It's funny how being here in Argentina doesn't really feel like real life to me. It feels like I'm on an extended vacation, which I kind of am. It feels very strange at times being here because of the cultural and language differences. I am not working- that's a big part of it. I really want to find a part-time job after the first of the year because I think I have way too much time on my hands and I'm moving to a new place by myself that will cost more- so I could also use some extra money. I'm in my own head too much, and I need to be doing something else with my free time besides just going out, spending so much time on-line and such.
It also doesn't feel real in some ways because I know I'll go back home at some point. That' s my real life- with my friends and my family. I haven't really engrained myself into society here, nor do I really want to at times.
I have also noticed that I take more risks here because there is this feeling of "no rules". Kind of like, what happens in Argentina, stays in Argentina. For example, I hardly ever wear my seatbelt in the back of cabs. In Texas, I always wear my seatbelt- mainly because I'm driving. But here, it's so uncommon - the cabbies don't wear them and they are driving - that it almost feels weird to put it on in the cab. When I was in Brazil, I saw this man and woman with a little tiny baby on a motorcycle!!! Of course, none of them had a helmet on. It's crazy to me but that's just how it is in Latin America- they aren't as many laws apparently and safety is an afterthought. Just the other day I saw this girl and guy stopped at a red light on a scooter-- chugging a 40 (in big heavy glass beer bottle) in broad daylight. So crazy!
So after 3.5 months here, some things have changed and some haven't. I am much more comfortable with the city as far as getting around and have learned the city much better. I have 3 months of private Spanish classes under my belt now and sometimes I feel like my Spanish is really good- I can express myself with much more ease now and I have a large vocabulary. I am happy for that. But I still spend so much time in English- with expat friends, on-line, etc. I really should immerse myself even more, but I haven't been able to get comfortable enough to spend more time with Argentines and be "in Spanish" more than 50% of the time. I'm still clinging to my English identity. I'm still frustrated that I still can't understand people when it comes to group situations. It's so much easier with one on one conversations. And I swear people just slur their words like crazy. En-oun-ci-ate please! I try to tell them to slow down for me- my roommates are good about this- but they just keep talking fast as if I'd been speaking Spanish all my life and should be able to understand.
One thing that has changed is the weather- it's really hot now! I'm living without air conditioning and I didn't realize when I initally found my current place how important it is. Apparently, I'm just spoiled because a lot of people just make do here without it. But I don't want to suffer through three more months of heat- so I am moving to a new place in January. I've been really complaining a lot- unable to concentrate in class and I've been so uncomfortable and tired because of the heat. Life without A/C sucks! But I'll have to tough it out for another 3 weeks until I go home for Christmas for 2 weeks (can't wait!!!!!!) and then I get my new place with A/C when I come back in January.
Unfortunately it's very easy to get caught up in all the deficiencies in the society here and I need to try to just accept it for what it is and try to appreciate the good things. Food, wine, the language, the good parts of the culture, the few good expat friends I have. But I do want to complain a little more... gotta vent! That's what blogs are for...
One thing I can't understand is why people here do not pick up their damn dog poop! And they let their dogs crap right in the middle of the sidewalk. Roger (my Mexican-American friend) tells me it is because they think they are too good to pick up dog crap. They probably think they are too good to throw trash in the bin also, and that's why there is so much litter in the streets. It's so unpleasant- I don't understand why people don't take more pride in the cleanliness of their city and keep it clean. The city government has a "let's keep BA clean" campaign going, but it doesn't seem to be working. These are a couple of cultural difference I just can't get past. I pick up my dog poop every time- it takes all of 1 second and though it's not the most pleasant thing in the world, it's really not that hard!! And I don't like to step in it, so I pick it up! Ridiculous! It certainly helps me appreciate the cleanliness of Houston...
So I've been living without TV for 3.5 months now and I'm suffering from serious withdrawal!! I miss my shows!! My new place has cable but I might get the slingbox technology that would allow me to watch shows like i would with a DVR-- so I can live like I would at home for the last 3 months here. Luxury and convenience!!! Yes, I am thinking that I'll come back after March of next year. I was seriously thinking about coming home for good at Christmas, because sometimes I just get fed up and want to run home! But I still want to do 2 more months of classes- so I'll have a total of 6 months all together with claases and 8 months all together with the whole "Argentine adventure" experience and then it's back to reality- I'll need to find a real job and if I get one here, it means staying for 1-2 years more and I don't think that's something I want to do.
While it's been a great experience being here- with all it's ups and downs- I realize that I'm so accustomed to all the luxury and conveniences in the US-- I'm so spoiled. But the best part is that I have a choice. I can live here or I can live there... a lot of people do not have that choice and for that, I am very thankful. Being that it was Thanksgiving this week, I do feel very thankful for all the many blessings in my life- but feel most thankful to be a US citizen. Momma keeps saying that it's a personal growth experience being here- but with suffering without AC- I don't want to grow anymore. I think I'd rather start shrinking.
Chau for now...
Sunday, November 30, 2008
Saturday, November 29, 2008
stuff
So I've been posting more about my personal life lately because this is a big part of my life here too. I recently ended a 2 month "relationship" here with the Brazilian guy- I could call him Mr. Big like in Sex in the City... it would be fitting. He's 36, a med student here in BA, he's a big, tall guy and has a fantastic body. He is funny, interesting and was a total sweetie in the beginning.
I use the term relationship loosely because while we did have a great connection and spent some quality time together here and there, we never really went out together and we saw each other very infrequently. He was upfront with me and told me he did not want a girlfriend and didn't have time to see me more than once a week because of school. I tried to go with the casual thing, and I knew it wasn't going to work for me, but I didn't want to cut him off quite so soon. As I got to know him better, I began to see he has a lot of flaws, is fairly immature for a 36 year old man, has his own issues, and most importantly-- the sweetness level definitely took a nose dive. Why would I even want to be with someone if they are not really being sweet to me? Basic manners are a must and if someone does not even say "thank you" when you do something nice for them, this is a big problem. Not cool.
Unfortunately, like I've done oh so many, many times, I got caught up in the fantasy that he was so great based on the things I saw right away- appearance, good credentials, inital sweetness and a good personality-- without really knowing by letting time pass, seeing how things were going, how he was treating me and getting to know him first. Even after I found out he still had four more years to go in school, which is pretty much a deal breaker for me, I found myself caught up in the, what if? maybe there's potential here. It's hard to not want to believe that something has potential when you are really attracted to someone and really like someone and they appear to be so great... but as it has happened many times, as time goes by and you get to know someone better-- the fantasies fade away very quickly. You start to see someone for who they really are, and when they are not treating you the way you know you should be treated, then it's def time to cut the cord.
