Barcelona!

Ah, I am back on my own again. it was great to have Brennie and Mikayla see Italy and the side of me that few people (only Christy) have seen. Past that I just wanted to blog really quickly because I had something happen that kind of disturbed me and I am not sure how to deal with it. I have now seen Brennie almost get pickpocketed (told her about it and the guy ended up leaving the metro saying ¨Fucking americans¨) and now in Barcelona I saw a group of kids go down into the Metro and call to other friends about the tourists that were walking down. I have seen pickpocketing, but never have I seen a group of kids and I know what they were doing.

At one point this kid (probably like 14 or 15) was trying to unzip a womans purse, and I turned to him to let him know I was seeing him and that he should not do it. But I did not know whether I should have just yelled at the woman, told her, tried to find a cop or someone for all the kids, or take the ¨who gives a shit, they are stupid tourists¨. In the end I told the kid in Spanish, if you try that one more time I am goign to tell her, I wont let it slide when it is in front of me. He told me to be quiet or gestured with his finger on his mouth, ¨shhh¨. But he did not try with that lady and later I told her to keep her purse the opposite direction.

However, 2 min later as I was walking down the metro area, the group of kids were walking against me and I saw them looking through a wallet they had just stolen. What do i do in that situation? I feel perhaps if I told someone like a cop maybe that may not have happened, but at the same time i want to be yelling at these tourists and people who are naive, ¨HEY, WATCH YOUR STUFF!!¨ Uhh, there is a huge long line at the hostel for the internet, so I shall get off. But I needed to vent.

Otherwise, had a very nice day walkign around Barcelona. Two more days. Oh on the ship ride over...still meeting racist italians, but met a nice older lady Marta, who offered me a coffee on the ship and asked if I wanted to share a ride and than ended up paying for it. besos

Euro Trip 2010

Oh wow, I cant believe I decided to do this trip, when I got back from Argentina it felt so good to be home and to relax...and than when I had to leave for my amazing trip to Europe I almost felt as if I did not want to do it, and than when I actually arrived in Italy and was with family I still kind of wanted to be back home. Last night was kind of hard for me, I only got like 2 hours of sleep because i kept tossing and turning, with the anxiety and wanting to be home I even ended up crying a little bit. Uh, it was hard. But than once I got to Prague...it all went away. I am here in Prague for the first day alone, tomorrow Brennie and Mikayla will meet up with me, and I CANT WAIT. It was super fun even being alone, dinner a little awkward, but today I went on a ¨free guided tour¨ of the old town, new town, jewish district and some info on the river. It was a very good tour and we just paid our guide via tip. I feel as if I should have been writing things down, but in general I feel that tomorrow once with Mik and Brennie I could pass on some of the information I found out via the guide.

I still have yet to see the Oldest Castle in Europe, but I have seen and heard amazing things already about Prague. And in general it is a very beautiful city. I can not understand a thing in czech...but oh well. My first country and I am not able to speak with them, it is definitely new for me, and at least now I cant even pretend to try and not be a tourist, because I dont know how to speak their language.

I shall try and keep up the blog, but with the hostel situations and internet, etc not sure how well Ill do, but I shall try. I dont even know if people would think I would continue to write in this blog or have realized that I would be writing while traveling Europe.

Mixed Feelings

I am staying in Buenos Aires this weekend (my last one, because the next two I'll be in Rosario and than home!). I have titled this mixed feelings because the past couple of days have been just that. I dont know why I have been feeling kind of down and just not positive, but it just kind of happened. I think it also could be related to my eating too much dulce de leche. You think that you cant eat too much, but I would disagree. These days have been similar to the days where nothing in your closet fits (or at least you think nothing fits). I dont know if I am going through a missing home, friends, and school thing or what, but I do know I really want the northwest. I'm craving some outdoor hiking or just walking and I'm craving some summer fruit.

I think what is hard is that I dont really get along that great with my host mom. I think I may have blogged before about her, so forgive me if I am repeating. It is not that she is mean or anything at all, on the contrary she is very nice and generous. There is just a connection missing from us, I just find myself not responding very well to her comments or conversation. When she asks what I did last night or my plans for the day, I feel she is telling me that I have to do this or do that and almost dictating me, thus Im back to teenage rebel who hates to be dictated to. Plus, there are those awkward dinner nights that we have silences while eating. Just eating and I look at her, she looks at me and I actually feel the tension in the air. I thought I was never an awkward person, this has been a first. I really feel uncomfortable at the dinner table and just wait till it is over and try to think of stupid general comments of the day to talk about. That could also be a reason I miss home and friends. And I already know once I am back I'll be complaining how I miss Spanish, food, mate and the people from down here. That is life.

