Monday, November 17, 2008
Back Home
So yes we are back home now. I am really sad but kindof happy to be home. Once I came back to it I realized how much I missed my own bed and having my own car. I missed my gadgets I had to leave home since Argentina is a bit dangerous. On the way home one night our driver kept running red lights if he had to stop long. I just figured he was in a bit of a hurry but when we were back at our apartment Chad told me he said that he ran the lights because if you stop very long at the lights down in the provinces then you will get robbed/carjacked. Now I am VERY glad he was running the red lights. We had to jump right back into work. It is not extremely fun. No time for unpacking/laundry/cleaning house. It's like we never left almost. Okay I am going to stop going on and on and on.
Day 12
Last Day. Too sad for words.
Chad asked if I could do anything, what would I want to do, so I said I would enjoy just walking around the city again. I loved doing this. I kept saying it was like I was in a museum but it was an architecture museum. Wanted to see somemore famous sights. We ate at our favorite place for breakfast. Then we went somewhere (i forgot) before heading to Recoleta to the Hyatt where we were meeting one of Chad's friends to drop off the last of the presents we brought and a CD he made for the son. That Hyatt was incredible. It was in an old palace and I felt like dirt going in there. I felt like serious white trash. People were watching us like hawks. There was a Salvatore Fergammo? store in there. I wanted to go but we ended up meeting Chad's friends outside at the side of the building. The Hyatt was near some of the embassys and the Libertador plaza. All so beautiful. Oh yeah I decided I am joinging whatever awards program gives you points for Hyatt because I am going to stay in that palace one day.
We got lunch next. Chad was dying for a Chicken Milanesa Sandwich so we found a little cafe that looked popular and they made some for us. Pretty good I must say. We ate it in the Libertador plaza.
Chad asked if I could do anything, what would I want to do, so I said I would enjoy just walking around the city again. I loved doing this. I kept saying it was like I was in a museum but it was an architecture museum. Wanted to see somemore famous sights. We ate at our favorite place for breakfast. Then we went somewhere (i forgot) before heading to Recoleta to the Hyatt where we were meeting one of Chad's friends to drop off the last of the presents we brought and a CD he made for the son. That Hyatt was incredible. It was in an old palace and I felt like dirt going in there. I felt like serious white trash. People were watching us like hawks. There was a Salvatore Fergammo? store in there. I wanted to go but we ended up meeting Chad's friends outside at the side of the building. The Hyatt was near some of the embassys and the Libertador plaza. All so beautiful. Oh yeah I decided I am joinging whatever awards program gives you points for Hyatt because I am going to stay in that palace one day.
We got lunch next. Chad was dying for a Chicken Milanesa Sandwich so we found a little cafe that looked popular and they made some for us. Pretty good I must say. We ate it in the Libertador plaza.
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Day 11
Only 1 more day here. I don't think I am ready to go!
Another run all over town and come home exhausted day. We started the day with a visit to Puerto Madero. This is a major hotel/shopping/parks/historical port area. I thought maybe we´d see a cruise ship in port but we were on a small waterway so I didn´t see any. The Rio de la Plata is like the Mississippi in that it carries so much silt that it is forever changing/extending the coast line further out. So some of the Hotels and port buildings used to be right on the water 50-100 years ago, but are now up to a mile away or so. We met up with a young couple named Paola and Danny who had a little boy about 2. Chad knew Paola when he used to live here and then she served a mission and got married. They were a cute couple. We walked around that area for awhile and took in the sites and then caught a taxi to Plaza Italia where Chad had to meet up with someone to drop off some contacts.
We were going to go back to Recoleta to go to McDonald´s because that is what the other couple wanted but while we were sitting in the park we saw a McDonald´s down the street. I told them we could go there as long as it had air conditioning. It did so we ate. Nothing too special about it. It was a regular McDonald's experience. Woowee. We parted ways and then me and Chad headed back to the apartment to get gifts and regroup so we could head down to southern BA.
The first person we visited was named Fabiana. She is married and has one kid. We only saw the husband briefly. Chad baptised her but she went inactive shortly after that. Chad probably enjoyed talking to her but I was sleeply and missed most of it. Then she drove us down to Manolo's house. They were a cute family. When Chad was here before they had some cute little girls but now they are all teenagers. Kindof crazy. They also have a little toddler. She was adorable. I would've taken her home if I coulda. We were supposed to have an afternoon snack with them but they misunderstood or something and thought we were eating dinner with us and had planned a big BBQ. Unfortunatly we had other dinner plans and couldn't stay. We were already running behind. Luckily they had a car too and then drove us to the Mendoza's house for dinner. We had....empanadas!
Another run all over town and come home exhausted day. We started the day with a visit to Puerto Madero. This is a major hotel/shopping/parks/historical port area. I thought maybe we´d see a cruise ship in port but we were on a small waterway so I didn´t see any. The Rio de la Plata is like the Mississippi in that it carries so much silt that it is forever changing/extending the coast line further out. So some of the Hotels and port buildings used to be right on the water 50-100 years ago, but are now up to a mile away or so. We met up with a young couple named Paola and Danny who had a little boy about 2. Chad knew Paola when he used to live here and then she served a mission and got married. They were a cute couple. We walked around that area for awhile and took in the sites and then caught a taxi to Plaza Italia where Chad had to meet up with someone to drop off some contacts.
We were going to go back to Recoleta to go to McDonald´s because that is what the other couple wanted but while we were sitting in the park we saw a McDonald´s down the street. I told them we could go there as long as it had air conditioning. It did so we ate. Nothing too special about it. It was a regular McDonald's experience. Woowee. We parted ways and then me and Chad headed back to the apartment to get gifts and regroup so we could head down to southern BA.
