woman in front of me thought it was just too damn funny that I had to go buy a visa and then get back in line. I, on the other hand, felt like punching her. Two hours of standing in a sweaty basement type room later I was through customs and breathing relatively fresh air.
I got a taxi service through the hostel I booked and finally I was in the cab, driven by a strong cologne wearing older man whose name I never caught, but he seemed like a Pedro, so that is what I will call him. Pedro and I talked in Spanish about my life and he gave me a list of advice which was not negotiable. On my end, there was a lot of obligatory nodding and agreeing. At my hostel, Pedro bid me a whiskery kiss goodbye and I lugged 50 lbs of my belongings up three flights of narrow stairs to the bed I reserved. Needless to say I collapsed and woke up two hours later wondering how I had made it to Buenos Aires in one piece.
The hostel was trippy. If someone on an acid trip decided to open a hostel, this one was decorated accordingly. Bright colors, crazy murals and a kickin rooftop deck. Plus beer, delicious amazing cold cold beer.
Skip to today, I take a taxi to my homestay and meet my Buenos Aires madre, Patricia. She met me at the front door of the building, dressed in a classy all-white outfit and possessing what all Argentinians seem to have, a classy golden tan. She is super nice and friendly and showed me the apartment, which is gorgeous. My room is very nice and the closet is bigger than mine at home. It was nice to unpack and not have to lug heavy shit around anymore.
This afternoon, I met up with a FOKUS connect Anna B and we walked around the famous Recoleta cemetary. Rich Catholics really know how to rock the afterlife in style. Then we walked through a market that had different items like bracelets, rings, bags, etc. I bought a dreamcatcher. It was a great afternoon and always good to spread the traveler love.
Right now I'm a little braindead.
besitos
-j
I'll give you some bullet points.
February 24th, my mom and I drive to Lansing airport, where I was scheduled to fly out at 3:30pm. It was of course, snowing and my flight was going to be delayed, which was long story short going to fuck me over. But then a nice beardy man behind the Continental airlines counter switched me to a direct flight leaving out of Detroit at 3:00. I wanted to kiss nameless beardy man but I settled with a handshake.
I said a long goodbye to my mother and boarded my plane to Houston. Laid over for a few hours and got on the plane to Buenos Aires. It was a weird feeling to watch the blue track lights on the runway and know the plane just lifted off and I was saying goodbye to the US for four months. Next to me were a man and woman, who I originally thought were father and daughter but after a sufficient amount of touching that would have been highly inappropriate for a father and daughter, I decided, for my own comfort, that they were instead probably boyfriend and girlfriend. Boring, long plane ride. I slept for about two hours and am now firmly decided that the only way to be on an overnight flight to a foreign country is drugged up on Xanax or melatonin. I was across the aisle from a family of Argentinians and damnit if they weren't all model-good looking and tan.
After I get off the plane, I walked right into a line, which led to another line, where I paid $140 for a visa. Then I got back in the first line. It was hot, I was tired, and my backpack felt like a million pounds. The woman in front of me thought it was just too damn funny that I had to go buy a visa and then get back in line. I, on the other hand, felt like punching her. Two hours of standing in a sweaty basement type room later I was through customs and breathing relatively fresh air.
I got a taxi service through the hostel I booked and finally I was in the cab, driven by a strong cologne wearing older man whose name I never caught, but he seemed like a Pedro, so that is what I will call him. Pedro and I talked in Spanish about my life and he gave me a list of advice which was not negotiable. On my end, there was a lot of obligatory nodding and agreeing. At my hostel, Pedro bid me a whiskery kiss goodbye and I lugged 50 lbs of my belongings up three flights of narrow stairs to the bed I reserved. Needless to say I collapsed and woke up two hours later wondering how I had made it to Buenos Aires in one piece.
The hostel was trippy. If someone on an acid trip decided to open a hostel, this one was decorated accordingly. Bright colors, crazy murals and a kickin rooftop deck. Plus beer, delicious amazing cold cold beer.
Skip to today, I take a taxi to my homestay and meet my Buenos Aires madre, Patricia. She met me at the front door of the building, dressed in a classy all-white outfit and possessing what all Argentinians seem to have, a classy golden tan. She is super nice and friendly and showed me the apartment, which is gorgeous. My room is very nice and the closet is bigger than mine at home. It was nice to unpack and not have to lug heavy shit around anymore.
