Four Continents and Counting…

2009-01-21T12:54:00.001-08:00

Dinner at 12 pm after kayaking all day
El Tigre River

Mine is all the way to the right ;)

Last Week in B.A

2009-01-21T12:52:00.000-08:00

Ok, ok. I know im bad, haven’t written in days yet again. But I have good news, this place is AMAZING. I realized why I was so upset the first week or so. I was in need of nature, of being outdoors, of seeing what this world has to offer in terms of nature. I see people every single day, but trees, water and being apart of it is what my soul needed. The school took a kayaking trip down the tiger river and it was breathtaking. After the 30 minutes bus ride and 45 minutes train ride with no seats or air conditioning in 95-degree weather we finally arrived at the river. There we split into two groups. Those that took the large boat (mostly full of those that were hung over from the night before) and those that kayaked to our destination. I was one of the few girls that chose to kayak. At first I was excited, then I realized that I get seasick lol, yes I know bad timing but such is life. I was in a kayak with Molly, who is the sweetest girl from Seattle, Washington. She calmed me down and we were one with the river. She suggested not to fight the water but rather become one with it, dancing the salsa in the water and all will be ok. After 45 minutes of dancing we were tired. The view down the river was amazing, these little homes with families celebrating the summer through bbq’s, loud music and children swimming in the river.

Finally we arrived at our destination; there the rest of the group was enjoying huge burgers and some drinks. A group of us picked a nice spot in the shade and ate as well. We discussed how incredible this experience was. All of us from different countries all exploring a new one. All on a search for something, to break the cycle of our daily routines and be different, be bold and simply live. Most of the people there were traveling through South America for about 3 months and started off with ECELA language school to learn some basic communication skills. Our ages ranged from 21 to 34, discussing how it’s never to late to get up and live life, to seek out what your heart yearns for. Molly brought up a good point where people get so use to a routine where they feel like they cant break free, like they are tied down to their jobs, mortgages, and families.

What I’ve learned thus far is that we only have this one life, we only have today, who knows what tomorrow will bring. We have to live in the moment however we must prepare for the future. This is the difficult task, how can one be the spontaneous planner. This is what my goal is from now. To live, to test my limits, break free from routines that make my brain stop thinking, growing and soaking up the knowledge of the world.

2009-01-18T21:23:00.001-08:00

Shopping on Sante Fe :)
Amazing piece at the Cultural Museum in Recolleta - Hanging on a piece of thread while life carries us through
Former theater that is now a book store

Wow, first off I apologize for my lack of updating skills, secondly where have 14 days of the New Year gone. It was feels like only yesterday that 09 came into our lives. So here I am with just a week left in B.A. and I cant believe how fast the time has flown by.

As sad as I am to be leaving, I’m ready to get back home, ready to seize the day and deal with my to-do lists. This trip has been great in giving me the opportunity to relax and just do some simple things such as reading, watching movies, tanning, going to museums, sleeping in and simply not having to worry about the future or that day itself. However as I soon discovered, this is almost impossible for me. I am constantly thinking about the future, what should I do first when I get back, what trip should I take next, what will be my new work schedule, how can I fit everything I want into my life. With all that being said I am excited about going home and being in the comfort of my own bed with an AC and no mosquitoes.

Sunday in B.A.

2009-01-18T21:14:00.001-08:00

Today was great, I slept in yet again, went to the Sunday market for antiques and souvenirs. It was absolutely breathtaking. I strolled about from the Market admiring the beauty of the old buildings that just seem to be entirely abandoned. I’ve seen numerous building like that. Ones with beautiful architecture but completely empty. Makes me think of a rose that once brought life, light and happiness into the world that is left in a vase with no one to remember its beauty.

I continued to stroll up the streets and ended up in Plaza de Mayo. What a beautiful monument. Surrounded by churches and the Pink House (major government building). Every time you take a cab, it passes the pink house and makes sure to point it out. As if you could miss a huge pink building, still I always nod and smile and say, “o0o wow,, very nice” The cab drives are great here in B.A. – super sweet and love to practice their English (which if I do say so myself, is far better then my Spanish)

Sunday in B.A. (PICS)

2009-01-18T20:57:00.000-08:00

B.A's musicians
The Pink House :)

Amazing hand made work at the antique market

Let the Zoo bring out the kid in you

2009-01-18T20:21:00.000-08:00

I’ve always been fascinated by zoos, I don’t know what it is about animals or the idea of nature that is so captivating but I simply can’t get enough of them. Visiting the Zoo here in B.A. has probably been one of my favorite experiences thus far. I was probably the only person above the age of 12 with a can of food to feed the animals, as well as the only person above 15 without a kid at the seal show. Moral of the day : you’re never to old for the zoo ☺

In the evening I ventured out and saw an amazing musical production. The event was set in what I consider to be the second floor of an abandoned parking lot turned into a stage. The musicians where out of this world. All the music was percussion style and it looked like a cross between stomp and the blue man group to the 12 power. After about an hour of playing the show was over and the 4 of the members of the band put on an encore presentation with drums, base, and other various instruments. The music was a bit more modern and their skills were out of the world.