The first person we visited was named Fabiana. She is married and has one kid. We only saw the husband briefly. Chad baptised her but she went inactive shortly after that. Chad probably enjoyed talking to her but I was sleeply and missed most of it. Then she drove us down to Manolo's house. They were a cute family. When Chad was here before they had some cute little girls but now they are all teenagers. Kindof crazy. They also have a little toddler. She was adorable. I would've taken her home if I coulda. We were supposed to have an afternoon snack with them but they misunderstood or something and thought we were eating dinner with us and had planned a big BBQ. Unfortunatly we had other dinner plans and couldn't stay. We were already running behind. Luckily they had a car too and then drove us to the Mendoza's house for dinner. We had....empanadas!
Sunday, November 9, 2008
Day 10
Sabbath
We went to church-The End.
Just kidding I can´t make a post that short. We went to 2 churches this week instead of 3. Was much less hectic in that sense. We got a late start though and had to take a taxi to the first building instead of the train. Much more costly. The first ward we went to was Banfield 4. It was so cute, they were having their primary program. The kids were really cute and they sang the same songs as we did for our program, just in spanish. Next we went to the Pasco area. Scary neighborHOOD. Close to lots of ghetto areas. Of course super nice people. Our lunch plans we had made yesterday fell through so someone there ended up feeding us.
Next, we had a little bit of time before we were supposed to meet our next appointment so we went to San Telmo for their famous Ferria de Matadero. Much different than those we had already been to. It was in an area with lots of antique stores so you could go antiquing if you wanted. Then it was very tourist based and so very expensive (most Argentines prefer other ferrias). Then there were freaks galore. Lots of street preformers. It seemed at times some people were just doing anything they thought would be abnormal so the stupid Americans would laugh and give them a paso.
Okay more to come but soo sleepy. Plus I am way behind on pics. Not sure when I´ll get to catch up. Tomorrow is BUSY again
We went to church-The End.
Just kidding I can´t make a post that short. We went to 2 churches this week instead of 3. Was much less hectic in that sense. We got a late start though and had to take a taxi to the first building instead of the train. Much more costly. The first ward we went to was Banfield 4. It was so cute, they were having their primary program. The kids were really cute and they sang the same songs as we did for our program, just in spanish. Next we went to the Pasco area. Scary neighborHOOD. Close to lots of ghetto areas. Of course super nice people. Our lunch plans we had made yesterday fell through so someone there ended up feeding us.
Next, we had a little bit of time before we were supposed to meet our next appointment so we went to San Telmo for their famous Ferria de Matadero. Much different than those we had already been to. It was in an area with lots of antique stores so you could go antiquing if you wanted. Then it was very tourist based and so very expensive (most Argentines prefer other ferrias). Then there were freaks galore. Lots of street preformers. It seemed at times some people were just doing anything they thought would be abnormal so the stupid Americans would laugh and give them a paso.
Okay more to come but soo sleepy. Plus I am way behind on pics. Not sure when I´ll get to catch up. Tomorrow is BUSY again
Day 9
Today we arrived back from Iguazu at around 9:00 am and went to the apartment to clean up and unpack a bit. Then Chad was so enjoying not being on a bus that we stayed in the apartment for awhile. Then we decided to go see another ferria in Palermo. It ended up being quite small but I got Harry Potter in Spanish to read. We were supposed to be having dinner with a friend of Chad´s but they cancelled so we were trying to decide what to do. We originally intended to go to a town called Tigre on the Rio de la Plata delta but were going to have to get back for the dinner, but no dinner plans and not much else to do we caught a train and headed north.
Tigre is so cute and was so fun. First we went to an amusement park. I thought it was going to be really cheesy because it was a small town but it was so fun. Cheap too. Like 12 bucks per person. They had roller coasters and are apparently the only place in Argentina to have them. There were only 2, but we rode them and the Ferris Wheel. Because we went up so late in the day we knew we would be pressed for time so we headed out to town to find a boat to ride along the Rio de la Plata. It was very touristy but was fun and so interesting to see the little cottages along the river. We rode in the boat for an hour and then we went to the other side of town where the other train was because we were going to ride the other train back. We were very hungry by then so we searched for food. There was a really cute McDonalds with bistro tables outside along a park the followed the water but further on we saw a nicer restaurant and wen there. Once there we were originally greeted by 2 waitresses who told us to sit wherever. Once seated we could not get service. When we finally did, they were quite surly waitresses who after being seated for about 15-20 minutes, still had not brought us our drinks. Needless to say that wasn´t working so we left and just hopped on the train. It was about 10pm when we finally got back to our apartment. We had been wanting to try a restaurant that was right across the street and so we finally went in to try it. (It was good timing since people here eat dinner at about 10pm) The dinner was incredible. I couldn´t get over how good everthing was. Yummy! It just topped off another really fun day.
Tigre is so cute and was so fun. First we went to an amusement park. I thought it was going to be really cheesy because it was a small town but it was so fun. Cheap too. Like 12 bucks per person. They had roller coasters and are apparently the only place in Argentina to have them. There were only 2, but we rode them and the Ferris Wheel. Because we went up so late in the day we knew we would be pressed for time so we headed out to town to find a boat to ride along the Rio de la Plata. It was very touristy but was fun and so interesting to see the little cottages along the river. We rode in the boat for an hour and then we went to the other side of town where the other train was because we were going to ride the other train back. We were very hungry by then so we searched for food. There was a really cute McDonalds with bistro tables outside along a park the followed the water but further on we saw a nicer restaurant and wen there. Once there we were originally greeted by 2 waitresses who told us to sit wherever. Once seated we could not get service. When we finally did, they were quite surly waitresses who after being seated for about 15-20 minutes, still had not brought us our drinks. Needless to say that wasn´t working so we left and just hopped on the train. It was about 10pm when we finally got back to our apartment. We had been wanting to try a restaurant that was right across the street and so we finally went in to try it. (It was good timing since people here eat dinner at about 10pm) The dinner was incredible. I couldn´t get over how good everthing was. Yummy! It just topped off another really fun day.
