La Sirena de Buenos Aires

The Little Bow

noreply@blogger.com (Kyria) — Mon, 01 Aug 2011 06:28:00 +0000

"You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself any direction you choose. You're on your own. And you know what you know. And YOU are the one who'll decide where to go..."
-Dr. Seuss (Oh, the Places You'll Go!)

(Dr. Seuss will be the honorary poet we have today.
One of my favorites, with great things to say.
His poems are crafty, swift and complete, offering wisdom in rhymes so sweet.)

Wow. What a ride.

Always has a sense of humor in his approach
and a helpful hand to offer.
“From there to here, and here to there,
funny things are everywhere.”

Back in the land of the free I arrived safe and sound in LAX at 1am on Sunday July 25^th. The superman of my world greeted me with those familiar open arms as I exited the plane. It did not feel like that long ago when he had dropped me off. I remember watching papa pete on January 18^th as I took lift off on the escalator and entered the long security line. Feeling so alone, so scared, and not knowing what was in store for me and my South American adventure. All I knew was I was going.

And sure thing I did.

Baby Edu!

“Today you are You, that is truer than true. There is no one alive who is Youer than You.”

After spending the night at my sister’s home and meeting my beautiful nephew Eduardo (I am now a proud auntie of three!) my father and I made the final leap- a boat ride to the island. A sold out 12:15pm departure, thus we were destined to sit separately. I found a place next to a couple from Thousand Pines. Whether they liked it or not, they had their own private tour guide for that hour we shared together. Thrilled to be making the vast cruise across the sea to my familiar landmass, I shared all my favorite things about Catalina with this pair. They only spent the afternoon in Avalon. Little do they know it is possible to spend your whole life over here- much more than meets the eye to behold.

Home Sweet Home
"Be who you are and say what you feel,
because those who mind don't matter,
and those who matter don't mind."

My mother picked us up from the boat in the (barely) still living 1982 Jeep wrangler, how I missed her. Incognito, not yet ready to see everyone and begin sharing the stories of my travels in person, I slipped into the backseat with my glasses on and we took the long way home.

Mother from another brother.
"Why fit in when you were born to stand out?"

Other than morning runs and dog walks, I spent my first few days simply being. Celebrating my full reign in a kitchen once again, my diet has consisted mostly of dark chocolate, Mario’s beans, spinach smoothies and my special blend of iced tea…
i know-bizarre- but all special things I have been without for far too long. I began the long (and yet to be completed) process of unpacking, enjoyed every meal with my family (God Bless Mario!) and didn’t think too much about all that has happened over these past 6 and a half months. A time of transitioning was needed, and was indeed had. Today I woke up and downloaded nearly 5,000 pictures on my computer. Scanning over them once again was like going through a time warp. Wow. I did all that. I was there. That is me. So much has changed. So much has happened. So much I have been blessed to experience.

So, here I am. Tying a pretty little bow around the South American adventure with this final blog post. During the process of writing this blog I have discovered all the more my passion for writing so… stay posted to my "normal" blog from here on out. http://kyriaedwards.blogspot.com/

This afternoon I waved goodbye as my little sister departed for her first big international adventure. She will be traveling around France and Spain for two weeks along with 20 other students from her high school. Last Sunday I arrived, and this Sunday La is leaving. All things really do come full circle.

"You'll be on your way up!
You'll be seeing great sights!
You'll join the high fliers
who soar to high heights."

As I wrote last, I finished my travels with a 16 day 200 hr RYT Yoga teacher training course. I successfully completed it and am now a certified yoga instructor! Whoo! Now let me just say if you are imagining a “yoga retreat” where the people are beautiful, yoga is done from morning to night and the birds sing the worlds delight… you would be right. But… it was also SO VERY INTENSE!!! Really, intense. My day spanned from 5am to 9pm. Countless hours of yoga practice and studies of philosophy, anatomy, history, postures, safety, modifications… there was a lot to cover. The life of a yogi. The balance of business and spirituality. A divine opportunity to acknowledge as well as move beyond our own greatest challenge- ourselves.

“And the turtles, of course... All the turtles are free-
As turtles and, maybe, all creatures should be.”

Although unintentional, I soon realized I had led my way down the hard road, by coming unprepared. I was traveling for 2 full months before my arrival in Costa Rica where not once did I take a yoga class (outside if my own practice) and my mind was not devoted to the study and pursuit of yoga. Now yoga is a lifestyle, and one I aim to follow daily- so in that extent I felt on board but… I was a tad bit out of practice when it came to the asanas, and it was obvious. Fortunately I was surrounded by wonderful yogis who helped me along with their patient and ever loving support.

My first week there was nothing short of a struggle. Physically sick with everything from headaches to the stomach flu to back pains (all of which I never usually have) to being emotionally out of whack. However, as I became settled and more comfortable in this new place, the beauty of it all began to unfold- allowing for true presence to pave the way for a conducive learning environment.

I underestimated the intensity of these two weeks and did not know they would demand so much of me. But I am grateful that they did. An incredible learning and growing experience for myself as a teacher, a student, and a yogini.

"The storm starts, when the drops start dropping
When the drops stop dropping then the storm starts stopping."

Looking back on it now, I understand why my body, mind and spirit reacted as such. And rightfully so. I threw myself into an extremely challenging environment, totally different than anything I had been in during the past half year. During my travels, as I would go from one place to the next I would allot myself a couple of days to transition and settle. I did not have that time to settle into the teacher training. On top of that, my flight from Peru to Costa Rica was 7 hours late, so I missed my caravan, thus leaving me to spend the night in San Jose alone, where I then missed my bus the following (long story), left to wait four hours in a tiny bus stop where… well… I had a (much deserved at this point) mini-meltdown and then I pulled myself together. Learning some pretty valuable life lessons all on my own. Sometimes we are meant to figure things out by ourselves.

"So be sure when you step, Step with care and great tact.
And remember that life's A Great Balancing Act.
And will you succeed? Yes! You will, indeed!
(98 and ¾ percent guaranteed)"

Then I arrived and all was well at the teacher training. It is wild how the time goes. Here I am now sitting on my couch almost as if none of the past 6 months ever happened. It feels dream like to look back on it all. The same Kyria sits here now who learned to ride a bike in these streets (two times), mastered social skills from these small town people and who developed a sense of “YES I CAN” from all the support of the community. 20 years later, YES I DID.

With that said, this is not the only adventure. I realize more and more it is not about South America, what I saw or what I did, it is how I did it all that matters. The lessons learned, opportunities had and relationships built helped give me the tools I need to better live the rest of my adventure. Every day is the journey. Since I have been back many people have said “I want to hear all about your trip! All the stories and memories made…” Part of me does not know when that “trip” started and ended. If I am only looking at the time in which I was out of the USA, we are missing the real value that was held during that exploration. It is when I take a step back and look at this one grand event in the context of my whole life’s journey, that the real significance can be seen and honored.

"You’ll miss the best things if you keep your eyes shut."

I believe that traveling is one way to expedite ones learning and experience, therefore speeding up the process of self-growth and enlightenment. Anytime we go beyond our “comfort limits” we are bound to find something worthwhile. While traveling there are endless opportunities to do and see externally, which in turn allows us to see more internally. The more foreign of a destination, the more opportunity for change and exploration.

When I see people that live differently than I do, I am reminded we are not all the same and that there is much glory in the diversity between cultures. And on the flip side, we are all kind of the same. The Beatles had it right all along, “All you need is Love.” I am biased as I am forever an apprentice to Love, but other than the need to eat, sleep, work, and play- we all need to love and be loved in return. Sounds simple.

The beauty in all of that is as long as these basic needs are met, and we live within our means, happiness and satisfaction are sure to be waiting patiently in our mailbox. From the homeless to the wealthy rich I have know, the key to opening that box is our mindset. As my yoga teacher loved to say “It is all mental.” And it really is.

"Be grateful you’re not in the forest in France
Where the average young person just hasn’t a chance
To escape from the perilous pants eating plants
But your pants are safe, you’re a fortunate guy
You ought to be shouting how lucky am I"

Even if we have nothing, absolutely nothing, we still have control over our mind. Ultimately the world is what it is and we as individuals perceive it differently and therefore are different (along with biology, nature, nurture, and all that jazz) but at the root of it all is our mind. If we allow ourselves to view the world in the light that it really is, we not only allow ourselves to be divine as we are intended to be, but we also share that love and light with all whom we come in contact with. Thereby making the globe as a whole that much richer on all levels. Win-Win.

Now perhaps I am just a tired love hippie who is exhausted from half a years travel and has most recently been washed up as a beached mermaid on a stranded island and I am blabbing nonsense about love and life and the pursuit of happiness but, all of this is true… to me, in my mind and soul. But it may not be for you, which is wonderful too. I believe we all need to find our own philosophy, and we can use others for inspiration, but ultimately we are the rulers of our own worlds and must therefore write up a manifesto- or else we may be swooped up into someone else’s. The deepest joy comes when we find others whom share a similar outlook and passion as we do. There we can really connect and begin to build our own family.

More of these good times to come!
"It's opener, out there, in the wide, open air."

It really is a wonderful world, and I can say that with all the more certainty now. While I crossed some places off on my "must see" list, the list only grew as more days passed in travels. I have a heart to travel and the desire to take me there. But for now I am greatly enjoying the comfort of home, the sweet unspoken joy of knowing exactly where I am and who I am with. The casuality that comes with knowing how the day will probably play out and what tomorrow will look like too.

There is much to be appreciated about where I am from, this place and the village that it houses helped create the original mold for who I was to become. Only as I begin to venture farther and farther away do I realize it is ok, and at times even healthy, to break that mold and be the woman I choose to be. And it is also perfectly good to return home once again, embracing all that is new within and all that is constant without.

"Today was good. Today was fun.
Tomorrow is another one."

After 178 days of traveling around 6 different countries thanks to the 14 planes taken and countless number of buses I sleeplessly enjoyed, I hereby declare this little bow tied. I am ready and enthusiastic to continue on this journey of life, and also grateful to close this beautiful chapter that has been one great South American adventure.

I would also like to thank all of you. I wrote this blog for three reasons: One: to assist me in my nearly mad desire to record keep and remember all that has happened. Two: to help me digest the passing of events as I transitioned from one thing to the next at a rapid rate. And last but not the least bit least… to share it all with you. It means the world to me that you all have taken the time and interest to read a bit about my life. I can only hope it was a beneficial and enjoyable experience, and please do share a bit of your life story back with me too.

We are all in this together, and there is only so much we can learn on our own and via our personal observations. But if we all share some bits of wisdom that we have collected along the way… it is bound to be a much more rewarding journey for everyone.

Pura vida y namaste,

Kyria

The entire globe I would love to roam, but as Dorothy once said, "there is no place like home."

As I ran today on this land where I am from,

I was reminded once again of something truly awesome.
The world is vast, mysterious and great- a divine opportunity to learn, grow and re-create.
But it is in this soil where I am always welcomed, loved and known -

that I can return again and again to rest my heart at home.

