Well, I spent about 2 weeks in Uruguay total and had a really good time. Me, Cameron, Jessica, and Debora had to leave the plush apt. in Punta del Este a day early because Deboras uncle was returning. On the way back to Montevideo, we checked out Casa Puebla, a giant avant garde house/hotel built on the side of a cliff overlooking the ocean and Deboras faviorte beach in all of her native Uruguay. Back in Montevideo it was more wine, cheese, and pate wtih Howie and Mindy at the Chinese Embassy. At this point, Cameron decided to take off for Cordaba to visit Ines for her birthday. Me and Jessica stayed for one more day in Montevideo, then we took off for Colonia to check out the sights and take a ferry to Buenas Aires. Colonia is just like it sounds, an old colonial enclave where Portuguese smugglers brought the goods into Buenas Aires. The ferry ride was quite slow, but it was a fantastic night with a cool breez and a friendly sky above.
Buenas Aires is quite a fantaastic town. It is indeed very European; the arcitecture, the cafes, and the people. Even better, is that US dollars get a fantastic exchange rate in Argentina. 1 USD=2.9 Pesos. Prices are comparable to similar goods in the US, which means that everything is really cheap (execpt consumer electronics). As the saying goes, it is first world living at third world prices. If I could carry more shit, id buy a new wardobe down here. Did i mention the wine and steaks, oh and lets not forget the women. Id say if you put 10 random Argentine chicks in a room, 7 would be hotties, 2 would be so-so, and 1 would be a dog. Quality!!!!
Jessica split for Mendoza after only one day in BsAs, so im chillin solo style now, which I prefer because i dont have to compromise, my day is exactly what i want it to be...total freedom.
Bad news is, all those pictures i promised to upload are gone now. I had my daypack with my digital camera, memory cards (with 600plus pictures of my travels), my diary, personal information (i had to cancel all of my credit-debit cards), sun glasses, and priscrription glasses stolen from under my nose. I was at an arcade playing Daytona 2 (an old racing game) with this Canadian dude and i put my bag inbetween our feet. When the race was finished, my bag was gone. So that was a big bummer, compounded by the fact that digital cameras here are fuckin expensive and the pictures that i took can never be replaced, and I only have limited funds because my ATM cards are all cancelled.
Im staying at Urubano Hostel in BsAs, but im the only non-isralie here which is OK, but being constantly surrounded by Isralies is a little overwelming at times (yes, i know that sounds bad, but you would have to be in this hostel to know what i am talking about).
Most days here i walk around the city and check out the sights, and at night i go out and drink with random people that i encounter. Crazy thing is that here in BsAs people dont go out to the clubs until 2am, and will party until 8am. They carry sun glasses with them to the clubs, so when they leave they wont have to face the full brunt of the sun. Folks here are quite fashionable as well, always dressed nice.
I wish i was going to Patagonia, but that will have to wait until next summer (winter in the US) because this Tuesday march 8th i fly to caracas Venezuela then take a bus to barquisemeto to teach english at a private institute. the job is for 10 months with lots of holidays and about 3 weeks vacation. the pay is middle class for venezuela, but shit when you compare to the USA. $400 usd a month. I have never taught before, so im a little nervious, but i reckon that ill get the hang of it, im enthusistic.
My next entry should be from Venezuela. After 10 nights in BsAs, im ready to mosey on elsewhere.
chao!