Can't wait to see everyone. Lovee. Giulia

Ahh, no puedo creer.

No es posible que me falta solamente un mes. No puedo creer que tengo solamente tres findes mas aca en Argentina. Es incrieble como paso el tiempo. Queria hablar sobre cualquier cosa y ademas un poco sobre mis pensamientos de las diferencias en vivir aca y vivir en el Northwest. As I have been pondering my time before medical school and after graduation, I was thinking of traveling or living abroad for the two years I want to take off from school. While I find myself spending a lot of time in Rosario I am comparing more and more the things I like and the things I miss between Argentina (Rosario) and Portland/Tacoma or the Northwest.

One thing that I feel I love about Argentina and Rosario is the laid back atmosphere and social aspect. It seems that not only is mate a complete part of the culture but the whole concept and idea of taking a break, talking and relaxing is integrated into this culture. That is one thing I really enjoy, I look forward to the sundays in the park, drinking mate and hanging out with friends. I also enjoy the aspect that friends get together and just talk or do whatever every single weeknight. And yes, I do that too with my friends back home but it seems more easy here or at least that it is always expected. Other aspects of sharing and generosity in general spark my interest. Another quality I like about being down here is the simple aspect of living, Im not sure if it is due to the peso and dollar difference, but living simpler seems to go hand in hand with the more relaxed attitude.

I could go on talking about the things I enjoy and love thus far about Argentina/Rosario. But in the back of my mind I keep thinking about the things I do miss (apart from friends and family). One aspect is the political correctness or attitude of treating everyone with respect/equality in the Northwest. That sense of liberal and equality in terms of not saying "gay", not calling people certain names, etc. is something that has always been a part of my life and the way I live. I try to improve myself by being nicer and treating everyone with respect, etc. Here, I feel that the words and phrases I do pick up on are complete opposite. I know that it is part of the culture and something that is not truly meant to hurt someone, but where do you draw the line? Or am I just a person that has the opportunity to think about these kind of prejudices? Can you travel to third world countries and expect that the thoughts and ideals of treating/respecting everyone in the same manner will be the same? I have kind of thought about this and had difficulties because I can tell someone in the US easily to not say "Oh, that is so gay" and explain why it offends me. But here, if someone uses "es un maricon" when talking to their one year old boy because he cries but saying it in a loving and friendly manner, I dont think I would be able to explain why it feels weird to here that term and for this culture to understand. (Maybe in certain areas of Buenos Aires because it is a big city, but not rural areas or for that matter even Rosario). This falls in general into other areas about the physical qualities and talking so directly to people, what happened to a little white lie? It obviously skipped over Argentina because stating directly and telling someone they are fat, skinny, etc is common. And I definitely feel weird about this too, but than again gordo, etc is also used in the affectionate way as well.

Another aspect that I miss in general about the Northwest is the outdoorsy atmosphere and the ability to be with friends who will go hiking with me on the weekend. I am going to cut my rant short for now, because I tried to procrastinate my homework but should start it now that it is almost midnight.

I guess I really should not be too worried or preoccupied or thinking about this. I just always seem to think in the future, but need to realize I have another year of school, after that I can figure out how I feel about possibly returning to live/work for a year or just travel, etc.

Besos, nos vemos.

BICENTENARIO! 25 de Mayo 2010

Que bueno! So, today was the Bicentenario or 200th anniversary of Argentina Independence from Spain. The celebrations have been going on since this past Friday. Well, today I got back from Mendoza via plane and I arrived so tired and wanting to fall asleep and not do anything. Well of course, when I heard about all the stuff happening and realized it is a one day thing I had to go out, even if I was tired and felt sick. I met up with Paulina and Gabby at the Obelisco and wandered around, people watching, trying to get through the crowd. We finally made it to the food stands from around the world and got through Paraguay, France, Iran and I think that was when our stomachs quit on us. We than decided to make our way over to Plaza de Mayo and check out what was happening. We knew we had to be there by 7pm, but it was still 4pm, so we thought why not Freddos? Plus I had been having some major cravings for icecream. We walked down to Puerto Madero and had some Freddos and made it back to Plaza de Mayo just in time to wait an hour or so before the show began.