-Ki

~~~

And one of my favorites to wrap it up tight...

"I like nonsense, it wakes up the brain cells. Fantasy is a necessary ingredient in living, It's a way of looking at life through the wrong end of a telescope. Which is what I do, And that enables you to laugh at life's realities."
-Dr Seuss

Kasey and Kí meet Rio and Peru!

noreply@blogger.com (Kyria) — Sun, 03 Jul 2011 06:18:00 +0000

Many moons have passed since the last time my fingers have massaged this keyboard. My last note out to the world was sent from an island mass where days were spent laying in the sand and nights were spent dancing with the locals. Since then I have spent 2 weeks at a yoga farm wwoofing just outside of Rio in the sweet silent mountains of Nova Friburgo. Then I greeted a soul sister from California at the international airport in Rio and we began our week of exploration in the city. Now I sit in an old 18th century mansion that currently resides as a hostel in the heart of Cuzco.

It has been a journey of many forms. Just having celebrated my 5th month abroad, I reflect on this time and see a wide variety of explorations all wrapped up nicely into one south american trip.

Venturing furthur into nature, cities, people and myself the joys have been treasured and the lessons welcomed. As time continues it´s bottomless flow the memories will become rippened images in my mind as the wisdom gained will reveal more of it´s light and clarity.

Pindorama

June 1st-13th

Welcome Home.

Many homes I´ve been blessed with in my life and Pindorama was yet another place on Earth where my heart smiled to reside. A two hour bus ride away from downtown Rio de Janiero, plus a 40 minute car ride- where the last 20 minutes are on wild dirt roads that my little old Jeep would fall in love with as well. The last 50 yards are a near verticle spiral climb until... you arrive. A cozy just-right-size two story home sits atop a little hill that settles in a large valley which settles in the Atlantic Forest. One word: GREEN. Trees, vines, plants and shrubbery covering the rich foundation of soil that gives birth to fruit, veggies, and flowers of all kind.

La Familia

Read the description and tell me how divine it sounds...

"We are located in a rural area of 480.000m 2 of green, surrounded by the Atlantic. We seek to offer an opportunity for those people who are prepared for simple living and high thinking, selfless work and silence at night, maintaining an environment with lots of harmony that provides a spiritual growth, self-awareness and mental clarity to acquire new habits and knowledge of non-conventional technology."

Natural Dryer

Not only was it all of that, it was an eclectic group of hard working, nature loving, yoga practicing, health seeking, people that in no time became a family. The vast majority of time Portuguese was the language of choice, thus I took a step back and played more of the "listener/ throw in a sly line of spanish from time to time" role. A typical day consisted of morning meditation at 6am, followed by yoga (which I led a few times ALL in spanish!), then a light breakfast of fresh fruits. After the smooth entrance to the new day we went to "work." Bamboo making, water planting/watering, food cooking, home cleaning, music playing... the days were generously long and ended with the setting sun.

Mama Mario taught me well.

It was all self led self inspired and once I welcomed Pindorama as my new home I began treating it as such and did all I could from organizing the entire kitchen to making home-made raw chocolate (SO FUN straight from the cocoa bean) to help spread the love and light. Thanks Forest for teaching me the art!

A truly special handful of people that more than filled the void of city life, unloved food and internet. A simple life. I would wake up before sunrise and as my eyelids rose from meditation they would be greeted with the sol´s rays shining over the deep verde valleys and mountaintops of this sacred space.

For the first time in my life I lived completely resorted. A "resort" of it´s own type one could say, where the silence allowed the inner noise to come forward and mix itself into a song of the spirit. Rising at 3am to take a taxi to a bus to a taxi to the plane to surprise Kasey at the airport, I knew this time of blissful peace had come to a pause as I prepared to CELEBRATE, EXPLORE AND GO GO GO with a soul sister from the original home of california.

Rio De Janiero

I welcomed Kasey´s deep blue toes to
the deep blue Atlantic.

June 14th

Having a hand scratched sign that read "Kasey Kokenda!" I stood at the International Arrival terminal and excitedly awaited her smile. While I have landed in a country with the fortune of having family and friends awaiting my arrival, I have never done the same for others. The people watcher within me was eating it all up like peanut butter (which is as rare as Tarzan to find in south america). The vast majority of people looked completely lost and unblanced as they shuffled their way down the tunnel of people patiently awaiting their loved ones or buisness affiliates.

Wandering around the city that day, snacking on fresh acai and strolling the beaches of Copacabana and Ipanema, we began to fill eachother in on all the juicy details of the previous 5 months. Catching up as girlfriends do.

June 15th

A magical day indeed, as they all seem to be in their own special way.

Originally intending to hike to Jesus the clouds rolled in so we journeyed into the botanical forest instead...

Come play with me!

Beautiful woman dancing naked.

After getting our fill of greens for the day we took a bus to the bohemian artsy neighborhood of Santa Teresa. Kasey´s powerful intuition said "stop the bus" so we did and not knowing exactly where we were we hopped off and before we could cross the street I spotted a friend from the hostel in Florianópolis! Such a small world. He then led us to the Lapa steps where we delighted in the array of colors and broken tiles that together formed this legendary staircase.

Welcome Creativity

My favorite.

Once reaching the top a man with 3 huge backpacks and a limited supply of air stopped before us to catch his breath (and make a couple new friends). An interesting fellow to say the least. Chef-traveler-shaman-artist-musician 50 something year old whom had spent much time in the sun and the jungles of Brasil. His leather skin told stories f adventures outside while his deep blue eyes told stories from within. He pointed out the local howler monkeys that were running along the electricity lines overhead and gave us some tips on the city. More than that he shined his light on us and helped Rio to feel all the more like home.

Monkeys on the telephone!

Kasey and I journeyed on and delighted in some amazing bruschetta that a local woman selling necklaces from the amazon led us to. Having enjoyed the town of Santa Teresa, we decide it was time to head back. We walked down a road that would eventually led us to the metro when this sweet little old man (in his 80s) whisteled out to us and said there was a shortcut. He pointed down a staircase.

(Now I know this sounds like it could be bad news but… he was so genuine and shining with the light Kasey and I trusted our strong intuitions and went with him.) Before embarking on the downstairs journey (one that required much focus and energy for him) he pointed out the favelas spread across the opposite hillside.

He then, excited to have the focus of 2 young traveling girls, spoke to us about his life a bit. He used to be an English teacher and knows Spanish, French, Latin, Italian and many more. He told us of some of his teaching ideologies- He used to put in his tests questions about national holidays and when students would get it wrong they would argue “Why would you put history questions on an English test?!” Perhaps, they have a point, but from our new friends perspective these dates were important to know and this was his way of encouraging students to learn about their country. “Students just don´t care.” He said with disappointment.

The time the three of us spent together was more like Kasey and I listening with joy to his monologue- offering supporting lines every now and again to assist the flow of fun facts and wisdom. He then continued to share with us some of his passions. He told us of how excited he was when reading about the Louisianna Purchase the night before (Pause: Imagine: An 80 something year old, retired, single man, from Brazil who spent his Tuesday night reading about American history! I wouldn´t be surprised if he knows more about my country than I do.) I think it is this passionate curiosity for learning that serves as the best fertilizer to help the mind stay healthy, alert and alive.

Meet my self declared grandfather.
(Catfood freshly purchased for his three best buds)

He asked what we studied. I told him sociology and education, and that I have studied the favelas in some of my classes. He swung his half filled well worn black backpack around and shuffled through until he found a little piece of paper on which he wrote the name of a book for me. “The History of South Ameirca” he then wrote the name of the author, publishing house, year of publishment…. Nearly everything besides the ISB number. I then noticed on the back of the paper was enscribed his name and address. A handmade business card on standard thin printer paper- then cut to fit comfortably in his wallet.

He is also a lover of cinema. Alfred Hitchcock in particular. Kasey and I know close to nothing about the art of cinema nor about the movies that were popular during his time. Regardless, he shared with us his joy and once again dug into his Mary Poppins like bag to pull out a brochure that was carefully wrapped in the protection of a used plastic bag.

June 16th

Ready or not... Jesus here we come!

You can take the tram or...

You can use the body God gave you!

Up bright and early on a clear sunny day, Kasey and I opted out of the “bus to the top option” and opted in for the “do it yourself through the jungle” route. What an exciting route it was. After 2 hours of climbing over fallen trees, through vines and up steep hillsides we reached Him. No offense to Jesus, but the journey to the top was far greater than just seeing the statue itself. A great reminder to “enjoy the ride as much as the destination.” Once we climbed the 2,326 feet our eyes rested upon El Cristo Redentor. Having really deserved to be standing where our legs had brought us, we caught our breath as we gazed upon one of the most remarkable views of the city. Then we celebrated life with some fresh fruit juice and empanadas! The classic Brazilian snack.

We Made It!

Story Time...

JESUS!

After a long day we returned to our hostel. Upon arrival the storm clouds began to roll in… to our room. Kasey and I shared the room with an interesting woman. A great social study, if nothing else. Upon our first day together she seemed a little “out there” (as the entire hostel agreed including the manager) but Kasey and I had no issue with her. Beyond lighting her incense in the room she didn´t affect us much.

From what I could tell during our brief 2 minute conversation…

She is a single woman in her 50s. Her name is Victoria. She is from Argentina but says “I am never going back to my country.” She spends most of her time traveling and during her travels (at least from what I saw in Rio) spends most of her time smoking or drinking at the nearby bar. A pretty woman at first glance, but then after looking deeper, some obvious issues become apparent and unfortunately take away from her physical attraction.

On this third day I had just returned from my shower and Kasey left to rinse the day away herself. Victoria was laid across her bed in an almost defeated like way. Then she asked me “Viste mi marijuana?” Did I see her marijuana?

“No” I said

“No sabia que vos tuviste Marijuana.”

No I didn´t know that you had MJ

We had this whole little conversation in spanish but for sake of all you English speakers I will just write it in English.

New experiences (and challenges) offer new perspectives.

Then she got up out of her bed, walked towards me and called me a liar. I stayed as calm, cool and collected as possible as this woman began yelling at me telling me about how she went into the favels, bought her Marijuana, left it in her little bag and then… I came in and stole it.

In my towel and dripping hair I tried to explain to her that No. I did not steal her Mariajuana, nor did I know she even had any and on top of that- I don´t even smoke Marijuana.

After she yelled at me some more saying “I am Victoria. I have the truth! You are a liar!” She left the room.

Wow. Interesting experience.

Knowing well in my heart that this woman has some serious lack of love and support and perhaps some mental/emotional disorders, I decided the best thing to do was to move Kasey and I away from her and that negative environment.

Everything Happens for a Reason

We packed our bags up, explained the situation to the manager, and moved to another floor to set up camp again. As we did, all I could hear was shouting between the manager and Victoria below. Threats were made to call the police and to kick her out, both good ideas I thought but neither of which were executed.

An experience I have grown to be thankful for. Difficult at first, having so much negative energy poured directly on me and in addition being called a liar and a thief, over an issue of an herb that I know little about. While Victoria continued to be everything less than sweet to me during our minor interactions throughout the remainder of my stay there, I watched myself grow from being upset, to annoyed, to amused, to feeling sorry and compassionate towards her.

All in all a learning opportunity- and we made it out alive celebrating with delicious home roasted veggies! A natural high I suppose J

June 17^th

Trip to Buzios

We took a few hour bus ride out of the city to a charming town know as Buzios. A relaxing boat ride spent sipping Caipirinhas. A brazilian drink made with cachca (sugar cane rum), sugar and lime- like an adult lemonade! Buzios was begging to be photgraphed. We answered the plee.

June 18^th

New Goal:
Pick up trash... all over the globe.

Starting the day off right we went for a barefoot run along Ipanema and Copacabana beaches. Upon returning to our hostel Kasey and I talked of love and I collected trash from the sand´s shore (both activities we regularly partake in).

After much internal debate, we decided to join a tour of the Favelas. We found an honorable company that has founded a children´s day care center with part of the proceeds from the tours and genuinely has the vibe of a local grassroots organization.

I was opposed at first to going on “a tour” of the favelas as if they were some tourist attraction, but upon thinking more about it I saw the benefit in seeing them up close. I have studied the history of these communities in some of my sociology classes and I knew that having the opportunity to experience one first hand would provide all the more truth to the facts I´ve learned. I knew that I would also be able to use the knowledge gained to further my own studies as well as share this experience with those around me.

 Rochina...

Jean, a 13 year old artist, sells his artwork along with
6 other painters in a collective in Rocinha.
Kasey and I happy with our new beautiful paintings.

No contractors, no plans, no papers.
Just homes built on top of homes, built on top of homes.

The best drum music I ever heard composed from pieces of trash.

June 19^th

This being our final day in Rio also happened to be a Sunday. What do the Brasileños do on Sundays??? ¡Vamos a la playa! We did as the locals do and laid out on the beach all day. Mmm... delightful.

There was an ever playing sound track of the wandering beach merchants. Men walked by with ice chests full of beer, sodas, waters and juices. Others danced around with sandwiches and saltados. Even more cruised along with bathing suits hanging from umbrellas, sarangs hanging from their necks and sunglasses hanging from home-made display cases. A parade of crafts and comidas. Nearly everything you could ever need brought right to your towels side.

A newly humbled and inspired attitude after visiting south america´s largest favela- "Rocinha" in Rio. Within one square kilometer the 2010 census claimed 69,000 are squessed within it´s borders, calling it home- although other sources say closer to 150,000 residents live there. Where the mafia rules the land and the drug trade makes up 85% of the economy there, hope for a better life is growing. With the eyes of the world watching via the Military Games, World Cups and Olympics just around the corner- the government is begining to take some steps toward action.

Some even sold love.

Everyone can pull off a speedo. It´s in the attitude.

When in ~~Rome~~ Rio!

A perfect way to close our time in Brasil. No rushing around, no touring anything, just simply observing the locals enjoy their beach- as we did the exact same. Being the middle of winter here in South America, means hardly anything as the entire beach was covered with people soaking up the UVs. The beauty is the Brasilians love for their beaches! Everyone from babies to grandparents are in their bikinis and many take long walks along the coast admiring the land they call home as they work in some exercise. A joy to see all people, young and old, thin and not so thin out in the sun having fun.

Wishing us Bon Voyage, we snapped a picture with Mr. Edward Scissorhands.
Sweet, but slighty creepy and not the best hair stylist.

PERU!

June 20^th

Up bright and early at 4am we head to the airport to continue our journey. After 2 flights we landed in Cusco. The cultural heart of the country. The streets are laden with fresh fruits and veggies as well as many colorful handicrafts. Being the second most popular city in Peru I assumed it would be quite modern… wrong. With 80 percent of the population still living in adobe built homes, this city home to 312,140 thousand people is far from developed.

The center of town has a beautiful huge market where one can find everything from beans to light bulbs. The Incan heart still beats to rhythm as a vast majority of people still wear traditional clothing that is as colorful as the rainbow itself. Kasey and I fell in love.

Let the pictures set the stage...

6 years old going on 30.

This sweet little girl came up to Kasey and I and initiated a conversation with such sauve style, as though she talks with strangers regularly. No family in sight, and 4 brothers and sisters at home. Her dad lives with another woman. A strong spirit and vibrant personality, she told me I have light in my eyes. Where does a 6 year old learn to say something like that?
She loves mathematics and enjoys studying in school. I bought some lollipops for her and her brothers on the condition that she would continue to work hard in her classes. She kissed us goodbye and waved her wrist back and forth in such velocity and excitment all that was in front of her wseet face was a blurr of goodbyes.
Kasey and I tears in our eyes, both wished to adopt her.
Just then she ran back for one more round of kisses and goodbyes and ran off, turning around again 10 yards away to wave goodbye once more.
An angel indeed.

Kasey and I unexpectedly but fortunately so, arrived in Cusco during the week celebration of Inti Raymi.
A celebration of the sun god as well as the anniversay of Cusco.
These Peruvians know how to party. All day parades, all night concerts and...

FIREWORKS!
Kasey and I will be hiking the Inca Trail on the fourth of July,
so we got our fill of loud fire cracking excitment tonight.

June 21^st

After exploring more of the city we decided to make Cusco our home-base. Having a solid gameplan of what we wanted to accomplish during our time in Peru we were set on using this warm town as our launching pad for the excursions to come.

The celebration continues!
Such a powerful way to both keep the culture alive and bring the community together.
Everyone is involved, either directly participating or supporting by watching.

Two different
cultures
ways of living
belief systems
styles...
and yet not that different at all.

You can find nearly everything you need, being sold on the side of the street.

I have realized how different the economy is here. A large portion of the population serves as their own employer. Independent and they work when they want, how they want, where they want.

Undoubtedly it is not as glorious as it sounds and there are a slew of challenges that come along with that opportuniny. I have much respect for those who do what they can to provide for thier families. Even if that means selling gum or saftey pins on the sidewalk.

After 5 long months, I have been reunited with a favorite love of mine.
Cherimoya.
Hello Sweetie

This town also has something in common with us. A LOVE FOR CAKES. We cake hopped this afternoon… to five different shops! Mmm….

June 22^nd

A tour of the Sacred Valley. Little did I know there are many more ruins besides Machu Picchu. We explored the Sacred Valley today and stopped in four other historical ruins. By the last stop it hit me… Wow. These structures remain standing after more than 900 years have passed. Not to mention, how did the Incans move these stones (some up to 32 tons!) with no modern technology? Their construction skills astounded me as I gazed up the vast walls that are formed together with rocks that fir like perfect puzzle pieces held together with nothing but the support from the neighboring stone. Many mysteries remain as to how these people were able to do what they did. While our guide aimed to explain the ruins to us, most of it was theories and hypothesis.

Massive stones, fit together like perfect puzzel pieces, atop a huge mountain.
Imagine...
How did they first cut the stones, carry them to the top of the mountain, then fit them together, and keep them together with nothing but stone on stone action ?!?!

Meet the King and Queen.

The Incans had three main laws. Don´t lie. Don´t be a thief. And don´t be lazy. Possibly some of the most hardest working people who have walked the Earth, their character has inspired me to use my energies all the more effectively- and with power!

June 23-26^th

In the jungle the mighty jungle...

Today we started our trip to the Manu National Rainforest. Welcome to the Amazon Jungle! After an 11 hour bus ride and many stops in villages along the way- we arrived. The first night we spent in the cloud forest and the 2^nd and 3^rd night we spent sleeping alongside the river bed. Many jungle walks had observing the natural flora and fauna. Feeling as though I had won bingo, I shouted “Monkeys!” and spotted the first mammals of our trip. We went river rafting and night walking. We also made some beautiful friends from around the world and indulged in our time away from civilization.

The cutest boys. All they said was "Hola! Hola! Hola!...." continually like a broken record until we started to leave,
then they said "Chau! Chau! Chau!...." The best part was the little guy on the right had a blue plastic bag stuck on his head that popped up and down as he ran around the market. A memory that makes me laugh everytime a little blue bag crosses my path. We returned to this market on our way back to cusco and, sure enough, they greeted us with just as much enthusiasm as the last time (unfortunately, without the hat this time.)

A stroll...

The Little White Engine That Could

Willi Wonka Wand

A village in the middle of the jungle´s floor...

Crafty.

Meet the toilet.

River Rafting Time...

Welcome Home...

Jungle hike again...

A tree that walks... really. Every few years or so a new root grows in the direction of sunlight.
Don´t ask me how it works but over time, the tree "walks" in search of the sun on the thick jungle´s floor.

Jungle Love.

It comes in all shapes and sizes.

Lake cruise, like an Italian gondala in the pursuit of birds.

More hiking...

Nature´s tye dye.

Can you smell the fear?

June 27^th

Back to homebase we journeyed through the southern loop of Cusco. While we have taken a fair amount of “tours” thus far, we realized we could do it on our own but… it is simply easier to hop on a bus. Now I know that doesn´t sound very adventurous but with limited time and so many beautifully historical places to see, we were ok with being a tourist.

I am realizing more and more that there are so many different ways to travel. Some seek out relationships, some desire to see the main attractions, and others want to taste their way around. Others simply want to live and just be, but in a different location on the map. All are good and all are enjoyable. I have tried many types of traveling within the past 5 months and while it was hard for me at first to board the bus with a handful of other hat wearing, fanny pack holding, camera snapping foreigners… sometimes you´ve just got to do what you´ve got to do. And we want to see so many of the wonders that Peru has to offer. So onward Captain! All aboard!

Quite possibly the largest bread I have ever seen in my entire life.

Stairs.

Impressive irrigation system that still works.

June 28^th-29^th

Arequipa and Colca Canyon

We boarded an overnight bus to head south to the town of Arequipa where we then headed off to Colca Canyon. The first day we stopped in a few towns and bathed in natural hot springs. Day two we arrived at Colca Canyon and got to view huge flying condors up close and personal. After a long ride back to the city we enjoyed good conversation at the hostel´s bar over a cup of fresh tea. Two tired ladies, who still know how to have a good time J

Volcanos in the distance.

And to think I was afraid of a parrot...

Dancers!

Whose laughing at who?

Deep in the canyon.

The group. Check out gramma and grandpa on far right.
Passionate bird lovers, they never stop watching.

Condors, can get up to 23 feet long!

Moove out of the road

Downtown central square...

Children play the same all over the globe.

One of the most stunning street dogs. It is uncommon to see a dog on a leash.

Besame.

June 30^th

Today was spent walking and talking. We weaved in and out of the cities roads. Arequipa has a plethora of casinos and at times feels life walking down old roads in Italy. It has a rich circulation of money (much more than Cusco perhaps due to the many local casinos…) and the people here walk with attitude.

Hello Capitalism.

It is much more developed than any other city we have been to in Peru and upon arrival Kasey and I honestly felt a bit out of place. Just like Dorothy, we knew we were not in Cusco anymore.

We spent a couple of hours in the local plaza, watching children feeding pigeons and tour operators rounding up visitors with the presion of a cowboy herding his horses. I spotted gold and found an open spot on a bench next to a sweet older Arequipan woman. Traditionally dressed, in sandals with long socks, leggings, a knee-lengthed skirt topped off with a long sleeved pink flower embroidered sweater, she started a dialogue with me stating “Hace Frio.” Nearly 70° I sat next to her in my tank top and flip flops and replied with a smile “No. no hace calor.”

We continued to talk for a while. I shared stories of my travels with her and asked if she had been to the neighboring countries of Chile or Bolivia. “No, no” she replied with a bashful grin “Only Arequipa and Cusco.” A true moment of gratitude for me. To think that at the age of 20 I have explored more of her country in the past 2 weeks than she has been able to do in the past 60 something years. I have once again been reminded how incredibly privileged I am.

Familiar comforts.

Amidst our conversation were pauses of silence where we both turned to listen to the laughs of the nearby school children, running and playing in the flight of the birds.

After our journey around town we found a place to call home for a few hours. A little café where we took refuge upstairs- in a couch nuzzled in the corner where I- after much due time- began to write.

I greatly enjoy keeping this blog… and that is exactly what it is, “keeping” it. It takes time and dedication and while many of the sweet little stories that make up the true beauty of the day remain in my personal old school journal (paper and pen) or tucked away in my heart, I take delight in sharing some of them with you via this resource. But should you really want to know the notes that make the song of my travels, let´s set up a date for tea and exchange stories of our adventures had and wisdoms gained.

