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Main | Journal: San Martin, AR | ||
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San Martin, Argentina Tuesday, March 16 I'm writing to you from a University computer lab in a town which is
about thirty kilometers from Buenos Aires. I have spent the past two
days here with a friend that I made during my previous stop, Iguazu
Falls. Meeting him has given me the chance to take off my tourist
badge and enter places not well known by many tourists. Yesterday, my
new friend's mother and sister cooked us a tremendous
lunch--vegetarian's beware--of beef, beef, and more beef! Following
the meal, my friend, Leandro, brought me to his University and I sat
in on his Accounting class and met some of his friends. Tonight, I'm
looking forward to another big meal with Leandro's friends; we're
having an asado, a special kind of meat popular in Argentina.
Before coming to San Martin, I spent little time as a tourist in
Buenos Aires, trying to take a more laid back approach to
traveling--only possible when you have the time as I do. In Buenos
Aires, I have tried to live like a local by staying out until 7AM
several times. The social life in the hostel here has been great.
Along with the group that I traveled with from Iguazu Falls, I have
hung around with several other travelers. I have yet to meet other
Americans in my hostels. This became interesting while I watched the
Holyfield-Lewis boxing match because the Brits outnumbered me and
voiced their discontent at me when the fight was comically ruled a Draw.
I have also been fortunate to come across a few tango shows in some
out of the way places. As beautiful as tango is, I think I'll stick
with swing whenever I return home.
Thus far, I have truly enjoyed my time in Buenos Aires and would
consider returning here someday. I just wish they'd speak a bit
slower so that I could understand them. The Spanish education
continues...
The next stops on my itinerary include scenic Patagonia, a region of
lakes and mountains in Southern Argentina and Chile. On Thursday,
I'll be flying to Rio Gallegos in Southern Argentina. While I've
enjoyed summer weather for the past five weeks, I'll be returning to
an environment to which I'm more accustomed to in Patagonia--rain,
wind and snow. Anyone have a fleece that I could borrow? From Rio
Gallegos, I'll be taking a bus to El Calafate, a good base from which
to see the Perito Moreno Glacier and Fitzroy, a good area for hiking.
Then, I cash in my Argentinian pesos for Chilean pesos and make my way
up through Chile.
Although the Internet is spreading like wildfire through this
continent, I have my doubts as to whether it has made its way to the Southern
regions of Argentina and Chile. If not, we'll next communicate in
Santiago in a few weeks.
Question for the sports fans: How's Michigan doing in the NCAA
tournament? (Just a joke!)
Best Regards,
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