Without even realizing it, we had joined in on the many people waiting for Christina Kirchner, la Presidenta de Argentina. She walked about 2 meters from where we were standing. So weird to think that we only waited 40 minutes to see her walk in front of us, where I feel that would never happen with Obama. Than the Capildo (which was I think repainted all white and the doors all shut) was used as a projection screen for this 10 min 3-D laser show illustrating the history of the past 200 years. Super cool and I cant really describe how the effects and images were, but they were very nice. After that the parade started, yet we found ourselves trapped within Plaza de Mayo and no way out...hmm. We finally made it out after some floats had left and thought of walking towards the Obelisco and ended up needing a walking break. We dropped into a restaurant, thought of just having coffee or drinks and ended up getting pizza. After being full again, sleep sounded really nice. Paulina and I decided that we should just take Peru down and it becomes Florida, which should be non busy and not blocked off and lead us to home.

When we got to where Peru and Florida converge, we saw that the parade had not fully passed and the last end of it was passing. Aka the DJ float, where it was basically speakers stacked upon speakers and three djs. If you know me, I love music and I especially love dancing. The dancing commenced and our decision to follow the Djs ensued. The police had blocked off the end of the Djs because people had wanted to start following them and were forming a group. This main group started a congo line and this distraction allowed about 20 of us or so to sneak through the fence/gate that blocked the street and walk towards the Djs. Once the police saw they failed to stop us, they let us all in and allowed us to continue dancing, walking, singing, chanting and clapping behind the DJs. It was so incredible the energy and the spirit of everyone was amazing. This kept going all the way to the Obelisco where masses upon masses of people converged. People were along the buildings, above the bus stops, on tops of trucks. All just singing, chanting and dancing together. One of the best moments was this old man on top of an advertisement of Quilmes dancing by himself and everyone slowly started seeing him and pointing up to his dance moves. This inspired the chant "Ole, ole, ole, oleee, oleeee, oleeee. Gordoo, Gordooo, Gorddooo, Gorddooo" (repeat). It was so great.

The dance party kind of fell apart as the Djs worked there way around the Obelisco. And Paulina and I just kept walking around and enjoying the atmosphere. It was soon around 1130 and the concerts had not even started, but I just could not stay awake, no matter how badly I wanted to stay out there I knew I would not fully enjoy the concert and Id probably wake up tomorrow feeling even shittier. All I can say is that this was one of the best nights and I am so glad I was in Buenos Aires and in Argentina when they celebrated there 200th "Birthday". I have never been in such a big mass of people and a mass of people all celebrating and being happy together. That feeling is indestructible and if only we could figure out how to convert that energy into our every day lives. Such an amazing time and I loved it. Viva la patria!

Finally, CHILE!

Ah, it has been a while since my last post. But I am in Valparaiso, Chile. I am waiting for Ryan and Lyons to get up, they are the ones who stay up late and sleep in, while when I am traveling I am the type who sleeps early and wakes up early. We did one day of wine touring in Mendoza and than went night bus to Santiago, got into Santiago at 6 am and than bused to Valparaiso at 7 am. The two days here have been really sweet, this city is amazing and I really enjoy the liberal and artistic feel, as well as the more outdoor feel (perhaps), not sure yet if that is true. One thing I can tell you about the city, the grafitti kicks ass. The grafitti and lifestyle of the artist has literally taken over this port town, every street, building or house is covered usually in a bright color of paint or an amazing grafitti image. I love just walking around and that is basically what I have been doing the past two days, the grafitti is sick. And I think a majority of my photos have been grafitti.

I also enjoy the people I have met thus far, very talkative and warm. I think that a lot of Latin America is like that, I am not sure if they are like that because I am foreign or because I am a woman, but either way I am always greeted pretty friendly and if not I just dont take it into account.

I want to start heading out and walking around, and I may just do that because we leave for Santiago today at 350pm and than Santiago to Mendoza at 1030 pm. (Ojala that the pass is open and not closed for snow...that would be bad).

Tuesday is the 25th and thus party in Buenos Aires! Nos vemos a la proxima, ahora que el tiempo esta pasando y solamente tengo casi un mes en Argentina y sud america, no quiero irme. Siempre es asi, queres una cosa cuando no te va a tenerla y cuando no podes tener algo la quieres.

Los Esteros de Ibera

I have emailed multiple people about my recent Spring Break or I guess here would be Fall Break with my program. I went to Tandil and Ibera, but I really enjoyed Ibera the most and I am just going to go ahead and copy one of those messages: (Sorry if this goes against the ideals of blogging, but you can go ahead and suck it) hehe.