The day ends bringing closure and will once again begin with the gift of opportunity.

*A special note of love to my fourth of July family! I love you all and while a part of me is sad not to be celebrating life with you... I will be in Machu Picchu! Enjoy :)

Hoy Brazil!

noreply@blogger.com (Kyria) — Tue, 31 May 2011 12:51:00 +0000

May 20, 2011

Leaving Argentina

The peace that comes with being so high.

Hello. Goodbye.

Four months. Snap.

Backpacking thru Patagonia, Studying in Buenos Aires, Living with a family, making friends, and traveling sola. Yo conozco Argentina. Fui a Puerto Madryn, Bariloche, Calafate, Ushuaia, Mendoza, Tandil, Iguazu y Salta. And now the time has come to say goodbye yet again, an act I feel I am beginning to perfect.

Having grown leaps and bounds as a person, a spanish speaker and a traveler- I love this country. I have learned a wealth of knowledge about life and love and what it means to journey through this time on earth. As I sit at the airport in Salta waiting for my 6am flight to board I take notice of my emotions and my current state of mind. My heart rate is normal, I´m not perspiring, no tears are forming...

Estoy Lista.

…………..

Change of perspective.

Three planes and 18 hours later… I arrived in Santa Catarina- an island off the coast of southern Brazil! Staying at the greatest hostel I´ve ever been in right on the ocean front. A huge beautiful breakfast with fresh juices and a wide rainbow of fruits with sandwiches, homemade swedish pancakes, and lots of love! Plus free beach toys from beach balls to kayaks and surf boards and not to mention a staff that makes us feel right at home and helps us with any of our wild touristy needs. And Mansuki, the papa chef, cooks an INCREDIBLE dinner a few nights each week so we all can sit and eat toghether. Reminds me of Mama Mario a bit. They even plan trips to show us around the island and parties to show us the night life… well long story short- they are just great. Welcome to a new home.

Saturday May 21st

Our beach. We are located on the right side of the bay.
Ocean view from my top bunk!

If interested in hostel see:
http://backpackersfloripa.com/backpackers/

My first day I walked out barefoot and went for a run along the coast, stopped for some sand yoga after I found some treasures (shells) and then decided the water was too good to look at- so I jumped in! WOW. Hello Atlantic! Feeling so comforted to be back on an island and running in the sand I cruised back to the hostel collecting trash along the way. God always seems to supply me with a plastic bag as I begin the rubbish rounds- knowing I will fill it to the rim.

Resting around the hostel making new friends, I met a kind man from Mexico and we went on a walk around the small beach town as I practiced my Spanish and he his English. I have been able to communicate more or less with the Brazilians. Portuguese and Spanish are similar enough if one speaks slow and uses an abundance of facial expression and hand gestures--- something close to the main message can be retrieved.

I told my new friend about my 6 lovely ladies back at home and how someone basically daily bakes cookies. After missing home, my girls and the sweets. I made a quick stop by the supermercado and gathered all the necessities.

I offered a few Auzzie friends some cookie dough and they looked at me quizzically. When I explained to them it was normal to eat cookie dough, they tried at bite and enjoyed it but didn´t come back for seconds. Same with the English. Maybe us Americans are doing something wrong? Or something SO right! Mmm… I love the dough just as much as the finished product :)

Back to the hostle I whipped up a batch of vegan banana oatmeal chocolate chip cookies and… they were the BEST cookies I´ve ever made! Honest to goodness they were divine. Thin and moist and crispy on the edges but soft and chewy in the center- needless to say I made many friends that night as I spread the cookies around the hostel family.

Sunday May 22^nd

Lake and Samba

The next day I took a stroll and did some beach yoga again before taking a bus to a boat across the lake. Recommended to me by Mansuki, I enjoyed this little tug boat ride that was managed by Brazilian men who only spoke old Portuguese and whom had been working the same structure of floating wood since before my parents were even capable of reproducing.

Sitting on the dock of the bay...

Sweet and slow we boated past dozens of kite surfers and I became lost in the hillsides. Un-accesible by cars, the hillsides are scattered with homes right at the lakes edge. Each with it´s own pier taking the place of a drive-way parking garage. A handful of them for for sale signs and my mind played with the idea of living out here.

Literally this time, all alone. Peaceful front lake property surrounded by tropical rainforest. I arrived at dock 16 and headed out to the cachoeiras- waterfalls. A small stroll through a collection of houses and a handful of shops- dock 16 doesn´t come close to being a “town.” Then a little hike up the hill and there I was. Waterfalls. Wild how falling water is so soothing and wonderous. A trickle in comparison to Iguazu of course, but an elegant place to rest, drink my tea, eat my lunch and read a little.

Coming back to the hostel was dinner night. Everyone eating the big BBQ together with a special mix of veggies on the side for me. After a talk about the mysteries of love with an Auzzie, it was time to go SAMBA! Off we were tin the hostels own VW van to a local hot dance spot. I danced with a handful of partners, most of whom were Brazilians. Dancing really is like a 3 minute relationship. Well one type of relationship- a type where the man leads.

My first and I spun in circles, slow circles but I couldn´t feel him leading me- too soft. Another one just moved his hips wildly and was more interested in being sensual than following the moves of Samba. Another man who stood over me at 6´4 was way too hard- literally put his hands on my hips and pushed them side to side- whoa buddy. Then there was the non-moving man. We stood there and made maybe three circles the whole song. Then there was the teacher- he counted and showed me a few moves.

Then… Mr. White Golf hat man- stole the show. He was both strong and smooth, gentle and considerate, noticed when I was off beat and shared a few new steps with me. He was SO happy! I wasn´t too comfortable with my Samba technique but having dance experience I could follow along. “Tranquila Tranquila” he would say. Not having had many great dance partners in my time- I am used to being the leader. Not this time, I had to slow down and just listen with my body to his lead. That is the key in partner dancing: having a man who knows how to lead and a woman who knows how to follow. Also, having a man who supports the woman. The man may set the foundation for the dance, but the woman adds the flair. Once I told him I was from California I swear his eyes lit up all the more and his hat almost flew off. I felt like telling him not everyone from California is a movie start, but it didn´t matter- we were Samba-ing!

All in all I´ve been thinking about this whole “travel” thing. As with anything- it is what you make it. And as with anything (extreme the obvious extremes of course) there is no right or wrong. I had to take care of some buissness stuff today, but then I headed off to soak up the sun and the knowledge from my book. After a dip in the ocean I laid upon my sarong again and thought “Is this ok?” I am in Brazil and here I am, just napping on the beach- I should be out “doing something.” Then my father´s words came out from my memory file and said “It´s not what you do, but how you do it.” True.

Happy Pose!

What it comes down to is my happiness and the happiness of those around me. As long as my actions are elevating both- all is well in the world. Yes, there is something to be said for taking advantage of the unique opportunites here like the activities- tours- and local lands. But it is also just as important to take advantage of the open time, free responsibility and relaxing environment I am in. I could go on a tour and be pleasantly entertained all day or I could spend all day on the beach resting and exploring my mind. Both are good options and both are readily available here and now- where they may not be so easily accessible back at home.

Monday May 23rd

Now my fourth day at this hostle I have grown closer to the folk here than at any other hostle I´ve been too. Seeing people come and seeing people go. It has been a perfect set-up for a social study. Life in the hostels are different than life everywhere else. EVERYONE is on the move and it is expected for everyone to continue being on the move- but for the time, here and now, the majority wants to have a good time. And what often comes with having a good time- is spending time with others. People are open to being friends and many want you to come along on their adventure for the day. All eating, sleeping, playing in the same space makes an environment conducive to a more rapid growth of relationships.

A local artist spreads the love.
There are hearts on trash cans, telephone poles, sidewalks, ect...
All in beauty and clear view for all who pass by.
I wonder how many people see them?

As I was laying in the soft white sand today, I realized all the more (I feel like I write this in every one of my blog posts, but it is a lesson I continue to learn…) Love is all that matters. It is the essence of life and life is all the brighter with love in it. First love of oneself in necessary and then when the right person comes along at the right time- sharing that love and life with another is incredible. A type of travel in and of itself. There has no doubt been times on this trip where I have thought of having a lover with me, or even sharing in this journey with friends and family. I think it is normal to want to share the beautiful things with beautiful people. Get their perspective of the same things, allow your energies to mix and let yourself radiate because of thier contagious joy.

I spoke last night with an Australian friend and we shared some of our own love stories as we were open to eachother´s viewpoints/ advice. That has been one of the most glorious things about traveling- people open up. I am not sure if it is because they are more relaxed or because they know we are going to split ways anyways so why not just let it out and see what happens. Or if it´s just a way to pour the information out in hopes of becoming friends faster. Or if it is because we are all away from our usual support circles... that we utilize eachother for that loving assistance.

Perhaps it´s a mixture of it all.

Tuesday May 24^th

Survivors!
Brazilian style and for 2 hours only...
can they make it???

Ten friends and I embarked on an hour and half hike up and over the hill sheltering our hostle. Through the jungle trail and guided with our very own River guide (a sweet dog who lives on the street and walked with us the few miles to the beach.

Meet River. AKA Mr. Incredible.
Upon returning home we opted to take the bus
in the mist of the cool night and...
they did not allow 4 leggedfriends aboard.
The next day and after navigating 6 miles on his own-
River was once again at our doorstep.
GoodBoy!

After making it past the Tarantula and Ant Hills with the vicious attackers on the forefront (my friend accidentally stepped in one, thus tearing down their civilization in a single step and recieving a stinging foot for the rest of the day in rapid karma.)

Buena vista from the top of the world.

On the other side there was a long white coastline with sand so soft it felt like walking in powdered sugar. Upon arriving, there was one Brazilian man with his sidekick (who quickly became River´s best bud) and not another soul in sight. All the men united over the round object filled with air and played soccer for hours. Amazing how something as simple as a ball can unite a group of people and offer stimulation them for hours.

The men played soccer as the woman sat in the sand and spoke of Love. We laughed at ourselves for realizing how gender sterotypic this was- but I suppose some generalizations hold truth.

Wed May 25^th

^{Joaquina Beach- Sandboard Time!}
^And...
^{the perfect place for photo shoots and reflection on the Majesty of Nature herself...}
Exploring the dunes with a sweet canadian chica, two cute swedish ladies, two charming german men and a friend I made at the Samba dance night... we had ourself one sandy fiesta!

We found something fun along the way;
although a bit one sided
they could support us :)

The little boy is without a doubt the best part of this picture-
He came out of nowhere!

Forget not that the earth delights to feel your bare feet and the winds long to play with your hair. ~Kahlil Gibran

My first time in mountains of sand!
I felt like I was in the Sahara!

Climb the mountains and get their good tidings. Nature's peace will flow into you as sunshine flows into trees. The winds will blow their own freshness into you, and the storms their energy, while cares will drop off like autumn leaves. ~John Muir

If at first you don´t succeed...

Dust yourself off and try again!

"The human spirit needs places where nature has not been rearranged by the hand of man."

And the night just got better!
This incredible woman makes these bombom chocolates by hand in her kitchen
(which fortunately happens to be right next door to our hostle)
and they come by nightly to sell them to us. 12,000 they sell during the month of January!
Mmm only 1.50 real (so like .75 cents)
The best chocolates I´ve EVER had. Period.
Plus... Mr Chocolate man knows I´m their biggest fan and calls me sweet things ;)

And then...
I adapted fully back into the island way of life.
A life I am all to familiar with, but have desensitized myself to after living in Buenos Aires for four months and traveling around south america- on the go go go solo.

My view for the past 10 days.

A beautiful wonderful time of rejuvenation and peace. Self exploration more than local exploration. After a few days of settling in I became fully comfortable with il bel far niente- italian for "the art of doing nothing." Walking, swimming, eating, playing, yoga-ing, friend making, dancing, reading, writing, ect... The art of doing nothing.

A new perspective on the art of traveling as well. Staying in the same beachside hostle for 10 days provided me with a unique opportunity to say hello and goodbye plenty of times, as well as see how the mixture of backpackers directly create the atmosphere. Party troops to beach side tanners to fellow nothing doers, there is an ecclectic arrangement of people on foot that are circling the world. And to live with them, eat with them, share stories and good times with them has been a true joy indeed.

As I speedily type this blog entry I await my carraige that will transport me to the next adventure. I will fly to Rio today and begin my two weeks at a WWOOF yoga camp. I will off the web for that time and will fully indulge in the 4am daily meditaion, yoga, good food, beautiful people and perfect nature that I will soon be introduced too.

Here´s to continuing the journey.

Success!

I so needed that. To make cookies, but really to make a bit of home and spread the love. It satisfied my sweet tooth as it pleased my heart. Then when I gave a friend a massage- Kyria was alive and glowing! I realized that really, “home” can be anywhere. What is important is to remember what makes me “me” and then nourish that. Wherever I am (although the ocean may not always be at my doorstep) I can be right at home. More than anything, it is about a mindset. Allowing myself to ahhh exhale and rest. Allowing myself to let it go and be open to possibility and the goodtimes around me.

Thoughts of Amor as the Sunlight washes my hair.

noreply@blogger.com (Kyria) — Sun, 29 May 2011 16:44:00 +0000

Love is alive.
It needs to be welcomed, openly accepted, and nurtured.
If you have it- give thanks and support it.

Love is whatever you make it.
It can be one night. It can be a lifetime.
It can be messy. It can be magic.
It can be everything, or it can be non-existent.

It is your choice and your responsibility to decide what role Love will play in your life.
If it will take the lead or be left to playing "Man number 3 in the cafe window."
You decide.

To love oneself
is the beginning of a lifelong romance.
- Oscar Wilde

The key to attaining the perfect love for you, is to find someone with a similar understanding of Love.
Free love, strong love, fun love, wild love, reliable love, experimental, family, friend, short, holy, ect... The possibilities are as endless as the people who seek it.

Sharing life, time, energy and soul with another is an experience all should be so blessed to know. But it is not the only experience. Truly loving oneself first is the foundation that can support fully loving another.

Each with our own backgrounds, beliefs, alignment in the stars, and living environments we create our own unique needs of love and ways in which we express it. If we are able to identify what our needs, desires and love languages are then we are all the more likely to satisfy our heart´s longing because we will be able to relate each of those to our lover. How could we ever satisfy a hunger we cannot identify? While some may be deeply intune with their instinct and thus be able to offer you exactly what you need, exactly when you need it and how... the majority understandably need a little assistance.

It is like going into a restaurant and assuming the waiter already knows what you want and how you want it prepared. Sure it is their job to bring you the yummy food that you are craving, but how could you ever expect them to make that choice for you? It is an unfair pressure to place on the server and it is also likely to end in dissapointment for you.

Some believe that "true love knows all" and while this may be true, sometimes even the truest of love needs a little nudge in the right direction. If you are not satisfied in your relationship, it is only you who can mobilize the change that is necessary. Just as one places a request at a restaurant, it is not rude or demanding to ask for what you need. Sharing that with your lover is often accepted with respect that you know what you want and admiration that you are helping them to supply that for you.

Your task is not to seek for love,
but merely to seek and find all the barriers
within yourself that you have built against it.

- Rumi

We are all Love Servers. But if we want to be truly pleased with the love we recieve, we have to make our request clear and deliever it in a way that the server can understand. Once we are able to do this, and on a regular basis- we take away much unnecessary pressure and dissapointment. The game of gambling has no place beyond the poker table and absolutely should not be applied to a treasure as valuable as Love.

In the case that the server cannot supply what you are asking for in the present moment, I see only two options. The first, change your order and be equally as happy with the new dish or the second: Leave and find a new server that can satisfy your needs.

As in any relationship from the tides of the ocean´s sea to the bond between two beings- there is a give and take. To serve and to be served in the fullest joy, aiming to please your lover and offer only the most delicious and nutritious specials of the day. Mmm... if only Love came with a menu and cookbook.
But where is the fun, exploration and creativity in that?

El fin de Argentina

noreply@blogger.com (Kyria) — Fri, 27 May 2011 16:47:00 +0000

A brief look at some final adventures in BsAs...

Acrobacia en Tela

Prepping for the 360 flip...It´s all mental...

half way there...

STICK IT!

Yummy Treats

Ginger, Lemon, Honey, Cinnamon Cure any wound Tea

Homemade roasted peanuts

Many Multi Mmmazing Fruit cake

Pre Oven Easter Peanut Butter Cookies

Post Oven

Li´s Homemade Sushi

Iguazu Falls

Exploring wild bugs in the botanical gardens

Un lugar de magia

Soul Sisters

Miners Unite!

Power Crystal

Saying Goodbyes:

Night on the Roof

Share the children´s joy

final foto.

Light Time*

Goodbye City of Buenos Aires... Hello Salta!

May 16th

Tour around northern Salta: Humahuaca and Jujuy
Old Incan ruins

Lots of Ass.

Largest salt flats in Argentina
It covers an area of 3,200 mi²
Mmm...

La Montaña de Siete Colores

May 17th

Walk around downtown Salta

and Haircut day!
(That´s my "I´ve completely gone wild, but am ok with it" look)

May 18th

Horseback Riding at the Campo!
The BEST "tour" I´ve done thus far! Felt like jsut going to a friends ranch and hanging out on horseback, enjoy a huge asado (with lots of roasted veggies for me!) and then enjoying the full moon with the absence of all city lights. So laid back, as most things in Argentina we didn´t even have to sign a waiver (I think that obsession is most profound in the US of A) and as most men in Argentina, they never failed to be overly flirty.
A perfect day, a goofy tour guide and 4 fellow companions that soon became good friends. Not to mention... the first time ever that I galloped! (One of the scariest things I have ever done in my entire life! I even contemplated the idea of jumping off the full speed mammel, but then my thighs kicked in and just squeesed with all thier might as I pulled back on the reigns and whew... he stopped. What a rush, and one I chose not to do again. But hey, I tried something new!)

The home from the 1800´s

Wide Open Spaces

Dog followed the road, horse followed the dog, I followed the horse.
Ps: take notice of horse´s ears- he was on edge the whole time which needless to say,
made me a tad nervous too. But I made it out a stronger braver me :)

Meet Nicole: 3 going on 30.

Meet Mr. Goat, he thinks he´s a dog.

One of the best sunsets of my life.
Nature in it´s purest form at every angle.

May 19th

Hiked to the vista point of Salta. Hiked 1070 steps to be exact. Fortunately I forgot my camera, so I just enjoyed taking in the surroundings the old fashioned way: eyesight. Works well.

May 20th
Up at 5am and off to take 3 planes to land in BRAZIL!

Rainbows are everywhere.

Estoy Sola

noreply@blogger.com (Kyria) — Wed, 18 May 2011 03:48:00 +0000

7pm. Cafe.

Wow. That happened fast.
I came to Buenos Aires alone.
I made friends, I made family.
I learned a lot of Spanish.
I saw a lot of places and tried a lot of new things.
I fell in love.

Then I said goodbye.
To everything and everyone.

La Famila de Amor.

On Saturday I journeyed 21 hours north on a bus to a place called Salta. I journeyed alone.
Heartbroken.

Although I realize how incredibly fortunate I am to be able to have the opportunity to travel, this is a transitioning point in my life. I had a home and a circle of support. People to love and love me back. I was comfortable, I was happy. Truly truly happy.

While I know I am beginning to embark on a grand adventure of my life, I´m hurting. It is so not my style to talk about anything less than exciting and wholesomely good things but... the dark side is just as valid as the light. The two go hand in hand and balance eachother out. If I did not allow myself to fall deeply in love with the people and places in BsAs, this would be a much easier transition to make.

I wholeheartedly accept the pain and challenges that greet me now. They are well worth the deeply pleasurable times I had. To embrace the light for all it is, we must have the dark to compare it to.

Kahlil Gibran forms these emotions into words with perfection:

"When love beckons to you, follow him,
Though his ways are hard and steep.
And when his wings enfold you yield to him,
Though the sword hidden among his pinions may wound you.
And when he speaks to you believe in him,
Though his voice may shatter your dreams
as the north wind lays waste the garden.

For even as love crowns you so shall he crucify you. Even as he is for your growth so is he for your pruning.
Even as he ascends to your height and caresses your tenderest branches that quiver in the sun,
So shall he descend to your roots and shake them in their clinging to the earth.

Like sheaves of corn he gathers you unto himself.
He threshes you to make you naked.
He sifts you to free you from your husks.
He grinds you to whiteness.
He kneads you until you are pliant;
And then he assigns you to his sacred fire, that you may become sacred bread for God's sacred feast.

All these things shall love do unto you that you may know the secrets of your heart, and in that knowledge become a fragment of Life's heart.

But if in your fear you would seek only love's peace and love's pleasure,
Then it is better for you that you cover your nakedness and pass out of love's threshing-floor,
Into the seasonless world where you shall laugh, but not all of your laughter, and weep, but not all of your tears.
Love gives naught but itself and takes naught but from itself.
Love possesses not nor would it be possessed;
For love is sufficient unto love."
-The Prophet

In the hills of Salta.

While my initial desire was to hold on with all my might, I know the best thing to do is appreciate all that was and move on. Be open to all that will be. If we are meant to meet again, we shall. Soul´s that meet once and create so much good are bound to meet again.

I feel now more than ever that it is our responsibility as individuals to nurture our own spirits. Learn all we are meant to learn and love without restriction. We each have our own path we are walking. We meet different people along the way and share the same road for a while- people we are meant to teach and learn from. And we meet them at the perfect time, for the perfect reasons.

What a joy it is to share life with another?! Embrace the beauty our world offers and share in the many delights together. Those whom we meet, although different, serve as the greatest mirrors to ourselves. We grow with another and learn all the more about ourselves. Different people inspire different sides of our own self to live and breathe in that environment which is made.

What is the "self" anyways? Does a one true me "self" exist? If so where? And how do I define it?
Is it in my personality, beliefs, values? Is it in my physical being, my mind, or my heart?
Who is this "self"? And if it can be pinponinted- is the "self" not in constant evolution?

Having left a life I loved, I enter this new world. It can be anything I make it to be. And it will be incredible. I have the power and ability to lead my life in the way I wish. What a true priviledge.

Never before have I been alone. Truely entirely alone. After being surrounded by an influx of love and light- this aloneness does not compare. Two different things- I know it is not fair to compare. I thrive when I have someone to love and someone to love me too. I think we all do. The trick is, I love myself. And for this I know the love never dies and I will be just fine. I will be more than fine actually. I just need some adjusting time...

One month.
The "plan" as follows:
I have one month of travel time with Kyria. I will spend a week in Salta (beautiful northern argentina).
Then I am going to Florianópolis- an island off the Southern coast of Brazil. Back to being an island girl for a while in the state of Santa Catarina (sound familiar?). After my reunion with the deep blue sea, I will volunteer as a wwoofer for a couple of weeks at a yoga retreat/farm in the outskirts of Rio.
Not much to complain about, I know. I am blessed.

For now, I am using the full moon and my monthly extra dosage of hormones to help me justify my heightened emotions. With time and consciousness, all things clear up and the wounds heal. In all reality, I am so so so grateful for the incredible journey I´ve had and the incredible journey that lays ahead.

My natural reaction was to shut off from the world. I "knew" there was no one like the people I had just left anywhere within a 1000 mile radius. I realize while this may be a natural reaction, it is not true. If I open my heart and my hands, the possibilites are endless. I have to first invite Love if I want the possibilty of it RSVPing.

Love in the Streets of Salta.

A beautiful family joined in Buenos Aires- a truly unique blend of gifts and hearts. A circle of friends that learned so much from each other and shared so much together. I send each and every one of them so much love and light! As I send YOU love and light too :)

