We are in Ilha Grande now. It took us 3 hours on a bus, and then 1.5 hours on a boat to reach the island. It is beautiful and isolated. There seems to be only one town, the rest of the island is just beach upon beach upon beach.
Yesterday we went on a 4 hour hike (roundtrip) to the most exotic beach I have been to. There were maybe 10 people on the whole beach, and both sides of the beach had a river that met the ocean. The sand was so fine, the fresh water mixed with the salt water and created the clearest, greenish, bluish, water ever. It was grand and magical. All I could see in the background was a mountain, and lush green trees everywhere. There were times on the hike where we heard really scary noises in the middle of the jungle, that we later found out were monkeys. I felt as though I was in LOST at times.
We had a whole day of playing on the beach, running around on the sand, building a fish bowl out of sand, collecting small fish to put in the fish bowl, rubbing black sand over our bodies in order to look like warriors, climbing a rock and jumping off of it, floating down the river as the currents built up when the ocean met with the river, and then swimming around in the ocean. We left right before a storm started and ended up walking back in a torrential downpour. It was ironic because on the way to the beach we were telling Kenny about our experience at Iguazu and then the exact same thing happened again on our way back. We were soaking wet when we made it back to town, and the town was going crazy due to a soccer game, I think they won because people were screaming and running down the streets.
Time is really moving fast and slow at the same time. My trip is almost over. I have a week left and can´t believe it will all be over so soon. I am excited to get back to SF, there are so many things about America that I took for granted, and as much as I love travelling and exploring new situations and places, I am very happy to get back to what is familiar, to my friends and family, and to a city that I call home. I´m sure that it will be bittersweet, but the good thing is, there will always be more time and places to visit in the future.
Monday, February 25, 2008
Sunday, February 17, 2008
OY!
We are in Rio De Janeiro and it is awesome! We met up with three friends from college, Kenny, Joey, and Ellen who flew in from the states a couple days ago, and we are renting a sweet penthouse apartment in Ipanema. It is great.
Our days have consisted of going to the beach in Ipanema, eating really great food, drinking caprihinas, and wandering around the city. I have found that the brazilians really cater towards making life easier and better on the beach. People are constantly walking by selling cheese on sticks, frozen acai smoothies with granola, biscuits, drinks, jewelry, and sarongs. It´s super. I have been really impressed with the Uruguian sandwich stand that grills all types of meats, and then garnishes the sandwiches with really great salsa/grilled onions.
The people watching on the beach is the best too. I can stay for hours on the beach and just watch everyone walk by, watch people get knocked down by the strong waves in the ocean, and watch the groups of men playing a version of hacky sack, only it´s with a soccer ball. Everyone is really attractive and fit and tan.
Today there is a soccer game. We were going to try to get tickets to watch the game at the stadium, but it´s really hot and it would probably be really unpleasant. Instead we are going to watch the game at a bar, and I bet it will be just as exciting.
SUPER TIMES!
Our days have consisted of going to the beach in Ipanema, eating really great food, drinking caprihinas, and wandering around the city. I have found that the brazilians really cater towards making life easier and better on the beach. People are constantly walking by selling cheese on sticks, frozen acai smoothies with granola, biscuits, drinks, jewelry, and sarongs. It´s super. I have been really impressed with the Uruguian sandwich stand that grills all types of meats, and then garnishes the sandwiches with really great salsa/grilled onions.
The people watching on the beach is the best too. I can stay for hours on the beach and just watch everyone walk by, watch people get knocked down by the strong waves in the ocean, and watch the groups of men playing a version of hacky sack, only it´s with a soccer ball. Everyone is really attractive and fit and tan.
Today there is a soccer game. We were going to try to get tickets to watch the game at the stadium, but it´s really hot and it would probably be really unpleasant. Instead we are going to watch the game at a bar, and I bet it will be just as exciting.
SUPER TIMES!
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
Bomb diggity dogg
E-young-gee
Stuffed crab shells, THE BOMB!
Sequencia!
One of the many beautiful beaches we went to
A whole leg of lamb
Oyster man
Group pics:
Azure and my 9.5 year anniversary pic
Subway at the mall before watching Juno, a little splash of American culture
Caiprihnia
Risotto Frutos Do Mar
Surfer hair, Vivian says it's natural
Sometimes he would try to jump out the window
Stuffed crab shells, THE BOMB!
Sequencia!
One of the many beautiful beaches we went to
A whole leg of lamb
Oyster man
Group pics:
Azure and my 9.5 year anniversary pic
Subway at the mall before watching Juno, a little splash of American culture
Caiprihnia
Risotto Frutos Do Mar
Surfer hair, Vivian says it's natural
Sometimes he would try to jump out the window
Monday, February 11, 2008
Ridin' Dirty
The bus rides down here haven't been so great. The Brazilian buses are designed differently than the Argentinian buses and only have one level. We were trying to get out of Porto Alegre into Florianopolis and could only find seats on one bus that had three seats left. My seat was located directly across the bathroom. GREAT. Trying not to think about it too much I sat down and admired the lush green fields of banana plants, trees, and animals. The scenery on the way up to Florianopolis was extremely pretty and made the bus ride a little more tolerable.