I know that I am a smart, fun and beautiful girl with a lot to offer and I know I deserve a great guy! So I didn't let this go too long, but I probably shouldn't have even let it go past the point when he told me he didn't want a committment. I really don't like sex without a committment and I really shouldn't do it. If a guy doesn't even see or think that I'm worth the effort of a committment, then I shouldn't even get involved. Easier said than done.
I realize that I want so much more than most guys are willing to give- primarily, a committment. I want something real and something that is going to move forward. And yes, I realize that I put way too much pressure on the beginnings of a relationship. But it's really hard not to. I am trying... I just need to learn to be patient (seriously this is like my achilles heel! how do you learn that?? how do your re-program yourself?? this is monumental change here) and really focus getting to know someone first before getting too excited and thinking they are so great and getting attached to them. Very hard to do. I think I need to pray for help with this.
And it's really, really hard for me to train myself to get past the exterior and focus on the quality of the person. I feel like there is an inverse relationship with looks and quality. If a guy is really good looking, then he doesn't have to be as nice since he attracts a lot of girls just based on his looks. If a guy is not so good looking, then he usually is a nice guy and has a great personality- those things will help him attract women since he's not as physically attractive. While there are really good looking guys with a great personality that are also nice guys, oh yeah and very important- that are also single- they are few and far between. I really wish I could go for the nice guy. I just can't seem to be attracted to them if they are not good looking and I don't know how to re-write my chemical make-up so that I am. Any suggestions? Prob need to pray for help with this too.
Looking back, my 3 actual boyfriends were not the best looking guys, but I was really attracted to them at the time. I am not now. Not in any way... so over it! Guess the whole chemical thing of being infatuated or being in love helped me. Anyways, it's good to know that those relationships are dead, never to be re-visited - and for good reason- we were not meant to be and the relationship didn't function. So I guess I CAN go for the average looking nice guy- just doesn't happen too often.
So I have a couple of choices... the road of celibacy and try to fundamentally change my personality and these intrinsic bad habits I have, OR continue doing what I've been doing for so many years and keep getting the same crap results. I think it's time to focus on changing the bad habits... big challenge... can I do it?
Ok, chau for now...
I use the term relationship loosely because while we did have a great connection and spent some quality time together here and there, we never really went out together and we saw each other very infrequently. He was upfront with me and told me he did not want a girlfriend and didn't have time to see me more than once a week because of school. I tried to go with the casual thing, and I knew it wasn't going to work for me, but I didn't want to cut him off quite so soon. As I got to know him better, I began to see he has a lot of flaws, is fairly immature for a 36 year old man, has his own issues, and most importantly-- the sweetness level definitely took a nose dive. Why would I even want to be with someone if they are not really being sweet to me? Basic manners are a must and if someone does not even say "thank you" when you do something nice for them, this is a big problem. Not cool.
Unfortunately, like I've done oh so many, many times, I got caught up in the fantasy that he was so great based on the things I saw right away- appearance, good credentials, inital sweetness and a good personality-- without really knowing by letting time pass, seeing how things were going, how he was treating me and getting to know him first. Even after I found out he still had four more years to go in school, which is pretty much a deal breaker for me, I found myself caught up in the, what if? maybe there's potential here. It's hard to not want to believe that something has potential when you are really attracted to someone and really like someone and they appear to be so great... but as it has happened many times, as time goes by and you get to know someone better-- the fantasies fade away very quickly. You start to see someone for who they really are, and when they are not treating you the way you know you should be treated, then it's def time to cut the cord.
I know that I am a smart, fun and beautiful girl with a lot to offer and I know I deserve a great guy! So I didn't let this go too long, but I probably shouldn't have even let it go past the point when he told me he didn't want a committment. I really don't like sex without a committment and I really shouldn't do it. If a guy doesn't even see or think that I'm worth the effort of a committment, then I shouldn't even get involved. Easier said than done.
I realize that I want so much more than most guys are willing to give- primarily, a committment. I want something real and something that is going to move forward. And yes, I realize that I put way too much pressure on the beginnings of a relationship. But it's really hard not to. I am trying... I just need to learn to be patient (seriously this is like my achilles heel! how do you learn that?? how do your re-program yourself?? this is monumental change here) and really focus getting to know someone first before getting too excited and thinking they are so great and getting attached to them. Very hard to do. I think I need to pray for help with this.
And it's really, really hard for me to train myself to get past the exterior and focus on the quality of the person. I feel like there is an inverse relationship with looks and quality. If a guy is really good looking, then he doesn't have to be as nice since he attracts a lot of girls just based on his looks. If a guy is not so good looking, then he usually is a nice guy and has a great personality- those things will help him attract women since he's not as physically attractive. While there are really good looking guys with a great personality that are also nice guys, oh yeah and very important- that are also single- they are few and far between. I really wish I could go for the nice guy. I just can't seem to be attracted to them if they are not good looking and I don't know how to re-write my chemical make-up so that I am. Any suggestions? Prob need to pray for help with this too.
Looking back, my 3 actual boyfriends were not the best looking guys, but I was really attracted to them at the time. I am not now. Not in any way... so over it! Guess the whole chemical thing of being infatuated or being in love helped me. Anyways, it's good to know that those relationships are dead, never to be re-visited - and for good reason- we were not meant to be and the relationship didn't function. So I guess I CAN go for the average looking nice guy- just doesn't happen too often.
So I have a couple of choices... the road of celibacy and try to fundamentally change my personality and these intrinsic bad habits I have, OR continue doing what I've been doing for so many years and keep getting the same crap results. I think it's time to focus on changing the bad habits... big challenge... can I do it?
Ok, chau for now...
Friday, November 28, 2008
Brazil, Brasil
I got back last week from two weeks in Brazil. It's somewhere I've always wanted to go. Though all my Brazilian dreams did not come true, it was still a great trip! I went by myself, which was good and bad. I put together my own custom itinerary and had freedom and flexibility to do whatever I wanted and nothing I didn't want to do, but on the other hand, I didn't meet as many cool people in the hostels as I had hoped and no locals, so I was alone for a lot of the trip and only went out two nights. After spending so much time with me, I was so sick of spending time with me!