A perfect time was shared.
Change is good and healthy.
A new opportunity for growth and learning.
I know I am a strong independent woman completely capable of navigating my way around the globe- and having fun while I do so. So CHEERS to a new beginning. Once again I have been reminded just how quickly the time goes... The importance of BEING present and spreading the LOVE and LIGHT always- is as true now as it ever was.

I just feel kinda lonely right now...The funny thing is I know I am so so loved. I have an army of people that love and care about me, and for that I am forever grateful. I must rememner that just because I am alone geographically, does not make me alone in reality. Plus, there are people all around that have every ability to become my new best friend! Well... maybe not my new best friend, but definitely people whom I could share tea and smiles with.

In a low point today I ate chocolate cake that was left over from some person some where. It laid so innocently on the counter of the kitchen in the hostel I had no control over my hands as they reached forward searching for comfort and pleasure. Not the solution.

The road is long and winding.

Good plan of action:
I realized I needed to care for myself a bit better than reckless wild chocolate cake eating woman, so I took myself for a walk. Glorious city of Salta. For hours I conversed with the low open streets, the foggy misty morning air, the love notes of graffitti on the walls, and the leaves hanging below the sky line. I bought some avocados from a man on the street and ate one like an apple for lunch. A little boy smiled at me as he walked by and then turned around to smile again, knowing somewhere inside that his smile made my day- so seconds were much appreciated.

Life. Up and down and all around.
All is good.

..................
9pm. Hostel.

Ok. So talk about change of perspective.

I HAVE BEEN REBORN!!!

Everything I wrote up till this point was, well lets face it... so SAD! Ughh. I do not like to be sad, nor do I like to write about being sad. I know energies are contagious so and I want mine to be worth catching so... I MADE A CHANGE!

I did this...

The "Mayah Doo"
and thank you Tahnee too!

Honestly I woke up this morning thinking, "This is it. This is the time. I should shave my head." I know extreme. I clearly didn´t get that far, half way :) I have had the desire to shave my head for sometime now, challenge myself and societies definition of being "a woman" as well as challenging my own thoughts of "beauty." Who knows, maybe a bare head is in the future but for now.... SHORT is in!

I thought about it all day and every time I saw my reflection I said "Yes, I´m cutting my hair tonight." I walked past a number of hair salons, but thats not the same- I wanted to do it. So I did.

Writings on the wall.

I got back to the hostel, asked the front desk to borrow the scissors, walked to the bathroom, put my hair in a pony tail and clip-clip-clip one cut straight across (well... it didn´t turn out that straight. Let´s say it has a little flair) and voilá!

Done! New hair! As I cut I said "I love you I love you I love you..." And I do! I love it!
So bizarre. It is just hair. Right? But I feel completely re-energized, like a literal WEIGHT is lifted off my shoulders (my head really is lighter now) I AM HAPPY! REALLY REALLY HAPPY!

I ran around the hostel and giggled. So silly.

A change mentally was in order, so a change physically helped move the mindset right along. And here I am. Kyria is back in action! And with a new look.

Once I got my attitude back in optimistic-light giving-love spreading-world, life started to brighten up. Go figure. I talked to Omar (super cool guy at front desk) and he hooked me up with this ALL DAY excursion tomorrow: horseback riding at a nearby ranch in the beautiful hills of Salta with a huge vegetarian asado and transportation all included for a nice sweet small price of 75 USD. Three other chicas are going from the hostel too---hello new friends! And... two super cute girls from Germany joined me in my room tonight! Last night I was all alone in this 6 person dorm room- probably for the best- I wanted to be alone then but now... I´m all open to friends! Bring it on!

Love is everywhere
if you open your eyes.

Alrighty, if it isn´t apparent by the shear increase in !!!exclamation marks!!! I am feeling much better now. Thanks for riding the wild train of ups and downs with me. Let´s stay high on life for a while.

Muchisimas gracias pacha mama.

The past month, the next 5 months, and love.

noreply@blogger.com (Kyria) — Mon, 25 Apr 2011 03:29:00 +0000

Hello. I love love.
I study it, live it, take as many classes as I can on it, read books about it, practice it, recieve it and see it in every moment of everyday life.

Love. Wild wonderful crazy true blue giving taking through and through goes away and then comes back to you makes no sense and then always shines clear and bright when you are ready to receive the light always there always ready it is what you make it make it little make it grand make it short nurture it to a lifetimes span make babies make memories make jokes make fights make love.

make love.

Trip to Colonia Uruguay to renew my visa.
Plus it is a beautiful peaceful getaway town
just an hour boat ride across the Rio de la Plata.

Hello. I love Love.

If love were a major it would be mine. But it is not offered as such at this moment in space and time so I study people and society to better understand love and study education so one day I can spread love to the future and help offer them the skills to build such in their own lives.

The way I see it, Life is Love. Love is Life.

I have played with this in my own life. Gone through many mindsets and experiences and daily I add more to my encylopedia on the topic. The beauty of it is that it is everygrowing and everychanging. Each interaction, each day, by each person is a different expression of the same concept.

What is love?

This is a wildly unanswerable question that I will live my whole life finding answers too. And then changing them, again and again each time I see it neccessary to change my outlook on the subject, in relation to my own course in life´s journey.

The sweetness is in the simplicity. As a sweet soul friend of mine told me while describing the marijuana trade in california and how it has the power to transform our entire socierty from the roots up "It is simple. It makes sense. If someone is trying to describe something to you and it makes your head spin round and round trying to figure it out- something is off. The truth is simple and will connect with your heart. You will understand and you will see."

What is Love?
Simple. Truth. Seeing.

Starting with one well known source, the bible says
"Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love." (1 John 4:8)
God is Love

The Greeks had 5 ways of explaining it...

Affection love (Belonging) = eunoia
Friendship love (cherishing) = phileo
Desire love (attraction) = epithumia
Erotic love (longing, romance) = eros
Selfless giving love - Greek word= agape

Answers.com says this:
" love is a part of life that has a life of its own. Value and nourish it, and it will grow and become deeper and more valuable. Find it, give it no value and forget to nourish it, and it will die. Simple as that."

Old colonial road:
"Calle de los Suspiros" Street of the Sighs
Used to be the gathering place for prositutes.

So nearly a month has gone by with no blog entry. What have I been doing? One may wonder.
Well, I would say I have been loving. On others, on this country and on myself.

So much so that I decided it was time to start another blog solely focused on that four letter word.

"A Love Story a Day."
kyrialove.blogspot.com

For the meantime, Argentina is wonderful. I have learned a bounty of new spanish words and grammer forms, can hold my own on the streets (even give directions if it´s a good day) and... I have been learning life. My life and this world via my eyes. What a joy and special opportunity to simply allow myself to just be... floating free in and out of the streets, dialects with friends and thoughts of my own. I can spend the whole day just thinking and writing about anything and that is ok. That is great actually. There is nothing else "I need to do." To do lists are close to non-existant here.

Two weeks and it is all over. Well that sounds dramatic... it is not ALL over but yes, classes are over. Wild. That went by fast.

Las Cataratas

This coming week of class and then my program and I head to Las Cataratas aka Iguazu Falls. Upon returning from the largest waterfalls in the world, I have my final tests and then- Fin!

I was thinking about why I haven´t written for so long. This is what I came up with:

1) Time
I have been so enjoying living in the moment here and spending my time with friends and with myself. I am embracing this special freedom that I have. Other than a couple exercises of spanish grammer for homework and 3 hours of school each day. I don´t have to do anything! That is insane. Anyone who knows me knows tha I have a pocket book calendar the size of a back-pack calendar and it is usually filled to the rim with color coded responsibilities. And I love it. I enjoy being deep in my classwork, active in multiple clubs and living my social life. But here, here in Argentina, life is defferent. At first I found all sorts of ways in which I could fill up my time and then I decided "No thank you. I am going to try it different for a few months." So here I am. When all I have is time in the world, I somehow lack the time to write about it.

2) Novelty
As in any relationship be it scholastic, romantic, or traveling in another country, a lack of novelty leads to routine. Novelty is critical in keeping our lives and relationships up and active, exciting and new but...
sometimes it is nice to be down and peaceful, comfortable and familiar.
When I first arrived here I wanted to go and do and see and try everything. While I am still experiencing new things every day, I have begun to sink into my life as a porteña. I am delighting in my relationships here with friends more than anything else. Something so special about all being in this same wild situation of picking our whole lives up (at least the small materialistic things that can fit into a suitcase and add up to under a 100 pounds) and moving to another country and all being plopped down together in this never sleeping city for an X number of days!

It took some time, but no doubt I am blessed with a sweet circle of sisters and brothers in which to delight in this time together. I think that is what it all comes down to in the end- LOVE. My friends here to now know how often I think about, see examples of, relate and observe nearly anything and everything to that special "L" word. The novelty is exhilerating, but there is true joy I have found in just BEing. And being around those I love and those who love me.

Tree in Colonia, Uruguay

3) Substance
While I have often thought, "hmm, it has been a while since my last blog" and I have started a number of them I didn´t have any stories of gold searching, dragon hunting, cave exploring or something similarly adventurous to write about. Recently I have been itching (literally: thank you mosquitos, figuratively here...) to write. Writing is a release for me. A way to analyze, organize and share my own thoughts. A way to transform my wildly 3-dimensional life into black and white symbols nicely orgainzed in a linear pattern on this computer screen. Mmm... now it is all settled. Nice and neat.
So I gave into the itch and began to write, remebering that life isn´t always full of Indian Jones like moments, but that the simplicity and divinity of living: walking, cooking, eating, laughing, massaging, loving...is beautiful. It cannot be bought in an all inclusive tour package nor is it in my "Things to Do in BsAs" section of Lonely Planet. But, as I have experimented with letting my heart lead the way, this is where I am. Simple and sweet.

4) Distractions
I feel as though I am in this crazy semi-home semi-vacation state of living. I do feel at home in the moment and then... I think about 2 weeks from now. It has been about 4 weeks since my last blog post (that went by fast) and in 2 weeks (based off the sensation of the last 4 weeks will probably go by at a lighting rate) my program here ENDS. Wow. Over. Done. Signed sealed delivered as Stevie would ~~say~~ sing.
Yes in 2 weeks May 7th, my time at the University and living here in BsAs will have come to an end. El tiempo pase muuy rapido.
With this looming in the back of my mind, like a storm I can feel but has not exposed itself yet, I have begun planning my post-BsAs life.

.......................

Where I am at now:

I am so excited for all that is already on it´s way (perhaps the "looming storm" analogy wasn´t the best choice) and I am also so looking forward to these last few weeks. Although I really love my friends and life here and am learning a well amount of spanish, I know I will miss this place and time. A truly remarkable opportunity I have right now to just BE. The fact that I am in another country away from friends and family and all my belongings has given me the chance to explore myself all the more. With nothing other that the bag of material possesions I saw as uselful to bring, I was able to build my life anyway I choosed. I love my life and I love myself so there was not a 180 personality transformation that took place, but my mind and heart opened so much that I really really lived. I AM (present tense) really really living.

Openness leads to vulnerability and vulnerabiltity leads to growth. My friends and I were discussing how beautiful relatonships are and the simple wonder of honesty and act of being vulnerable with another. At times daunting at first and then so often incredibly rewarding after. The only way to allow someone else to let you in is to open yourself up first. Just like taking a leap of faith and trusting that something sweeter will catch you as you land. a gamble at times sure, but worse case scenario you end up in a new place with new opportunites awaiting and a differnt perspective on life than you held before.

old to new

The exciting question now is "What will be next?"
After these next couple of beautiful weeks of building memories with special people in those last minute places I have yet to venture to, I will have a little over a month to explore solo. What an incredible time. I am playing with different ideas as to how I will spend my 5 weeks in south america. I can do a hostel type travel, hopping around to different cities or I can spend more time in fewer places, building relationships, creating a connection with the environment through volunteering or WWOOFing. As of now I am looking into living on a permaculture farm in the mountains of Córdoba, then meeting up with extended family in paraguay before volunteering at the only organic ice cream farm in Sao Paulo Brasil. There is only one thing I need to do and that is arrive at Rio De Janerio in mid June to meet my girlfriend at the airport.

We will travel through Brasil and Peru for 26 days. The two of us will then spend a week in Rio with a local friend before flying off to Peru to expose our eyes to the sights of Machu Picchu and our eyes to the sounds of the Amazon rainforest and our toes to the beaches!

Then...we will kiss our goodbyes as she flys back to the grand US of A and I fly to the pura vida Costa Rica for my yoga certification training course.

By the end of July I will be back home. USA home.
Then I have a month to work work work or...
I can travel around and see my american friends I have missed so over the last half of year.
Any recommendations?
Is it time to work, or should I keep on playing?
I have gotten pretty good at it over these past few months...

Then off to SB for my final year of school!

Whew. Feels good to have my whole life figured out. Well at least the next 5 months. Well at least part of the next 5 months...

As for this past month of Argentina life, well that will just have to remain a mystery. To the future, and beyond!

Lots to look forward too. Lots to plan. and Lots of fun to be enjoyed right now.
I suppose the trick is finding that balance between living right here right now all for this moment and... taking a step back from the here and now, to invest in my future of tomorrow.

"So beautiful when she says goodbye, I love to see her go.
And then before I arise, she will return and wake me with her glow."

Yoga is my religion.

noreply@blogger.com (Kyria) — Fri, 01 Apr 2011 03:47:00 +0000

I don´t think of myself as religious. But I suppose if I had to choose one, I would choose yoga.
Does that count?

A few years ago I was attracted by the asanas, and I thought that was all that yoga was: poses. Now as my whole self is being drawn into yoga I am learning so much more.

This diagram nicely sums up the 8 branches of yoga .
CLICK to make me bigger
(for a further breakdown see: http://www.yoga-insight.com/history/yogas-8-fold-path.aspx)

I feel as though yoga is often viewed only as a class you can take in a studio to get a workout. While we all love our ado mukas savasanas (down-ward facing dogs), this is actually just one branch of the yoga tree that is properly known as Hatha Yoga. Hatha yoga holds many benefits practiced on it´s own as it promotes flexibility, tones the body, enhances vitality, cultivates balance, and calms the mind. But when practiced in addition to the complete yoga lifestyle, the benefits are limitless...

Yoga is a belief system; equipped with it´s own unique set of codes, creeds, history, symbols, practices and way of connecting with the Divine. In some translations the sanskrit word is translated as "union of the self with the divine."

When practicing all the branches of yoga and nuturing my own tree of life as a yogi, everthing changes. It transforms my mentality which in turn transforms my reality. Socially, Emotionally, Physically, Spiritually, yoga has the power and ability to affect it all. As I have become more in touch with my practice I can see how I am begining to view the world and myself as an entity in a different kind of light.

To sum it up, I treat myself with more love and respect and I treat all living things with more love and respect. I thought that I was doing this well before, but really during my plethora of free time here I have been able to explore myself on a deeper level which has provided me with the opportunity to dive into yoga all the more.

With this I have seen some things that I choose to turn away from before.
Things like my thoughts about others, even strangers that pass by on the street. I can be so quick to judge sometimes. Things like my diet and listening to my body. What do I need as fuel right now and how much of it? My intentions: are they of truth and created from positive motivation? The way I sit down. Is my spine in happy alignment with the rest of my body? Or am I hunched over and ignoring the building of pressure in my lower back and between my shoulder blades?

My yogic journey is a fresh one and the path is unfolding step by step as all do. I am grateful that is has been and will continue to be a path of incredible knowledge and growth, both for myself and the world. I believe every little thing ripples out and affects much more than is even possible to account for. From a smile shared with a stranger to a word of forgiveness from a loved one. It all matters.

Yoga for all.

I have yet to figure out the grand mystery of life and what it all really means (stay tuned a breakthrough may be coming :) but what I do know is that I am HERE NOW. Not sure for how long, not sure what comes after, not sure exactly why: but for now in this very moment I am given a choice. The same choice I have each day when I rise out of bed and in each moment as I am going through my day. I choose how to lead my life, knowing that my decisions, actions, thoughts and intentions affect much much more than myself.

Enjoy this moment and leave it more positive than when you entered it. Enjoy this life and leave the world more positive than when you entered it. One way I can reach this each and every time is by spreading the love- to all living things, including myself. It feels oh so good to my soul, which is always a good sign to be followed. And one good way I have learned to spread the love is via yoga. The restraints, observances, poses, breathe, withdrawl of the senses, focus, meditation, all leading to a state of oneness.

Day by day.

Namaste.

The City is my Teacher. The Nature is my Preacher.

noreply@blogger.com (Kyria) — Mon, 28 Mar 2011 03:46:00 +0000

I must say first, Welcome to my mind. I have this desire to remember everything that I do in this unique time and place- from coffee drinking to skydiving (well almost). What I write here is thoughts to myself and memories to keep safe. And it is a joy to share.

*** It´s ok to just look at the pictures too :)

Everyday I think of something to write about, something I want to share with you or something I want to record so I could then have the liberty to let it slip from the forefront of my mind. I have been filled with a whole new sense of gratitude and desire to go-do-see-try. Recently, I have been so busy filling my time with living; experiencing new things, people, places, foods, ect. that I have failed on keeping record.
Live first, write second I say! But here I am. Taking a Kí day and resting, writing, and breathing.
All things in moderation right?

Here it goes, a trip down memory lane.
Some highlights include:
Mendoza Wine Country for Spring Break
Visit to Recoleta Cemetery
Fútbol Game
and Tandil Camping trip
Paved with pieces of stories and bits of wisdom collected along the way...

March 6th

Find a place to relax.
(I unwound in my favorite cafe. The whole top floor to myself. Feels like a tree house.)

March 7

Find your place in the sun.

March 8th

I began the day with a wonderfully challenging yoga class via buena onda yoga. And the studio is very very close to my house! Upon walking out I saw a pile of English used books for sale. I found "The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao" (2007) written by Dominican author Junot Díaz. A big 20 pesos (5 bucks) and a new book to enjoy!

Then my book and I explored all the parks within a half hour walking distance from my home. Four parks in total, each equipped with it´s own style, vibe and purpose. I found a favorite.

Find your park.
Plaza Libertad.
Where children play and lovers lay.
The grass is green and the environment clean.
Perfect for yoga or reading a book
Come on down and have a look

March 9th

Find your creativity,
and let your friends know you care.

MENDOZA: Wine Country for Spring Break
What: Nectar of the goddesses
Where: Mendoza, central argentina prime for grape growing
How: Bus and bike baby
When: Mar 9-13th
Who: 73 UC students and you would wish you too
Why: ¿Por qué no?

Mmm... me encanta vino. There is so much to love:
The culture that creates it
The sweet juicy dusty straight from the vine baby grapes that start step one of the process
The way it brings people together
The delicate process in which you are meant to introduce yourself to the wine:
Look, smell, swirl, smelll, taste, disfrutá
The way it can taste like anything from cherries to wood to dry to smooth.
The way it gets better with age.
The way it is not a means for getting smashed,
but rather a medium to be enjoyed by adding to your meal and gathering.
And the way it makes me feel warm- from my core to my interactions with others.

March 10th

Work for each other.

Work for the fruits of life.

Work for your desires.

Work for chocolate.

March 11

Be in nature.

Be a Lover,

and Be Loved.

Be Present,
before the train of life passes you by.

Be Daring.

Be open to Vitamin D and Laughs.

Be exactly where you want to be.

Befriend a stranger.

Be accepting of love from all places
(even if it is from the bus driver...)

Take Chances
and drink from the fountain of youth.

Take a bath in a sulfur spa.

Take your own way.

Take a moment to support local economy.

Take time to reflect.

Take the opportunity to come together.

March 12th
Today I was going to go skydiving. I had my deposit paid, rallied up 6 girlfriends to go too, we were ready to rumble at 7am and then... the man came and said "sorry ladies there is a storm." So... we waited around for a few more hours hoping the storm would pass, but it didn´t. Oh well, I guess it wasn´t mean to be here and now. One day I will jump out of a plane :)

So my friends and I settled for bike riding to the nearby wineries instead. Not a bad switch. Less exhilerating but more delicious!

Get on top of it.

Get Educated.

Get Organized.

Get Excited.

Get Crafty.

Get Cozy.

Get Silly.

Get Full of Color.

Get fresh air.

March 13th
(no pictures but a moment of great accomplishment for me)

As I was walking home after the bus back from Mendoza, a sweet little old lady came up to me and asked where the movie theatre was. AND I TOLD HER!
Sounds simple enough, but
1. I understood her
2. She understood me
3. I actually knew where it was!

After she smiled and said gracias I walked on and did a little victory dance (literally in the sidewalk). That was the moment that marked the passage from tourist to citizen. Hello Buenos Aires, I am LIVING HERE!

March 14th
Solo exploration of a nearby church and cemetery. Followed by a picnic in the park with friends.

Pews temporarily removed for mopping.
Even the church has to get cleansed from time to time.

Out of Death comes Life

"At the 24 anniversary of your birth,
your parents and sister miss your absence in pain."

Continue on.

...................

After leaving the Recoleta Cemetery I found this man...

And then he found me. Creepy Clown.
(Can you see where his other hand is???)

MMPPP
Monday Merienda Potluck Picnic in the Park

Surround yourself with good food and good people.

March 15th

Some of the best ice creams in the world
with some of the best ladies in the world.

Explore
and watch your step.

March 16th

New Teacher
with wild white-board writing skills.

March 17th

Chocolate numbs all pain.

and after a sufficient amount of sugar and deep thinking...
I SIGNED UP FOR A YOGA CERTIFICATION COURSE IN COSTA RICA!
(see previous blog post for details)

March 18th

I woke up today with an enlivened spirit. Since I pushed the submit button on my yoga application everything fell into place. Before that night I had been self diagnosed with a minor case of home-sickness. Adjusting to my new support circle and this entire new way of living in Buenos Aires. That is a big deal. It is a lot to undertake and without my usual realease of family and friends by my side to cheer me on, without my running trails, my cookie making partners, my sunset to look at, ocean to dive into or even my clean air to breathe- I began to keep little things held up inside.

But something happened that night at 2am. I put my worries to rest and just let it all go settle somewhere beyond my body, mind and soul. I switched my focus from what I was missing to the bountiful supply of all I was being offered. I allowed myself to fully envelope the incredible enviroment, people and opportunities open to me. Here and Now.
I had been having an wonderful time in Argentina up to this point of course, but today was really a defining moment of fully fully embracing my life here. Funny thing is that once I was excitied about living life here and now, I had SO SO much to be excited about! New relationships began to unfold, new opportunites arised and my natural disposition was much more relaxed and joyful.
Sometimes we have to begin leading the life we want to live, in order for our path to unfold into that life we have been dreaming about all along. The power of our mind is beyond understanding. Your mind forms your reality. If there is an issue, try changing it in physical manifestation (making a "real life" change) and if that doesn´t work, the only choice you have is to adjust your mindset and the way you view it.

---Started the day off by leading yoga in the park with friends and then...

Headed to lunch at my new favorite place to load up on calories and nutrition.
The Happiness House
(good name right?)
A big ready to go buffett that is charged by the weight.
Everything yummy and vegetarian!
Right by school and right by the park :)
---Thanks Alex!

Broke good-for-the-soul-bread (made with love by Tahnee)
with Tahnee and Jules on their terraza.
