Iguazu Falls Trip... Las Ruinas, La Estancia, Iguazu National Park, and The Gaurani Tribe Reservation!

My Trip to Iguazu Falls, is yet again, one of my most favored memories. The pictures I have posted bellow do not even begin to show how breath taking they are in real life. But overall, this is a good display of the entire weekend, and the incredible adventure that it was! I give it a "Thumbs Up" for sure!!!

On our first day, before arriving at the park, we stopped at another famous site in Argentina: Las Ruinas. These ruins are very old, very large, and very beautiful. It is hard to tell the scale of the wall from this picture, but I was only as tall as 1/4 of the front column!

"El Arbol de Amor"... The Tree of Love, is a frequently visited tree for those insearch of their other half. This tradition is to circle the tree 3 times then plant a big one on the trunk after you have completed the last "go round." This proved to be true for our program leader, Pamela, whom visited the Tree of Love last year and now has met the love of her life! Wow, lets see if it works for me... hahah. Either way, I made out with a tree; so I guess I am now, officially, a Tree Hugger.

Last stop of the day... La Estancia. A relaxing ranch with a pool, large grounds, and a huge open air dinning deck. We had a traditional Argentine Asado and played in the water. It was great!

And then, we went to the Jungle! These are one of the 278 waterfalls of the Iguazu water covering. They were extremely powerful. Once again, I was blown away by the wonders of Argentina!

Another stunning Cataracas, in the middle of the Amazon! I still cannot believe I was there!

A better angle of the jungle. The falls are broken into two levels, upper and lower.

On our final day, before flying back to BsAs, we toured the reservation of The Guarani Tribe. It was facinating. The people as a whole are VERY shy. Our guide, above, told the group that it was very uncommon to share more that 4 or 5 words between friends in a conversation. They keep to themselves. He showed us the village, the homemade traps and cages they used to use, spoke some of their language, and finally led us to a part of the reservation where the children had prepared a song and dance for us. The experience was inlightening. At one point in his tour, he began explaining about how the tribe has evolved over time. They no longer engage in wars between tribes, and are forced to go into town to buy supplies to feed their people. Most of the animals in the area are little to non exisitent from over hunting, thus they are forced to interact with the Argentine people. This has created the neccesity of knowing the Spanish language and a need for higher education, to create more teachers for the tribe. Something that he said in his speech stuck with me... a very powerful quote. He said that the threat to their survival no longer came from neighboring tribes, but from social oppression. If they cannot communicate, they cannot buy food, water, supplies; they cannot live. Therefore, he said "we know now that our only weapon, is education." A truth among all truths.

Two of the girls in the Tribe. The girls were adorable; always throwing up the "thumbs up."

More of the little girls in the Tribe. This was after they performed for us. It was and excellent ending to and incredible day!

St. Patty's in BsAs!

Saint Patricks Day was a blast here in Buenos Aires! Here are some photo's of the night...

We started off at the plaza where the UNICEF Bears from each country were being displayed. Then onto Rotero, where a massive crowd of Argentines and Foreigners had gathered inbetween the two most famous Irish Pub's in BsAs. It was a great night, so I thought I would share some of the experience with ya'll!

Pictures from Patagonia!

Starting the trekk up Glacier Puerto Mareno.





















Glacier, Sea, and Mountain!

















I love this shot. It completely captures the atomosphere. Everyone is in awe of this monsterous work of art.

Looking a little rough at the end of the day. But hey, I did just get off the glacier.

This is the north side of the glacier, Puerto Mareno. I took this from the boat ride back to port, after our very long, yet fantastic day of glacier trekking!

This is one of the most beautiful parts of the glacier surface; the ice caves. They run all over the top of the glacier. Although they are absolutely stunning, they are also very dangerous. If you fall in, the chance of survival is minimal. Scary... but beautiful!

I love this one too. Straight incline.

Side shot of the enormous glacier!

Dale. I hope you enjoyed your trip...!

Trekk'n through Patagonia!

Today is my first day back after my Spring Break; before I start my actual classes here in Argentina. If you're confussed because I have already been down here for a little over a month, it is because I was in a language intensive for 4 weeks prior to classes, and then a week of Spring Break. Today, Monday March the 9th, in a few hours, I will start my 5 course load... Fun. It's going to be pretty hard to keep my focus in a classroom after a full week of adventures near the end of world! (I was in the very south of Argentina, almost at Antartica).

Ok now for the details...