Saturday, November 8, 2008
Day 8
Another amazing day that I will remember forever. We got up early today because our bus left at 4:00 and we had to be out of the hotel by 2:00 and we still had lots of stuff we wanted to do at the falls. We started the day by walking down to the Macuco Trail that is separated from most of the other trails and is said to have lots of wildlife. Do Not Go Here! The ONLY wildlife we saw were mosquitoes and lots of them. They have freaking killer mosquitoes here that leave open wounds. My legs are chewed up from yesterday and today. We walked about a mile or so in and couldn´t even hear any falls in the distance so he decided to turn and haul our buts back to civilization. We saw nothing but mosquitoes and one huge rodent. No people. No birds. No monkeys. Nada.
Next we had planned to go on the Gran Adventura tour. A little wierd because Chad and I hate organized tours where you are hearded around but this one looked too cool. We had to wait about 45 minutes for one to start but we just chilled and enjoyed and I got oreos in the snack shop. We then boarded some 4x4 trucks that hold about 30 people. We drove along some trails in the rain forest but they said that since the trucks go by every 15-30 minutes that all the animals stay hidden. We saw some butterflys and racoons. Then we got to the end of the train and walked down 200 meters of stairs to a dock. Once there we put on life jackets and packed out stuff in waterproof bags and headed up Iguazu River (full of Paranas by the way) to go see the falls and be ¨baptised¨ as the broucher said. The boat was supposed to dip under one of the falls but the water has been too high and rough to do that but were were close enough in the speedboat to get completely drenched. I felt like it was raining. At some points the spray was so much that you couldn´t even see the falls because the water was going straight into your eyes. We went up to the falls on the Argentina side and they took us up the river to the Brazil side too. Again pictures wont do it justice, especially because we had to put the cameras up because the would have been ruined.
Afterwards we rode the trucks back to the front of the park and then to the point they picked us up at. We sat down at a restaurant there for lunch. It was already 12:30 and we had to check out by 2:00 but Chad really wanted to sit and eat. The we scurried back to the hotel and jumped in the pool to cool off on the way up to our room. Then we had about an hour to chill in the hotel until it was time to get a taxi to the bus station. It was sad to leave but I felt like we did everthing the park had to offer so it was great.
As a side note I read that the Parana/Iguazu forest is only 6% of what it once was. I was glad that both Brazil and Argentina had made what was left into National Parks. They were different from the parks in the US where in Yellowstone or places like that it is rare to see a store or restaurant or hotel inside the actual park. There were stores at all the major destinations, which was nice, but I wondered what was lost to put them there and if all that stuff kept more of the wildlife away. Just a tiny little enviromentalist in me raising a tiny little objection in my mind. I quickly squashed her in favor of having warm empanadas fresh off the trail.
Next we had planned to go on the Gran Adventura tour. A little wierd because Chad and I hate organized tours where you are hearded around but this one looked too cool. We had to wait about 45 minutes for one to start but we just chilled and enjoyed and I got oreos in the snack shop. We then boarded some 4x4 trucks that hold about 30 people. We drove along some trails in the rain forest but they said that since the trucks go by every 15-30 minutes that all the animals stay hidden. We saw some butterflys and racoons. Then we got to the end of the train and walked down 200 meters of stairs to a dock. Once there we put on life jackets and packed out stuff in waterproof bags and headed up Iguazu River (full of Paranas by the way) to go see the falls and be ¨baptised¨ as the broucher said. The boat was supposed to dip under one of the falls but the water has been too high and rough to do that but were were close enough in the speedboat to get completely drenched. I felt like it was raining. At some points the spray was so much that you couldn´t even see the falls because the water was going straight into your eyes. We went up to the falls on the Argentina side and they took us up the river to the Brazil side too. Again pictures wont do it justice, especially because we had to put the cameras up because the would have been ruined.
Afterwards we rode the trucks back to the front of the park and then to the point they picked us up at. We sat down at a restaurant there for lunch. It was already 12:30 and we had to check out by 2:00 but Chad really wanted to sit and eat. The we scurried back to the hotel and jumped in the pool to cool off on the way up to our room. Then we had about an hour to chill in the hotel until it was time to get a taxi to the bus station. It was sad to leave but I felt like we did everthing the park had to offer so it was great.
As a side note I read that the Parana/Iguazu forest is only 6% of what it once was. I was glad that both Brazil and Argentina had made what was left into National Parks. They were different from the parks in the US where in Yellowstone or places like that it is rare to see a store or restaurant or hotel inside the actual park. There were stores at all the major destinations, which was nice, but I wondered what was lost to put them there and if all that stuff kept more of the wildlife away. Just a tiny little enviromentalist in me raising a tiny little objection in my mind. I quickly squashed her in favor of having warm empanadas fresh off the trail.
Thursday, November 6, 2008
Day 7
Iguazu Falls
Today was so amazing I can't even really describe it in words and the pictures don't even do it justice. The best describtion I can think of is to say that Iguazu Falls is the most amazing thing I probably have seen in my entire life.
We had another overnight bus ride to get here to the falls. Then we arrived at approx 1:00p.m. and checked into our room at the Sheraton Iguazu Resort and Spa. Everyone said this is the place to stay as it is the only hotel inside the national park. 
Rooms range from $340-$599 for 1 night. Luckily we found a half price deal with Starwood points from my sister. Thanks Jen for being awesome! We stuck out at about 2:00 to explore the wonderful world of nature.
After not being sure what we wanted to do first we decided to go the the Garganta del Diablo (Devil's Throat) trail which we heard was the most amazing thing to see. This is where a large part of the falls start their descent. It was incredible. I just wish I could explain it, show it. Chad tood some video but I don't think even that will show just how magistic it was. Then we went on the Upper and Lower Circuit trails to view even more of the falls.