Plus some divine tomato, basil, chili, olive oil, goodness graciousness to put on top!

And that night I met up with some friends I made in Bariloche who live in BA! Just 3 porteños and I eating pizza, drinking some champagne (classy right?) and playing pool. Good to have some quality manly-man time. And... it was the perfect opportunity to live life like the locals! In a beautiful old house (house, not apartment which is basically all I have seen thus far) and talk in spanish the entire time. One computer technician, one studying to be a doctor and another massage therapist- and all were very sweet and helpful if I was left behind in the conversation. So much fun and great practice too!

Saturday March 19th

Night of the super full moon, and one of my most favorite days.

Up and out I went to meet miss Jules on the corner. While most students have purchased cell phones, I have not. I love not having a phone, and I want to take advantage of this time where I don´t need to have one. It has been one sweet breath of fresh air. As I waited for her on thecorner I felt very awkward. The little man in front turned green and I didn´t walk. Then the other little man to my side turned green and I still dodn´t walk. It is so silly but I was worried that people would be looking at me thinking "how bizarre, that girl is just standing on the corner." I felt nervous as if I was waiting for a drug seal in broad daylight. Then I realized, as with any situation, it is all in my mind- and I hold the power to change my reality.

So I took a breathe, reminded myself that no one really cares if I am standing in a side walk and I sat down on a door step. What a whole new experience it was. I enjoyed just sitting there, watching life, cars, dogs and wind blow by. Of course, no one even seemed to notice I was sitting there and I almost felt invisable. Just by changing my approach to the situation I began to view it as a social experiment and it was even kind of fun! In no time, Julia walked up and (silly but true) I could have enjoyed sitting there much longer.

But the day was just getting started and little did I know, this was a day to love.

Meeting up with lovely Tahnee we headed to one of my now most favorite places in BA.
Alex, King of finding incredible hidden in the wall treasures, led us to El Galpón: the organic market and co-op in BA. Hidden at the end of a long dirt alley and disguised in a big yellow shed, it is open only on Wednesdays and Saturdays. And it is amazing!

from the distance

from the outside

from the inside
To the far right you can see a purple sheet. That was "luz vitals"
owned by a glowing woman who made all sorts of wondrous bath and body profucts.
I now happily own and regularly use: a jar of lavendar oil and 2 bottles of massage oil.

Eat the rainbow.
Mmm... So colorful and fresh and re-energizing!

Off to a perfect start, the day was sublime. Syncronizing energies and a constant circulation of love. Something to be experienced more than it is meant to be written about. A day I am grateful for and more so, the beautiful individuals who- with open arms and open hearts- cultivated the environment for a community to gather.

Sunday May 20th

Meeting with a friend from the block and his crazy cool buddy we ventured to a nearby park to have mate and enjoy the day. After hitting a volleyball around with a tree, we walked into this...

Clases de Tela al Aire Libre en Plaza Francia!

After standing for a moment in amazement and amusement, I walked over and talked to the tela instructors. The warm women gave me all the information I needed to know. I will begin next week!

That night I went to my first Argentine Fútbol Game!!! Wow.

Players are Gods here and fans are soldiers preparing for battle. We had to go through numerous police men before we could even hand over our ticket, and after the game we had to wait 40 minutes until all the fans of the visiting team had left the premises. (It is not uncommon for post-game parking lots to get very very dangerous. Sometimes deadly.)

Fortunately, I only got hit once.
Just kidding! Funny picture though :)

Move your arm front and back like so at a 90 degree angle while singing
"Ole, ole ole ole (name of your favorite team) x 2 and repeat for 4 hours.
Being a UCSB Gaucho myself, I have already had a few years to practice- apparently I had the motions down as a porteño standing behind me complemented me on my moves!

In the end...

Boca perdió 2-0 con Olimpo en la Bombonera. Luckily the Olimpo fans above us celebrated by throwing paper.

They have been known to throw other items such as bottles and bags of feces. I know, it´s horrible.

Monday March 21st

Originally planning on celebrating life via a week at the Rainbow Gathering we spent much time and energy of this week devoted to planning out that trip. One half hour before we were going to leave, the trip fell through. Long story short, we didn´t end up going. Dissappointed at first and then trusting that everything happens for a reason, it was still a wonderful weekend.

During our planning adventures we went to this car rental company way on the out skirts of town.

Having a birds eye advantage we could view the un-swimmable Rio de la Plata.

And from the other angle we could see the thick pollution covering the city like a blanket.
Being in the city it is hard to see the actual contamination, but it is there.
"Buenos Aires" is not the most fitting name anymore.

Leaving Barrio Chino.

Tuesday March 22

On my way to school a van was pulling into a parking garage. I lookedat the driver to see if I could walk first or if he was going to pull in front of me. People get hit by cars so I just wanted to make sure. He signaled for me to cross and I did the standard head nod and semi hand wave signaling back "Roger that, thank you." Apparently I sent another signal. A few blocks later I hear this "Hola" from behind me. It was the man from the car! I didn´t get creepy vibes from him, which would be very easy to attract in a situation like this, instead it was all humorous to me. Oh the Argentine men. I am not trying to sound like I was the best thing that walked by the sidewalk that morning, but he was all googly-eyed and apppeared mesmerized. He practically walked me to class, never stopped looking into my eyes or smiling as we spoke in Spanish the whole time.

While I dont know if I will see this man again, I must say I LOVE THE PASSION! Can you imagine? Going to park your car, see a woman walk by, hurry to park your car and then run after her on the street?!?!
That is insane in American standards, but here, it happens (although this is more on the extreme end even for porteños). I wish more people had the courage, ganas and drive to go after what they want with such determination! If you want it (or her in this story) GO GET IT! What is the worst that happens? You come back with no girl? That is just how you started off right? All you can do is win or come out even. Now I hope this story has inspired you to tell that woman she is beautiful, to ask that man out on a date, to hold the door open for someone or to be so bold as to chase the next best thing down the street!
I admired the gesture and naturally it shot up my ego a couple notches as well :)

After school there was another handsome man in the works...
Adrian Padilla is in Town!!!

One of my dear friends and fellow 2008 class member from the island was studing abroad in Chile and now he was traveling through BA with a couple of friends! I got to play tour guide for an afternoon and take them to a few of my favorite spots.

Recoleta Cemetery of course.
I can go there time and time again.
It is like a maze where time itself is put on hold.

Then we went to possibly the best ice cream place in the world.
Address: Quintana 188

A 1/4 Kilo for everyone!
Although we ate most of it en route, a good amount was enjoyed as a picnic in the park.

Yes. That is a big red chair.
Me and my horrible sense of direction got us lost in my mind,
but then we were found by this neato architecture museum.

Dragon Ball Z left his ball for us to play with.

Me (left) and Kate (right)
getting our back bend on.

Wednesday March 23

Started the rainy day off by laying my eyes on the largest croissants I´d ever seen!
No, I didn´t buy one.

After being tossed around as if stuck inside a washer machine, it was certain that Rainbow was a no go. Tragic but true. There was only one thing to do. Make good food with good people to heal the wounds and comfort the soul.

Brussel Sprout Burritos to the rescue!
Plus my most favorite salad with freshly candied walnuts!
How could you not feel better after a meal made of love like that?

Thursday March 24th
This Thursday and Friday are holidays (Argentina has A LOT of holidays...)
What are we going to do we said? Camping! So we went. Tandil here we come!
(that was the much simplified version of the story)

A Rainbow of our own.

Spontaneous trio, we decided just a couple of hours before the bus departed to head to nature!
Lets Go Play Ladies!

Friday March 25th

Our campsite could have easily been mistaken for being in northern california.
Felt like a familiar environment. Camping was good for the soul - a break from city life.

Mother Earth is a Hippie.

Snuggle buddy 1

Snuggle buddy 2

In lieu of smores.

Don Quijote and the Windmill.

An old church.

The whole crew!
Eryn my host sister (fourth from the left) and 5 of her NYU friends welcomed us to join their campsite!

Perfection.

That night I woke up at 4:30 am and the fire was still going so I sat for a while. Alone with my mind.
My intention was to stay and watch the sunrise when all of the sudden- DOWNPOUR!
Rain came out by the buckets, so after ensuring the fire was out, I ran to my tent (silly by now as I was already dripping) and aimed to sleep until the morning light.

Saturday March 26th

Take down camp. Head back home. Shower and...

Celebrate Life!
With food.

With love.

and with sweets.

Mmm... all around a delicious evening.

Sunday March 27th

Rest day. Felt a tad under the weather.
But on the bright side, I had pleanty of time to write.

I AM GOING TO YOGA SCHOOL!

noreply@blogger.com (Kyria) — Fri, 18 Mar 2011 04:50:00 +0000

Yoga School: Yes or No?

After some time of thinking, debating the pros & cons, and listening to much grand advice from loved ones... I thought I would ask my heart what it wanted.
Conversation something like the following...

Brain: "Hello Heart. What do YOU want?"
Heart: "YOGA!"

That was easy.

So I DID IT!
I registered for a 200 RYT Yoga Alliance accreditied teacher training program
via Marianne Wells

Where: The Goddess Garden, Cahuita, Costa Rica
When: July 9, 2011 - July 24, 2011
(more info: http://mariannewells.com/200-hour-teacher-training//)

(to see the gorgeous Goddess Garden: http://thegoddessgarden.com/)

I love yoga and I feel SO good right now. And am SO excited too!

I was letting many things get in the way. Second guessing myself, thinking maybe now is not the right time, trying to create the perfect plan for summer, money, ect.

The truth is:

I have to follow my heart day in and day out.

NOW is THE time.

There is no such thing as the perfect plan only the "everchanging plan."

I have worked hard, saved money, so why not spend some of it on something I love? A gift that keeps on giving. And besides, those green bills come and go without notice.

Life is short! Do what makes you happy! I could tell by my celebratory dance once I hit the "Submit" button that I had made the right decision :)

Namaste.

This is the beginning of a whole new beautiful chapter.

If interested here is my application plus some info from another application:

Be warned: some inner workings of my mind and heart exposed here...

-------------------------------------------

Occupation:Student

Gender:
femaleAge group:20sName on certificate:Kyria Marie EdwardsHealth considerations and/or diet restrictions:VegetarianPast yoga teaching experience:I am not certified yet, but have I taught yoga? Yes! Last year I led a weekly Sunset Yoga in Santa Barbara overlooking the ocean open and free for anyone who wanted to join! I am a current student studying abroad in Buenos Aires and have been leading a weekly yoga in the park nearby our school here. Everyone loves it and sometimes we have breakout sessions in the school hallway, beach, ranch or wherever we may be!
I love leading yoga. Creating a community together with other followers as well as cultivating an environment for all to rest, rejuvenate and focus their energies is a true blessing. I have much to learn and that is why I am so excited for this teacher training! I know it will build my own personal practice and will guide me into being the teacher I am meant to be.
Your expectations:To add to my own practice as well as improving my knowledge and skills so that I may better help others to do the same. To have a beautiful time with beautiful people in a beautiful place. To learn more about this lifestyle that I love by spending time and energy with others who share a similar passion.
I hope to gain more knowledge on the history of yoga, correct body placement, and connection it has to all parts of life. More experience of different asanas and new ways to challenge myself. Memories to carry with me for a lifetime, and good friends too :)

Are there any personal or pragmatic factors that might limit your full participation during this teacher training program? (family responsibilities, upcoming commitments, health factors, etc…)

Nope! I am all there! I know that this is the perfect time in my life to embark on the teacher training program. Having the wonderful opportunity to spend the 5 months prior to this program start date solely for the purpose of studying Spanish, traveling and exploring myself will leave me in the prime moment to stop in Costa Rica and focus specifically on yoga. I am excited already and believe in the concept of “be here now.” That is my full intention every day in and outside of this teacher training program. To really embrace each day with the new offerings and lessons it comes to bring. So, no. There will be no factors limiting me from fully living the life and participating in this program.

Please list any other trainings, education and experience that you believe may be relevant to this training experience.

As this training experience will benefit my life in every way, I see everyday up to this program start date as being relevant, but these are the main experiences that come to mind…

I have been going to yoga classes on and off for the past 5 years. Angela Philips, my yoga teacher, is also a friend, a mother, and a spiritual leader for me. Her name is Angela Philips and she has studied with various teachers (one of powerful significance to her is Amma) and she draws from various styles as well.

I volunteered for the Dalai Lama when he came to speak at UCSB and sat front row.

I was first introduced to acro yoga while volunteering at a children´s orphanage in Thailand during the summer of 2009.

I led a weekly sunset yoga last year on the beach in Santa Barbara.

Currently I am leading a weekly yoga class in the park in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

I fasted for 10 days with a method known as “The Master Cleanse.”

I have been practicing massage since I was 5 years old, have taken a training class and purchased a massage table as a birthday present to myself last year (which has since then received much use, love and energy :)

And I find myself practicing yoga everywhere and wanting to share it with everyone! I am ready to learn more!

Your Personal Growth and Spirituality

Please describe your current spiritual practice and beliefs.

I feel like this is a very hard if not impossible thing to express in words, let alone within a few lines. I grew up a very strong Christian (from my own accord, sometimes I went to church by myself and I was the one who pulled out my bible to study and signed up for Christian camps, not my parents). While I am grateful I grew up in that environment (many good lessons learned and friends made). I know it is not for me. Upon coming to UCSB I began to listen to myself more and I realized I cannot believe in something that rules out all other beliefs.

That is mainly what it boiled down to. I did not like the judgment that came with Christianity and the declaration that only through Jesus could one be saved.

I do not practice any one religion, but instead I like to learn about all and draw that which feels most right in my heart to form my own religion if you will. I know there is more than me in the world and far more than meets the eye. I do not think I will have it “all figured out” nor do I think I am meant to. I believe everything happens for a reason. I believe in taking the positive approach, viewpoint, and outlook. I believe that everyone needs to love, needs to be loved and everyone needs to believe in something bigger than themselves. I believe we ourselves are our own greatest limiting factor. And that we can be as great and powerful as we choose to be. I believe that time and money and society have been formulated by man and are not meant to be the leaders of our lives.

I believe that we each have a different purpose on this earth We each have our own pair of eyes in which we view the world and because of this, we each live in different circumstances and formulate beliefs and actions that we choose to be best for our own unique situation. This alone reminds me that all living things deserve my love, respect and good intention. I aim to live my life in a way that is beneficial and constructive for the world. From being a vegetarian to drinking out of my Klean Kanteen, I aim to live consciously and hold myself accountable for my actions, knowing they ripple out and affect the entire universe.

Once we meet I can only hope my actions will express my beliefs. In the meantime, words will do. Until then see my blog for more words that help to express who I am.

Please list any other training or healing modalities that you have participated in that have led you to personal growth or spiritual discipline.

Daily observation of the outer workings of the world and the inner workings of myself.

The Christian camps I went to as a young woman. Much strength, wisdom and self-reflection gained. As well as awareness of the divine.

Yoga with Angela.

“Goddess Training” with Ali.

A daily class where we focused on breathing, yoga, dance, body movement, meditation, and the power we each contain to be the bright shining people we are born to be!

See website description: "Encourage self-empowerment through Diveine Alignment in the delicate integration of our emotional, physical and mental balance."

Why chose this event:I chose Marianne Wells (or should I say this program chose me? :) because it fits exactly what I am looking for. From the studies of nutrition to the Bhagavad Gita- I am excited to learn it all!
I began researching yoga schools many months ago via Yoga Alliance and this was the first one that grabbed my attention. I continued to search for schools and found a couple other great options.
I am in Argentina now and will be backpacking my way north this summer. I wanted to finish this summer of traveling with a Yoga Certification Program so I looked up all the schools in South and Central America. Marianne Wells came up again. The program dates work very well my my schedule and I like the message that Marianne is spreading and her layout of the teacher training. I don´t know how to explian "good vibes" but I believe they are meant to be followed and they led me here. Also...I fell in love with the location and the name of it "Goddess Garden!"
I know this will be an incredible program, led by a wonderful woman and in a divine environment. What´s not to love?!
Where heard about this program:Yoga Alliance

I almost got hit by a bus.

noreply@blogger.com (Kyria) — Wed, 09 Mar 2011 21:07:00 +0000

I almost got hit by a bus.
What a fuss it was.
I crossed the street when the man turned green
But I turned around to see a big machine.

My eyes grew big
My heart skipped a beat
My whole body shook
way down to my feet.

Stunned at first and then pretty pissed,
I looked the driver square in the eye as I raised my left fist!

Proud of my Argentine like reaction,
I stood my ground with pure satisfaction.

He looked at me with a grin on his face
& threw up an "ok" sign, with a fake smile of grace.

I walked right out of that intersection,
my mind contemplating that man´s intention.

Nervous giggles escaped
I felt weak at the knee
Perspiration collected
And I had to go pee.

Such a quick moment
Almost dead and then not.
The value of life hit me
Right on the dot.

This crazy thing that came from somewhere
Was given to me and said "Handle with care."

One day it will be taken back
maybe by nature, or by a bus attack.

Never knowing when that day will arrive
means that right NOW is the time to be alive!

So get out your to-do list
and start some action!
Live the life you dream
and Love with passion!

You truly are incredible!
The only one like you around!
Gruesome but true, one day you will too,
be 6 feet underground.

Now that may be a little too visual
and dark words are not my usual,
but I hope they do motivate
you to live with out hate
walk wthout weight
ask her on a date
never regret what you ate
be true and communicate
live your life in a silver state
and....
welcome the evercoming change of state.

That is all for now my sweet dear friend.
I´m thrilled to say this is not the end!

I´m off to drink wine, but again we shall meet.
Remember to look both ways
before crossing the street.

toodles.

Little (long) Life Update.

noreply@blogger.com (Kyria) — Mon, 07 Mar 2011 16:29:00 +0000

Backtrack.
How it feels that so much has happened over the last 2 weeks. Pictures seemed to work well last time, lets try it again.

Feb 23rd

Tomar un Te with sweet Li at our Felicidades

Feb 24th

I passed this tradition on the way to school.
Once someone finishes their final exam at the university their family and friends greet them in the courtyard with a shower of eggs, flour, vinegar and anything else they find in their kitchen. It is also normal to cut pieces of their clothes and even their hair!
Meanwhile the Janitor sprays you and the sidewalk, with expertise as this happens all too often, in an effort to wash the almost cake-like batter off of campus property.
How is that for a congratulations?

We got locked in the classroom.
Literally. Right after the teacher left the wind slammed the door shut and we spent a good 10 minutes shouting for students or teachers to come and save the day. Finally the hero (Jeff seen above in picture) kicked the door in and it swung open. Success.
Interesting social experiment, lock 16 hungry college students in a room and see what happens.

Making my first big buy all in spanish I was proud of my achievement!
Then the salesman followed me outside and asked me to go out, semi creepy- semi flattering

All in all, a good decision for so many reasons:
1. Can talk to my loved ones anytime anyplace.
2. Free to release my inner mind via blogging.
3. I am now one of the 21st Century.
Bienvenidos.

Feb 25th

If someone says money can´t buy happiness, than they´ve been spending their cash in all the wrong places. This 2 peso (.50 cent) pastry made for the perfect start to my day. Mmmm.... as satisfied as I´ve been with breakfast since the divine awakening of Mama Carol´s cookie dough.

After School we went exploring and were attracted to a man selling these on the street. He told us his story as he began selling those little circle things (arts and crafts in 2nd grade toys) that you put a pencil in and then twirl around to get a wild spiral maze like design. Do you know what I´m talking about?
Well he starting selling those many moons ago, and naturally got bored after a while, so he started playing with them himself and then got the idea to make these.

For only 10 pesos you can get a beautifully handcrafted (glass square) to use as and incense holder, coaster, or table top decoration! I loved them because many were styled with Om signs, astrology symbols and mantras in sanskrit.
I began to ask him about the history and translations of these symbols and he was filled with excitment. For over an hour we sat there crissed cross applesauce, as comfortable as we could be on the sidewalk and talked all in spanish about shiva, yoga, and various spiritual teachings. Enjoying his company but also ready to move on to different adventures, Li and I tried our best to signal we were ready to leave, but I think he missed all our clues.

An Argentine man, passionate about this topic (and if I may say so myself) equally as thrilled to have 2 cute girls paying attention to him, he talked and talked.
I left after an hour and a half with 6 little glass art thingys, 2 full sheets of paper filled with recommendations of contacts, you tube videos and books to read, as well as a new appreciation for all the people that cross my life´s path.

Then the most incredible (and a bit expensive...) white mocha!
Yes count them, five layers.

When I got home my most favorite spanish practicing buddies greeted me.
Segundo y Juana.
Tonight was a sleepover!
It is amazing how comforting children are for me. The freedom to be a kid, scream, play, run around (non-stop) and just have fun! Unburdened by the weight of the world and living purely for the satisfaction of each moment. Sweet youth.

We had played with colors, which I used as art therapy and they used to make a mess :)
Segundo drew a portrait of me that is now hanging on my wall and is a perfect resemblance, if only I had an orange head, four fingers and was cross-eyed.

We then had a funny face competition:
Juana

Segundo

And, yours truly.
Hmm... maybe Segundo´s picture of me really wasn´t that far off...

There were monsters under my bed that night.

And sweet angels too, it´s alright you can say it
"Awww so cute!"

Feb 26th

Saturday Li and Ki Explore the City!

We went to see the largest bookstore in all of South America! Over a million people walk through its doors annually. Now known as El Ateneo, it was first a theatre named Teatro Gran Splendid in May 1919. When threatened to be demolished, others had a better idea. Books anyone?

There is something for every one! The only challenge is to find it...

Lights, Camera, Action!
By far the most beautiful librería I´ve ever been in.
They even have a cafe on stage and still-intact theatre boxes available for use!
A transport to another world, found within the pages you hold.

We cooled off with some icecream (me-Li)
Honestly the ice cream is SO GOOD here! Big and smooth and creamy, they make it an art piece as they mold the two flavors together, toppling over twice the height of that back in the states. Mmm...

Then we went to see our first movie here in Argentina!
"El discurso del Rey" aka "The King´s Speech."
The movie itself was wonderful and the whole experience too. We were underdressed in regular skirts and Ts, and had failed to wear our jewelry and make-up as well. People looked as though they were going to a live theater performance, not one that had previously been filmed.
It was in English (as most movies are here) with Spanish subtitles (great for practicing!). I began to think about how much power America has over the world, yes military, economic and so on and so forth, but even just pure entertainment. I love foreign films back home, but those are a treat, not something that is enjoyed every time I go out to see a movie. But here the vast majority of films are from the USA. Unless it is like this one pictured above, a preview of Ricardo Darin´s next film "Un Cuento Chino" ;)

Feb 27th
(See "I´m in Heaven" Blog Post. Day at the cafe.)

I cooked! This was the first time I chopped, sauteed, mixed and baked since I´ve been in Argentina and it was healing. But two challenges came forth:
One, Rosario my host mama hates garlic, her grandmother told her at age 7 that "Women never eat garlic." Since then she has obeyed the law and now it has forever been banned in the house. And two, the onion I bought at the Chinese store, along with the rest of my groceries in an effort to support local business, was sad & mushy when I cut into it.
So already at a disadvantage with my 2 number one ingredients mama mario has taught me to begin every dish with... I hoped an extra dose of good vibes would make up for it. And it did! Home-made spicy tomato sauce with baked acorn squash and peas. In the pursuit to fill each lunch with my quota of color and veggies for the day.