Well you know, it was just like the average spring break in the States... I hoped a plane south, trekked on some glaciers, climed a mountain or two, road horses along the crystal blue glacier lake, and meet people from all around the world in my hostel. No big deal. Haha NOT! The trip was incredible. I feel so blessed to be here, in BsAs, in the first place; but to be able to visit Patagonia, and the vastness of it's beauty, along with the monsterous glaciers of El Calafate, is almost overwelming, now that I think back over the trip. Journeys to the areas of the world that are untouched or harmed by humanity are gifts. To see a piece of earth the way God created it, without damage and minimal interference by human life, was phenomenal. The scale of these mountains in number and size was nothing short of intimidating. It reiterated the fact of how small I truely am in the world; which was both bad and good. It always is, when you come to grips with the reality that you are not the center of the universe, just one part of it. But their pure scale was only half of their beauty. They changed colors as the sun hit them at different times throughout the day. At one point I would look over at the range and it would be the normal blue/gray that we have in the Carolina Blue Ridge. However, later I would look again and they would have changed to a burnt orange/red; and then again to a pinkish/purple. (My camera would not do them justice, so I opted not to bring back evidence of this in a blurry photo). It was amazing. AND THE GLACIERS, OH MY GOSH! They we're paralyzing. The amount of crevases and peeks, with the beautiful blue highlights on the inside of the crevases, was stunning. I have seen glaciers before in Alaska, but never have I had the opportunity to walk on one. That was insane! By far, it was the most memorable part of my entire trip. I literally walked straight up the side of the Puerto Merano Glacier for 2 hours, snapping photos from all angles while trying not to fall off. It was spectacular. The pictures are on facebook now. I don't know how to upload them here on the blog, or I would. I'm still trying to figure this page out! OHH, and by the way family, there is a picture of me with an almost empty glass of ice and wiskey. This is not because I drank the entire cup. That was all that I asked for, just a little shot, nothing more. It was glacier ice that he chizzled and then poured wiskey into for the trekking group at the end of the trip. Christian, our Argentine Tour Guide, said, "It's 100 year old wiskey, with thousands of years old glacier!" He was a lot of fun! I couldn't shoot it anyways... I sipped it like a wuss and then tried to hide my sour-puss face under my hand; while the rest of the group downed their glasses in one manly gulp. It was embarrasing. This also unleashed the inner figure skater lying dormant inside of me. I was doing ice-capades down the side of the mountain; which was probably not the safest plan, but I didn't get hurt and it was very entertaining for everyone!
AHH, I almost forgot one other very important part of the scenery in Patagonia; the water! When the glaciers melt, the chemicals they contain change the water to the most miraculous shade of blue. They have a name for it in spanish called, "Leche Glaciarias"; translation: Glacier Milk. Strange, because they aren't milky but absolutely clear. The color is a brighter blue than in the Carribean and without waves so it resembles glass. Our horseback riding guide told me that it ices over during the winter and all the locals Ice Skate on the lake. I was very jelous when I heard that. I only have the pavilion at home; what an alternative.

SO, overall, I am in complete gratitute to my padre for funding this trip, and to God for creating the scenery and providing almost perfect weather! I had an unforgettable time, and now have stories to tell for years to come!

ALSO: Spanish Update:

I have been here for a month now learning spanish, and I practice at every possible chance. I've had numerous convo's soley in Castillano, and many of the locals say they can't believe I have only been studying it for a month! Which is a great sign that I might be really good, if not close to fluent, by the time I return to the states! Keep your fingers crossed! I really want to be completely conversational, with ease, by the end of the six months. Also, I want to keep my new found language. THEREFORE, to all of my spanish speaking cousins (Will, Jake, and Andrew), our convo's are only going to be in Spanish (PLEASE!!!).

ALSO: BsAs Update:

I'm so happy to be back in the city; which suprised me. Before I left for break, I was pretty much over my homesickness, only missing a few things here and there, but still not loving the city. However, when I was away, towards the end of the week, I couldn't wait to get back "home" to BsAs: a great sign. Maybe love for this city is coming my way. I hope so! Keep your fingers crossed on that one too. Because, there really are some wonderful aspects of this city, and most of them I haven't even had a chance to experience yet. For example, the museums. This week I am going to go the the Evita Museum and Barrial Site. It's going to be really interesting to learn about her life; she is so loved here. Also, I haven't seen a Tango Show, any art museums or galleries, ballets, operas, plays, or even movies. There is much of this city and it's culture that is still a complete stranger to me. So, now is the time to explore it!

