One last abrazo from Buenos Aires

As I pack my bags, I am thinking of all the things I could say about Buenos Aires. I could talk about the country's shortage of change and how a trip to the market becomes incredibly difficult and riding the bus impossible without exact change. I could talk about the easy going spirit you find even in such a big city. Perhaps I could explain how little chance I ever have of being on time or eating before 10 pm again after living here. I could tell you all about this amazing little traditional music venue by my place, family owned and packed every night. I could even talk about that moment I sat in the front row of a tango orchestra concert and was so moved by the young musicians that I literally could feel myself taken away with the music. But that is what a city is, a collection of stories and experiences that come together to form a life all around you. I have been extremely lucky to have experienced this city as I have and can recognize what an amazing opportunity it has been. I will miss many things, though not the dog walkers or their trail of destruction.

Mar del Plata

I just returned from a few days at one of Argentina's most popular beaches, Mar del Plata. Fall has begun, so this mainly tourist town was quiet and peaceful. I stayed with my friend Ivan and his family. Ivan, being familiar with the States, referred to Mar del Plata as the Galveston of South America. Interpret that as you will, but I have always loved Galveston, in part because many are quick to criticize the brown waters and humid weather. But alas, as quick as I am to defend Galveston, Mar del Plata is definitely not that. It was beautiful and very peaceful. A highlight was the fish market! Besides the amazingly overpowering smell, they were also sea lions. Really unattractive up close, and a bit scary to be honest. But fun to see!

I love markets. Any and every kind, but open air fruit and veggie markets are a pure treat. Rebecca took me to Santiago's main green market and it was AMAZING. First off, Rebecca managed to drive through the mass of people, veggie carts and vans, which in itself was a sight. I found myself playing the over protective parent, who is hitting the ghost brake on the passenger side, but we made it safe and sound. Then you walk in and its just stand after stand after stand. I wish my days could start like that, always. Huge avocados, beautiful tomatoes, fragrant fruit and juice! Being tow young redheaded girls managed to score us some free lettuce, extra zucchini, bonus tomatoes and all the cat-calls a girl could handle. I think there might have been a marriage proposal in there somewhere as well. Best I didn't look back, I would only love him for the fresh fruit...

Zapallar

With Rebecca and Co. we went to the coast, que lindo! We went to a small beach called Zapallar. It was honestly one of the most beautiful coasts I have seen. It is the end of summer here, and it wasn't very crowded. When I first heard beach, I thought, Bathing suit! sun screen! perhaps a chance to de-very very white myself. But no, turns out it was actually cold! I had to borrow an over sized jacket I found in the little cabin we rented. We had woods, beach and beautiful dark grey rocks lining the clear, and very cold, water. And the asados (bbq)!

Chungungo

I also visited Rebecca, a friend from Texas. She is now living in Santiago with her pololo Vic and her wawa (baby) Sam, or should I say chungungo, a river otter. See the resemblance?

Santiago, mon amour

I recently went to visit some friends in Santiago. What a lovely trip! Santiago is a big city, great for walking. The first thing that struck me was how cars actually stop for you when you cross the street. After nearly being crushed on a few occasions, I have learned in BA to be cautious, overly perhaps, so I couldn't figure out why cars would stop for me. I asked my friend Nicole and she simply said, oh, that's what they do here. Where was I??

I had a wonderful moment going to see a play at the contemporary art museum. Nicole's pololo (novio) Matius had produced a play and we were invited to a sneak peak. So there I was, sitting in a small room, in an old museum, in Santiago, Chile, and it hit me, how interesting life is. Who would think a year ago, even a few months ago that I would find myself there, with such a young, interesting group. The play was very good, though loooong. I'm afraid the last bit was lost on me as I simply thought of the yoga postures I wanted to be doing at that very moment. THEN came Act IV...but back pain goes away and memories linger.

Waking up

Yesterday, I awoke to a rainstorm in BA. It's been sunny and very warm up to this point, so I really can't complain, or perhaps I can...
I had an odd dream, blurry and heavy which didn't want to leave me as I opened my eyes. Dreary morning/ dreary mood. I made my way to the shower, only to find the hot water was out, or used up, or mad at me, something. I made up my mind to suck it up and just do it already, held my breath, and stepped under the stream of freezing water. It wasn't the coldest shower ever, I can remember quite well the hot water going out in January in France one year, it was so cold it hurt. This time was just cold, very cold. Surprisingly, I forgot about my mood, the dream left me and I just felt ALIVE.