Feb 28th

Choosing to follow my heart today after school it led me to a bookstore. There I found "Almost Moon" by Alice Sebold (author of The Lovely Bones), among a limited selection of novels in English. Nearly one week later now, I am almost done with it! Anyone who knows me, knows that this is quite the news :) I love to read, but often lack the time or find another book and begin to start that one before I finish the last one. And here I am almost done with a 300+ page book in 7 days! I feel like a nerdy 3rd grader who finished a picture book all by themself, but honestly I´m excited. Both the fact that I have nothing but time here and that this is my only novel is most surely responsible for this change in reading patterns.

Later that afternoon I met with a man who offered me a job in the middle of the street (not as creepy or bizarre as it sounds, I promise) I decided I didn´t really need nor want to work. Grateful for the opportunity (to get paid to help translate emails into english), but choosing instead to bask in this special time in my life. I have never been so unrestricted before and for these next few months, I want to keep it that way.
"Following my heart" home I walked and walked and walked until I came upon a familar coffee shop that is right next to my school (which is a one and a half hour walk AWAY from my home).

In the noise of my mind and the excitment flowing off the street, captivating all my senses, I had walked in the OPPOSITE direction. Just when I thought I was figuring my way around the city. But all was well, just a prolonged adventure home :) So I hopped on the next bus and read the first chapter of my new book.

March 1
HAPPY NEW MONTH! Wow, one and a half months have officially gone by. This is now the longest I have ever been away from America. Previously living in Thailand for a month last summer, I have set a new record for myself and will continue to be here (it looks as of now, but who knows what the future has in store...) until the start of August. Five more to go :)

Miss Katie (backpacking girlfriend) and Emily (new favorite person!) and I shared this sweet and uplifting fresh homemade Ginger-Mint-Lemonade from Felicidades. We studied for our final and made the final countdown... only 3 more days until the end of class!

This super cute little girl became a splendid distraction from verb drills. We played a ceaseless game of "come get the sugar packet" until she became more interested in the "throw sugar packets out the wondow" game. Barely one and a half she was full of life and had yet to learn many social customs. She stared at me, played with strangers, gave her barbie doll away and threw things out the window. All things "you are not supposed to do" but I love that she did. If only we could keep some of that pure human curiosity and openess with us until we turned 2, or 20 or even 100.

March 2nd
(See "Beyond the Bus" post)

and lots and lots of studying for my written spanish final the following day!

March 3rd
After 2 solid hours of taking the spanish exam, I was done. I stood up with that light dazed and confused feeling that a world exists beyond the paper I held in my hands. So intently focused on each question, all else had been erased from my present consciousness as I escaped into the passages, verbs and vocab within that 8 and a half by 11 inch universe.

Noon and not much on the to-do list I walked to the park where friends and I practice Yoga on a weekly basis. I found a nice tree and used it for back and emotional support as I dived right back into an alternate universe. This time into a world where a daughter kills her mother and begins to come to the realization of what she has done, along with the many consequences slowly but surely coming her way. "Almost Moon" is a dark but, honest reality, and the whole story takes place in one 24 hour period. I am captivated.

After about an hour passed by, the tree was more uncomfortable than comfartable as I felt like a creaky old woman rising to my feet. I decided I would walk home, a new way. There is a vast nature reserve on the outskirts of Buenos Aires creating the border between the city and the Rio Plata. As well as a series of parks. That became my destination: Something green.

I walked down side streets, going into stores that sparked my interest, not feeling pressured to buy anything but only to observe and possibly strike up a conversation with a porteño shop keeper. When I first arrived in BA I would walk on the main avenues, feeling safer with the mighty buildings surrounding me and the never ending stream of people walking with and against me. Now I avoid them.
The maddness of it all and the energy of go-go-go is unpleasant for me. Instead I move a few streets in towards the heart of the barrio and that is where it´s at. Real people, living real lives. Homes and cafes and panderias decorating the sidewalk. Low buildings and lots of trees. People walking at half the speed and double the tranquilty than their counterparts just a few blocks up. I feel relaxed and someone here. Not just another person lost in the crowd. Here in the backstreets people say hello.

My friend who sells fresh fruits and vegetables on the corner every day all day. This is about as close as it gets to "farmers markets." Scattered around the city are little crates and tables with your "five for the day" ready to be purchased. This man´s son is quite the charmer, whistling at ladies double or triple his age. He just started 2nd grade on Monday. Summer is over for the children of BA.

Walking along Libertador, I spotted an older woman with her unleashed dog. Or should I say the dog spotted me? This dog stared at me as I walked down the block, holding my gaze for a good 30 seconds. I believe there is much more to animals than we know.
I stopped at the stoplight and asked her what her dogs name was. "Tigre" she replied as her face lit up. Tiger and her walked slow and in unison, she in front and him following steadfastly behind. Walking as they have together for the past 16 years.

Nice sign combo: JFK + Liberty.

Drawn to an old building across the street, I drew closer to check it out.

I had arrived at el rosedal de palermo.

Security personnel to ensure no dogs entered and no people stepped on the grass, helped to keep everything in pristine condition. Spotted with head sculptues of war heros, poets, politicians and others who did something worthy to have their head forever looking upon people looking upon them.

Something particularly sweet about this man´s glasses and mustache combined.

Love was in the Air.
These gardens are so romantic. Everyone walking around or sitting on a bench in pairs.
Mothers with daughters, best friends, lovers... and me and my book :)

I found the perfect spot to stop and rest for a while. I laid on the bench by the creek and began to giggle out loud. I was so happy! Here I am in Argentina, in the most beautiful park I´d seen in the country, just finished my final, had a good book in my hands and the warmth of the sun sinking in through the protection of the trees leaves above me. Pure delight. Not to mention I was in the prime environment to ponder the subject of love once more.
I was totally satisfied.

After some time had passed I said see you later, and continued my walk. This time exploring through the Palermo Woods.
Another magical place, but this one simply trees upon trees upon trees.

Continuing on once more, I came across the Museo de Arte Popular. At first I thought to myself, "I´ll come back later." Then a strong cord inside me vibrated, "Carpe Diem!" So I did. Paying the hefty 1 peso entrance fee (a quarter) I wandered inside.

As I studied the intricateness of this face, I felt as though it could come alive at any moment.
In 9th grade we did an art project similar to this where we made masks using our own faces in Mrs Rockwells class.
I can only imagine all the time and energy put into this one.

After 4 and a half hours, I made it home. Now with a newfound appreciation for all this city has to offer and all that still remains to be discovered.
Back to here and now: Time to study for my oral exam tomorrow!

March 4th

Mi final dia de este clase! Today was my oral test and it went great! Telling a story with a partner all using different verb forms in the past tense + a little bit of Q and A.

Everyone waited in the hall until it was there time to perform. Meanwhile, I led a little mini post final yoga session with a few classmates against the bright lights and shiny floors.

I got an A! Yeah!
I guess the trick is to spend most of my time wandering the streets living spanish ´rather than reading about it in the book :)

(In the heat of all the excitment I left my book in class and returned hours later to find it gone. I do hope it appears again pero si no lo encuentro, creo que es bueno suerte de yo perdí mi libro en la última dia!)

Sweet teacher Mercedes.
¡Muchas gracias por todo!

No eggs and flour for Emily and I!
We´ll stick with the American pat on the back tradition :)
PS: check out all the flags, this really is an international school

My celebratory party took place in this nearby health foods store.
Gifts for myself from myself include:
Chia Seed
Flax Seed
Bee Pollen
and a whole grain + quinoa alfajor!

Saturday March 5th
One of the Best Days thus far.

I woke up and wasn´t quite sure what to do.
Class is over.
It is Spring Break. Many of my friends are outside of Buenos Aires, having opted to go on a trip before our Mendoza trip. ( I decided to save my money now and use it for my 2 months of travel post school :)
And it is Saturday.

I was greeted with a huge wave of possibility and indecisiveness as I thought about my line-up for the day. Having slept in running shorts and a sports bra, I allowed my costume to guide the way. Tennis shoes tied, shirt on, hair up, half a banana eaten, teeth brushed and feet out the door.

Rewind: I Run. Back at home I run regularly. And I enjoy it. Since I have arrived in Argentina I had yet to run up to this point. As wild as that sounds to me, not going on one single run for a month and a half, I know why. Everything has changed in Argentina. Of course the core of who I am is still the same, but many of the decorations surrounding that have adapted to this new environment.

Walking has become my Running. I walk much more here than I do back home. Hours everyday exploring the city, getting from point A to point B, and getting lost, with a smile. Also with walking comes both the security of having my backpack with map, keys, H20, book, ect and also the liberty to stop, sit, read, buy something. Since I walk slower than I run (which I think is the case for all mammels...) I see more. Walking gives me the priviledge to see the little things, to turn around if I choose, say hello to someone, or pick up trash.

But today was a day to run! I wrote a little note to Mama Rosario describing my path of destination and approximate time of return, just in case I vanished in the mist someone would know which mist to look at first. Sounds a little dramatic, but true and I think a small note informing someone/anyone of your location (especially when you are outside of your normal home) can literally be a life saver. But that is just mama ki talking.

After saying Buenos Dias to the neighbor, I pulled open the apartment building door with the golden handle and entered my fast track sidewalk. Right Left Right Left Right Left, my feet were moving at a faster pace than they had for some time now and they loved it! The memory of running pulled closer now as shoes hit the pavement. My breath, focus, and pace in alignment.

Dashing across the white striped crosswalks, weaving in and out of people, and hopping over holes in the road I headed for grass. Feeling a bit out of place in the middle of cars, people and tall buildings, I was comforted when my feet hit soft green ground only 5 minutes later. I ran back in direction of the Palermo Rosedal Gardens where I had previously been on Thursday. Running through the Palermo woods and arriving at the gardens I hopped on the path made especiallly for runners, roller skaters, bike riders, ect.

After about 30 strides had passed I heard music, loud music. Then I saw it.
At least a hundred porteños dancing, following a dance instuctor onstage and following his moves so as the whole crowd looked like a synchronized pop band. The inner dancer in me, hopped over the runners barrier and inched closely to the crowd. Hesitant at first, and then feeling that is was open to anyone, I jumped right in!
I felt like I was back in my cheerleading days, counting out moves to the count of 8, and dancing in sync with everyone around me. Not only was it so much fun!!! It was quite a sight to see. Nearly everyone in their exersize clothes, almost all older than me (much much older than me) and even men in their 60s+ in normal clothes stopped and joined the performance.
Our instuctor did not hold back. Vibrantly gay and pushing us to the limit so that we could be mistaken for a wildly excentric group of Beyonce´s backup dancers. Oh yeah we were getting down. Really.
So simple and so wonderful, this program is put on by the city of BA and is called Buenos Aires Hacer Deportes (BAHD). Get an enthusiastic dancer, put him on stage, get a large sound system and the rest will work itself out. People would run/skate/walk or bike by, stop, and join!
This was much better than a typical dance party. Having the man on stage directing you made it all the more enjoyable, no one had to think about theit next dance move or feel self-conscious. We were all doing it, together!
In the perfect outdoor, breezy setting, rockin music and fun dance moves, one could feel the energy grow light with joy and freedom. Everyone needs to have a little exercise, fresh air and get down their bad self. This was the place to do it.
After an hour of that, it ended. I walked along to find a group of people stretching and I asked them what they were a part of "Buenos Aires Correr." A group where you meet weekly with locals and run together + it´s free to join! How wonderful.

I took my time and walked home, not sure if I felt light headed and a bit dizzy from the humid, ecstatic dancing or the half of banana that had long ago been digested. 2 and a half hours later I arrived home with one incredible run and dance performance in my pocket. I was reminded yet once again how the universe provides if only we trust in it. Our job is to take that first step.

The day only got better as I hydrated with this beauty.
(and yes we drink out of gold rimmed glasses here :)
A whirled up a concoction of banana, milk loads of ice, chia and flax seed and then topped off with some bee pollen.
¡Energía deliciosa!

Then my spirit was recharged after a good skype session with Pops and then another with a sweet soul sister of mine.

And best for last...
MoonLight Yoga!!!
Wow. It was soooo good.
I had been googling yoga in BA when I came across and invitation titled "Moonlight Yoga." Need say no more, I was already hooked. I sent an email right away to reserve a space and looked forward eagerly for this night to come.
After missing the stop I hopped off the bus, ran across the street hopped on the same bus going back in that direction and then hopped off at the right stop (barely) 2 minutes later. Nervous to be walking alone in this foreign part of the city after 9 o´clock at night, I took a breath said a prayer and followed the light sound of music. These tunes got louder and louder as I opened the door and knew I had arrived.

Buena Onda Yoga! Tonight was an intimate gathering of less than 20 people and together we did an hour and half of yoga accompanied with live soothing music, followed by a vegetarian feast fit for the kings! There was a lot of love and good vibes circulating with extra leftover for a second serving. There was also a camera crew there and they were shooting and episode for the tourist channel! The host sat next to me and asked me some questions and I answered with as much suave and grace as I could muster. A little interview all in spanish! If you happen to be in Argentina in April, turn to the tourist channel and you may catch a glimpse of me doing yoga!

Mango Lassi with homemade (the night before!) natural yogurt!
Miss Meghan was the star chef and is going to be having weekly thursday dinners at her home.
Count me in!

I was very excited about the Whole Wheat Chapatis and apparently the woman next to me was too :)
ps: can you spot the heart?

Vegetable Curry with Basmati Rice Potato, Chard (Mmm Chard!) and tomato stir-fry
by far the best meal I have had here since that sandwich in Be Frika, actually- this was better.
For dessert we had Tres Leches Cake and fresh homemade Chai.
Mmmm divinity.

I am practicing yoga everyday. Often times sola, being lead by a friend. or leading a class myself in the park or classroom hallway (and anywhere in between). But being here tonight in a real Yoga studio with candles, our own mat (with a fresh flower on the front) and a certified teacher made all the difference. I absolutely love teaching yoga but it is a whole different experience. In following I am free to get lost in my own breathe, focus on my own angles and just be. One of the more challenging classes I´ve ever taken, my heart beat raced, I sweat, I breathed and I came down again. A rejuvenated person, cleansed of stale energy. I think I took my deepest longest breathe that night.

An all around beautiful gathering with many new friends made. One of which was the brother of the yoga instructor and is also a student studying here. We talked and it turns out he lives one block down the street! Crazy wild world :)
Four of us said our goodbyes and hopped in a cab to go home. John is a kind man from Chicago and is spending 10 days in BA. Upon leaving the cab he left us with 50 pesos to to go towards the ride. As I was the last one to get out, the total was less than expected, coming in at 45 pesos. So I gave the driver the extra five as a tip and the flower the studio had given me. He looked surprised and I said "Para tu mujer."

Un día perfecto.
me encanto la vida

Beyond the Bus.

noreply@blogger.com (Kyria) — Wed, 02 Mar 2011 21:10:00 +0000

I must warn you, this is not a love story. This is not an adventure story. There really is no beginning, middle, or end. Nor pictures to follow along with. Or rhyme or reason for that matter...
This is simply a long story about a short ride.

Ok, one picture. Just to set the stage :)

The bus is an interesting place.

A subculture all in its own, a frozen space in time transporting its passengers to their desired location (or within a few blocks from it). Everyone strangers. People leave without saying goodbye and come on without saying hello. Most passengers sit and stare, at what I am not sure. Some look out the window, not at the streets or the people because they have seen that all before. Rather I think they are looking back into the past or at what the future may hold for them. Or perhaps they are looking no where at all, delighting in the peaceful serenity of colorful moving objects passing by.

Others sleep. How they know when to cease the siesta and get off at their stop I have yet to figure out. Nearly every one is silent, ears absorbing the excess noise from the city streets around them. The only thing circulating is the air that manages to slide in through the window that has been pushed just a few inches open.

When all the seats are taken (which is most of the time), passengers resort to leaning against the side wall opposite the midway door. It is incredible to watch the power of body and personal space take effect. Granted one´s "personal bubble" in Argentina is half the size allotted in the States, but none the less still exists in all its wonder. Last week I was in a bus at quarter to 9am (rush hour) and it appeared that at each stop people got on and no one got off. We were, to put it figuratively packed like sardines in a crushed tin box, except vertical of course. Everyone as close as possible to those around them without touching.
I looked around and took note of the milliliters of space between each dangling arm, held tightly against ones bag pressed tightly against their body. Somehow all with at least a finger on the nearest bar or hanging handle manged to stay upright as the bus driver danced in and out of the lanes, stopping and going and honking in patterns unrecognizable by even the greatest mathematician. When necessary, people leaned against the ego of the person standing closest to them.

Then I think of all the people surrounding me. While I am narrating observations and ironicities in my head, I wonder what everyone else is thinking of. Or if this is their opportunity to meditate for the day. A bumper of time between the demands of work and family. A time to breathe and think, or not think.
While I realize I am the host of the show and the star of my life, all of these people are the lead actors of their own world. Overwhelmed for a moment at the thought of all that is connected to each of us within this 40 foot long rolling world, I feel humbled. Each with our own set of goals and dreams, hopes and fears. Are they making the journey home? Are they leaving home? Do they know where they are going?

Every one paid the uno veinte o uno veinte cinco pesos to catch a ride. Every one with a final destination in mind, waiting until their stop arises so they may push the red button that reads timbre. Once the bus has made a complete stop, the doors swing inward and they walk out, all the while other passengers join us to begin their journey.
While we are all strangers, we are all traveling together. And sometimes, on rare occasions, I feel an unspoken connection to the person I´m traveling beside. We have never met, and most likely will never meet again, but for those 5 or 10 minutes I am conscious of their existence as they are mine. Careful to respect their space, not bump into them too hard and scooching a little closer if the extra inches between us is needed to make room for new passengers.

I do with this experience that which I do with many mundane encounters. Blow it up to epic proportions and apply to the grand topic of life. As many have told me before (and may be thinking right now) "I make a big deal out of little things." Really I have just come to see the little things as a way of understanding the big things.

Human nature is fascinating. I have come to realize more and more that the little things we do are programmed deep within our core and are unwavering; regardless of culture, language, style, geographic location and so on.

It is because of this that an elderly woman passed me some monedas when my pockets grew empty and my ticket was left unfully purchased for. I tried to give her the change and she politely resisted, gifting me with 15 centavos (roughly four pennies). Only later on the ride did she tell me her name was Elizabeth (the same as my grandmother) but everyone called her Betty (the same as my grandmother) and invited me to come to her home for a cup of tea one day (looks like I have found mi abuelita argentina). She had shoes of size four and a smile that inspired me to make one of my own.

It is because of this nature we all share that I felt connected to the gentleman who let everyone go on the bus before him, and then climbed aboard himself and only to advertise some lotions he had for sale. And while I could not understand everything he said, these lotions appeared to solve any wound one may have and more. When I scanned the contents of the bus I noticed that only mi Abuelita Betty and I were looking at him. Everyone else finding more comfort or entertainment elsewhere. As the salesman saw no one was interested in his cinco peso lotion, he dropped his head with a look of familiar disappointment. Looking at him look at himself I thought of what courage and strength it takes to speak to a group of people. I find deep admiration for those who rise up in front of others to share what they want to say, despite the size of the audience and theme of monologue.

Before he got off at the next stop he made the sign of the cross against his body. This took me back to the first time I was on a bus and everyone began making the holy symbol. I looked around as my heart rate increased, worried that everyone got word we were going to crash, or that someone had died or that the world was actually ending. Then I saw the church.

The bus is life. I go on and get off everyday and everyday I enter and leave a different person. Based off my experience and focus at the moment I react to my current life in a different, but always Kyria like way. There is a never wavering foundation that I stand upon created by generations of people before me and I hold the freedom to express my house any way I choose. There are tools I hold that have been passed down to me and there are blueprints of ideas gone wrong and plans gone right that are at my disposal as well. All my life, I will be building this house in the best way I see fit. But should I want to, I can tear it all down again. Or settle for a simple remodeling. While I hold the freedom to build a new structure, the foundation remains the same.
(Am I using the old foundation + house analogy because my father is a contractor? Or because of my history studying "The Father"?)

If only the bus had a radio, a surplus of gentleman salesmen or a supply of never ending grandmas, then and only then in my constant distraction, would I be able to step on and step off without thinking a second about it.

I´m in Heaven...

noreply@blogger.com (Kyria) — Wed, 02 Mar 2011 21:09:00 +0000

Oh my god.
I am so happy right now.
(Well technically I was so happy right then...
as I needed a few days to upload my pictures so you could really visualize just how incredible all this was :)
..................

No, I am not 100% fluent in Spanish yet.
No, I did not find a Gaucho tall enough for me.
No I did not win ___________.
(fill in the blank with whatever would make you feel like you were in heaven)

ENCONTRÉ EL CAFÉ PERFECTO!
While Courtyard Coffee will always be my cafe heart back home, I am proud to say, I have found a temporary replacement.

The story follows...

Roaming the streets last night, Li and I strolled across this little tea shop. While we weren´t in the mood for tea, I thought, "Perfect, I´ll go study there tomorrow!" So after a very long night resulting in my wake up at noon (I never wake up that late! I have to force myself to stay in bed past 8:30am...) I thought "It is time."

I got up, I got out and I got walking. And then I got lost. Along the way I saw a sweet shop nestled into the corner with lime green painted walls. While it intrigued me but it was not the "Tea Connection" shop I was determined to go to. After realizing I left my wallet, camera AND chapstick at home (3 things I never leave without) I turned around and walked back.

The "sweet shop nestled into the corner with lime green painted walls" in foto form.
aka: Be Frika. Read on for details :)

After a moment of thinking why that was possible meant to happen to me, I grabbed my prized possesions and made the long journey (four blocks :) to Tea Connection! I arrived, and upon arriving I realized there was no room for me to sit. Not only was there no room for me to sit, the menu was over priced, the room undersized and the staff hardly lukewarm. I took the unwelcoming nature of the arrival and walked out. Back on the street again, no coffee shop success.

Sidenote: It is hot here! Very very hot. Granted it is summer, but it is also humid, semi-polluted and I don´t have that sweet grace of the sea breeze I´ve been spoiled with my whole life. It takes me about 5 minutes outside to start sweating! It doesn´t help that I walk at the speed of a racehorse and it doesn´t help that there are gorgeous people everywhere dry as a desert stone. Buenos Aires is the Paris of South America.
Just as I was thinking this I see a man walking towards me, I can feel him sizing me up and I wait for it, wait for it, wait for it and then he goes¨"¡Que Divina! jbvdbvrnkjsn njfbkjsbf fsjbfbrfob (I couldn´t catch everything he said) kbvghjfkre Divina!" And we both kept walking our owns ways, with no looking back. Then I thought, "Hmm, Maybe sweaty works for some people."