Today was absolutely amazing. From the zoo to the music Ahhhhh greatness. Videos, are self explanatory. (I made several attempts to upload videos here, but it isn’t working ☹ )

Sunday Afternoon Adventure

2009-01-05T20:12:00.000-08:00

1/4/09

Today was an amazing day weather wise. I strolled through the park and went to every booth at the market. On the weekends there is a large flea market in the park. It was amazing. I had freshly squeezed juice and enjoyed a stuffed chicken with spinach for lunch. All for under 15$ (gotta love the exchange rate).

After lunch I walked for over an hour and reached the Japanese Gardens. I cant put into into words how many beautiful parks Buenos Aires has. Everywhere you turn there are people laying out on the grass taking in the sun. I wish New York had that.

At the Japanese Garden I caught a drum show and later strolled around the garden and admired the brightly colored fish.

Shabbat Shalom

2009-01-04T21:45:00.000-08:00

1/2/09-1/3/09
Shabbat Shalom
Shabbat in Argentina was amazing. Shul made me feel like I was back in Israel and the rabbi’s home was incredible. His apartment reminded me of being on 5th ave in NYC. He had the best silverware and two cooks to help with the meal. There were 4 other couples at the dinner table. All with amazing stories. One Iranian couple spoke about their world travels and how the husband escaped Iran by foot/truck when he was 15 years old. The story was amazing and I’m truly greatful I was able to hear it. How a person can survive that and literally run for freedom with the risk of losing their life at any moment gives you inspiration to live your life and be happy with every thing that you have. To think this only happened 20 yrs ago.

Sitting at that table, I was able to briefly be at peace, it felt as if I was back in NY enjoying Shabbat. Plus…everyone spoke English (it was great).

For Shabbat lunch, I stayed by this really nice young family. They’re like 28 and have 4 kids. When I walked into their building I saw a Mezuzah on the elevator. I was so shocked and confused I started laughing. The family explained to me that the building was full of Jewish families so they put up a mezuzah. I thought it was the cutest thing and wondered if any buildings in Brooklyn have that.

Any who I walked home, read a little and then napped until Shabbat was over. I had some dinner at the restaurant across the street and later strolled about Recolleta and ended up drinking coffee at Freddo. There I met the sweetest couple. We ended up talking for over an hour and exchanged numbers.

From right to left : Natalie, Luca, Laurano

2009-01-04T21:14:00.000-08:00

1/1/09
Today Mariello and I ventured out to Puerto Madero (reminds me of a classy version of “the bay”) we walked all the way from our apartment to this bay and it took over an hour. Time flew by as I admired the neighborhoods, highways and amazingly beautiful palm trees. I even stopped in the middle of a highway because I noticed a plaque for Yitzhak Rabin. I got so excited I was nearly hit by a car.

When we reached Puerto Madero, the weather was a bit gloomy but we made the best of it. Strolling about and finally ending up in an amazing restaurant. I enjoyed my first filet minogn (butchered the spelling) for only 10$ usd. Eating out is like a vacation in itself. The waiters serve you hand and foot and the prices are totally inexpensive.

The colors are distorted :( but you guys get the general picture

2008-12-31T22:10:00.000-08:00

Most of the trees are like this one. They are so old and their roots show it.

The later picture is of the bird that joined me for lunch and later finished it :)