Even more amazing views and got to see the beginning of even more of the falls. While walking along the upper circuit we saw monkeys! Then on the lower circuit we saw a Toucan. These are supposed to be some of the harder animals to see during the day so we were psyched. It was a little after 6 by the time we were done which is when the park closes so we headed back to the hotel.
After we got back we reserved a couples massage at the spa and then headed out for dinner. We ate at the Colors Pizzaria and Parrilla (grill) in Puerto Iguazu. It was pretty yummy. Fresh made dough and ingredients. The food is just some awesomely fresh here. There is a bread shop on every block in Argentina. I LOVE it. Then it was time for our massage. Not the best massage ever, because my sister in law gives those,but really nice to be in the same room with Chad. Then we got our own private whirlpool for 40 minutes and then access to the sauna and showers. It was late and they were closing so I passed on those. An awesome ending to a most amazing day.
Today was so amazing I can't even really describe it in words and the pictures don't even do it justice. The best describtion I can think of is to say that Iguazu Falls is the most amazing thing I probably have seen in my entire life.
We had another overnight bus ride to get here to the falls. Then we arrived at approx 1:00p.m. and checked into our room at the Sheraton Iguazu Resort and Spa. Everyone said this is the place to stay as it is the only hotel inside the national park. Rooms range from $340-$599 for 1 night. Luckily we found a half price deal with Starwood points from my sister. Thanks Jen for being awesome! We stuck out at about 2:00 to explore the wonderful world of nature.After not being sure what we wanted to do first we decided to go the the Garganta del Diablo (Devil's Throat) trail which we heard was the most amazing thing to see. This is where a large part of the falls start their descent. It was incredible. I just wish I could explain it, show it. Chad tood some video but I don't think even that will show just how magistic it was. Then we went on the Upper and Lower Circuit trails to view even more of the falls.
Even more amazing views and got to see the beginning of even more of the falls. While walking along the upper circuit we saw monkeys! Then on the lower circuit we saw a Toucan. These are supposed to be some of the harder animals to see during the day so we were psyched. It was a little after 6 by the time we were done which is when the park closes so we headed back to the hotel.After we got back we reserved a couples massage at the spa and then headed out for dinner. We ate at the Colors Pizzaria and Parrilla (grill) in Puerto Iguazu. It was pretty yummy. Fresh made dough and ingredients. The food is just some awesomely fresh here. There is a bread shop on every block in Argentina. I LOVE it. Then it was time for our massage. Not the best massage ever, because my sister in law gives those,but really nice to be in the same room with Chad. Then we got our own private whirlpool for 40 minutes and then access to the sauna and showers. It was late and they were closing so I passed on those. An awesome ending to a most amazing day.
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
Day 6
Back in B.A., Capital as they call it here. We arrived at 7:20 this morning and I was so tried but was looking forward to a whole day here in the city without running around trying to find people and not being able to participate in conversations. I´ll stop complaining about that, maybe. We spent most of the morning unpacking, showering, laundry, etc. Then we went and had kindof a brunch since it was past breakfast time but most places weren´t serving Lunch. Then we packed our drinks for the day and headed out for China Town and Palermo.
Once in China Town I forgot why we really came. They don't have the good knock-off handbags like in NYC. Then Chad set out to find me a new Chinese dress as my awesome exsiting one has a few holes. We finally found a long one with sort sleaves in my size. Kind of depressing because the sizes run about 2-3 sizes smaller than the U.S. My dress is like 3 sizes larger than I would normally wear. Yikes! Not good for the ol' self esteem.
Then we wanted to go to Palermo but it was so hot that we didn't care to go to any of the parks that Palermo is famous for so we went shopping in the Alto Palermo mall. Palermo is also known for its shopping and Alto Palermo was no exception. I don't think I could have afforded much in there. Even though there was some air conditioning it was just so hot today that we decided to come back to the apartment and chill while packing for our trip to Iguazu falls.
Once in China Town I forgot why we really came. They don't have the good knock-off handbags like in NYC. Then Chad set out to find me a new Chinese dress as my awesome exsiting one has a few holes. We finally found a long one with sort sleaves in my size. Kind of depressing because the sizes run about 2-3 sizes smaller than the U.S. My dress is like 3 sizes larger than I would normally wear. Yikes! Not good for the ol' self esteem.
Then we wanted to go to Palermo but it was so hot that we didn't care to go to any of the parks that Palermo is famous for so we went shopping in the Alto Palermo mall. Palermo is also known for its shopping and Alto Palermo was no exception. I don't think I could have afforded much in there. Even though there was some air conditioning it was just so hot today that we decided to come back to the apartment and chill while packing for our trip to Iguazu falls.
Day 5
I do know how to count at least to five in espanol but I don´t feel like spanish today. So day 5 was very awesome for us but not as exciting as some of our days. The ride on the omnibus (overnight double decker bus) was way better than the airplane but not as good as I had read about on the travel blogs. The seats were pretty comfortable, especially for riding around. The food was okay but one one blog they acted like it was 5 stars. It is much, much better than airplane food but not even as good as takeout of anything. I had trouble sleeping. It seemed to me that on our bus (Urquiza line) it seats went a little beyond 180 degrees and felt odd to me. Plus I woke up almost every time we turned which was alot during the first night (not sure why we weren´t on a freeway-I think maybe the freeway ran out).