Ok, AS ALWAYS, I love you fam, and miss you. I hope ya'll like my pictures of Patagonia, and I will keep updating my blog reguarly! BUT I have a problem... I don't know how to add the rest of the fam to my blog and I want to keep in touch when them, too! Can someone help me? If yes, can one of you just send me the instructions in a facebook message? That would be great! LOVE YOU ALL!

Chau,
Katie Bug

Update from BsAs...

OK, so the first time/only time I wrote about Buenos Aires, I was incredibly homesick and in a down mood. Now, however, I am in great spirits and am no longer homesick! Therefore, I think it's time for a new blog post. I have been here exactly one month, tomorrow, and the city is definitely beginning to grow on me. I have met another wonderful person here, the night watch lady in my residencia. Her name is Rosanna and I call her mi mama aca, translation: My mom here. She sat and talked with my for 20 minutes the other night about ballet, how much I want to find a studio here, and of course my likes and dislikes about the city and the culture. Again, this convo was all in Spanish (she is a VERY patient woman). She went above and beyond by going to the studio near her house and collected some information about the school for me. Not only is she patient, but also a saint! Also, I had my final exam in my intensive spanish class today. It went very well; I am very pleased!

Now it is time for my spring break! Finally! Sunday, I'm going to Calafate, Patagonia for 5 days, then to a beach called Mar del Plata for 3. It will be a perfect spring break for me; fresh air and stunning views in Patagonia, then three days of tanning and relaxation at the beach. I couldn't ask for more! After I return I begin my semester courses. I'm talking 5 classes: Literature of SA, History of SA, Economics of SA, Spanish, and the Tango. I'm excited for the semester begin, I know I'm going to enjoy the subjects (the other Argentine chicos in class with me!). Kidding, of course I mean the material. Well, both.

Nothing news-worthy has happened in my life the past week: Scholastic or Romance wise. However, I'm sure I will have some stories to tell after break! All PG, I promise! Until then family, I love ya'll and miss ya'll. I hope you like reading about my trip. It will be more entertaining as the weeks keep coming I hope!

Hasta luego,
Katie Bug

First two weeks in South America!

South America. I have been here for two weeks now, and I still haven't quite come to grips with that reality. Buenos Aires is exciting, lively, and full of opportunities. The Portanos (people born and raised in BA) are BEAUTIFUL. I'm not exaggerating. This is the capitol for plastic surgery in the world and the 3rd for eating dissorders. I did not know those little facts before signing up for this trip, but it's ok, I'll manage! It is just the slightest bit intimidating walking around pouring sweat like a man, feet aching from my flat sandals, and pudging out of my not-so-cute walking outfit beside a beautiful, slim, tan, boob-implanted women in a sundress and stilletos. Appearance is everything here; and it is starting to ware on me. I'm writting this blog at the start of my homesickness, so it may sound a little bitter, frustrated, angry whatever... but only because i'm sitting in a pool of self-pitty over my body-type, lack of knowledge of their language, and my own sweat. GROSS. I'm sure this phase will pass. Soon. I hope.

In fact, these last two weeks have been a spectrum of emotions. I was on this incredible euphoric high when I arrived here. Even though I arrived 4 hours late because I missed my connecter flight and the airport had lost my bags; I still could not wait to explore my new home. The first week here was a blast. I love my residencia, no air conditioning and all, and my roommates and hall mates. I love my 5 hour spanish class and my school. I love my teacher and my classmates. I love my new, local friends that I have meet here, and the places I have seen. I was going out every night, barely sleeping, and going to class in the afternoon. However, by week two, my schedule slowed down a little bit. There is only so much the body can take. Last week, I only went out a few of the nights and made a point to sleep more. That helped. Though, without so much distraction, I have been able to see how MUCH I need to adjust to; and how much I miss America. (Words I never thought would enter my mind and leave my mouth.) I have been abroad before, but never lived abroad. There is a BIG difference. It has only been two weeks and I have experienced the greatest love for this city and it's people; and now the frustration for this city and it's people. On the bright side; this is completely normal. I am not alone in my feelings, this is the "semester slump" I was pre-warned about. It will pass. Like I said, until then, I will manage.

OK, in conclusion, I do in fact love this city, I am just adjusting. I am in fact happy I came here; just adjusting. I will write again in a few weeks after I am done adjusting with a bigger brighter outlook on my trip. Until then, I love ya'll, I miss ya'll and I will see ya'll in 6 months!