That is how it´s done here. Men call you Divine as you walk past them on the street. At first I found it frightening, then bizarre, then I ignored it and now it´s kind of growing on me. Whispers of "¡Que, Hermosa!" ¡"Muy Linda!" And long (creative I´m sure) sentences sent in my direction and if only I could fully comprehend them I may be flattered or I may be outraged, but for now I´m just pleased. Of course the man sending the piropos does indeed change the reaction. They come in all shapes and sizes, some are younger than me and some are older, so as you can imagine, the majority erred on the side of creepy.

Now as I am down to the last bite of my sándwich divina I am reminded why I began writing today. The coffee shop.

So after leaving the Tea Connection I remembered that Lime Green Building. I headed in that direction and we met again. "Be Frika." Yes, I beleive you have already figured out how this story ends.
Happily Ever After...

I open the door to find there are happy people enjoying food and drink, smiling staff and an open table beckoning me to join. "Puedo mirar a una carta por favor?"
I should have asked, "Puedo vivir aquí por favor?"

Now 3pm and have eaten nothing since the previous night, I start off with a zanahoria licuado (with some other ingredients I couldn´t quite understand, but assumed were vegetarian friendly :)

Yes. Those are sesame seeds on the rim.

I pull out my computer and access their glorious Wifi and began my studies (meaning checked my email, facebook, yoga school status and then...) began my studies. Already I have my final next week! Thursday we have a written exam and Friday we have an orla exam.

That 4 weeks of school went by fast. As of today, I have been living in Argentina for 40 days, I am one week away from finishing my first class of the program which will mean Spring Break for a Week (going to Mendoza the wine country!) And then I will return to begin my second class. Intensive II Spanish Language . 5 days a week, 3 hours a day, leaving me with 10 more hours than I have now to explore the city.

Whew. That was a lot.

"Be Frika" has provided a great atmosphere. Nice people, more than reasonable prices, Wifi, cozy environment (does still feel a little too comercial), and incredible food! Wow, the food. I ordered a veggie Panini and waited in excitment for it to reach my table. Viewing the food of those around me I had complete confidence it was going to be good.

Angels were singing.

Gorgeous and huge and with a surprise side of fresh french fries! It was more than a beautiful surprise, delicious and nutricious and all for about 4.50 USD. I took a bite and Mmmmmmm Mmmmm Mmm!
Whole wheat bread, fresh grilled zucchini, sweet potato (on a sandwich? crazy and I love it!), some other veggies, plump sun dried tomatoes, home-made pesto, and a light amount of cheese just for garnish at the top. I usually overdue the proportion of ketchup to fries, but here they tast so good, ketchup is an interference! After savoring this first bite I opened my blog to write (hints the title).

Now I realize I have devoted a fair amount of time and energy and words in this blog to describe a sandwich. What´s the big deal? The big deal is I love food. I love to make food and I´ve been perfecting the art back home and not to mention I am blessed with Mama Mario, the worlds best kept secret. Now I love my time in Argentina, and I have been learning a lot here, but one thing it has not provided is comida increíble. The food is fine, but I haven´t had many dishes that made me close my eyes when I take a bite (see blog from Jan 25th for the last meal that had this effect on me).

Be Frika only got better when I went upstairs to use the restroom. On my way to the damas room I was distracted by the hidden lounge! It was unfortunatley closed today (but I ventured in anyways...) and fortunately, it exists! A whole upper level that feels as if it has been transformed into a coffee shop from an old wooden home, with a small lookout porch (currently used for smoking) that looks over the street. The next time I come to Be Frika I know where I´ll be sitting :)

All in all it offered the bit of comfort I was hoping to find. And on top of all that it is literally a 4 minute walk from my house. How is that for convienent?

Lesson learned: Sometimes it´s good to get lost. You may find something better than what you thought you were looking for.

Wishing an abundance of perfect coffee shops your way,
Ki

Come walk with me and see the world the way I see

noreply@blogger.com (Kyria) — Wed, 23 Feb 2011 06:57:00 +0000

Hola.

It has been a good two weeks since my last time at the keyboard, typing away about my adventures here in the south. I have been reminding myself that life is meant to be lived first and written about second (or perhaps writing is somewhere farther along down on the list of "things to do" but regardless... now is the right time.)

I have been walking. A lot. It is the best (and not to mention cheapest and most readily available) method for getting to know the city. Buenos Aires (BsAs) and I have gone through moments of delight, fear, bliss, challenges and peace just as any relationship does. I am growing to appreciate how each calle has something to offer and the not so enjoyable details of my walk (see future note on dog feces and potholes) are now just part of the journey.

Graffiti gently reminding the passerby

Walking has become a form of mediatation for me. Starting in one place with a general goal of where I would like to end up, while remaining open to the ideas the universe has in store for me. One foot in front of the other, watch your step, breathe, and be present. Originally I held tightly onto my map, focusing more energy on street signs than my surroundings. Now I am comfortable and confident enough to get lost, or better yet, to find a different route. I take the opportunity to look at the aged buildings, children playing in the street, detailed door designs, and men standing in the frames of old houses that have recently been transformed into a tower of apartments. I am able to notice the little things. Like the trash thrown on the road as if in opposition to the very government that had brought it there and the woman waiting for the bus who really seems to be waiting for a change of circumstance.

Porteños. Sitting on the dock of the bay.

There are of course "rules of the road" to keep in mind...

1. Unfortunately, many Paseadors de Perros are outnumbered by the K9s at the end of their leash so watch your step and beware of the golden trails too. Enough said.

They appear innocent.

And sometimes they appear abandoned.

2. Stoplights mean nothing and cars always have the right away. Anything big and coming at you with full spead ahead holding a man inside who is waving his fist mightily in the air is always welcome to cross the street before I do.

3. BsAs is not a grid designed town. Roads are curvy, turn into other roads without warning and zig zag their way around the barrios depending on the view they feel like having that day. Even the collectivos resemble this attitude as they switch destinations just as I begin to think I have it all figured out.

A man while crossing the road casually reached into his pocket, where a steady supply of breadcrumbs must live, to toss some treats to his sidewalk friends. They followed him for a short while giving off the impression they had met before.

4. (This was a hard one for me to learn)
There is too much trash to pick up. Coming from a home where trash in the street is rare, I was happy to bend over and pick up an abandoned item and place it in the nearest appropriate location. I even felt it was my duty to do so. Here, trash is just as much a part of the street as the worn down concrete benethe it. And I feel I am meant to leave it that way. Although I will admit at times I still make the lean downwards and sneak a piece of trash to the nearest garbage can.

5. You do not smile at every person that walks by. Another moment of culture shock for me. Not only would my jaw be sore after the hours of roaming around, my constant smile would be viewed as a sign that says "Soy una tourista." I feel more welcomed as a resident of BsAs when I hold my backpack close, keep my steady pace and look others with a gentle smile of the eye when the moment feels right. Not quite as enthusiastic as the non-stop-waving-hand of avalon, but hey, this isn´t avalon.

Interspersed in my time of not thinking at all, thoughts of life, love and the pursuit of happiness trickle into my mind as my body is focused otherwise on the refreshingly monotonous motion of moving my legs in the most natural way possible.

Otherwise stated: I think when I walk.

My inspiration for the day:
A very hard worker and a very good walker.
Mr ant lifting something between 3 and 50 times his own body weight.
(Google is conflicting at times)

.....................................................................

In addition to walking I have spared some time for other methods of exploration.

Lets give the old "picture is worth a thousand words" approach a try and let them tell the story...

Sat Feb 12

The Recoleta "Hippie" Art Fair

Where I became mesmorized with these hand made tye-dyed overalls as well as the woman who made them.
(I am actually wearing them at this very moment : )

Then we made a picnic in the park with the first bottle of wine I have ever bought!
The most delicious 4 dollars...

enjoyed while being spontaneously serenaded by a reggae band.

Un buen día.

Feb 13

Continuing the weekend with the common desire to weave in and out of endless booths filled with nothing you really need and everything you could ever want, Li and I ventured into San Telmo to see the legendary antique fair.

First unneccesary but delightlful purchase of the day:
A crystal ball!
At least the future is no longer a mystery...

and a pretty doll too!
Just kidding. Seriously though, who would buy that???

I did however buy my mate today!!! But... it isn't this one.

I found my dream mate at the very next booth (literally) so I bought that one as well. If I am going to be drinking yerba daily I best be doing it out of a gourd I truly love. Sometimes the best things in life are worth waiting for.

After shopping till I dropped I picked myself up again and had a leisurely four hour walk home.
Here is some of what I saw...

Only upon exiting did I realize I was in unappropriate attire for the church. Whoops.

A cat with the look of death.

Argentine men posing for my picture of the monument.

And a door that tempted me to go inside.

Also...
It is official. I am LIVING here!
Freshly purchased: Yerba Mate, laundry detergent, and body soap.

World Wide Lovers Day

I started the day off by buying a box of chocolates to share with my spanish class. (They taste better when you share :)And after school I enjoyed familiar faces thanks to Señor Skype.
That night only progressed to get better as I went to an INCREDIBLE 2 hour drum performance called "La Bomba de Tiempo."
A must see for anyone within a 5 country radius.

Feb 16th

Today I went on a graffiti tour where we learned the difference between standard graffiti and street art. It was so enjoyable to walk with the intention of appreciating the art-decorated walls of the city. I feel they are passed by all too quickly and often ignored during the rush of city life.

graffiti

Street Art.
Legend has it that during the economic crisis of Argentina in 2001 various artists came together with the common idea of using art as a means to bring joy and life back to the streets of BsAs. It did indeed and still holds the same impact today.

Yoga --- Body Art

Anywhere: Street
With anything: Dress and heels
With anyone: Two wild werewolves

Feb 18th

Some beautiful friends and I took advantage of the rainy weekend in BsAs and headed 6 hours south for the beach of Mar del Plata!

The horizon never looked so sweet.
It's the little things like this that don't exist in the city.

-via the bus ride south

Welcome Home toes.

How good it felt to dive in the deep blue sea!
Mmm... one month was far too long.

In addition to hosting my reunion with the ocean, Waikiki beach (yes argentina has a "Waikiki" too) had a surf competition that day as well! ¡Que Suerte!

(Many thanks to the man at the hostle who recommended we take a bus out of town to experience the more local playas!)

Then... on the way back to the hostel we ran into a huge free outdoor concert right on the sand! Whoo!

...........................

Now I have returned back to BsAs and I must admit it was nice to leave the city. By the time sunday came around I was ready to go home, I missed it. Surprised by that feeling, I realized I really do love it here. While I cannot imagine myself ever living in a city like this long-term, I am so blessed to have the opportunity to experience this lifestlye for a limited time.

...

Some "golden rules" I have been reminded of thus far...

Love is everywhere.

Sometimes under a hard exterior,
(says the walnut)

and sometimes soft and sweet.
(says the plum)

Know when it's your time to go and
know when it's your time to wait.

Power of Intention:
What you think about, you bring about.
(I knew soy milk existed here!)

Liberty for all.
(Yes. That is indeed a miniature Statue of Liberty located here in BsAs)

Laundry must still be done.

Make Friends.

Be brave and dance!
If you see something you want (even if it is a gorgeous girl who is far to young for you and you are a kind old man pushing 70 years old with dusty tango moves... )
Go For It!

Food is Fuel.
Treat your body right and eat the rainbow.

Everything is hilarious.

And know always,
You are loved.

SONRIE

nuevo hogar = nueva vida

noreply@blogger.com (Kyria) — Tue, 08 Feb 2011 19:53:00 +0000

I am currently typing from UNIVERSITY OF BELGRANO! Hoy es mi primer dia! A lot has happened over the past 4 days...

Feb 4th

I moved into my new home. My Señora greeted me with a big smile and welcomed me in. I am living with an older woman, her 28 year old son (normal in argentina to live with fam until you get married) and another student just joined us on monday... so not really a family as in mom, dad and kids like I was expecting, but any group of people with some love mixed in makes a family! So it´s all good. Rosario (host mama) has had many exchange students, like 15 before me, so she knows how it goes. She too doesn't eat meat except at her son Diego´s big asados every sunday (like a big bbq with loads of meat).

All of BA, Recoleta is the dark part. Where I live.

We live in Recoleta which is the fanciest neighborhood in BA and our apartment building has a glass and gold door. The house as a whole is classy. Very white and clean with just the right amount of artsy knick knacks to make it stylish without going even close to that "clutter" border. Very simple.

We eat dinner together every night at 9pm and a lot of spanish is practiced at the table.

Veggie Tart: Veggies, eggs, some cheese and thats about it

My first day she took me out for some coffee and helped me find the nearby yoga studios and gyms. It´s a beautiful neighborhood, very close to the Recoleta Cemetery where Evita and almost all of Argentina´s elite are resting in peace.

I have a nice clean white room with a twin size bed and lots of closet space and a pretty sketch of an Asian woman framed on the wall. It is simple, but good for me. Feels nice to not be traveling and staying in hostels and hotels. This will become my place for the next few months. Definitely not the same as my Catalina home, but perfect for this time in my life. After unpacking all my things, I made the room feel more cozy by placing a rock I found at the glorious hike in Ushuaia on the nightstand, hanging my mom´s sarong over the door, putting a bag made by meg with pretty hand-stamped flowers on the coat rack, and laying out my favorite shawl from david and angela over the bed. Just a few little things to make it feel more like home.

Welcome to my humble abode

That night I went for a long stroll down Av Santa Fe which is lick shopping stores and restaurants galore. Fun to just walk around town and get comfortable navigating the streets. After returning home to dinner with Rosario I christened the room with some midnight yoga and fell sound asleep.

Feb 5th

Today all of us UC kids got together again to head off to an estancia (ranch). The whole ordeal was a little turisty but enjoyable none the less. Gauchos serving empanadas, horseback rides, and then an asado! Round after round of meat of served (meat in shapes and colors I´ve never seen come from a cow before...) Me. I delighted in my salad, bread and pasta with some other wonderful veggie friends of mine :)

A typical asado

After lunch there was live music and dancers representing many different Argentine traditions. Then we ventured to the field to watch the Gauchos perform some tricks. One with horses in formations and the other similar to a medival knight jousting (except the hoops were much smaller and the poles more the size of big pencils). My favorite part of the day... YOGA!

Alex, a friend of mine, asked if I wanted to do some yoga. Por supuesto! So we got down and I lead a little mini group yoga, starting with just Alex, Li and I. Sure enough, more and more people joined us until we had about a group of 15 (with another 10 or so just observing from behind)! I love how yoga does that, it´s contagious. And the great thing is anyone and everyone can practice it.

I love practicing on my own but having the opportunity to lead others through the asanas is truly incredible. I feel honored that people trust and follow along with me. Also, the power that resides in collective energy, focusing on bringing the good to ourselves (body, mind and soul) as well as collectively attracting that good for all of the world, is powerful indeed.

We closed with a little massage circle (another one of my favorite things) and a short meditation. Everyone loved it. Soon enough we will be doing yoga in the park at lest weekly if not bi or tri weekly. Could be a good way to make some Argentine friends too!

That night I attempted the public transportation system. I took 2 and a half buses (it is possible...) and after failing a third time to get on the right bus at 12am at night, I hitched a cab. My first bar in BA called Sugar. Turns out it was an all American bar (not ideal for me seeing as most people were speaking english and the argentine culture was not flourishing there) but seeing my friends in the nightlife was good. Next time: a more laid back local place.

Feb 6th

Sunday and I went to my family´s asado! My host mother is divorced and step-host papa came to pick us up and drove us all out to Diego´s (the oldest of 3 sons) house.

Meat is the mans duty.

Every home has an asado in the back.

He lives in the provencia of BA (not the capital, center area). It was wonderful. I was welcomed in and although I didn´t understand every word that was spoken, I did get the general idea. I practiced a lot and played with the children. Felipe (2), Juana (2 and a half) and Segundo (6 years). All of whom never stopped running the entire time I was there (noon to 8pm).

¡Que Linda! Baby Juana

chorizo, blood sausage, steak, intestines...

There was a lot of meat as well. Blood sausage, intestines, chorizo, steak and other parts. I had a veggie tart. They were kind and only a tiny pushy as they asked around 15 times if I wanted any meat. I said no thank you. I have spent some time thinking about whether or not to eat meat during my time in Argenitna. I have decided that I will eat it if I want to. No reason to hold myself back if I desire to try it. But as of now, I have no interest. And for the most part people understand. Vegetarians are more common now than they were in the past (but still a rare find down here :)

The extended fam at the the sunday asado (Mama Rosario at the head of the table)

It was wonderful to see a real family from the inside. I was welcomed in and spent the day sitting by the poolside, eating and drinking with them. They practiced some english with me and I practiced Spanish with them. A long day indeed, but this is normal for Sundays here. Get the whole family together to simply eat and talk all day long. No work no telephone no tv. Just each other. A wonderful tradition. Perhaps I´ll create a weekly veggie friendly asado when I return to the states...

Feb 7th

Today was my first day going to school. Semi intimidated by the public transportation system and semi just wanting to move my body... I walked 3.8 miles to school. Side-note: I grew up in a one square mile town on an island only to move to a one square mile town known as Isla Vista in Santa Barbara and now I live in a city of 80 square miles. It´s going to take some practice :)

About one hour later I arrived at the Universidad de Belgrano! We took a short one page (front and back) placement exam and that was it for day one.

Mi escuela!

A little exploring around the city, scoped out a friends sweet pad in Belgrano and got caught in the rain. Thanks to a woman in a magazine booth who pointed me towards the right direction, I caught the # 60 bus home... or at least close enough to it. Once I realized that the bus took a right 4 blocks before my stop I jumped off at the nearest exit. Only to land in shoe heaven!

Buenos aires really is the "Paris of South America" as they say. The people are beautiful and they do not cut back on style. Despite the trash in the streets, the puddles in the road, the unfinished sidewalks and the various potholes... women wear these twisty turney brightly colored and highly decorated heels! They do not look you in the eye as you walk by, they look at your shoes. Now if my shoes could smile the way I do when I see I stranger I would be making friends no problem. But they don´t. So I did as many porteños do when things go south. I shopped. 5 stores later, many shoes sampled, 3 purchased and only 62 american dollars spent! Muchas gracias invierno- summer sales everywhere!

Now these shoes smile at the passerby.

(statistical analysis on how many friends I make daily now in comparison to my old mary janes soon to come...)

All out in my size...

I walked home with a bit more pep in my step and met my new host sister! Her name is Erin and she goes to school in New York and is very sweet. I´m excited to have a fellow friend under the same roof. Rosario, Javier, Erin and I all enjoyed a home-made family meal and got to know each other a bit more. It really is a crazy thing, like picking a name out of a hat and then saying "ok, now you are my family!" But that´s the way it is and so far so good.

Humans are incredible. Or should I say our minds are incredible? The ability we have to mold our lives and the world around us never ceases to amaze me. There has to be about 200 students in total from various programs in the USA studying here in the same classes as I. We all left everything that was comfortable and familiar- we left home- to venture into an unknown land... ok not that extreme but really everything is new.

A sweet merienda (afternoon snack) with sweet Li

Having to make friends and a family again. Learning the streets, language, food, style and customs. Being the minority in the country, the city, the house. For one example, I talk- a lot. Here I do not know everything there is to know about this language (just yet) so naturally I talk much less than I usually do. I am the listener. A great opportunity to see and experience the same world, just from a different angle. Slowly but surely, with the power of our minds we are each adapting to this new life.

Feb 8th

Today was my real first day of school. Researching and going over it repeatedly in my mind last night, today for the first time, I successfully took the bus! I even got off at just the right stop *pat on the back*

Now there are four levels of classes here and much to my surprise I was placed in basico. Tragic. "Yo hablo muy bien en español y conozco muchas cosas, pero la gramatica es mas dificil para mi y ayer la examen fue muy corto y solamente la gramática y nada mas..." I said in my best spanish this morning to my teacher. She agreed. After looking at the basico book and seeing worksheets for numbers, colors, and the alphabet, ect... I knew I was in the wrong class. My conjugation skills were just a little dusty that´s all :)

My beautiful classmates!

So I switched to the intermediate class and I love it! It is just the right level for me. I have studied spanish in the past but it has been on and off. Now I am ready and really excited to get focused and study todos los dias, todo el tiempo!

Class will be from 10am to 3pm with 2 short breaks 5 days a week. Then in 4 weeks we will switch to a new location (just an 11 minute walk from my home!) where class will be just 3 hours a day for 5 days a week. There we will finish the remainder our 8 weeks in the third level of spanish studies. My time here sounds so short when I break it down like that, and I´m sure it will feel even shorter in just a few months when I look back at this moment.

So that´s that. Kind of at a loss of what I am supposed to do now... the work load is VERY small in comparison to my typical amount of duties back in SB. Loads of classes, clubs, friends and things to consume my time there. Here I have much less on my plate. My to-do list is something like: eat, sleep, shower, do yoga, see friends, make friends, walk, go to school, study and open your eyes. A whole city to get acquainted with.

mucho amor.

Me encanto los viejos.

noreply@blogger.com (Kyria) — Fri, 04 Feb 2011 07:34:00 +0000

All is well in the world.

Well, not entirely. Many issues we should all devote some of our love, time, energy and resources towards. Especially some positive thoughts for the 12 Education Abroad Students that they are trying to evacuate from Egypt right now.

What I mean to say is thank you. I feel so incredible blessed to be here, able to do what I am doing. So grateful to say all is well in my world.

Major transition point right now: free as I can be backpacker, leading wherever my heart desires to ...............ORIENTATION! Hello 75+ american-english speaking-fresh to argentina people. Bienvenidos.

but before we get there allow me to recap the closing days of "Ki. The Backpacker."

xoxo
ps: finally some real life pictures of my real life. check out previous posts to see more.

.........

Jan 29th

Last day in Calafate.

After waking we explored a nearby lake that was filled with glorious, bright pink, backward bending knees, flying (who knew they could fly?) FLAMINGOS! The national park was closed- we were an hour early- so... we hopped the fence! Fun to be a little illegal in a foreign country.

Huge fields decorated in wild daisies and horses, with a well rested sun rising over the horizon.

Nice start to the day. More energy than a cup of instant coffee could have offered :)

Laguna Niñez Natural Reserve

Then off to catch up on journaling in a nearby coffee shop.

The walls had no wallpaper: just pastries. Bottom to top, side-to-side, homemade, egg-white-washed, delicious jewels waiting to be savored. Mmm....

We then taxied to the airport and somehow ended up in FIRST CLASS! First time for me and I am sure it was one of those classic moves on behalf of the universe. Just reminding me to expect the unexpected.

We arrived in Ushuaia and stayed at the "Cruz del Sur" hostel. This Saturday became my Sunday and was devoted to rest and rejuvenation. Katie and I explored the city individually for the first time and it was great. I began to remember how important alone time is. In any relationship I think it is healthy, natural and necessary to nurture your individual life. Spend some time with yourself, doing what you personally love. It is usually best for all parties involved and gives you a chance to miss the other too.

We walked by a restaurant called Darwin’s and then a little old man popped out and lured us in with his bearded smile and dusty suave moves. We enjoyed a warm meal and the live music by the Fabio of Argentina. After dinner the sweet (would be creepy if he was 40 years younger, but his new age comes with new benefits...) old man pulled us in close and took a picture. Then he placed a big smooch on my cheek and Katie got one on the lips! La cena estaba muy rico...

Mr. Smooth

Jan 30th

Today we took a boat tour out to see penguins, seals, a lighthouse and an island where we got to go exploring for a short while. The tour was great, but really it was the people that made it so enjoyable.