La Falda-As all the Argentines would say when we told them we were going here, ¨La Falda is muy, muy linda¨. Or La Falda is very, very pretty. It is similar to some of the towns outside the smokies (except Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge) as it is at the base of some fairly small mountains. It is a small town that is probably driven quite a bit by tourism. There are some small waterfalls called the 7 Cascades. Cascades are small waterfalls while Iquazu are cataracts. The falls were very pretty. It was right next to a dam they built in La Falda. Every time we would go outside though it would rain. It started to sprinke when we got out at the falls so we snapped a couple quick pics and went for cover. Then it stopped so we went to some of the vendor stalls at the market there and it started to really rain so we tried to stay covered and went back to where we were before. Then it stopped so we got some ice cream and walked a hiking trail around some of the park. We made it back to the falls and were starting to take pictures when it started raining again. This time we wised up and stayed under cover until it was time for our taxi to pick us up. On the way home we stopped to see the LDS church in La Falda so we stopped and took pics and walked around to the back side of they building. Guess what? I think you can figure it out. It started to sprinkle. Oh yeah and somehow black goo got all over Chad´s shorts. Stupid crappy Remis. Then we went to see the house our friend is trying to sell. Yep, as we took photos it started to sprinkle again. It was only doing this when the camera was out now that I think about it. Stupid camera´s fault.
La Falda-As all the Argentines would say when we told them we were going here, ¨La Falda is muy, muy linda¨. Or La Falda is very, very pretty. It is similar to some of the towns outside the smokies (except Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge) as it is at the base of some fairly small mountains. It is a small town that is probably driven quite a bit by tourism. There are some small waterfalls called the 7 Cascades. Cascades are small waterfalls while Iquazu are cataracts. The falls were very pretty. It was right next to a dam they built in La Falda. Every time we would go outside though it would rain. It started to sprinke when we got out at the falls so we snapped a couple quick pics and went for cover. Then it stopped so we went to some of the vendor stalls at the market there and it started to really rain so we tried to stay covered and went back to where we were before. Then it stopped so we got some ice cream and walked a hiking trail around some of the park. We made it back to the falls and were starting to take pictures when it started raining again. This time we wised up and stayed under cover until it was time for our taxi to pick us up. On the way home we stopped to see the LDS church in La Falda so we stopped and took pics and walked around to the back side of they building. Guess what? I think you can figure it out. It started to sprinkle. Oh yeah and somehow black goo got all over Chad´s shorts. Stupid crappy Remis. Then we went to see the house our friend is trying to sell. Yep, as we took photos it started to sprinkle again. It was only doing this when the camera was out now that I think about it. Stupid camera´s fault.
Day 4
Coins, Trains, and Lanes
Some of the interesting things that I’ve learned in my 3-4 days here in Argentina are as follows:
1.It is almost impossible to get coin change (monedas) here, yet you have to have coins to ride public transport. For instance the national bank says all banks have to give you change if you ask for it so today we waited in line 30-40 minutes and they would only give us 2 pesos in change. The law is supposed to be 20 pesos minimum if you ask for it. 2 pesos is not even a dollar. ($0.66 USD) It is enough for 1 bus ride only.
2.I was having trouble picking my favorite kind of transportation around the city, but today I chose Trains. Taxis are very expensive, like 15x what subways/buses are (plus people here drive like maniacs and I cringe inside the taxi afraid for my life). A remis, “ray-meese” translates to mean a limo, but is really just a private car. Remises are less expensive than taxis, like 5-10x public transport and are very often old cars that could break down any minute. I really liked the buses until today. Most buses you can find one to take you to your destination, while subways you have to change lines or change to a train blah blah. The buses are slow though. You have to go to all the stops plus you can wave them down like a taxi pretty much and they stop so that makes it extremely slow. We also had to wait in line for it through 3 buses. I don’t know why I don’t like the subway. Mostly because it doesn’t go as far as I would like. The trains are best for going to the suburbs as they are the fastest way. Everyone says it is not very safe but I haven’t been too concerned except until this evening when we saw a fight at the train station, but fortunately we found a train car half full of police/security. When we sat down there, we knew we could relax even though we were riding the train at night time (supposed to be a little dangerous according to our Argentine friends).
3. No one pays attention to traffic lanes. That includes cars, buses, trucks, motorcycles, bicycles, and scooters. I am going to have some seriously high blood pressure if we take very many more taxis. If the road is meant to be 1 lane then you can definitely do 2 lanes. If 2 lanes than go 3. 3 lanes can be 4 or 5. Avenida 9 de Julio is like 8 or more on each side but usually is about 10 cars weaving around like freaking Nascar.
Today was a run errand day and sleep in day. I needed more bottled water. We thought we needed another phone card and we seriously needed change for the buses. We scurried around all morning getting stuff and planning our trip some more. Finally we printed some photos of our wedding, family, and home to show and give to Chad’s friends and set out for southern Buenos Aires and the horrible bus ride. We took the subway most of the way to the bus because we wanted and walked though downtown the rest. We stopped to have a good look at the spectacular and beautiful National Cathedral downtown beside the Pink House. Then we got to wait like 30 minutes to get a seat on our bus. Then commenced 90 minutes of misery. I am pretty sure it is close to Hades because it was HOT and crowded. Then, the stupid bus wasn’t even the right one, and it took us through some pretty scary slums. We decided to get off and take a Remis to finally get to the Flores family’s house. Chad teased me and asked me if I wanted to get out to look for a car when we were stopped beside a villa of homes made from scraps of wood and metal. The bus still went close to our destination and the remis took us the last couple miles. The visit with the Flores family was good.
Nothing too exciting but Hermana Flores was very sweet and made us sandwiches and gave us ice cream from a private creamery. Then we had to hurry back to the city to make it in time for our over night bus to La Falda. It is in central Argentina in the mountains, very close to where Chad’s brother Brian served his mission. I am writing from the bus and it is pretty nice so far. Our wide leather first class seats lay all the way down 180 degrees with a divider between our seat and the next. It comes with a blanket, pillow, two meals, beverage service, and movies. We will be almost to La Falda when we wake up. The post will go up later when I have internet again.