Some pictures from the first 3 days

2008-12-31T22:02:00.000-08:00

Day 2/3

2008-12-31T21:58:00.000-08:00

Ok so its officially been 2 days later and I’m sorry for neglecting to write but I’ve simply been exhausted from adjusting and of course the jetlag. After a good nights rest I woke up with a much better attitude towards Argentina and life in general. The sun was out, the birds were chirping and it was a beautiful morning. I woke up starving since I didn’t much the previous day. On my way to school, I stopped by a grocery store and bought what appeared to be a yogurt with corn flakes in a separate container on top. That and some orange juice was breakfast. I arrived to class 30 minutes early (yes I know, this doesn’t sound like me, but hey, I can be early sometimes ;) There I ate my breakfast and checked my email. A few minutes later the girl from Holland came in to the room. She seems so happy and fed off her energy. We began to take pictures from our classroom’s window and it seemed so perfect. Beautiful day, great attitude, felt as if we were unstoppable. After class the Holland girl (sorry for calling her that, but I truly don’t remember her name L) and I went to some deli and bought a squish and some potatoes and beef from a hot buffet. Both dishes were only 8 pesos each. That’s basically a full lunch for under 3 dollars. Gosh I wish NY were like that. The food was delicious (china buddies will get the reference ;) haha) So yes, we barely finished half of the meal since it was so filling. Later we proceeded to explore the city, and found very little stores of our interest. After about 20 minutes the Holland girl went home and I decided to continue to explore the streets. I always play it safe by walking in squares. Basically equal street turns so I end up where I started lol. I have no desire to get lost in foreign countries. Walking about, I grow fond of the architecture on the neighborhood. It’s absolutely breathtaking. The balconies of apartment buildings look like they are straight from the movies. A combination of France and Italian in one.

On my little adventure I stumbled into a telephone store. It is this little place where you can call from private booths for about .90 pesos per minute to the US and .10 peso to anywhere in Argentina. So I finally called my mother and she sounded like a weight has been lifted off of her shoulders. **Everyone should always call their loved ones, you never know how much they miss you and need to hear your voice to know your safe. So ye, she asked me how I was doing and then of course started ranting about my sister and how she got a ticket and how my mother attempted to take her keys away. Ugh poor mother, she never learns that she could never punish my sister. Irina doesn’t understand the word punished or grounded. But good for her, this “no one is going to stop me attitude” is extremely important in this world. It’s important not to get swallowed by it.

After speaking to my mother I called American Airlines to see if I could rebook my flight home. I was still home sick and wanted to get home sooner. My mother’s birthday is the 24^th of January and I wanted to be home before that. At first the customer service people said they couldn’t do anything for me. They said they could change it but it would cost me a fee of 200$. Three customer service people later, I was put on the phone with Cindy the supervisor. Cindy sounded like she was from Texas or from some other southern state because she called me sweetheart the entire time. I was nearly in tears and basically said as much as I’m enjoying Argentina, I love my mother and want to be home for her birthday. So Cindy said no problem sweetheart J. At that moment I nearly burst into tears. It’s the never-ending story that as much as I want to leave home and need my freedom, home is where the heart is. Even if it involves 5 crazy individuals and screeching dog. Gosh how I miss them J But you know what, its ok, a little break never hurt anyone. Some peace and quiet will do me some good.

Leaving the telephone place, I saw a restaurant called Lola and I started singing (yes, I know, I’m a loser, but hey, how could you not sing that song). I continued my street adventure and stumbled upon a supermarket run by Chinese people (I felt like I was back on Avenue U). I stocked up on some yogurt and fruit (OMG, they were so bright and fresh, pics will be posted later)

Long story short, I came home, showered and passed out. Sadly I woke up at 1 am and couldn’t fall back asleep until 5am. It was deff not cool. My back hurt soooo much from this bed. It looks like little bear’s bed. I’m the black haired goldilocks looking for her right fit. So after finally falling asleep I woke up 2 hours later to go to school. Today was we were supposed to have some special group classes at 9 am instead of 2pm because the school was having a half-day. The classes were optional but I had signed up the day before. After forcing myself to get up and get ready, I was by the door when I realized I cant open the top lock. I struggled for about a minute and saw it as a sign to stay home and sleep lol Yes I know, it was a baby move, but hey, I was tired and I didn’t want to wake my roomie to open it.

So there I was, all dressed up and in bed. I woke up at 2pm and decided to go out and explore some more. I took the bus to Florida Street, which is like a crazy shopping area. Luckily for me, it wasn’t very busy because most of the people were closing up because of New Years Eve. I looked for a leather jacket and found some nice things but didn’t buy anything just yet. Continuing down the street, I saw an amazing show by what appeared to be traditional Indians. After about an hour’s walk and being rained on, I decided it was time to head back. I found my way to the bus stop and got harassed by some weird dude. He was trying to sell me some magazine and dared to put his hand on my shoulder. I gave him the New York Stare of Death, at that moment he released his hand and walked away.

I went into my apartment to see if Marcella was home to invite her out for dinner, but she was nowhere to be found. I then went outside to eat by myself. Hey a girl has to eat sometime. On my way out I saw my favorite doorman Christian. Yes this is his name, not Ricardo lol. Is English is as bad as my Spanish but we still attempt to communicate. Its quite a sight, I’ll deff record him one day.

Sadly, I didn’t find any restaurants open L They were all getting ready for the evening New Years customers. After about 3 blocks of walking, I found a store called Aromaa. I got myself a wrap and a cappuccino. The rain had ceased so I sat outside and admired the sun. There was this little bird that almost attacked me while I was eating. He/she was like my lunch date. It was such a beautiful evening, the sun was coming out and I started reading my Argentina book again. I noticed that some of the landmarks described in the book were right behind me. So I got up and started yet another journey. Buenos Aires has some of the most beautiful parks and trees I have ever seen. The whole neighborhood just reminds me of the movies. It’s all too surreal.