I got to spend 24 hours on a bus from Buenos Aires to Foz do Iguacu. It was supposed to only be an 18 hour bus trip but there was a huge wreck on a bridge on a 2 lane highway so we sat there idling for 3 hours! Good thing I had my Spanish to study. I studied more on my trip than I have in the past 3 months! So I started my trip in Foz do Iguacu- this is on the Brazilian side of the massive Iguazu falls. The falls are one of the most amazing and beautiful things I've ever seen in my life. In total, there are 275 falls... it takes all day to see them on the Argentine side. It only takes about 2 hours to see them on the Brazilian side, but the views are better -more panoramic. Then there is this bird park on the Brazilian side that is awesome! You can go inside of the large atriums and get up close and personal with many species including peacocks, tucans and others. They also had the most beautiful Macaws there (bigger than parrots but look like parrots). I got to hold a Macaw for a picture... fun, but I was a little scared. Those claws, that big beak.
So I got a small taste of Brazil for the first time staying in Foz do Iguacu... there was this awesome churrascuria that was all you can eat- the kind where they bring the meat around on metal rods and slice off pieces for y0u- for only $6!! It was a great deal and I def ate a lot in Brazil overall. They are all about their buffets and it's obvious they like to eat. The people are bigger, yet they are also obsessed with working out, so they are generally very fit. Unlike the skinny Argentines, they eat!! I like big men so I was thinking that I'd meet some hot Brazilian dude while I was there, but no... unfortunately, no. I guess the one I have in BA would be enough (NOT!), but that's another posting a comin'....
From Iguacu, I took a 26 hour bus to Rio... I'd read up and seen pictures so I was really excited about Rio. Rio is an amazing city- surrounded by water, nice beaches! and lots of them! surrounded by mountains and hills. It's gorgeous!! It also has a great nightlife which unfortunately I didn't get to experience to the fullest. I stayed at a hostel really close to the beach in Ipanema, but it wasn't all that nice. I wanted to leave the Che Legarto and move to a cozier, more quaint hostel that my acquaintance Eder was staying at, but there was no availability. I was looking forward to air conditioning and cable TV at the hostel since I don't have it at home, but it seemed like everything was broken - the TV, the elevator, one of the computers, etc. It wasn't my best stay that's for sure, but the girls that worked at the hostel were really good about getting the groups together to go out at night. My room was full of British guys that were partying like rock stars- out til 5am or later every night. The room was sweaty and stinky like the boys. Yuck.
So back to Rio. It's great- almost the perfect city. If only they spoke Spanish! Sure, I can get around with Spanish there, but Portuguese is a different language and I felt like it was like when I first got to Buenos Aires. I couldn't understand people- nobody speaks English and you just feel isolated and like you can't really communicate with anyone. However, of course all the people in the hostel speak English- they were mostly Brits, Irish and Australians. But here's a question...Where are the Americans???? Oh that's right... we don't travel like the rest of the western world. We don't do that extended travel thing after college, we only get 2-3 weeks vacation a year. All these people are traveling for 4, 6 or more months. Crazy... It's not for me. I was ready to come home after 2 weeks! But I also have Lola and I was alone... though I've met solo travelers traveling for long periods of time too.
But back to Rio... it has these amazing views from the Statue of Christ- on the Corcavado mountain top- you can see it from almost anywhere in the city. So Christ really is watching over you at all times there in Rio. I was a little scared before I went because I've heard the crime is worse in Rio than BA- like purse snatching and mugging. But Ipanema is sooo nice! nicer than Recoleta in BA in my opinion. Again, the streets are cleaner and no dog poop! Ipanema the surrounding rich neighborhoods like Leblon and Lagao are like the 5th Avenue of Rio. So nice... Of course, there is the really poor side of Rio but I didn't really have any interest to see it. They actually have tours of the favelas- the shanty towns nestled into the hillside. Would be interesting maybe but they were charging $30 to tour it, so I decided it wasn't worth it. I spent a lot in Rio as it was... the hostel offers all the activities, but of course they all cost you a pretty penny.
So I did manage to make it out two nights in Rio - on the weekend- the first night I went to Lapa - which is close to the center of town -farther from Ipanema. I only went there because that's where the hostel people were going and I didn't really have any much choice. My cell phone did not work in Brazil so it made communication with my contacts there difficult. And I wasn't about to go out alone-- too scary. So we arrive in Lapa and there are people everywhere! It's like 6th street or Burbon street- you can merely hang out in the street with drinks and food and have yo-self a good ol time! but that's also where you will find some low class people. It was pretty bad- in some parts the streets smelled horribly of piss and it was very dirty. We did go into one club and it was very different and interesting. It was a mixed crowd- as a lot of Brazil is- of black and latin. The music was what they call funk, and what I call Brazilian rap. It was good, but I felt very uncomfortable being white there. I was a little scared in Lapa overall based on the quality of people we were dealing with and I told my group- please do not lose me!
On Sat night, I got suckered into this "motel" party, which I thought would be something much different. Turned out to just be the people from our hostel, and it was a sex motel! Granted, it was the executive suite and had a pool, jacuzzi, it was big and a nice accomodation- but I just couldn't get past the fact that we were having a party in a sex motel! I was also very tired and couldn't make it past 3:45am, so I called it an early night. I was feeling over going out at this point. It feels empty and sometimes I just don't care to meet people out and about. I've been going out for so many years... it gets old.
My last stop was Florianopolis- it's this beautiful, hilly city set between the mainland and an island. I was so excited when I first got there- it's gorgeous and I stayed in a very quiant, relaxed surfer/fishing village called Barra Lagao. But that was the only day it was sunny. Unfortunately the weather was terrible and it rained pretty much the rest of the time I was there. I liked my cozy hostel and I had a view of the ocean from my bed- that was nice. I did make it out surfing once and I stood up 3 times- so I'm getting better. Surfing is sooo cool- I wish I'd started earlier! It IS possible to surf in Galveston and I've been missing out all these years! I love the way it feels when the wave picks you up and moves you forward. It feels like you are walking on top of the water.... so cool!
I really, really liked Brazil... I would love to go back and explore more and definitely with some friends or someone to accompany me! It's a massive country just like the US- it's very difficult to see a whole lot in just two weeks and to get from one place to another. The flights were too expensive so I had to suck it up and do all those 20-26 hour bus rides- but they weren't so bad- they were comfortable and mainly go overnight so you can sleep away a lot of hours and I had loads of time to study.
Ok Chau for now...
I got to spend 24 hours on a bus from Buenos Aires to Foz do Iguacu. It was supposed to only be an 18 hour bus trip but there was a huge wreck on a bridge on a 2 lane highway so we sat there idling for 3 hours! Good thing I had my Spanish to study. I studied more on my trip than I have in the past 3 months! So I started my trip in Foz do Iguacu- this is on the Brazilian side of the massive Iguazu falls. The falls are one of the most amazing and beautiful things I've ever seen in my life. In total, there are 275 falls... it takes all day to see them on the Argentine side. It only takes about 2 hours to see them on the Brazilian side, but the views are better -more panoramic. Then there is this bird park on the Brazilian side that is awesome! You can go inside of the large atriums and get up close and personal with many species including peacocks, tucans and others. They also had the most beautiful Macaws there (bigger than parrots but look like parrots). I got to hold a Macaw for a picture... fun, but I was a little scared. Those claws, that big beak.
