Two of my dearest friends, Cassie and Brian, from when I lived in España, just moved to Buenos Aires. So close ... just a twenty hour bus ride or a two hour flight away from Santiago. So close, in fact, that I´m thinking very seriously about moving there for a few months when my contract ends in Chile.
I´m young -- 22 years old. I´m coming back to the States to work seriously and work hard. Returning in March versus December isn´t going to make a significant difference in the long run. Yes, I might have to work a little harder when I get back to get my finances in order. But while I´m here in South America, I should aprovechar to the máximo. After all, who knows when I´ll be back...
I´m laughing right now.
Just a month ago, I wrote that I was definitively ready to come back in December and settle down. What a contradiction and ever-changing stream of emotions I am. As December approaches (really only two or so months until I finish at IOM), I shudder and cringe at the thought of ending this journey down here. I´m ready for a new adventure -- but that doesn´t mean I´m ready to end this chapter in Sudamérica.
The 18th of September brought chaos and hoopla to Chile. Independence Day. A week-long celebration involving copious amounts of food, drink and music.
Stephanie and I took the opportunity to travel to Buenos Aires for five days and return in time for the rowdy weekend festivities. It just so happened that Brian (friend from Spain) had moved to BA three days before.
Buenos Aires is entirely and completely different from Santiago. Santiago is real. Buenos Aires is like a grand setting of a fairy-tale book. Ancient, towering buildings line the streets. Tango shows on nearly every street corner. The smells of parillas full of every meat imaginable wafting from the restaurants that fill the city. The hustle and bustle of posh, European-esque people en route to their next appointment.
It´s grand, indeed.
We also went to Colonia, a tiny coast town in Uruguay for a memorable day trip. Colonia, the oldest city in Uruguay, was founded in 1680 by Portugal. The historic quarter is a World Heritage Site and boasts structures dating back to 1695 (Iglesia Matriz). The sun was smiling on us when we went and the tranquil pause to the hub-bub of Buenos Aires was a welcome break.
Buenos Aires = tango.
Buenos Aires = exploring green spots.
Buenos Aires = the best meat in the world.
Buenos Aires = Recoleta cemetary.
Buenos Aires = a port city.
Colonia = tranquilidad.
Colonia = enjoying the serenity of nature.
Colonia = small town-folk charm.