Ibera is kind of similar to the Florida everglades in a sense...huge area of marshlands, with over 4000 types of birds, animals, plants, etc. It was amazing. Our hotel was right on the water and we took boat trips to explore the area, went canoeing and just enjoyed ourselves. Saw caymans (Yacare in Guarani), these CUTE little rodents called Carpinchos, a ton of different birds, monkeys, spiders that made me cry ( i legit had a panic attack and almost vomited, along with my tearing up). Ok I should probably explain the spiders: they are colonial spiders, thus they live together in these huge ass nets and they sleep in a bundle. Well I think I probably could have handled that, but no, we were seeing them about a foot from our boat during hunting time. So imagine about 500 medium sized spiders crawling all over their webs and in the air. Hmm...I could not. I turned away, but kept imagining them and just flipped. Probably my first real panic attack and just kept turning away but ended up crying until we were well away from them. Besides the spiders, the animals were super cool.

Now, onto the gauchos. Well, the second night at the hotel there were two gauchos hanging out with the two directors of the hotel, they begin to play guitar and sing and while I'm watching from a different table they invite me over and thus I tell the two girls I was "in a converstaion" with to join. We are welcomed into their circle and they continue the music. The guachos keep handing us and offering us wine. It just really showed me how generous they are and the difference between the USA and even the city of Buenos Aires. Anways, we are talking and hanging out throughout the night, more people join, it becomes a party. Those who can play guitar play some songs, one of the gauchos invites me to dance the typical dance of Corrientes (funny how I am always asked or forced to dance). And than they taught us these "cries" of the gaucho, I forgot the name, but they are sort of yells of emotion, you can have different ones for whatever you are trying to express. It was just neat to hear them do it. The next night they are back at the hotel and we end up playing Texas hold em and figure out they work at the estancia we are going to visit on that Saturday, so we are just on good terms and they are really fun to hang out with.

All of the estancias I have visited thus far have all been really nice, but all pretty touristy. THIS ONE, was an ACTUAL estancia. It had only 5 gauchos working on it, which I dont know how many cows they own, but I did remember the amount of horses they have, 150 mas o menos. We were split into two groups and my group first went walking around the estancia to see some buffallo, cows, horses and just get a glimpse. Than we saw the guachos lasso cows that needed their horns cut off and the first one also needed to be castrated. Well, they castrated the cow, which in all essence I dont think hurt them that much. They just slit to little areas and took out the balls. Than they bbq-ed them or "asado-ed" them on the spot. They cut off the horns and would use hot rods from the fire to burn the wound and stop the bleeding. I could go on explaining, but I know it may be too much, thus Ill warn you to be wary of some of the pictures that may include some blood. It was just insane to see it in person and I also respected it, because I think that it was apart of the farm life and not to hurt the cows, but to insure that they did not hurt the horses. But anways....guess who had cow testicle? They offered the balls after being cooked to us and no one said anything so I was the first to accept one and just ended up eating half because after I agreed, other people wanted to try. They tasted fine, I have had worst parts of an asado. After that we went and just hung out until the other group arrived from horse back riding. Then we ate an asado and after had sack racing! It was soo funny and I did not expect us to be sack racing, I kind of hurt my calf again and did not even come close to winning, but it was really fun. Than we switched groups, were we would return in horseback to the boat and the other group stayed to see some cow stuff. They stayed and learned how to lasso cows, which I was told 3 of the students fully lassoed on their own three or 4 cows and two actually took them down and brought them to the ground! The horse riding was really nice and we just went through areas that changed between the typical "pampa" scene and the marshes of Ibera. It was very relaxing.

FInally, I will mention the amazing food and the reason I gained weight. At the hotel in Ibera they had HOME MADE EVERYTHING. Breakfast: homemade scones, homemade medialunas (crossiants), homemade yogurt, homemade bread, homemade jam, and HOMEMADE DULCE DE LECHE. Thus every breakfast I had some cereal, yogurt and banana with dulce de leche. And when they rbought out warm medialunas with scones from the oven I could never say no. On top of breakfast every lunch and dinner had a starter/appetizer, a main plate, and a dessert. Than TEA TIME at 5 or 6 pm. Seriously..I forgot what it meant to be hungry.

It was really nice and I just feel as if I may enjoy smaller communities. I like the city of Buenos Aires a lot but I still have doubts about whether a big city is for me. I feel so relaxed in the country, but than again I was there during vacation...and have not spent a good month or two away from city life. I just keep trying to figure out if I really do like Buenos Aires or perhaps I may seem to not like it AS much because I do not have many porteno friends.

All I can say is that smaller towns, such as Rosario and even Portland just seem to be more friendly than the bigger cities. But perhaps I am still a virgin to big cities, because in reality I have only been to Buenos Aires and it is the only one I can judge. And actually now that I think about it, everyone here is really nice and when I arrived I remember blogging about being a tourist and everyone helping me, telling me where to go when I asked for directions. So I dont know. I looked at the date today: May 11th. I am basically past May and will only have one month left. Holy cow.