So I got a small taste of Brazil for the first time staying in Foz do Iguacu... there was this awesome churrascuria that was all you can eat- the kind where they bring the meat around on metal rods and slice off pieces for y0u- for only $6!! It was a great deal and I def ate a lot in Brazil overall. They are all about their buffets and it's obvious they like to eat. The people are bigger, yet they are also obsessed with working out, so they are generally very fit. Unlike the skinny Argentines, they eat!! I like big men so I was thinking that I'd meet some hot Brazilian dude while I was there, but no... unfortunately, no. I guess the one I have in BA would be enough (NOT!), but that's another posting a comin'....
From Iguacu, I took a 26 hour bus to Rio... I'd read up and seen pictures so I was really excited about Rio. Rio is an amazing city- surrounded by water, nice beaches! and lots of them! surrounded by mountains and hills. It's gorgeous!! It also has a great nightlife which unfortunately I didn't get to experience to the fullest. I stayed at a hostel really close to the beach in Ipanema, but it wasn't all that nice. I wanted to leave the Che Legarto and move to a cozier, more quaint hostel that my acquaintance Eder was staying at, but there was no availability. I was looking forward to air conditioning and cable TV at the hostel since I don't have it at home, but it seemed like everything was broken - the TV, the elevator, one of the computers, etc. It wasn't my best stay that's for sure, but the girls that worked at the hostel were really good about getting the groups together to go out at night. My room was full of British guys that were partying like rock stars- out til 5am or later every night. The room was sweaty and stinky like the boys. Yuck.
So back to Rio. It's great- almost the perfect city. If only they spoke Spanish! Sure, I can get around with Spanish there, but Portuguese is a different language and I felt like it was like when I first got to Buenos Aires. I couldn't understand people- nobody speaks English and you just feel isolated and like you can't really communicate with anyone. However, of course all the people in the hostel speak English- they were mostly Brits, Irish and Australians. But here's a question...Where are the Americans???? Oh that's right... we don't travel like the rest of the western world. We don't do that extended travel thing after college, we only get 2-3 weeks vacation a year. All these people are traveling for 4, 6 or more months. Crazy... It's not for me. I was ready to come home after 2 weeks! But I also have Lola and I was alone... though I've met solo travelers traveling for long periods of time too.
But back to Rio... it has these amazing views from the Statue of Christ- on the Corcavado mountain top- you can see it from almost anywhere in the city. So Christ really is watching over you at all times there in Rio. I was a little scared before I went because I've heard the crime is worse in Rio than BA- like purse snatching and mugging. But Ipanema is sooo nice! nicer than Recoleta in BA in my opinion. Again, the streets are cleaner and no dog poop! Ipanema the surrounding rich neighborhoods like Leblon and Lagao are like the 5th Avenue of Rio. So nice... Of course, there is the really poor side of Rio but I didn't really have any interest to see it. They actually have tours of the favelas- the shanty towns nestled into the hillside. Would be interesting maybe but they were charging $30 to tour it, so I decided it wasn't worth it. I spent a lot in Rio as it was... the hostel offers all the activities, but of course they all cost you a pretty penny.
So I did manage to make it out two nights in Rio - on the weekend- the first night I went to Lapa - which is close to the center of town -farther from Ipanema. I only went there because that's where the hostel people were going and I didn't really have any much choice. My cell phone did not work in Brazil so it made communication with my contacts there difficult. And I wasn't about to go out alone-- too scary. So we arrive in Lapa and there are people everywhere! It's like 6th street or Burbon street- you can merely hang out in the street with drinks and food and have yo-self a good ol time! but that's also where you will find some low class people. It was pretty bad- in some parts the streets smelled horribly of piss and it was very dirty. We did go into one club and it was very different and interesting. It was a mixed crowd- as a lot of Brazil is- of black and latin. The music was what they call funk, and what I call Brazilian rap. It was good, but I felt very uncomfortable being white there. I was a little scared in Lapa overall based on the quality of people we were dealing with and I told my group- please do not lose me!
On Sat night, I got suckered into this "motel" party, which I thought would be something much different. Turned out to just be the people from our hostel, and it was a sex motel! Granted, it was the executive suite and had a pool, jacuzzi, it was big and a nice accomodation- but I just couldn't get past the fact that we were having a party in a sex motel! I was also very tired and couldn't make it past 3:45am, so I called it an early night. I was feeling over going out at this point. It feels empty and sometimes I just don't care to meet people out and about. I've been going out for so many years... it gets old.
So one thing I noticed in Rio is that everyone seems to be very fit... and when you spend so much time on the beach in a bikini with a thong cut, I don't blame them. The weather is fairly moderate- hot but with a nice ocean breeze it's manageable, so it also makes for a nice workout outdoors. Plus you've got all the ocean and water sports, rock climbing, hiking etc. Rio is really an outdoor lover's paradise as well as a beach lover's paradise. For me, it's the perfect mix of a big city, with beautiful beaches and with a nice climate. I'd be up for living there in a heartbeat- if only they spoke Spanish!!
One thing I really really like in Rio were all the fruit juices and fresh fruits available everywhere! They have just about every fruit you can think of for a smoothie... they are awesome! So refreshing in the heat too. And I didn't discover Acai until almost the end. Thank you to the British dude (actually the one who threw the sex motel party) who introduced me to Acai! It's a berry from a palm tree found mainly in Brazil and it's super healthy and delicious!! I heart acai!!! I didn't get to have enough of them while I was there.
My last stop was Florianopolis- it's this beautiful, hilly city set between the mainland and an island. I was so excited when I first got there- it's gorgeous and I stayed in a very quiant, relaxed surfer/fishing village called Barra Lagao. But that was the only day it was sunny. Unfortunately the weather was terrible and it rained pretty much the rest of the time I was there. I liked my cozy hostel and I had a view of the ocean from my bed- that was nice. I did make it out surfing once and I stood up 3 times- so I'm getting better. Surfing is sooo cool- I wish I'd started earlier! It IS possible to surf in Galveston and I've been missing out all these years! I love the way it feels when the wave picks you up and moves you forward. It feels like you are walking on top of the water.... so cool!