Some of the interesting things that I’ve learned in my 3-4 days here in Argentina are as follows:
1.It is almost impossible to get coin change (monedas) here, yet you have to have coins to ride public transport. For instance the national bank says all banks have to give you change if you ask for it so today we waited in line 30-40 minutes and they would only give us 2 pesos in change. The law is supposed to be 20 pesos minimum if you ask for it. 2 pesos is not even a dollar. ($0.66 USD) It is enough for 1 bus ride only.
2.I was having trouble picking my favorite kind of transportation around the city, but today I chose Trains. Taxis are very expensive, like 15x what subways/buses are (plus people here drive like maniacs and I cringe inside the taxi afraid for my life). A remis, “ray-meese” translates to mean a limo, but is really just a private car. Remises are less expensive than taxis, like 5-10x public transport and are very often old cars that could break down any minute. I really liked the buses until today. Most buses you can find one to take you to your destination, while subways you have to change lines or change to a train blah blah. The buses are slow though. You have to go to all the stops plus you can wave them down like a taxi pretty much and they stop so that makes it extremely slow. We also had to wait in line for it through 3 buses. I don’t know why I don’t like the subway. Mostly because it doesn’t go as far as I would like. The trains are best for going to the suburbs as they are the fastest way. Everyone says it is not very safe but I haven’t been too concerned except until this evening when we saw a fight at the train station, but fortunately we found a train car half full of police/security. When we sat down there, we knew we could relax even though we were riding the train at night time (supposed to be a little dangerous according to our Argentine friends).
3. No one pays attention to traffic lanes. That includes cars, buses, trucks, motorcycles, bicycles, and scooters. I am going to have some seriously high blood pressure if we take very many more taxis. If the road is meant to be 1 lane then you can definitely do 2 lanes. If 2 lanes than go 3. 3 lanes can be 4 or 5. Avenida 9 de Julio is like 8 or more on each side but usually is about 10 cars weaving around like freaking Nascar.
Today was a run errand day and sleep in day. I needed more bottled water. We thought we needed another phone card and we seriously needed change for the buses. We scurried around all morning getting stuff and planning our trip some more. Finally we printed some photos of our wedding, family, and home to show and give to Chad’s friends and set out for southern Buenos Aires and the horrible bus ride. We took the subway most of the way to the bus because we wanted and walked though downtown the rest. We stopped to have a good look at the spectacular and beautiful National Cathedral downtown beside the Pink House. Then we got to wait like 30 minutes to get a seat on our bus. Then commenced 90 minutes of misery. I am pretty sure it is close to Hades because it was HOT and crowded. Then, the stupid bus wasn’t even the right one, and it took us through some pretty scary slums. We decided to get off and take a Remis to finally get to the Flores family’s house. Chad teased me and asked me if I wanted to get out to look for a car when we were stopped beside a villa of homes made from scraps of wood and metal. The bus still went close to our destination and the remis took us the last couple miles. The visit with the Flores family was good.
Nothing too exciting but Hermana Flores was very sweet and made us sandwiches and gave us ice cream from a private creamery. Then we had to hurry back to the city to make it in time for our over night bus to La Falda. It is in central Argentina in the mountains, very close to where Chad’s brother Brian served his mission. I am writing from the bus and it is pretty nice so far. Our wide leather first class seats lay all the way down 180 degrees with a divider between our seat and the next. It comes with a blanket, pillow, two meals, beverage service, and movies. We will be almost to La Falda when we wake up. The post will go up later when I have internet again.
Monday, November 3, 2008
Dia Tres
Note about this post: Some of this might seem boring to you folks but I am not bothering to write in a journal like I normally would during a vacation so this is also for me to go back to.
So this is our fourth day but I was too tired to post yesterday. Our day started out by getting up at 6:30 (after falling asleep at about 3:30) and getting ready for church. Chad wanted to go to 3 different ones in the space of three hours so he could try to find people he knew before. The subway was not running until 8 so we caught a taxi to the train station and took the light rail first to an area called Zeballos. It took us till after 9 to get there and church had already started. We saw the bishop first and Chad talked to him and apparently all the members that Chad knew are not attending any longer. I thought it was wierd but it has been 10-11 years. Next we took a Remis (private taxi where the owner uses their own car) to Gutierrez and made it for most of their testimony meeting. Lots of people there recognized Chad and he had fun talking to them after the meeting. We made plans to meet with one of his favorite families-the Flores family the next day which is today. Next we went to Quilmes which is famous for its beer factory. The Quilmes beer brand also sponsors Boca futbol team. We caught the tail end of church there so we saw some people as they were leaving. Only a couple of people knew Chad but we talked to some of the missionaries there and it was great for me to speak in English for a couple of minutes because I have been a virtual mute for most of this trip. The neighborhood the church was in was very nice which was pretty abnormal from most of what I´ve seen since being down here. Afterwards we met with one family that was at Church that we some how missed seeing. There were very nice. 
They lived next door the a shrine for a crazy saint called Gaucho Gil. It is pretty funny. We forgot to take a picture but Chad has one from before. 