This afternoon, I met up with a FOKUS connect Anna B and we walked around the famous Recoleta cemetary. Rich Catholics really know how to rock the afterlife in style. Then we walked through a market that had different items like bracelets, rings, bags, etc. I bought a dreamcatcher. It was a great afternoon and always good to spread the traveler love.
Right now I'm a little braindead.
besitos
-j
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
two days mothafluzzas
Two days away. Suitcase has been packed and unpacked at least ten times.
People have been giving me advice, some of it's been total crap, some of it's been useful.
Favorite nug of knowledge so far? "Bring condoms"
Shit's about to get real.
besitos
-j
People have been giving me advice, some of it's been total crap, some of it's been useful.
Favorite nug of knowledge so far? "Bring condoms"
Shit's about to get real.
besitos
-j
Friday, February 17, 2012
minimalist living-life from a suitcase
Generally, I'm the kind of person who cleans and organizes everything. There is very little in my life/surroundings that doesn't have a specific place or purpose.
For the most part, I subscribe to the belief that a cluttered environment means a cluttered mind and I make a conscious effort to frequently reevaluate what I need and what I could give away. Living with as little clutter as possible helps me to think more clearly.
But when it comes to packing for a trip, a long distance, four month long trip for example, those urges to clean and be minimal come into conflict with my urge to be as prepared as possible. Weighing the necessity of each thing I pack makes me truly think about what is required for a full life. The answer is: not much. Beyond the basics, it is best to leave room for experiences to flesh out the space around me.
Bottom line: living with less allows you to live more fully.
besitos
-j
For the most part, I subscribe to the belief that a cluttered environment means a cluttered mind and I make a conscious effort to frequently reevaluate what I need and what I could give away. Living with as little clutter as possible helps me to think more clearly.
But when it comes to packing for a trip, a long distance, four month long trip for example, those urges to clean and be minimal come into conflict with my urge to be as prepared as possible. Weighing the necessity of each thing I pack makes me truly think about what is required for a full life. The answer is: not much. Beyond the basics, it is best to leave room for experiences to flesh out the space around me.
Bottom line: living with less allows you to live more fully.
besitos
-j
Monday, February 13, 2012
strong foundation
It's starting to get really real. In 11 days, I'll be on a plane headed to Buenos Aires. Mild terror and second guessing have officially set in.
But apart from the normal nervousness and double-triple-checking, I am ready to take the leap. There will be moments and even whole days that are pretty crumby because navigating an entirely new place has it's challenges but I know that I have a whole bunch of people who are excited for me, who are wishing me well and who can't wait for me to have this adventure.
It's a very reassuring feeling to know you've got people in your corner, even if it's a whole continent away.
besitos
-j
But apart from the normal nervousness and double-triple-checking, I am ready to take the leap. There will be moments and even whole days that are pretty crumby because navigating an entirely new place has it's challenges but I know that I have a whole bunch of people who are excited for me, who are wishing me well and who can't wait for me to have this adventure.
It's a very reassuring feeling to know you've got people in your corner, even if it's a whole continent away.
besitos
-j
Thursday, February 9, 2012
the rosy glow of impending nostalgia
I've been at home for almost two months. Away from the rush of classes but also away from my friends and my city. I've been back to visit several times which has definitely helped and now I feel like I've said my temporary goodbye to Ann Arbor.
But now, with the days beginning to tick down seemingly louder and faster than before, I find myself looking around my house, the photos and furniture beginning to take on a a rosy glow, fuzzy around the edges. I call this the glow of impending nostalgia. It happens every time before I go away for a long time, the mundane and familiar objects, places, and people in my everyday life adopt a heightened significance.
I've started to look at my recommended packing list and it's really starting to hit me.
Argentina is coming.
besitos
-j
But now, with the days beginning to tick down seemingly louder and faster than before, I find myself looking around my house, the photos and furniture beginning to take on a a rosy glow, fuzzy around the edges. I call this the glow of impending nostalgia. It happens every time before I go away for a long time, the mundane and familiar objects, places, and people in my everyday life adopt a heightened significance.
I've started to look at my recommended packing list and it's really starting to hit me.
Argentina is coming.
besitos
-j
Wednesday, February 8, 2012
victory
The insurance company finally agreed that it made sense to give me a 4 month supply of my medication seeing as I'll be gone. Only took them a week to see that. They're brilliant.
besitos
-j
besitos
-j
Tuesday, February 7, 2012
Yellow Fever, Typhoid, Malaria-Oh My
Yesterday I went to a travel clinic to get my immunizations for the rare diseases I will most likely never encounter. After waiting for twenty minutes and spending $250, I received shots for yellow fever and typhoid. Delicious. I also received anti-malarial pills and Cipro, an antibiotic for traveler's diarrhea. Having intimately experienced this during my time in Spain, I consider the $10 for the Cipro arguably the best money spent all day.