I really, really liked Brazil... I would love to go back and explore more and definitely with some friends or someone to accompany me! It's a massive country just like the US- it's very difficult to see a whole lot in just two weeks and to get from one place to another. The flights were too expensive so I had to suck it up and do all those 20-26 hour bus rides- but they weren't so bad- they were comfortable and mainly go overnight so you can sleep away a lot of hours and I had loads of time to study.
Ok Chau for now...
Sunday, November 23, 2008
the thing that eludes me
Ok so it's been over a month since I last wrote. In the mean time, I had my 34th birthday and I've definitely had my ups and downs here in BA as well.
Every year since I turned 31, I've had a little mini meltdown right around my birthday because I realize that I'm not getting any younger and I really thought I'd be married and have children by my early 30's. Well life doesn't always turn out the way you think it will, and if I knew that it was going to happen at say, 39, 36, or whatever age- please God, before 40- I could just stop worrying about it and freakin' enjoy my single years to the fullest!
Right now, I'd be happy just to have a boyfriend. I've been single for over a year now, and it's really getting old. Right now, it would be nice to know that there is someone out there who wants to be with me that I want to be with too- someoene to love me- I think I'm very loveable. Is that so much to ask for? Instead there is an empty void that I'm trying to fill with everything else I can. But I still just feel empty and for some other reasons too because I'm here in a foreign country. Marbelle keeps telling me to fill the void with God's love... is that really possible? My Mom is very religious, yet God doesn't seem to fill her need to be with someone. She still wants to be with a man. interesting case study... my Mom and me. so different yet so alike. scary.
I spent the last few years being extremely nested with a stable career, a house and a dog, surrounded by lots of friends and my family in Houston, TX - the city where both my parents are from. It doesn't get much more rooted than that. But somehow I still wasn't ready?!? and since it wasn't happening and there seemed to be this one last thing I wanted to do before settling down- to live abroad- I decided it was now or never. After 8 years of the same old in Houston, I felt like it was time for a change. A big one.
Let's see, being single has allowed me lots of personal growth- I kicked some bad habits --like a lifetime of nail biting-- and I've met almost all of my personal goals- some that took years to accomplish. But I feel like I've been stuck in the same life mode of singlehood for ever- like I'm stuck in limbo or something- I've basically been on my own since I left home for college. It gets old. Really, isn't 15 years of it being all about me a little selfish? My sister would concur- yeah Lilly, it's all about you and you are so selfish. Hey wait, I have Lola- that's a big responsibility, right? I keep thinking I'm ready and I've been ready, but when it comes down to it, I'm waiting for God to bring the right man into my life when the time is right. I'm trying to prepare myself in the meantime - being the best person I can be, being happy on my own... blah, blah, blah.
It's agony being a single woman in your 30's. Too much pressure- damn you biological clock! Damn you! Really, what can you do? You can't force it. That's not going to lead to anything good... Everyone seems to have a different opinion, but all I can think is that all I can do is try my best to be happy being single, enjoy the time I have now without the responsibilites of a relationship and kids, and focus on all the good in my life- friends, family, my dog Lola, a decent career, financial independence- let's not forget what living in Argentina reminds me of everyday- the important privilege that I am a US citizen! and the fact that I have everything in world going for me. WHY is that so hard??? Hmm, I think I just need to read that over and over again every day- get that engrained into my thinking.
Ok, chau for now...
Every year since I turned 31, I've had a little mini meltdown right around my birthday because I realize that I'm not getting any younger and I really thought I'd be married and have children by my early 30's. Well life doesn't always turn out the way you think it will, and if I knew that it was going to happen at say, 39, 36, or whatever age- please God, before 40- I could just stop worrying about it and freakin' enjoy my single years to the fullest!
Right now, I'd be happy just to have a boyfriend. I've been single for over a year now, and it's really getting old. Right now, it would be nice to know that there is someone out there who wants to be with me that I want to be with too- someoene to love me- I think I'm very loveable. Is that so much to ask for? Instead there is an empty void that I'm trying to fill with everything else I can. But I still just feel empty and for some other reasons too because I'm here in a foreign country. Marbelle keeps telling me to fill the void with God's love... is that really possible? My Mom is very religious, yet God doesn't seem to fill her need to be with someone. She still wants to be with a man. interesting case study... my Mom and me. so different yet so alike. scary.
I spent the last few years being extremely nested with a stable career, a house and a dog, surrounded by lots of friends and my family in Houston, TX - the city where both my parents are from. It doesn't get much more rooted than that. But somehow I still wasn't ready?!? and since it wasn't happening and there seemed to be this one last thing I wanted to do before settling down- to live abroad- I decided it was now or never. After 8 years of the same old in Houston, I felt like it was time for a change. A big one.
Let's see, being single has allowed me lots of personal growth- I kicked some bad habits --like a lifetime of nail biting-- and I've met almost all of my personal goals- some that took years to accomplish. But I feel like I've been stuck in the same life mode of singlehood for ever- like I'm stuck in limbo or something- I've basically been on my own since I left home for college. It gets old. Really, isn't 15 years of it being all about me a little selfish? My sister would concur- yeah Lilly, it's all about you and you are so selfish. Hey wait, I have Lola- that's a big responsibility, right? I keep thinking I'm ready and I've been ready, but when it comes down to it, I'm waiting for God to bring the right man into my life when the time is right. I'm trying to prepare myself in the meantime - being the best person I can be, being happy on my own... blah, blah, blah.
It's agony being a single woman in your 30's. Too much pressure- damn you biological clock! Damn you! Really, what can you do? You can't force it. That's not going to lead to anything good... Everyone seems to have a different opinion, but all I can think is that all I can do is try my best to be happy being single, enjoy the time I have now without the responsibilites of a relationship and kids, and focus on all the good in my life- friends, family, my dog Lola, a decent career, financial independence- let's not forget what living in Argentina reminds me of everyday- the important privilege that I am a US citizen! and the fact that I have everything in world going for me. WHY is that so hard??? Hmm, I think I just need to read that over and over again every day- get that engrained into my thinking.
Ok, chau for now...
Saturday, October 11, 2008
Chile
So I spent this past week in Chile, and it was great to see it. Chile is a beautiful country and very obviously much more wealthy and modern than Argentina. Santiago is much cleaner as far as the trash in the street and the sidewalks are not full of dog crap like BA, but at the same time it lacks the culture and vibrancy that BA has. And the food does not compare at all! Overall, everything is more expensive in Chile. However, the wine is great and seeing the almost exact flag of Texas everywhere in Chile made me feel right at home.