We drove around trying to see other people for awhile and then visited with the Napolitano family. Again we forgot to take a picture. They lived off a dirt road in what I thought was a very shady neighborhood and I was worried about having to use the bathroon there but I REALLY had to go. When we went inside the house was beautiful. Very cute. No problemo in the bathroom except there was no handle for the tiolet. I didn´t want to not flush but I couldn´t figure out what to do. Finally I just thought about normal toilet plumbing and found the little wire (in a hole in the wall just sticking out) that would be where a handle would attach in a normal toilet and just pulled on that. What´s the worst that could happen? Just flooding their bathroom and being totally mortified. No worries it worked! I am a plumbing genius! I totally fell asleep sitting up in my chair at the kitchen table I was so tired. Then Chad asked me a question and since I don´t hear well anyway I just made him repeat it and played it off. Later I told Chad I was asleep. We saved our final visit of the night for Chad´s friend Mariana because we knew that could take awhile. It was a great visit. We talked for such a long time and she even tried to talk in English for me if she knew the words. It was so sweet because I longed to be able to talk to someone besides Chad. We also had some of the best empanadas delivered to us hot and fresh. Then they walked us to our bus stop and we caught my favorite bus home.Saturday, November 1, 2008
Dia Dos
Ahhh. What an awesome day. Chad got up and got ready before me and while I was getting ready went and got breakfast at the panadaria. He brought home some fresh bread and really yummy pasteries. Today we spent most of the day in the neighborhood (barrio) of Recoleta. Recoleta is most famous for it´s cemetary so that was our first stop (really we first had to stop at an air conditioned movie theater so we could cool down ´cause it was hot!). The cemetary is very similar to ones in New Orleans I believe with all intricate masoleums.
The other reason it is so famous is because Evita is buried here. There were tons of people in front of her grave but none of the other ones were very popular. We thought it was very interesting to look through the windows into the masoleums and see what all was there, however as we were walking we saw someone open the door to his family masolum to go in and pay is respects. Chad noted how wierd it must be because it is such a tourist destination that it is really not such a somber place and I think some of the respect is gone perhaps, but it was beautiful and fascinating all the same.
Next we went to a ferria (flea market) just down the street from the cemetary. That was a lot of fun. We picked up some things we needed and some that we probably didn´t need. Lunched on empanadas again at the ferria because I love them so. After that we went to the Hard Rock Cafe to look around.
Next we went to a ferria (flea market) just down the street from the cemetary. That was a lot of fun. We picked up some things we needed and some that we probably didn´t need. Lunched on empanadas again at the ferria because I love them so. After that we went to the Hard Rock Cafe to look around.
Afterwards we got some delicious ice cream right outside the Hard Rock and sat at the tables overlooking one of the streets in Recoleta. Chad then figured out what bus (collectivo) we needed to catch to get to the bus station that sells the tickets for long distance bus rides. We bought our tickets to go visit his friend in La Falda and our tickets for Iguazu.
Next we took the subte and train down to one of the areas that Chad served in during his mission and looked for people he knew. We found 2 out of the 4 we were looking for. Then it was starting to get dark so we went to see the Chapel down there before heading back home. Our taxi driver was so awesome. She told us it wasn´t safe to ride the train at night so she chased down the bus that would take us all the way back to the city center.
Next we took the subte and train down to one of the areas that Chad served in during his mission and looked for people he knew. We found 2 out of the 4 we were looking for. Then it was starting to get dark so we went to see the Chapel down there before heading back home. Our taxi driver was so awesome. She told us it wasn´t safe to ride the train at night so she chased down the bus that would take us all the way back to the city center.
Once back in the city center we shut down the subways and caught some of the last trains back to our apartment. 
Then we got a late dinner at Burger King. We just couldn´t go too long without our American food (plus I thought they would have coke from a fountain but no luck).
Me and the Daddy Yankee sign. Very sad that we missed the concert.Friday, October 31, 2008
Dia Uno
Here we are safe and sound in beautiful Buenos Aires Argentina. The Paris of South America (if Paris has crumbing buildings and grafitti everywhere) or so they say. We got here after an approx. 10 hour flight that was in some ways better than I thought it would be and in some ways was much worse. The first 4 hours or so were great. It turns out if you travel in the awesome Boeing 777 you have your very own TV screen and remote and can chose between like 10 movies to watch and about 10-15 TV shows. I watched Mama Mia (saw it on Broadway but couldn´t resist listening to all those great ABBA songs) and then after dinner (YES! They actually fed us a real meal on a plane) Chad and I both watched Wall-E on our TVs. After that I decided to try to catch some shut eye. That did not go well, and after about 4 hours trying to sleep and getting about 45 mins worth I decided it wasn´t worth it and just listened to music. The ride was smooth and comfortable otherwise.
Instead of being smart and taking it easy the first day we wanted to go, go, go. As soon as we checked into the apartment and signed the contacts we got ready real quick and went in search of pre-paid cell phone cards and Empanadas. We were supposed to have lunch with Chad´s friend Mariana but we needed a snack. While we got the empandas she called and told us where she wanted to meet so we headed on over. We toured the Burger King on Florida Ave that is in an old palatial homestead. It was so gorgeous except for the orange and blue tables everywhere. While we were there Mariana called to say she couldn´t make it because her boss had to meet with her so we struck out on our own for La Cabrera which we heard were the best steaks in BA. Here is our food.
It turns out that if these are the best steaks in Argentina I am done with Argentine steaks (supposedly world renowned). It was good once you got around all the fat but there wasn´t much besides the fat and it was never exceptional. Anyway, on the way in to the restaurant I broke my sandal and needed to head home after that. We finally wised up and took a nap after being grumpy and grumbly all day up till then.
After our naps we freshened up again and went out to find groceries and more Empanadas for dinner. Chad wanted to take me to the Pink House (where Evita Peron lived and the Argentine presidents live) and the Plaza de Mayo in downtown BA. I also wanted a closer view of Ave 9 de Julio (widest road in the world) and the Obelisk in the center of 9 de Julio.
Instead of being smart and taking it easy the first day we wanted to go, go, go. As soon as we checked into the apartment and signed the contacts we got ready real quick and went in search of pre-paid cell phone cards and Empanadas. We were supposed to have lunch with Chad´s friend Mariana but we needed a snack. While we got the empandas she called and told us where she wanted to meet so we headed on over. We toured the Burger King on Florida Ave that is in an old palatial homestead. It was so gorgeous except for the orange and blue tables everywhere. While we were there Mariana called to say she couldn´t make it because her boss had to meet with her so we struck out on our own for La Cabrera which we heard were the best steaks in BA. Here is our food.