My Experience with Election 2008

This election has brought out a wide spectrum of emotions in me. Throughout this seemingly never-ending campaign, I've experienced excitement, angst, joy, anger, and now finally hope. One critic jokingly said that "one could not sell this script to Hollywood" from the amount of bizarre events that took place. If someone would have told me that Barak Obama, a young Harvard graduate black man with a third of the experience of Hillary Clinton would infact beat Hillary Clinton and win the Democratic Nomination and that John McCain would reappear out of the political graveyard to claim the Republican Nomination and choose an unkown, female Alaskian govenor for his running mate, along with multiple hurricanes and an economic crash, and then Obama would win; I certainly would not have believed them. However, it did happen, and it was very entertaining! Although, as exciting as it was during the race, the issue of "race" did not rear it's ugly head until Obama was elected.

The following morning after the election, I was looking on Facebook at the many status updates that were responses to the election result. Although there were many funny, sarcastic remarks about moving to Canada by many of my friends (have fun with that "non" socialist country), there were two comments that stopped me straight in my tracks and almost brought me to tears in revultion and disappointment of my generation. Two of my "friends" stated in their status the following remarks: 1. "who elected the jigaboo" and 2. "(I'll leave him nameless) is hoping someone shoots our new socialist president." I was stunned. Two men from my generation, one that is supposedly more socially evolved and aware of the world than previous generations, so cavalierly belittled not only Barak Obama but the entire african race and called for a his assassination (MURDER). I'm not sure if they wanted a laugh or truely felt that way, but neither of which condone their actions and both of which show their absence of character and morale. I am baffled by thier words. I cannot imagine having such hatred and cruelty inside of me, and believe that I am justified in saying those words. Words are powerful! They seep into our skin, they permeate our minds, they dwell in our memories, they flow through our vains, and they are exposed in our tears. Words can energize crowds, provoke revolutions, tear people down, sooth emotional pains, calm our nerves, and go on forever.

"I Have a Dream", "The only thing to fear is fear itself", and "be the change you wish to see in the world" are the dynamic words of Dr. Martin Luther King, President Franklin D. Roosevelt, and Ghandi . Worlds that have lasted far beyond their deaths and continue to flow through the future generations of man. Those words are powerful, they are possitive, they are eternal. Therefore, when I hear degrading words like Jigaboo or Niger, the air feels as if it is squeezed from my lungs. Even if they are not heard by those whom they offend, they are still spoken. These words that were originally said to show supremeacy of one race over another. They hold the memories of a time of terrible suffering. A time when human beings were inslaved by their fellow man, as their "property". A time that lasted from over 200 years, from 1619 when the first African was brought in chains on American soil, until 1865 when slavery was finally abolished in the United States constitution. And yet, it was another 100 years until they were allowed rights by the Civil Rights Movement. Those worlds represent our troubled American past; yet they slip off many tongues effortlessly, saturated with disdain. I have heard the arguments: "they have just as many, if not more rights than white people do" or "they say it too." All are meaningless excuses.

I'm not sure when racism will leave this country; or this world. I don't understand it. We are all human; made of the same blood, skin, and bones. We all have our moments of struggle, defeat, fear, sarrow, and joy. We are all searching for the answers; praying for help in this sometimes impossible life. We are all equals; with the same opportunities to choose evil or good; in actions and in words.

My hope for this country is to embrace this new presidency and to understand it's immense significance. We have just lived through history! This election is about more that political parties, even more than race. Americans are finally craving peace over power. The election of Barak Obama represents not only a victory over racism, but America's victory over isolationism. We have been an imperialistic force in the world; invading countries against the advice and plea of our fellow countries. Whether our efforts are viewed as successful or less than satisfactory, we have been fighting this war alone; and creating perpetual animosity towards our country in the process. However, in his elequent and powerful victory speech, Barak Obama delivered a message of strength and peace that brought me to tears. He informed not only his american, but global audience, that he will be a president of peace; a sentiment that was rejoiced all over the world. News channels showed numerous celebrations taking place in Kenya, Japan, Germany, Italy, France, and the UK. There were peace walks throughout Africa and a Pro-American rally in Germany. This is an incredible time in history. I hope for the sake of our country's future, as well as our own, people will retire their pride, acts and words of hatred, feelings of intitlement, and complexs of superiority. If so, this world will be a much better place. But until then, I'll try to live my life by this quote: "How do we change the world; one act of random kindness at a time."