I really enjoyed the coastal city of Viña del Mar. I got to try surfing for the first time in my life and I´ve always wanted to do it! I can´t believe it took me so long! It proved to be very difficult as I only stood up once on my board and was sore for a week afterwards. Then Rachel and I jumped on the horses on the beach at Con Con and it was total freedom. I´ve wanted to ride a horse on the beach where you can actually gallop and have the freedom to go exactly where you want... it was wonderful! good thing I do have experience riding because there is no instruction, no signing anything... you just get on the horse and go! there is no such thing as liability or lawsuits here I have to think... oh yeah, and it only cost $4 for half an hour... can´t beat that!!
Santiago is where I spent the rest of my week and it was a little too much time. There isn´t so much to see in Santiago, but it´s a nice place. Rachel and I went to tour the Concha y Toro winery, which was really fun but the tour didn´t teach me as much as I wanted to learn about the fermentation and bottling process. However, I´m already a Concha y Toro drinker of Frontera and so it was cool to go there and I didn´t know that the company is one of the top 10 wine companies in the world. Nice!
We also hit the zoo in Santiago, which was really good! I wanted to practice learning the animal names in Spanish... $4 entrace fee- can´t beat that either. I haven´t been to a zoo since I was 16 but I don´t remember being able to get very close to the animals. I have some fantastic pics of the elephants as they seemed to put on a show for us- they seem to be such lovey dovey animals, and also got pretty up close to the tigers! The zoo is set up on the side of a hill so it´s got multiple levels and the best part was it was all of a block away from the hostel we stayed in.
I give Chile a thumbs up! I will be back for skiing if I get the chance... the only thing that really sucked was paying the $131 entry fee and not knowing about it ahead of time. Also, if you come by bus, you don´t have to pay it, but I´m just not down with those 20 hour bus rides.
Chau for now...
I really enjoyed the coastal city of Viña del Mar. I got to try surfing for the first time in my life and I´ve always wanted to do it! I can´t believe it took me so long! It proved to be very difficult as I only stood up once on my board and was sore for a week afterwards. Then Rachel and I jumped on the horses on the beach at Con Con and it was total freedom. I´ve wanted to ride a horse on the beach where you can actually gallop and have the freedom to go exactly where you want... it was wonderful! good thing I do have experience riding because there is no instruction, no signing anything... you just get on the horse and go! there is no such thing as liability or lawsuits here I have to think... oh yeah, and it only cost $4 for half an hour... can´t beat that!!
Santiago is where I spent the rest of my week and it was a little too much time. There isn´t so much to see in Santiago, but it´s a nice place. Rachel and I went to tour the Concha y Toro winery, which was really fun but the tour didn´t teach me as much as I wanted to learn about the fermentation and bottling process. However, I´m already a Concha y Toro drinker of Frontera and so it was cool to go there and I didn´t know that the company is one of the top 10 wine companies in the world. Nice!
We also hit the zoo in Santiago, which was really good! I wanted to practice learning the animal names in Spanish... $4 entrace fee- can´t beat that either. I haven´t been to a zoo since I was 16 but I don´t remember being able to get very close to the animals. I have some fantastic pics of the elephants as they seemed to put on a show for us- they seem to be such lovey dovey animals, and also got pretty up close to the tigers! The zoo is set up on the side of a hill so it´s got multiple levels and the best part was it was all of a block away from the hostel we stayed in.
I give Chile a thumbs up! I will be back for skiing if I get the chance... the only thing that really sucked was paying the $131 entry fee and not knowing about it ahead of time. Also, if you come by bus, you don´t have to pay it, but I´m just not down with those 20 hour bus rides.
Chau for now...
el amor
I think BA could give Paris a run for it´s money as the most romantic city because everywhere you look couples are making out in public. I mean full on french kissing in the light of day. I have seen couples kissing on the platform while waiting for the subway, while riding in the subway, while waiting at the cargo area at the airport, of course in the clubs where in the dark a lot more can happen and one of the best ones- in front of a church one morning. I myself have french kissed someone in a cafe and on a crowded bus and full-on laid down on a couch making out at a lounge--oh yeah! There is no shame in making out in public and I´m all for it! A lot of it stems from the fact that young people here tend to live with their parents for quite some time and so they have no place to go when they want to get it on. There are "telos"- or sex motels, which you can rent by the hour or for the night.
While on this subject, things have changed for me and I met a very studly and sweet Brazilian man. He´s living in BA for 4 years while attending med school and speaks some English but we mainly communicate in Spanish. I think that this works better for me than the Argentines-- there´s just something about the Argentines-- maybe it´s the unfaithfulness or the language barrier still-- but i don´t see it happening. At least with my BZ man, he´s a foreigner too so we can relate on that level and he´s patient with me in Spanish. So we´ll see how things go...
Chau for now...
While on this subject, things have changed for me and I met a very studly and sweet Brazilian man. He´s living in BA for 4 years while attending med school and speaks some English but we mainly communicate in Spanish. I think that this works better for me than the Argentines-- there´s just something about the Argentines-- maybe it´s the unfaithfulness or the language barrier still-- but i don´t see it happening. At least with my BZ man, he´s a foreigner too so we can relate on that level and he´s patient with me in Spanish. So we´ll see how things go...
Chau for now...
Sunday, September 28, 2008
Up all night
Well it's 4:18am on a Saturday night, and usually I'd be out for the night (am hours), but since I had a really late night last night and can't handle two in a row, and my neighbor is having a house party that includes a loud band, I thought what a perfect time to blog about the late night schedule here in BA.
I keep my going out to a minimum during the week, but when it comes to dinner, don't expect a restaurant to get going til at least 9-10pm. Later on weekend nights- 10 to 12am. Once you've sat down to eat, you can expect the meal to least anywhere from 2-3 hours as well. They do not rush you out of a restaurant when you eat and generally the service is slow... so it's better to just sit back and enjoy it. Really enjoy it! Americans definitely eat on the run, and that is not the mentality here at all. People really enjoy a good meal and take their time with it. Since conversation is so big here anyways, you can expect a nice long time after the meal to sit and talk as well.
The weekend night schedule here is nearly killing me. I'm 33 years old... this is not as easy as it used to be. So most lounge/bars don't get going til after midnight and most clubs don't even open the doors til 2am. I've had to get used to going out from 12am- 5am or later if it's a really good night, watching the sun rise as you go to bed, and then of course sleeping in all day to recover. Since I have Lola, there are times where it really HURTS to get up and take her out to the park. I just want to open the door to the terrace and say, just go out there. But then my guilty conscience takes over and I think, poor girl doesn't want to be couped up all day in the apartment, she needs to get out and walk and socialize with other dogs. Luckily, Lola has a bladder of steel and can manage to hold it up to 18 hours sometimes. So she'll occassionally let me sleep in til noon, I'll take her out - this is a min of a 30 min deal-- and then come back and crash out again. The terrible thing is when you sleep away a really nice day! If you know me well, you know I need a LOT of sleep. I do well with a good 8 hours during the week, but then I usually sleep about 10- 12 hours a night on the weekend. The crazy going out schedule here really limits me to either Fri night out or Sat night out. I can't manage both.