In the middle of the bus ride a man went to the bathroom. He didn't close the door all the way, and while he was going to the bathroom, the door flung open. We were on a really bumpy road, and the door continued to swing back and forth. He was sitting down on the toilet and couldn't catch the door right away. I really didn't know what to do at that point. I mean, I know that I should have just closed the door for him, but that would have involved me looking directly at him, and I didn't want to do that, so I just stared straight ahead. I was so uncomfortable. A few seconds later, he was able to close the door, finished his business and went back to his seat. About an hour later, the three year old girl sitting in front of me started throwing up ON the aisle next to my feet. I didn't really understand why her mom didn't use a bag for her to vomit into. The aisle in front of me was covered with vomit and that happened twice. The second time the mom passively wiped the floor with a plastic bag that she could have used for the little girl to directly vomit into. I looked at my watch and noticed that there were only 4 more hours left of the bus ride. Yes!
Then, towards the end of the bus ride we were stuck in traffic that made us 2.5 hours late. There were two teens sitting across from me who were continually playing "Ridin Dirty" by Chamillionaire on their telepone speakers. Looking back, I find this very humorous because I was, in a way, "ridin dirty."
In the middle of the bus ride a man went to the bathroom. He didn't close the door all the way, and while he was going to the bathroom, the door flung open. We were on a really bumpy road, and the door continued to swing back and forth. He was sitting down on the toilet and couldn't catch the door right away. I really didn't know what to do at that point. I mean, I know that I should have just closed the door for him, but that would have involved me looking directly at him, and I didn't want to do that, so I just stared straight ahead. I was so uncomfortable. A few seconds later, he was able to close the door, finished his business and went back to his seat. About an hour later, the three year old girl sitting in front of me started throwing up ON the aisle next to my feet. I didn't really understand why her mom didn't use a bag for her to vomit into. The aisle in front of me was covered with vomit and that happened twice. The second time the mom passively wiped the floor with a plastic bag that she could have used for the little girl to directly vomit into. I looked at my watch and noticed that there were only 4 more hours left of the bus ride. Yes!
Then, towards the end of the bus ride we were stuck in traffic that made us 2.5 hours late. There were two teens sitting across from me who were continually playing "Ridin Dirty" by Chamillionaire on their telepone speakers. Looking back, I find this very humorous because I was, in a way, "ridin dirty."
Sunday, February 10, 2008
Water World
We are in Florianapolis, and it is R.A.D! We are staying with a Brazilian named Vivian whom we met through couchsurfing. She is a really great host and is the owner of a cockerspaniel named E-yong-gee (i have no idea how to spell his name) who is amazing. He looks like an 80s surfer (for reals), is full of energy, and loves to swim. We went out to the southern part of the island, visited three beaches, a lake, and swam in a pool. It was a very water oriented day. We've also been introduced to many great fried foods, and Sequencia, which is a dish that consists of many types of seafood brought out sequencially. We ate on the beach then went swimming in the ocean and layed out in the sun.
Florianapolis is an incredibly beautiful island. I'm so glad that we've had the opportunity to see it through the eyes of a local, it makes the experience here so much more authentic. Tonight we are going out to Samba on the beach, and then out to Mediterranean food!
Florianapolis is an incredibly beautiful island. I'm so glad that we've had the opportunity to see it through the eyes of a local, it makes the experience here so much more authentic. Tonight we are going out to Samba on the beach, and then out to Mediterranean food!
Wednesday, February 6, 2008
Uruguay
We are in Uruguay.
Last night we stayed in Montevideo, walked around, checked out the boardwalk, and went to a casino. I lost my money, of course, but at least now I can say I have gambled in Montevideo. Mike said that people might mistake that as Monte Carlo, and then I can also say that I have gambled there too (we were there for new years 2006). Everyone here drinks hecka matte, Ive never heard the song, final countdown more times in two days than down here, and the bus drivers are as mike calls them "dudes" They have mullets, sometimes dont button their shirts all the way, place already lit cigarettes in door slots so that they can smoke them when they come back outside, and drive like maniacs.
Right now we are in Punta Del Diablo a very small town on the coast of Uruguay. We found a place, but apparently there will be many mosquitoes at night. Mike and Azure were here in December and Mike was bitten 100 times in one night. I am extremely allergic to mosquito bites, and am a little anxious about tonight, but Im going to DEET up and cover myself as much as I can. We shall see what happens.
