Ushuaia pt. 2

Thursday I went to the National Park of Tierra del Fuego (Tierra del Fuego is the name of this state, the most southern in Argentina). Ended up walking thought the park with a Belgium family that was on my flight and an Argentino from my hostel named Mariano. The park was very beautiful, full of lakes, lagoons and forests. The family was nice but they didn’t stick around long. Mariano and I ended up walking one trail along the largest lake to the border with Chile. The border was just a small metal tower and a sign saying not to cross into Chile. Then we walked back and went to another trail that was in the southern part of the park. This one was a lot more difficult because a large portion of the trail was covered in ice and there were parts where it was safer to skate than try to walk. It was worth it though because the views were beautiful and it was incredible to be in such silence. A big change from Buenos Aires. Mariano was great company and it was much nicer to walk for 6 hours with someone else and not on my own (not to mention safer). I think in total we trekked about 9 or 10km.

That night Mariano, an Español named Siscu, another Argentino Guillermo, a hostel employee Adriano, a Chilena and I went to a bar called El Invisible. There was a tango class being taught and we just watched and had a few drinks. Back at the hostel we sat around and had a really interesting conversation just about life. I love hearing other people’s stories and lessons they’ve learned. Plus, I felt pretty proud cuz the whole convo was in Spanish and not only did I understand everything, I didn’t have to translate it in my head first. Besides seeing so many spectacular things, I think the best thing about traveling is getting to meet so many different people and to be able to learn from them. Plus its just fun! Anyways, it was just a really good start to this trip.

Olavarría

For Semana Santa (aka Holy Week) I took a mini vacation to the town of Olavarría which is the hometown of Santi and Majo (two people I lived with last semester). It was about a 7 hour bus ride that flew by because Norma (former roommate), Christo (also lived at the Resi last semester) and I slept the whole time. Friday we got a little tour of the town, had fish and rice for dinner and then enjoyed a bit of the night life. For me, Saturday was the best part of the trip. We woke up and around 11 we drove out to Santi's parent's country house. It was about an hour drive through fields and farms and it looked surprisingly like the drive on I-5 when you are north of the grape vine. Just flat fields with occasional houses or clumps of trees. We ate an amazing asado that was mostly carne (i.e. cow meat). Mmmm and my favorite is the choripan! After eating copious amounts of meat we all laid around in the grass outside and napped. The weather was absolutly perfect and it was the most relaxing thing I've done in a long time. When we woke up we enjoyed some mate and fracturas (little pastries with a fruit filling or chocolate drizzeled). Then we explored the camp a bit and saw the horses, mini ponies, sheep, cows, orchards and miles and miles of pastures. By the time we finished the sun was setting and it was absolutely breathtaking. It was a really nice día en el campo. Saturday night we had more yummy home cooking and checked out more of the nightlife.

Sunday we went to Majo's parent's house for lunch. Again we had a delicious asado but with different kinds of meat than the day before and great red wine. I was brave and I tried liver, lamb and something else (I still don't know what it was). Of the three the only thing I didn't like was the liver, ewwww. After lunch we had some ice cream and chocolate eggs (because of course the commercial parts of the holiday exist everywhere . . .). In the afternoon me, Santi, Majo, Norma and Christo all piled into Majo's dad's truck and he drove us back to BsAs. But since it was the end of a long weekend we of course hit a ton of traffic trying to get back into the city. So Majo's dad decided to take a short cut and explore a bit. We ended up driving through probably 25 or 35 miles of country back roads but it worked and we got around what a huge traffic jab that was probably because of an accident.

Overall it was a really great weekend and here are the rest of the pics. I love going home with people and getting a glimpse of family life outside of the city. It is also refreshing to be in a house, with a loving family eating "mom's" delicious home cooking." Jaja. This trip did re-awaken my desire to get out and travel more while I'm here. I spent quite a bit of today planning out some of the trips I want to make and trying to decide when I'm going to go where . . . .

Chau, besos.

Update

One week down, lots left to go. Had my first classes and they went well. Just introductory lectures so next week will be more normal and we will start to get into the subjects. So far it looks like it will be about the same level as UCSD but just a different language. Things in the apartment are good as well. MariLu wants to have a little get together on Sunday so that I can meet some of her friends and some international students that are living with them. Should be interesting/fun.

I have really been enjoying time with friends. Since I have gotten back I have realized just how important some people are in my life. And I love going out with everyone. The rest of our group (with the exception of one) arrives this weekend and we are all gonna go out together. Ahhh Im really excited for that.

P.S.
I promise that once I get settled in and have more time that my posts will get more interesting than these have been so far :)