Saturday, November 30, 2013

Argentina!

Hello Friends! After a full travel day on Thanksgiving, I arrived in Buenos Aires yesterday morning for my week long stay building with Habitat for Humanity Argentina!

Arriving here was my first passport stamp. You should have seen my face! I wasn't alone at the airport which made going through customs, getting my passport stamped, exchanging money and getting a shuttle to the hotel a whole lot easier!

The sky is blue, no clouds and in the 80's today! Sorry for the typos today but here are excerpts from an email I just sent my mom!

Just got back from a solo walk around our area of the city with my Starbucks. Starbucks, McDonalds and a few BKs are EVERYWHERE! Even billboards for Coke a Cola! Cities are so similar everywhere. This one just happens to have a Spanish flare. I wish I knew more of the language! But most people know a few English words so it's easy to communicate. They also all know that deer-in-head-lights look when they say something you don't understand. Haha

It's BUSY here. Like, NYC busy!

No street tango yet. We tried to find some last night. Just found the drum circle though. And a Tango theater with a video playing on the outside screens. Not the same.

I've spent a bit of time with my 2 team mates yesterday and today. Food and wine time mostly! We aren't so much jet lagged as we are confused. Haha "what day is it?" "When does everyone arrive?" Haha. We should meet everyone tonight. So far, "R" and I are besties. She is like my world traveler spirit guide and we will be friends for a long time. She's been everywhere! She is from India but has lived in Cali for a long time. She's in her early 40s. Already trying to hook me up with the waiter at the fancier hotel next door!
Then there is my room mate, "J". He is from Atalanta, almost 30. He did Bike and Build (bike across the country and serve with many Habitats and similar organizations.) He has some great (and not so great)  stories!

People are nice here. I've been acknowledged on the street and I think some girl told me she liked my sunglasses. I keep wondering how well I blend in, or stand out. A tan, some Spanish lessons and some not-so-American clothes and I bet no one would know the difference! People are pretty fair toned here and have dark hair.

I'm feeling a bit city locked and would looove to see Uruguay or even a little further South than we are but I think we compiled a list of places we want to explore today. Evita's balcony and grave are on the list!

Bus tour with the full team is tomorrow then work for 6 days! I'm glad I came here a bit earlier!

My wallet is loaded with pecos and my fridge is stocked with bottled water! I guess that's all for now! Hotel has great internet so I'll be in touch!!

Ps. Sorry for no photos yet. I like to but don't have time to figure it out on my phone! See Facebook for photos!

<3

Tuesday, November 5, 2013