Tomorrow we head up towards Florianapolis for a few days, then to Rio De Janeiro for two weeks. Its going to be extremely exciting to experience a new culture and country. I was there for one day with Rob, and enjoyed it then, so Im excited to go back.
Last night we stayed in Montevideo, walked around, checked out the boardwalk, and went to a casino. I lost my money, of course, but at least now I can say I have gambled in Montevideo. Mike said that people might mistake that as Monte Carlo, and then I can also say that I have gambled there too (we were there for new years 2006). Everyone here drinks hecka matte, Ive never heard the song, final countdown more times in two days than down here, and the bus drivers are as mike calls them "dudes" They have mullets, sometimes dont button their shirts all the way, place already lit cigarettes in door slots so that they can smoke them when they come back outside, and drive like maniacs.
Right now we are in Punta Del Diablo a very small town on the coast of Uruguay. We found a place, but apparently there will be many mosquitoes at night. Mike and Azure were here in December and Mike was bitten 100 times in one night. I am extremely allergic to mosquito bites, and am a little anxious about tonight, but Im going to DEET up and cover myself as much as I can. We shall see what happens.
Tomorrow we head up towards Florianapolis for a few days, then to Rio De Janeiro for two weeks. Its going to be extremely exciting to experience a new culture and country. I was there for one day with Rob, and enjoyed it then, so Im excited to go back.
Monday, February 4, 2008
GO GIANTS!
WOOT! What a fun superbowl!
After a day of exploring Palermo, I met up with Azure, Mike, Jim and Penny at Las Cholas. Jim and Penny are Azure´s uncle and aunt from California who are on a cruise through South America. Their last stop was in Buenos Aires, so we were able to see them during their time here.
We were invited to watch the superbowl on their cruise ship, in the theatre, on the big screen, with drinks and refreshments. We took a taxi to the dock and had to go through customs in order to board the ship. When we actually got to the ship, it was GINORMOUS, and super fancy. Jim and Penny took us on a tour and we found out that there were seven floors, an elevator, at least four really nice restaurants, a pool, three hot tubs, a small tennis court, etc., etc. Anyways, it was a really nice ship and felt like a huge fancy mall instead of a ship. We checked out their suite and their balcony, then went down to the theatre to watch the Superbowl.
Unfortunately we did not get any of the commercials, and the commentary was difficult to hear, but the game was really good, Azure and I had many different conversations with Penny, Mike was chatting it up with Jim, and it was a great time.
It was even better that the team I decided to root for won! WOOT!
After a day of exploring Palermo, I met up with Azure, Mike, Jim and Penny at Las Cholas. Jim and Penny are Azure´s uncle and aunt from California who are on a cruise through South America. Their last stop was in Buenos Aires, so we were able to see them during their time here.
We were invited to watch the superbowl on their cruise ship, in the theatre, on the big screen, with drinks and refreshments. We took a taxi to the dock and had to go through customs in order to board the ship. When we actually got to the ship, it was GINORMOUS, and super fancy. Jim and Penny took us on a tour and we found out that there were seven floors, an elevator, at least four really nice restaurants, a pool, three hot tubs, a small tennis court, etc., etc. Anyways, it was a really nice ship and felt like a huge fancy mall instead of a ship. We checked out their suite and their balcony, then went down to the theatre to watch the Superbowl.
Unfortunately we did not get any of the commercials, and the commentary was difficult to hear, but the game was really good, Azure and I had many different conversations with Penny, Mike was chatting it up with Jim, and it was a great time.
It was even better that the team I decided to root for won! WOOT!
Sunday, February 3, 2008
Few truths to traveling
I have found only a few truths during my time of traveling:
#1 - I get homesick
I always equate home with food. My staple meal in the states is Neoguri. Neoguri is a type of Korean Top Ramen only it consists of udon noodles and a very spicy seafood broth. It is both delicious and addicting. I have it probably at least once a week.
Last week I started craving it, and thought that it was a sign of me getting homesick (along with the feeling of missing Rob terribly). I vowed to hunt it down once we were back in Buenos Aires.
Within the first few hours of arriving, having not showered for four days (there was no running water in Piramides) I left Tom and Maya´s apartment with a mission to find Neoguri. Conveniently, Chinatown was located just 12 blocks away. The mission wasn´t too difficult, I found it right away thanks to Talya´s advice as to which store to go to for a good ramen selection. I was so excited when I was able to hold that package of ramen near my heart. I shared my glee with Azure, Mike, and Talya by making each of them their very own bowls of Neoguri, so that they too could enjoy and experience the wonders of Neoguri.
#2 - You´re gonna get dirty
I´ve given up on dirt. I´m friends with dirt now. I almost didn´t want to take a shower once I got to Tom and Maya´s since I had already gone a few days without one, but I knew that was socially unacceptable. I wear the same outfits over and over and over and over. My sneakers are covered in dirt. The overnight buses are never guaranteed to be clean. Azure turned on the vent in our car after we were on the dirt roads for a few hours and dirt came spewing into the car. My fingernails constantly have dirt under them. There´s just no point in fighting it.