It turns out that if these are the best steaks in Argentina I am done with Argentine steaks (supposedly world renowned). It was good once you got around all the fat but there wasn´t much besides the fat and it was never exceptional. Anyway, on the way in to the restaurant I broke my sandal and needed to head home after that. We finally wised up and took a nap after being grumpy and grumbly all day up till then.After our naps we freshened up again and went out to find groceries and more Empanadas for dinner. Chad wanted to take me to the Pink House (where Evita Peron lived and the Argentine presidents live) and the Plaza de Mayo in downtown BA. I also wanted a closer view of Ave 9 de Julio (widest road in the world) and the Obelisk in the center of 9 de Julio.
I was really upset to see the national catedral in the main plaza had grafitti on it. You could tell it happened before and was painted over but the paint didn´t match. There was no sign I could see that said it was the National Cathedral or that above was the pink house. It is like they don´t have pride in their National Heritage or something, which I know is not the case but I was kindof disappointed none the less.
After the Plaza and Obelisk we took the Subte (subway) to the Constitution station (like grand central in NYC to catch a light rail train to a barrio close to downtown to go to Wal-Mart (because sometimes you need to feel like a redneck even when you are in a foreign country).
After the Plaza and Obelisk we took the Subte (subway) to the Constitution station (like grand central in NYC to catch a light rail train to a barrio close to downtown to go to Wal-Mart (because sometimes you need to feel like a redneck even when you are in a foreign country).
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Aeropuerto
So here we sit in the Miami Airport. Our flight is scheduled to leave in a few hours for the grand journey to Argentina. This is going to be the furthest I've ever been from home and the longest vacation. I am so freaking excited. The journey down was pretty uneventful except our flight our of Atlanta was an hour and a half late. Luckily we had a long layover so we didn't have to run to our next flight. When we arrive in Argentina it will be Friday! I can't wait to post and show you how awesome it is.
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Wicked
Wicked! As in wicked awesome if I was from Boston. We went and saw Wicked on Friday 10/24 and it was so fun. I loved the story so much. I would highly recommend getting on the Wicked Is Cool bandwagon. It is a fun ride.
Thursday, October 23, 2008
1 week left
One more week of work left till the great escape. SO the reason we are going to Argentina is that Chad served his LDS mission there, and like all missionaries, wants to go back to visit. We are staying in the barrio norte section of Buenos Aires which is technically out of Chad's area that he served but most of his area was rural. I am so excited to go to the Southern Hemisphere so like Homer Simpson I can watch the toilets flush in the opposite direction. I promise to post lots of pictures. Like this one. This is the apartment we have rented.
Ok so I am having technical difficulties but here is a link to it.
http://www.bytargentina.com/re/propview.php?&ano_ing=&dia_ing=&mes_ing=&ano_sal=&dia_sal=&mes_sal=&apartmentclose=&view=2297
Ok so I am having technical difficulties but here is a link to it.
http://www.bytargentina.com/re/propview.php?&ano_ing=&dia_ing=&mes_ing=&ano_sal=&dia_sal=&mes_sal=&apartmentclose=&view=2297
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
8 days
The final countdown is on. Only 8 days for the big tip to Argentina! I am so excited except for the fact that I know practically no espanol. No worries b/c I have my own personal interpreter. We will try to post every day while we're down there so people know how things are going and to make you all j.
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Update for my long lost friends
Since this blog is to help me and Chad keep with with some of our old friends I shall give an update. Chad graduated from Optometry School 2 and 1/2 years ago and we set up our office almost 2 years ago. The baby making business is not going good so that is on the back burner for awhile since it is quite expensive when you are self-insured. That will be the last we talk of that on the blog. Our life is made up of both of us working 6 days a week and coming home and chillin. We still have the sweetest dog in the world, Shelby. I am in a quest to become a proper redneck since I live in and was raised in Georgia. Much to my sisters' chagrin I Love Nascar (also love the song by Cletus T. Judd). I work on the accent some but it is not coming along. We bought our house almost 2 years ago and love it. Hummm, not sure what else but I will come up with more updates on our lives if I can think of anything interesting/funny.
At our wedding
The office
At our weddingOur House
Shelby
The office
Beelzebub's Printer
Okay so we decided to buy a new all in one printer so Chad could scan photos of his mission and make a photobook of them. Guess what? I think this printer is satanic. It is evil. It HATES me. I hate technology that is so "advanced" that it takes weeks to learn how to use it efficiently. Luckily I am going home early so I can play housewife and figure out the satanic printer/scanner. Yeah me!
Sunday, August 17, 2008
Biggest Loser
So today is the start of round 2 of the Flowery Branch Biggest Loser competition. (Also the internet is working again after 2 days of being out at the house.) I was not really good with food but I have not had any Coke! Watch out world here I come. This is so totally lame. I am going to quit before this post deteriorates completely.
Friday, August 15, 2008
Red
So today I got my hair dyed red. Most people did not like it. I got a lot of "look at you", "look at your hair" instead of "that's cute" or "I like your hair." Thats fine for me though because I like it. My employee was very concerned that Chad would not like it. More annoying though is my wretched cold that make me sound like a goofy frog. Oh well. We played ourdoor olympics and some people got good pictures. I only had the iphone with me but I am going to try to add those to the post later. Bill was like the Michael Phelps of our olympics. He took the most gold, although it was not a clean sweep I don't think. Frick. I have snot that just starts running out of my nose. No advance warning. Ugh. Gross. Got to go blow my nose. Oh yeah and I think my iphone might have broken. What an odd day. Doesn't even nearly rank as a bad day because I've have so many worse.
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