Chau for now...
I keep my going out to a minimum during the week, but when it comes to dinner, don't expect a restaurant to get going til at least 9-10pm. Later on weekend nights- 10 to 12am. Once you've sat down to eat, you can expect the meal to least anywhere from 2-3 hours as well. They do not rush you out of a restaurant when you eat and generally the service is slow... so it's better to just sit back and enjoy it. Really enjoy it! Americans definitely eat on the run, and that is not the mentality here at all. People really enjoy a good meal and take their time with it. Since conversation is so big here anyways, you can expect a nice long time after the meal to sit and talk as well.
The weekend night schedule here is nearly killing me. I'm 33 years old... this is not as easy as it used to be. So most lounge/bars don't get going til after midnight and most clubs don't even open the doors til 2am. I've had to get used to going out from 12am- 5am or later if it's a really good night, watching the sun rise as you go to bed, and then of course sleeping in all day to recover. Since I have Lola, there are times where it really HURTS to get up and take her out to the park. I just want to open the door to the terrace and say, just go out there. But then my guilty conscience takes over and I think, poor girl doesn't want to be couped up all day in the apartment, she needs to get out and walk and socialize with other dogs. Luckily, Lola has a bladder of steel and can manage to hold it up to 18 hours sometimes. So she'll occassionally let me sleep in til noon, I'll take her out - this is a min of a 30 min deal-- and then come back and crash out again. The terrible thing is when you sleep away a really nice day! If you know me well, you know I need a LOT of sleep. I do well with a good 8 hours during the week, but then I usually sleep about 10- 12 hours a night on the weekend. The crazy going out schedule here really limits me to either Fri night out or Sat night out. I can't manage both.
Chau for now...
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Antigua
Ok, I see that blogging is addictive so I'm going to keep going! My next topic is how life here feels very antiquated compared to the US. First of all, all the keys here are skeleton keys. This does not feel very modern to me at all. NOT AT ALL. Secondly, I haven't encountered a stove that has an automatic spark. You either have to light the burner using matches or a lighter. It scared me at first because I thought I'd burn myself, but you get used to it, I guess. Just seems like a lot of work to light it manually every time.
Third, we do not have a dryer, a microwave or cable. I've asked around and these things are available and not expensive, but it could be that I'm living with a hippie who doesn't believe in luxury. However, when I look around at all the neighbors terraces (we back up to a whole row of apartments- not the street)- everyone else seems to have the laundry hanging out to dry too. I asked my Spanish teacher if people don't have dryers because they are expensive or use a lot of enegy and she said they are fairly common, but I'm not seeing that in my neighborhood, which is middle class. I miss having a microwave but I've gotten used to eating everything cold. My Spanish school does not have a microwave either and I've yet to see a dishwasher anywhere!
Also, there is no such thing as pre-made pasta sauce here. Since pasta is very popular here and I don't have a rice cooker and I'm not going to take the time to cook rice that's not instant rice and I'm walking more than ever, I've been eating quite a bit of pasta. I haven't made a pasta sauce from scratch since I was a little kid. Luckily I remembered that you need both the paste and the sauce to make it taste good... ok well the second time around. I've been working on perfecting my sauce with sauteed onions, garlic, mushrooms, salt, pepper and oregano. It gets better every time! Yum...
The first time I went to a grocery store I was completely lost. It takes some time to get used to the food here- menus are not easy to understand either. The names of food here is different than in the rest of the Spanish speaking world. For example, instead of aguacate for avocado it's palta. I was lost when I went to order a Philadephia roll for the first time at this sushi place nearby. I was like, what is palta? They told me it's a vegetable. This is all in Spanish of course. That didn't really tell me it's avocado, but it all turned out ok. It's taken me awhile, but I'm finally getting it down and can order in a restaurant with some certainy of what I'm actually going to get.
Chau for now...
Third, we do not have a dryer, a microwave or cable. I've asked around and these things are available and not expensive, but it could be that I'm living with a hippie who doesn't believe in luxury. However, when I look around at all the neighbors terraces (we back up to a whole row of apartments- not the street)- everyone else seems to have the laundry hanging out to dry too. I asked my Spanish teacher if people don't have dryers because they are expensive or use a lot of enegy and she said they are fairly common, but I'm not seeing that in my neighborhood, which is middle class. I miss having a microwave but I've gotten used to eating everything cold. My Spanish school does not have a microwave either and I've yet to see a dishwasher anywhere!
Also, there is no such thing as pre-made pasta sauce here. Since pasta is very popular here and I don't have a rice cooker and I'm not going to take the time to cook rice that's not instant rice and I'm walking more than ever, I've been eating quite a bit of pasta. I haven't made a pasta sauce from scratch since I was a little kid. Luckily I remembered that you need both the paste and the sauce to make it taste good... ok well the second time around. I've been working on perfecting my sauce with sauteed onions, garlic, mushrooms, salt, pepper and oregano. It gets better every time! Yum...
The first time I went to a grocery store I was completely lost. It takes some time to get used to the food here- menus are not easy to understand either. The names of food here is different than in the rest of the Spanish speaking world. For example, instead of aguacate for avocado it's palta. I was lost when I went to order a Philadephia roll for the first time at this sushi place nearby. I was like, what is palta? They told me it's a vegetable. This is all in Spanish of course. That didn't really tell me it's avocado, but it all turned out ok. It's taken me awhile, but I'm finally getting it down and can order in a restaurant with some certainy of what I'm actually going to get.
Chau for now...
Monedas
Ok I'm going to post again since I've gotten such a late start with my blog. One big difference between here and the US is the issue with currency. Cash is king here... you always need it, but it's something you always have to be on top of. A lot of the ATM's here have limits on the amount of cash you can take out in a day and it's fairly low- like $100. So if you want to pay your rent of $500, you'd have to take out $100 each day for 5 days and pay ATM fees for each transaction. Thankfully, I opened a Citibank account before I left so I can avoid ATM fees since they have branches here. With the Citibank ATM's I haven't seen a cap yet- I've taken out as much as $700 in one day. I still have to pay fees for exchanging dollars into pesos though. It adds up to about $30/month. NOT COOL.