A man walked on and he looked like my dad! A bit larger and more argentine looking than papa pete, but needless to say, I took a liking to him. He had a kind wife, a daughter who was my age and a 9-year-old son. A family vacationing from Buenos Aires to the end of the world just for fun. I practiced my Spanish with him as he practiced his English with me.

My Favorite Argentine Family

I was so tempted to ask if they would be my host family, he even took a picture of me with his children! He gave me their home phone number and invited to join them for dinner once I get settled into my place. "La comida con mucho cariño." Sounds perfect to me.

The tour ended with a shot of coffee liquor (looks like a common trend down here) and a raffle for an Argentine flag. A couple from Spain won.

Later that night Katie and I ventured to an ice cream shop. I asked to try the best flavor and the man recommended Sambayon. "What is this?" I asked the man behind the counter. "Juevos y vino" He replied. No joke. It tasted EXACTLY like eggs and wine. I went for the chocolate and cafe instead. Who knows, maybe the Sambayon con almendras would have been better...

Me...Katie...

As we were enjoying our not so exotic ice cream, the Spanish couple came into the shop! We sat and talked with them for a good 20 minutes- almost all in Spanish! They were so kind and welcoming, inviting us to call them up if we are ever in Madrid. Mateo and Ricardo travel the world every year, always picking a new destination to explore. They will be heading off to Antarctica in just a few days. Sounds like a good life to me.

Jan 31st

Our last day on this the most rewarding days.

Off to a healthy start by sleeping in (so good for the soul!) and enjoying a breakfast of Coconut and Dulce de Leche cake. Then we embarked on a hike a fellow hostel mate recommended. A 10 minute taxi out of town and a whole ‘nother world away.

Crossing the gate that said "zona privada" we ventured into what felt like unchartered territory. No beaten path or marked trails, allowing us to follow where our next step took us. Rivers, wild flowers, roaming horses, mountains, glaciers, crazy moon like moss that pulls you deep into the earth plus an incredible blue sky dotted with the occasional cloud. Walking, traversing handmade bridges, using old dead trees to cross over to an island and puddle stomping in the melted snow. The inner child glowed as the explorer within radiated at the mass of land and wonder that laid before me. Not one other person in sight. If it weren’t for the few pieces of trash I picked up along the way, I would have never known if another lucky foot entered this valley.

Handmade Bridge

After a few hours we were ready to return to civilization. One thing though. No taxis come to this part of town. We had no choice but to walk along the dirt road, headed downhill somewhere meeting up with the center of town. I didn't realize so much on the short cab ride up, but we were in a poor part of town. A very poor part.

There was a thick dirt road with lots of trash and an endless supply of unloved dogs. Fortunately, most were behind fences (not too promising that they could protect us from the barking though) and the others we out in the road. I love dogs. But wild dogs frighten me. At one point a healthy sized black one began to follow us and the barks sent tension up and down my spine and everywhere in between. They did not want us there and I didn't want to be there either.

As you can tell, I am writing this so, yes. I made it out alive. Such a growing experience. I thought of it in relation to life in the grand scale. Sometimes we have no choice but to continue headstrong on the path we have chosen for ourselves. Challenges arise (i.e. crazy, gnarly, vicious, foaming-at-the-mouth, red-eyed, huge beasts---not that extreme but could have been for the way I reacted...) but I must try my best to stay calm, cool and collected.

Sweet pup in downtown Ushuaia (not to be confused with the others in the hillside)

Panicking never helps. Plus a little love and faith that all will work out usually gets me through. We walked on and a kind woman ensured us that a bus would be coming shortly. We waited with her and then hopped into a big white van. Yes sounds sketchy but intuition approved and it was some sort of government issued vehicle to pick up residents that lived outside of the city limits.

Up to this point today was one of my all time favorites for the peace and serenity the hills offered. Then I experienced one of the scariest moments in my life and now I was about to have a new reality check.

The bus drove up through the hills, stopping to pick up those who stood in the dirt waiting. For lack of a better term, it looked and felt like a shantytown. This was something they left out on "The City Tour of Ushuaia." Humbled I sat and I began to feel so silly for my fear of walking down the road. Just as I began to sense some pity arising from within (which is never the right answer, but seems to be a natural response at times like these) a mother and her two children joined us. The son about 4 sat beside his mom in the front row and the beautiful little girl, no more than a year and a half bounced up and down on her mama's knee. She giggled and giggled and then turned to look at me. Every part of her baby plump face formed to smile at me. Her eyes and her grin gave me the joy that I needed, and more so it reminded me of what we all need in life. Love.

Regardless of what the building looked like that she slept in at night, she had a mother that loved her truly and in return she has the love to give to the world. I just got a piece of it that day.

The bus dropped us off at the city bus stop and for the first time I took this form of public transportation. While I am far from it at this point, I felt more like local than I have at any point in this trip. More than 50 people who pain a little over 2 pesos crammed into that bus. I stood and held on tight as the driver maneuvered through the streets- all while counting the bills and change he had just collected. We jumped off and then checked out of the hostel (for the last time) to hop onto our flight to Buenos Aires. Back "home."

I have been thinking a lot about that day and it was so powerful: full of a variety of beauty, challenges and lessons.

I have also decided that the best way to know a country is not to take the "adventure tours" but to LIVE the adventure. One with the country. Adapt to the life. Better yet, ADOPT the life.

Graffiti art in Puerto Madryn

Feb 1

Buenos Aires. Orientation begins today.

I found a nearby locutorio and made my first phone calls out of the country. So refreshing to hear familiar voices again.

Then Hello to California again! Exciting to meet new people, but a part of me is still traveling Patagonia… She should arrive soon.

Feb 2

I woke up early to buy some fruit at a local stand just down the street and thought "Hey I'll just wander around the block. Take a right for a few blocks and a left for a few more blocks then another left and another left and I should be right back where I started." Right? Wrong. I am not in Avalon anymore.

After walking "around the block" for over a half an hour (it was about 8:45am and the group was departing at 9am) I figured it was time to call for backup. So I turned to those I can trust most.

Old men.

I walked into a corner cafe and asked a few whom were scattered across the restaurant if they knew where "Suipacha" street was (all in Spanish of course) and they replied all at the same time, in rapid mumbling Spanish of course. I said gracias and ciao and wandered off, just as lost as I was before but with a new smile on my face.

I wandered down to a main avenue and asked another "viejo" of course (they are sweet, wise, unintimidating, kind, probably not going to steal my purse and run away, and most of all; knowledgeable.) His name was Angel and indeed, he was my angel of the day. He walked me almost to the door of the hotel with four minutes left to spare and asked to take me out for a drink. He said, "Yes. Si. Yes. Si." and I said "Problamente." He settled for that and left me with his telephone number. Both work and cell phone number actually...

Orientation was bright and early and all day long. Overload of information from 9am-11pm with a small break at lunch and in the afternoon. I have been planning for this day to come for some time now, and here it is. Papers, packets, students, plans, schedules... the whole shabang. All the students are kind and adjusting to life in BA, away from the comforts of home and familiarity. Por ejemplo, I have never in my life heard so much commotion over the item:

Peanut Butter. Take something away and everyone wants it back :)

Watching the others makes me all the more grateful I traveled through Patagonia before hand. Not only was it gorgeous, it allowed me the opportunity to get homesick (and recover), practice my Spanish extensively, and become aware of some of the argentine customs and ways of life- ahead of time.

Feb 3

Big tour of BA today. Air-conditioned bus and a guide in English took us to many highlights the city has to offer: and all under 3 hours. Great to cross some of the items off the "Must See in Buenos Aires" list, but I have a feeling there is a lot more to discover.

Then laundry, nap, and a lovely dinner with the newest sweetheart I have met. She is a Music and Peace and Conflict Studies double major from Cal. Sounds cool already doesn't she? We shared bread, wine, pasta, stories, ideas and chocolate.

A night well spent.

Tomorrow I meet my family. Estoy emocionado!

I may have a single mom, a dad & a mom, parents with children younger than me, parents with children older than me (it is custom for children to live with parents until they marry. Hello 27 year old sister/brother...) or possibly a single old woman. I would love to have siblings, but I'm sure I'll end up in the home that is perfect for me.

A whole new type of adventure is about to begin in 8 hours...

¿Tiene Paz?

noreply@blogger.com (Kyria) — Sun, 30 Jan 2011 13:21:00 +0000

I think I caught backpackers disease--- the desire to GO GO GO SEE SEE SEE DO DO DO
(not really triple times the normal desire, just trying the make a point via cyberspace.)
But I also know the answer.

il bel far niente.
the art of doing nothing.

(i love pictures because they help to display the story. feed our senses if you will. now the computer at this hostel is not allowing me to add pictures for whatever reason so... paint your own. use your imagination and fill in whatever blanks there may be with your own creativity)
...
NOW I´ve added some :)

Jan 25
Today we roamed the town and found a beach where there appeared to be more locals than tourists (always a good sign) and just laid. Laid looking at the hills, the clouds, the water, the people. And it was so nice. Adventure tours are wonderful and absolutely have their place but my favorite pass time is PEOPLE. Just being at one and delighting in the universe to provide the adventure for me (and often that cant be surpassed by a tour guide ;)

Once we had our fill of resting on the beach we wandered down a road. We walked and walked until we saw a big machine that intrigued us. What is that? We stepped closer to find that it was propelling what appeared to be a ski lift. I WANT TO TRY! So we stepped on up and paid 25 pesos (about 6 USD) and jumped into the chair with no idea as to what would happen next...

A GLORIOUS VIEW overlooking the lake and the town of bariloche. No seat belts of course as we hung hundreds of feet above solid ground. We landed on a platform where we quickly jumped off before the chair knocked us off and followed the trail to a little cafe. THE best FRUIT SALAD ever! I´m not usually so excited about fruit but when ones diet is consisting mostly of pizza, pasta, ice cream and chocolate... (not complaining) some fresh fruit is good for the soul!

Then we wandered down into a magical forest. A whole garden devoted to the worship of GNOMES! They were everywhere in all sizes and each had a different fun fact about the life of these sweet short people with funky hats. My favorite part was a box where you wrote a wish and inserted it, only then to trust the gnomes would work night and day until it came true. I certainly hope so...

After that we continued down the path and realized the only way to get to the bottom was by TOBOGGANING! No snow, just a small piece of plastic with a "break" and down a big slide you go!

Best 6 dollars spent thus far. I think I´ll try the whole ¨let the world work it out approach¨a little more often. Who can top gnomes and big slides?

To continue along our delicious day we went back to our favorite pasta place in town and I kid you not I got the most incredible cannelloni pasta that was so pleasurable it must have been a cardinal sin to throw any away- so i didn't. I savored every last drop. Mmmm...

Our hostel is currently made up of a huge vibrant crowd of young travelers who want to have fun. So that night we went out to a club with free pizza and crazy drinks. Lemon Champ anyone? Lemon ice cream with Champagne...Wow. Pizza followed by drinks followed by dancing dancing and dancing. Not once did I feel in danger or did I have a stranger get too close for comfort. Our group in total was beautiful and diverse made up of 16 people from 16 to 41 years old to homelands of USA, Israel, Argentina and more. Great way to top off our final night in this incredible town.

One day I will return again.

PS; I have this great obsession with "luna" and today I met a dog named luna...

Jan 26
30 hour bus. Bariloche to El Calafate. One "meal" given to us and a never ending list of horrible American B-List movies. On the bright side... Argentina´s landscape is a never ending scene of green and snow and mountains and water and flowers and animals that soothes the mind into unknown dimensions and blesses the heart with peace.

Jan 27
Off the bus 2 hours later than expected we arrive in Calafate at 3pm. This is trekking city and home to glacier Perito Moreno (the main attraction drawing more than 4,500 visitors a day.)

Today we wandered around town and they welcomed us with some delicious Ice Cream (always to be expected in Argentina) and stumbled across a vegetarian restaurant. God is good. And always has a great sense of humor. In EVERY town thus far we have just walked upon a restaurant for veggie people. Before I left the states almost daily people told me I´d never be able to make it as a vegetarian in the meat capital of the world. I'm still here and there are a number of restaurants devoted to keeping me that way ;)
A kind man serenaded us with his guitar and sweet lyrics. He invited us to another place that night to see him play more. We went and he smiled from ear to ear. He is a traveling nomad type man. Playing his music, making some money and traveling again. I love the people I am meeting here. Such a thirst for life. Open to opportunity. Taking the risks. Being comfortable with the unknown and delighting in the simple pleasures that enter our daily world.

Jan 28
Rise and Shine! We were up early and started our 11 hour adventure dedicated to PERITO MORENO! This glacier is so special because of it´s relatively easy accessibility and it is larger than ALL of Buenos Aires. We watched in wonder as huge sheets of ice taller than a 25 foot building crashed into the water and sent these huge waves up in return. The sound was shattering. The ice was so so so blue. And fortunately for me it was not that cold, perfect weather as we clamped on these big teeth to the bottom of our shoes and OFF WE WENT!

I walked on a glacier, went through a natural ice tunnel, ventured into a cave and topped it all off with a shot of whiskey. Well more like a sip or two I tried to keep down. My first taste of hard alcohol straight up and I was on a glacier! At least I waited for the "right time" ;) Maybe they states should adopt this tradition of celebration after a tour!
An all around amazing time.

While we have been getting our daily dosage of "piropos" (cat calls), honks, and looks today was a bit different. Two of the tour guides were very forward, tried different tactics and forgot the personal sense of boundaries. Nothing bad by any means, just entertaining to see these eco-tour guides who were once so interested in ice, turn around looking for some heat. I appreciated the confidence, kindness and restaurant recommendations. We said goodbye and departed on our ways. Buenas suerte mi amigos!

We ate at this funky hip cool restaurant with every color of the rainbow inside called "Pura Vida." Mmmm. There was a super cute family next to us with 2 ginger head high energy kids. We striked a conversation and it turns out they are from Washington DC and the father is a professor who is on sabbatical so... they up and moved to Buenos Aires for 8 months. We exchanged info and I might end up babysitting back in BA. I love they way things work out.

On our way back to the hostel we got a little nervous. There is this bridge "shortcut" into a dark side street that connects with our hostel. Just as we were approaching it a man was walking out of it and we weren´t sure which direction to go and literally that same second that we approached the corner of the block I heard a "KEY!" It was Marcos (one of the flirty guides). Perfect timing! Really. He asked us if we were going to meet him at the bar later and we politely declined. He offered us a ride, which we also politely declined. A Miracle as Katie and I like to refer to this moment. Just seeing him calmed my nerves and bought us enough time to allow the mysterious man to pass by. Safe and sound we returned to the hostel.

I love this point where I´m at. It feels good to understand a little more how a backpackers life goes. Scratch that. It feels good to know how MY life as a backpacker goes. To each his own. Everything is different for all of us depending on the attitude, outlook and behaviors we bring to each situation. Life is one thing but the way we welcome it is where all the beautiful variations come into existence.

il bel far niente.

la vida es bella

noreply@blogger.com (Kyria) — Mon, 24 Jan 2011 23:06:00 +0000

Wow. Where to begin? Maybe right where I left off...
Our first day was spent re-adjusting to a new continent by exploring a small part of Buenos Aires. Katie and I wandered the streets and soon began to walk like the locals. The cars wait for us, we do not wait for a "walk" sign, you just wander into the street when your ready to cross, similarly no seat belts are worn, and if so it is just for style. Porteños are very stylish.

That night I kid you not, we walked around the corner of our hotel to fall upon (perhaps the only) entirely vegetarian and organic restaurant in BA. Mmmmm.... a HUGE fresh salad with all the colors of the rainbow, wild fruit juice, and vegetable curry. Not your average meal for argentina but just the comfort and soothing flavors we desired. After we did as they do and headed to the heladeria! Our first ice cream in Argentina and those guide books are not kidding- this is the best. Fresh, smooth, creamy, sweet, decadent...

Jan 21
One 20 hour bus ride yesterday and aloha Puerto Madryn! Three words: Flat, Hot, and Animals. We spent three days at a beautiful hostel called La Tosca that felt so much like a family welcoming us into their home.

That day we hit it off and went snorkeling with Sea Lions! There was at least 20 sea lions playing with Katie and I literally swimming along side me and play biting me! A little frightened at first by these creatures just as big as I, but then the look in their eyes as they stared at me was pure joy and curiosity. What an experience.

We closed the night off by going to our first discoteca! The locals usually go out around 3am and stay till about 6am and if it is a really wild night, they are known to go to after parties that could last till 2pm! Since we are new at all this, we went out early and came home by 3pm...I am sure we will improve with time :)

Jan 22
Waking up 3 hours later we went on a tour around the penninsula valdez and saw over 2000 sea lions, loads of penguins, guanacos and more. It was over 100 degrees here and the heat of the sun was like no other, pounding down on us as we searched the large, dry, grasslands for creatures to observe.

Guanacos! La´s Favorite :)

All sea lions behind us!

Armadillo. Who knew they could be so cute?!

My spanish is already improving and I cannot describe the feeling of satisfaction when I am talking to a native in this sweet foreign language and they understand me! It is literally breaking barriers that live between 2 people who use different sounds to communicate verbally. I have also come to notice that one genuine smile can touch the heart of anyone, despite which language they speak.
ps: While most people know instantly I am a California girl, one person has mistaken for being argentine! Whoo Success!

Jan 23
Waking up at 7am we ventured off to explore the many penguins that take shelter at Punta Tombo. This is breeding season and we saw the home of more than 800,000 waddling black and white suit wearing little men and women. Who knew? They do not just live in the snow... they have prime beachfront property!
That night we hopped on a 16 hour bus to Bariloche and here I am!

Jan 24
Bariloche is BEAUTIFUL! An entirely different landscape (on the east next to the andes mountains, instead of on the west coast like puerto madryn) it is covered with lush flora and fauna, green until the eye can see and neighboring the majestic Nahuel Huapi lake.
Up until now Katie and I have been going non-stop and playing each day as it arrives. It is summer here and all the argentines are on vacation as well. This has made it a little more challenging with the high demand for hostels and transportation, but all is well. We are enjoying the beauty and delicious treats Bariloche has to offer. I already know I will return here one day. So much to explore it deserves much more of my time and energy.

This is both of our first big trip, out of the country ALL on our own. While that can be intimidating, it is also such an extreme opportunity for growth and for developing trust within ourselves. Being away from loved ones and depending on computers as a sole source of communication is something I am not used to but... it works!
Really it is such a small world. No joke, on my bus from puerto madryn to bariloche yesterday a dear friend from UCSB Laura (my future housemates twin sister) walked passed me on the bus! She is studying abroad in Chile and just decided to travel to the popular beach in puerto madryn for the weekend! Crazy! So crazy.
Then again today walking downtown we ran into a friend Jan that we made back in Puerto Madryn. A kind man who was on our tour to the peninsula and here he is again exploring the chocolate city! Really, we are never alone.

...
I assume you who are reading this knows me and probably knows me well. I have been doing a lot of thinking out here and I am so thankful for YOU! Each new day offers new experiences and lessons to enable us to be the best we can be. I know I am who I am for the better because of you and even just you reading this expresses your love and support for me and I appreciate it. I know being in a different place (physically and mentally) at this time in my life is offering me the opportunity to grow at a rapid rate. I accept it wholeheartedly!

gracias para todo y te amo

¡Hola Buenos Aires!

noreply@blogger.com (Kyria) — Wed, 19 Jan 2011 22:36:00 +0000

I have arrived. Safe and sound today Wednesday January 19 at 10:37am. The city welcomed me with a rain and thunder storm (special I think, seeing as it has been blazing in the upper 80s here recently) and I welcomed the city with flight fever: a dizzy mind, oily hair and a tummy craving some food made with love.

Luis (a friend of a friend) is "el mejor taxista en todo el mundo" and greeted Katie and I at the terminal with wide arms for a big hug and a happy voice that kept saying "Muy Bien! Muy Bien!" Back up... Who is Katie? Katie is a fellow UCSB student who is doing the same Language and Culture program as me and also has a burning heart for travel. We met each other briefly a few months ago, both expressed an interest in heading to Argentina before the actual program start date (February 1st) and decided the other had good vibes so yeah, I'm down to travel with a brand new friend. Gives us plenty of time to get to know eachother :)
HERE WE ARE! She is a wonderful traveling partner: positive, go with the flow, adventurous, responsible, smart and also... ella es una vegetariana también! Makes me feel a little less like a fool traveling to the meat capital of the world when I have a friend who won't be distracted by all the asados!

All in all today is DAY ONE. Katie said it perfectly "everything is a challenge." And it is.
From retrieving your luggage with a broken handle, your backpacking backpack with a missing pole, pushing the elevator button, trying to find a store who will break your 100 peso bill, not stepping in dog treasures on the street, finding your way back to the hotel with no street signs, realizing I'm not in Kansas anymore and shouldn't look each person in the eye and say "Hola!" with a big giddy smile, to simply crossing the street and most basically: talking to people.

But that is also why I am here: to be challenged, figure it out, grow stronger, seek adventure and embrace in each opportunity to live life. This is part of the adventure. It's a wild time of emotional, physical, and mental transitioning, but I feel that soon enough Argentina will begin to feel like home too. Leaving home I felt pretty ready for this, now I realize this is a whole new world and all I need is hard work,lots of love and a little faith that it will all work out as it should.

PS: I miss you. I really felt it today. I don't think of myself as the "homesick" type. And I'm not. But I do realize (somehow more so being away from home than being at home) how blessed I am. I appreciate it and YOU all the more.

On another note PIZZA! We ate at this little cafe on the corner today---FIRST meal in BA--- called "Almacen de Pizzas" y la comida estaba muy rica. It looked nothing like the pictures on the wall but the pizza came out simple and cheesy and crisp and fresh. That felt good, real food! Another thing to appreciate after a 5 hour flight to Miami and then a 10 hour flight to Buenos Aires.

Now is time for a little siesta and then Vamos al Puerto Madryn en la mañana via un autobús por 20 horas! Known as one of the most glorious nature preserves: home of where the Killer Whales strategically beach themself in efforts to win a snack, where 80,000 people call home and is neighbor to the UNESCO world heritage site "Peninsula Valdez."

ta ta for now.
Kíria

It's the final COUNTDOWN...

noreply@blogger.com (Kyria) — Sun, 09 Jan 2011 23:36:00 +0000

I leave the country in 8 days for Buenos Aires, Argentina. I will be there for 7 months. Part of me feels like nothing is changing and the other part, well the other part knows that EVERYTHING is changing.

With that said I am so very excited for the many adventures, joys and lessons that await for me 6,170 miles away. I came to terms with the realization that I simply need to fully live and enjoy these last few days I have at home. Yes, I could have studied more Argentine history, memorized more spanish vocabulary and ordered the Backpacker’s Guide to the Galaxy but… I didn’t. And that is just fine.

Like anything in life, we can ALWAYS be more prepared, but sometimes the best times come when we just trust and LIVE. Go with the flow and allow yourself to be One and be affected. Also, it is comforting to know I would survive and be perfectly happy if I hopped on a plane today with absolutely nothing other than some cash and a genuine smile. Everything else is extra and will make my stay all the more comfortable.

I love home and I know I will love being away from home as well. It is a different chapter in my life and being in a new environment, experiencing new challenges will open up my eyes to a new way of Living Life. And a new side of Kyria as well.

Buena Suerte.

Day one.

noreply@blogger.com (Kyria) — Sat, 11 Dec 2010 09:07:00 +0000

Today is the day I pack up and move everything out of the beautiful Home I have created with my sweet girls here in Santa Barbara to embark on an adventure South. Far South.

I leave the United States on January 18th to explore Argentina and beyond.

This moment is bittersweet as I say "see you later" to the American Life and "HELLO!" to my life as

la sirena de buenos aires.