#4 - Everything seems much more exotic that it really is.
I always felt as though I was missing out on an experience whenever I read about other peoples travel experiences or how great and exotic it must have been. I think I idealize a lot of places and situations. I remember watching a segment about Iguazu Falls on Planet Earth. It looked mystical, grande, and awesome. I was really looking forward to visiting it. When we arrived to the Argentinian side of the falls, it was the most touristy park I´ve ever been to.
Buenes Aires is a great city, but when you´re sitting in the cafe, watching others pass, living their lives, it´s not really any different than being anywhere else. Everyone is just living day by day, and I´m lucky that I´m able to witness some of those days, but I guess that I realized that once you´ve visited an area the mystery is no longer there and it seems much more ¨normal¨ than I had envisioned it.
#4 - There will always be highs and lows
The most positive thing to do is to embrace those times. There have been times when I feel as though I am on top of the world, there is nowhere I would rather be, and nothing else I would rather be doing, I feel as though I am living my life and there is a great feeling of accomplishment, then the next minute I´m on the verge of tears due to frustration.
I am traveling with some of my closest friends and even now after almost ten years of friendship, they cannot read my mind. While communication is not my strongest asset and I continue to struggle with it, I have found many circumstances that have forced me to say what is truly on my mind. It has become therapeutic in many ways, and I honestly don´t know why it´s taken me so long to actually practice this.
I believe our friendships have become stronger because of it and that I have grown a little more. I know that if there is any lesson to take back with me from this experience, it is that openly communicating with others is always the only way to resolve any issue, and an important practice to maintain a happy, healthy and stress-free life.
#1 - I get homesick
I always equate home with food. My staple meal in the states is Neoguri. Neoguri is a type of Korean Top Ramen only it consists of udon noodles and a very spicy seafood broth. It is both delicious and addicting. I have it probably at least once a week.
Last week I started craving it, and thought that it was a sign of me getting homesick (along with the feeling of missing Rob terribly). I vowed to hunt it down once we were back in Buenos Aires.
Within the first few hours of arriving, having not showered for four days (there was no running water in Piramides) I left Tom and Maya´s apartment with a mission to find Neoguri. Conveniently, Chinatown was located just 12 blocks away. The mission wasn´t too difficult, I found it right away thanks to Talya´s advice as to which store to go to for a good ramen selection. I was so excited when I was able to hold that package of ramen near my heart. I shared my glee with Azure, Mike, and Talya by making each of them their very own bowls of Neoguri, so that they too could enjoy and experience the wonders of Neoguri.
#2 - You´re gonna get dirty
I´ve given up on dirt. I´m friends with dirt now. I almost didn´t want to take a shower once I got to Tom and Maya´s since I had already gone a few days without one, but I knew that was socially unacceptable. I wear the same outfits over and over and over and over. My sneakers are covered in dirt. The overnight buses are never guaranteed to be clean. Azure turned on the vent in our car after we were on the dirt roads for a few hours and dirt came spewing into the car. My fingernails constantly have dirt under them. There´s just no point in fighting it.
#4 - Everything seems much more exotic that it really is.
I always felt as though I was missing out on an experience whenever I read about other peoples travel experiences or how great and exotic it must have been. I think I idealize a lot of places and situations. I remember watching a segment about Iguazu Falls on Planet Earth. It looked mystical, grande, and awesome. I was really looking forward to visiting it. When we arrived to the Argentinian side of the falls, it was the most touristy park I´ve ever been to.
Buenes Aires is a great city, but when you´re sitting in the cafe, watching others pass, living their lives, it´s not really any different than being anywhere else. Everyone is just living day by day, and I´m lucky that I´m able to witness some of those days, but I guess that I realized that once you´ve visited an area the mystery is no longer there and it seems much more ¨normal¨ than I had envisioned it.
#4 - There will always be highs and lows
The most positive thing to do is to embrace those times. There have been times when I feel as though I am on top of the world, there is nowhere I would rather be, and nothing else I would rather be doing, I feel as though I am living my life and there is a great feeling of accomplishment, then the next minute I´m on the verge of tears due to frustration.
I am traveling with some of my closest friends and even now after almost ten years of friendship, they cannot read my mind. While communication is not my strongest asset and I continue to struggle with it, I have found many circumstances that have forced me to say what is truly on my mind. It has become therapeutic in many ways, and I honestly don´t know why it´s taken me so long to actually practice this.
I believe our friendships have become stronger because of it and that I have grown a little more. I know that if there is any lesson to take back with me from this experience, it is that openly communicating with others is always the only way to resolve any issue, and an important practice to maintain a happy, healthy and stress-free life.
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