There is a serious shortage of currency and coins (monedas) in Argentina. Grocery stores and stores are always asking me if I have a different bill or another coin to help make the exchange more even or so they don't have to give up what little change they have. Taxi drivers and small stores have a hard time breaking a big bill (50 or 100). Since the ATM's normally give you 100 bills, you can see the delimma. I'm so glad that my Citibank ATM gives me the last 100 in small bills--- 1- 50 bill and 5- 10 peso bills. It just makes life easier. Yes, this is a commercial for Citibank. It just makes sense to have an account with Citibank here if you are an American. You cannot open an account with a local bank here unless you have a residency status.
It pays to keep your change. Sometimes when I see homeless people, I think I'd like to help them out but I don't want to give up any of my coins. I use the buses (colectivos) here a lot and they only take coins. When I'm out of coins and I need to get change for 2 peso or 5 peso bill, it's always a pain in the ass to go around the the kiosks or stores to get change because half the time they don't have it or they simply don't want to make change for you.
Chau for now...
There is a serious shortage of currency and coins (monedas) in Argentina. Grocery stores and stores are always asking me if I have a different bill or another coin to help make the exchange more even or so they don't have to give up what little change they have. Taxi drivers and small stores have a hard time breaking a big bill (50 or 100). Since the ATM's normally give you 100 bills, you can see the delimma. I'm so glad that my Citibank ATM gives me the last 100 in small bills--- 1- 50 bill and 5- 10 peso bills. It just makes life easier. Yes, this is a commercial for Citibank. It just makes sense to have an account with Citibank here if you are an American. You cannot open an account with a local bank here unless you have a residency status.
It pays to keep your change. Sometimes when I see homeless people, I think I'd like to help them out but I don't want to give up any of my coins. I use the buses (colectivos) here a lot and they only take coins. When I'm out of coins and I need to get change for 2 peso or 5 peso bill, it's always a pain in the ass to go around the the kiosks or stores to get change because half the time they don't have it or they simply don't want to make change for you.
Chau for now...
Saturday, September 20, 2008
6 weeks in...
I've been meaning to start this blog to share some stories and naunces in the life here that you won't see in photos. I've been here six weeks now and it's been a very interesting experience so far and I highly recommend to anyone that has the chance to live abroad (and especially outside of the US) to do it!
*** Update*** Sometimes life as a foreigner is very challenging. It can be lonely, isolating, and you will feel like an alien. It can be very frustrating and you just want to cry. You will question everything about yourself, your life and your very being. Today I had to really force myself to turn my frown upside down, because in the end, I know it will all be worth it.
For a long time now, I have envied people who grew up bi-lingual. Without a doubt, the second language of Texas is Spanish!!! So here I am struggling and struggling to learn this second language and when it's just handed to you because you learned it growing up-- that is a priceless gift!!! I want to have this gift to give to my children because I think it's muy importante.
Well after reading Dave's blog http://www.discoverbuenosaires.com/, I'm feeling a bit inadequate- he has some funny stories and some great observations on there. My observations tend to be a bit negative, so sorry for that. There certainly are a lot of cultural differences!!
These are all probably rash generalizations, but hey it's my opinion and my blog.
So I've noticed that the guys here are definitely NOT falling into the category of metrosexual. The style seems to be unkempt long hair and big time 5 o'clock shadows. I guess unless you're an ultra professional, shaving is not required for most jobs. Well it's been disappointing for me to say the least. Every once and awhile I'll spot a very well groomed hottie on the subte (subway) but it is few and far between. My love life has not been all that great- ok almost non-existant. While the overall percentage of latin men should be in my favor, it's still hard to find a professional single guy in his 30's.
Other things I've noticed...
*** Update*** Sometimes life as a foreigner is very challenging. It can be lonely, isolating, and you will feel like an alien. It can be very frustrating and you just want to cry. You will question everything about yourself, your life and your very being. Today I had to really force myself to turn my frown upside down, because in the end, I know it will all be worth it.
For a long time now, I have envied people who grew up bi-lingual. Without a doubt, the second language of Texas is Spanish!!! So here I am struggling and struggling to learn this second language and when it's just handed to you because you learned it growing up-- that is a priceless gift!!! I want to have this gift to give to my children because I think it's muy importante.
Well after reading Dave's blog http://www.discoverbuenosaires.com/, I'm feeling a bit inadequate- he has some funny stories and some great observations on there. My observations tend to be a bit negative, so sorry for that. There certainly are a lot of cultural differences!!
These are all probably rash generalizations, but hey it's my opinion and my blog.
So I've noticed that the guys here are definitely NOT falling into the category of metrosexual. The style seems to be unkempt long hair and big time 5 o'clock shadows. I guess unless you're an ultra professional, shaving is not required for most jobs. Well it's been disappointing for me to say the least. Every once and awhile I'll spot a very well groomed hottie on the subte (subway) but it is few and far between. My love life has not been all that great- ok almost non-existant. While the overall percentage of latin men should be in my favor, it's still hard to find a professional single guy in his 30's.
Other things I've noticed...
People here talk for hours on end. I just don't quite get it... I have time to kill, but at the same time, I get tired of just sitting around and talking. I need to get up and move around and sometimes I just need to be alone. I recall being at the Venezuelan parties with Ivan and it was the same thing... they would just talk and talk and talk all day and into the night. I would get tired at some point and either want go to sleep or go home.
Smoking. Its terrible. I can't stand it sometimes. People here smoke while walking down the street, while riding a bike (saw this for this first time today!), getting off/on the subway, in the car, in clubs, everywhere and anywhere they can. Sometimes when I'm walking down the street and inhaling someone's smoke that is walking in front of me, I just want to slap the cigarette out of their hand and say, no! it's so bad for you! Being a former social smoker myself, you would think I'd be a little more tolerant, but I just can't take it sometimes. My asthma here is worse than ever because of all the dust in my building, and the last thing I need is to inhale second hand smoke.
And last but not least.... I've realized just how sensitive I am to the weather. I already knew I can't handle a cold climate after living in NYC. But now I know that I really have little tolerance for cold weather at all. Before I came in August, I thought that the winter here was similar to Houston - very mild. Well it is and it isn't. Most days here are around 60 degrees in the winter which is not really that cold, but it's very consistently cold and then throw in the wind chill from the river nearby and it's cold. Nights average 40-50 degrees, which doesn't entice me to want to go out much. The wintery weather has been dragging on, and it just officially turned spring on the calendar, and apparently, spring is going by the calendar! It's still very brisk! Houston really has a wonderful winter! The weather fluctuates often, and so we'll have a few days of cold when a cold front blows in, but then it's back to warm and nice after a few days! I heart Houston winters!!!!
Chau for now...
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