After the sun went down, I went home and decided that Marcella and I would go for a walk before midnight. We strolled by the restaurants and eventually sat a bar close to the apartment. It was nice, sweet and calm. We had a drink and celebrated the New Year together. We also admired the fireworks and enjoyed the peacefulness of the city. May this year be filled with peace, love, health and spiritual growth for everyone.

Now I am home, and finally writing to update all of you about my journey. For now I’m off to bed, I shall return tomorrow. Ciao <33

Studying Spanish in Argentina turns into more of a life lesson/journey

2008-12-29T21:03:00.000-08:00

So here is the beginning of yet another adventure in the life of Olga. I would like to give all of you a little preview of what I experienced in the past 48 hours.

As most of you know I was suppose to fly out the 27th and arrive on Sunday the 28th, however the universe had other plans in store for me. While sitting at my gate, I was told that the flight was delayed until the following morning at 9 am. So Irina picked me and we went home. At home I must have spent 2.5 hours on the phone with customer service representatives, all of who assured me that my flight would go out that following morning at 9am. The moment I hung up the phone, I received an automated system call advising me that my flight has been cancelled and that I have been placed the next day’s flight. Please press 1 to accept or 2 to reject was the automated message. At that moment I was on major freak-out mode. Not only can I not reach anyone from the school to advice them I will be one day late but I’m also worrying about the placement test that I will be missing.

Long story short…I arrived one day late with one bag lost (the irony is that it is my EZRA madricha backpack with my name stitched in it). You would think something with your name on it wouldn’t get misplaced but such is life.

After the 40 minutes taxi ride in which I complete passed out for, I was finally at my building. Sadly my roommate was not there. With my lack of Spanish, but amazing skills of using my fingers, I was able to get Ricardo (not sure if that was his name) to hold my luggage in a storage room. As soon as that was taken care of I proceeded to the school, which I knew was 3-4 blocks from the apartment.

Arriving at the school, one of the directors was like o0o perfecto, your class just started. At that point I wanted to be thrown into a hole, like wtf people, can’t you give the poor girl a break. Sadly, I proceeded to the class in which I found 3 other students and the cutest little Spanish teacher. She reminds me of younger Ms. Diaz (for those of you who took Spanish in LMG). Two of the students were from Swiss and another girl was from Holland. She’s sweet and understands English, which means she’s my new friend ☺ She also got incredibly burnt from just one day in Argentina.

Any who, just as I was about to step out of the school and finally go to the apartment, the front desk girl was like o0o stop and stay for the welcome class. So I was like fine, and yet got suckered into an hour of an introduction to Buenos Aires. Sadly it was all in Spanish ☹ I understood some of the basic things, but 70% of the time I was clueless as to what was being said.

During the lesson, the girl was talking about some drink called matta. Then she passed it around and said something like try it. I looked at her with a confused face and thought of how Valerie would react to that. I simply passed it right along and just about every person in that room, tried it. I wanted to scream out and be like GERMSSSSS PEOPLE, come on, don’t you have any understanding of hygiene.

After an hour, I had enough and simply walked out. I arrived at the apartment, met Marcella (30, works in a jewelry store and rents out her extra room to the school), she’s a sweet woman, but has no food in the fridge. I don’t understand what she eats. As soon my bag arrives, I’ll introduce her to oatmeal and tea ☺

So now I have napped, unpacked like 35% of my things and trying to cheer myself up. Everyone at home has and is so supportive of my stay here, but I can’t help but feel homesick. I haven’t felt well in over 3 weeks. My body aches and my heart hurts. When I planned this trip, I thought it would be like a dream coming true, but now I just cant think of anything but being with the people I love.

My mind and heart are in a different place right now, and it’s a struggle to have them united. I just remind myself, Olga, this is yet another adventure, another lesson in life. I always have some fear and feelings of being home sick during the first few days of a journey. With everything that has occurred in the past month and the fighting in Israel, my heart hurts. I begin to lose hope and faith in this world. However I must remember that in order to be great and truly understand life to a higher and deeper level one usually hits a stop in the road. Reminds me of the quote, “There is no success without failure”

Well I’m getting super tired and its already 3 am in Argentina. Must be up by 10/11. Have to get a sim card, make some phone calls and get to class by 2. Maybe I’ll finally have a real meal.

Well thank you for reading and hope you’ll enjoy the next few series of Olga’s life journey in Argentina ☺