The next item on Argentina day was to haggle with my insurance over a vacation override to get a 3 month supply of a medication I take for ADD. Life would be easier if I didn't have to deal with this part of the...wait, what was I saying? In all seriousness, I'm very fortunate to have good insurance, or rather, that my mother does and it will all work out soon enough.
Surprise of the day was my dad buying me a new camera. Seeing as my existing camera was purchased in 2004, has seen the countries of France, Italy, Greece, Canada and Spain, been dropped off ledges and down stairs, and has a charger which was left behind somewhere in northern Spain...it was time for an upgrade. However, I had planned on spending the money to technologically advance my camera and was genuinely surprised when my dad said he'd take care of it. The most my parents ever pay for is dinner when we go out to eat so this was great.
Now I sit playing with my new camera, promising I won't ever drop it off high places onto hard surfaces, knowing I'm probably lying. I have my suggested packing list printed off.
Maybe considering packing would be good....
besitos
-j
The next item on Argentina day was to haggle with my insurance over a vacation override to get a 3 month supply of a medication I take for ADD. Life would be easier if I didn't have to deal with this part of the...wait, what was I saying? In all seriousness, I'm very fortunate to have good insurance, or rather, that my mother does and it will all work out soon enough.
Surprise of the day was my dad buying me a new camera. Seeing as my existing camera was purchased in 2004, has seen the countries of France, Italy, Greece, Canada and Spain, been dropped off ledges and down stairs, and has a charger which was left behind somewhere in northern Spain...it was time for an upgrade. However, I had planned on spending the money to technologically advance my camera and was genuinely surprised when my dad said he'd take care of it. The most my parents ever pay for is dinner when we go out to eat so this was great.
Now I sit playing with my new camera, promising I won't ever drop it off high places onto hard surfaces, knowing I'm probably lying. I have my suggested packing list printed off.
Maybe considering packing would be good....
besitos
-j
Monday, February 6, 2012
y mis padres son...
I just found out who my host familia is. They are in their sixties, my host mother is a literatura teacher, they are Buddhists and have a dog. Yes, I briefly thought of the scene in Anchorman..
I am going to live with two Argentinian Buddhists. This makes me so excited. Not because I am Buddhist myself but because I am currently imagining what it is like to be, I assume, a practicing Buddhist in Argentina-a country of Catholic tradition where many have a laid-back, non-Mass attending way of faith.
I am thrilled they have a dog, hopefully I will miss mine less.
These detalles are making el hecho de mi viaje a Argentina muy real.
Getting travel vaccinations later today-Yellow Fever, Typhoid and Malaria here I come. Please don't kill me.
besitos
-j
I am going to live with two Argentinian Buddhists. This makes me so excited. Not because I am Buddhist myself but because I am currently imagining what it is like to be, I assume, a practicing Buddhist in Argentina-a country of Catholic tradition where many have a laid-back, non-Mass attending way of faith.
I am thrilled they have a dog, hopefully I will miss mine less.
These detalles are making el hecho de mi viaje a Argentina muy real.
Getting travel vaccinations later today-Yellow Fever, Typhoid and Malaria here I come. Please don't kill me.
besitos
-j
Sunday, February 5, 2012
deuces A2
This weekend I went to Ann Arbor to celebrate a good friend's 21st birthday. I knew that this was going to be my last time in Ann Arbor for five months, kind of heavy shit. It's a city I love and identify with far more than with my actual hometown.
Between the car ride to Ann Arbor, house-shaking birthday party, somewhat surreal journey to Livonia and Fleetwood Diner for a farewell meal of Hippie Hash, it was a near perfect good bye to not only my friends but the city as well. Maybe it was the fact that it was a birthday, a celebration of life and accomplishments and all that goodness, but the atmosphere throughout was of optimism, exuberance and seriously good vibes.
This morning, sitting in Fleetwood with a cup of coffee and a steaming plate of hash, I felt incredibly fortunate to be where I was and headed where I am headed. I hope that my second family in Ann Arbor, particularly my FOKUS fam, know how grateful I am for them.
The experiences I have had in Ann Arbor have helped to shape who I am and I'm going to miss this city something crazy but after this weekend I feel ready to jump into this new Argentinian adventure
besitos
-j
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