NYE in NYC

Welcome 2008

As usual my New Years plans were last minute. Last minute I booked a flight to NYC to meet up with L and friends and celebrate New Years... Leaving at 5:00 am I arrived early in the morning on the 31st not knowing I was starting a 25 hour day.

Although we went to New York for New years last year, we didn't do Time Square. This year we decided we would give it a shot. We didn't want a drunken night we would regret the next day. So we bundled up in our down-filled coats and our Canadian Toques and headed to the festivities in the street. A lovely walk from Soho, being frisked around 34th street (for security reason) and a bag of hot nuts later we were as close to Time Square as we could get so late at night. Although that was around the corner, the buzz on the street was intoxicating. Well the buzz and the vodka that was smuggled in by our new found friend who we called Jose. We sang songs, we laughed we brought in the New Year with Fireworks and cheers. Here we are moments before midnightAfter we celebrated the new year we walked back down Broadway with the rest of New York by our side. We walked and walked until we got to a Latin White party. Enter with a white flower and dance till 4:00 am. There was some wonderful dancers there, spirits were high and 2008 was off to a great start.

The 23rd Hour... I struggled to stay awake for some breakfast at a local dinner to get back to our resting ground 24 hours after I had left Toronto. Happy 2008.

Last days in Pari!

So I have seen Paris in fast forward. I spent 4 very fast days seeing as much as I can. I went up the Eiffel Tower, did a wonderful walking tour of the city, strolled through he Gardens of Versailles, and took a boat ride around the Seine. I go to sit in cafe's and watch Parisians as I drank my espresso, wine, and ate cheese... oh so much cheese.

I also got to go to the Louvre, when people tell you how big it is, they aren't exaggerating. It is huge, and amazing. Truthfully though I was more impressed by the building more then the art. Here is a view from inside the Louvre to the court yard.


I also enjoyed a the final leg of our walking tour which was down the Champs-Élysées to the Arc de Triomphe. The street is so alive and full of people, and energy. The history of Paris is apparent in all you see. I never appreciate history so much as when I am emerged in it.


As a whole I found the people very nice (contrary to popular belief), the architecture beautiful, but the weather a bit shit. It rained or was cloudy the entire time. All that aside walking through the streets of Paris makes you feel like you are in a movie. They say it's a romantic city, but I didn't see that either.

Here's a list of my favourite things in Paris.

1) The Architecture
2) Winding tree lined streets.
3) Champs-Élysées
4) Arc de Triomphe
5) The Louvre
6) The Gardens of Versailles
7) The boat ride on the Seine
8) The Eiffel Tour
9) The Wine
10) The Cheese

Château de Versailles

Jess and I got up early and made our way to Versailles.

The town itself reminded me of an 'Olympic Village' or 'Vacation Spot', in fact the Rugby world cup was being held there at the time. Even though it was only a quick train ride from Paris it was quite different.

Luckily the weather was good and we were able to walk through the gardens. It was incredible. All I could think was that this was someone's back yard!!! I didn't have a wide enough lens to get it all in... so here's me in the garden instead ;-)



Again because the Chateau was so big and crowded inside I couldn't get any pictures to do it justice. All I can say is you have to go there to see it. If I learned one thing about the French it's that they like things BIG! We brag now when we have 9 or 10 foot ceilings, who do we think we are royalty? Nope they had 40 or 50 foot ceilings, maybe more! This place was Gianormous!

Belle Pari!

Very early but not so bright on Monday morning the ladies and I bid farewell to each other again. We all had different destinations, Kristy - Exeter, Sponge - Sheffield, Guava - India and Me - Belle Pari. I made my way to Waterloo Station to take the Chunnel to Paris. The ride was quick and uneventful. Once in Paris I became immediately aware of the fact that I don't speak or understand French. I did manage to get on the right subway and find my hostel all by myself though, with NO ERRORS! I know I'm getting good at this. I didn't go South instead of North, right instead of left, I followed maps and written instructions and had an incident free morning. It was going to be a good day.

Once I checked in I didn't want to waste anytime so I went for a wander. The streets in Paris are winding and are lined with beautiful buildings. Below is a great representation of what they are like, it was the first thing I saw when I got out of the subway (and had to walk up with my luggage by the way); instantly I fell in love with yet another city. I know I did it backwards because they say that Buenos Aries is the Paris of South America, and now I see why. It was similar in a lot of ways, specifically the architecture that I love so much.


I wandered my way over to the area where the Moulin Rouge is. The way it was described to me was that it was similar to the 'Red Light' district of Amsterdam. It wasn't quite that bad, but it was a flashy, sex lined street full of temptation for debauchery.

Then for a quick break I went back to my hostel, met a girl, Jess, in my room and we decided to go to the Eiffel Tower together. We ventured on the subway and again we made it there without incident. After 5 years of traveling alone I am really getting good at it, less time lost means more to see. That and the fact that 2 heads are better then one. Jess and I seemed to balance each other well. She knew what to do and when, and I knew how to get us there. Great combination, oh and she spoke French!! So we made it to the top of the tower and back, saw some lovely views of Paris, although a bit rainy and overcast.


This is my favourite picture of the Tower.

Once we were tuckered out (both of us up very early) we went back to our hostel through the pouring rain. There may have been an issue with us going the wrong way on the subway, but to our credit we were tired.

London Calling

Well it looks as though I left off on Saturday... Again our main objective in London was to spend time with each other. A little Guava, a touch of Sponge, not enough Kirsty, a pinch of Crazy and we were bound to have some laughs and a story or two..


To start of the evening we met Sponge's sister joined by her friend and had some snacks accompanied wine at a restaurant overlooking the Thames. Once we emptied the bars wine rack we decided to head back to town and continue the fun. As we made our way back to the Fancy Hotel we somehow were followed by 3 handsome strangers pretending they were 'lost'. Of course being the polite girls we are we invited them to have a drink with us. When asked why they followed us they said it was because our friend (Sponge) Eye F*&k'd one of them on the Tube. Sponge claims she doesn't know how to do that... yet no one followed me off the Tube. Guava even tried to Eye F*$K but the boys said she just looked like she was having a seizure.. lol.. The remainder of the night was so much fun. We were laughing so much that our cute Dutch waiter cut us off, granted it was after 3 bottles of wine, a large number of Mojitos, some lemon drops and a hefty bill.. but still we weren't as drunk as he thought, we were just having a lot of fun as you can see by the picture below. The funny part was that Guava actually thanked the waiter for cutting us off. She apparently had NEVER been cut off before. Unfortunately, the night did have to end as we were cut off and Sponge was.. um.. full ;-) So we headed back up to our room, and you can say the three of us bonded in a whole new way.


Our final day after dragging Sponge out of bed, we did my version of sight seeing... you know the walk by. Walk was a lot of fun too. Asking random people to take our picture and then bitching that they took shitty pictures. Seriously, we are standing in front of Big Ben and we ask someone to take our picture, we even say to make sure you can see Big Ben, and what does she cut out... BIG BEN. Idiot. So then we had to ask someone else but far enough away that she wouldn't notice. Why are we being so concerned about being polite to her? No idea.. but anyhow we did get a few of us and Ben, the Eye and other London Icons. We ended our evening on Brick Lane (Little India) for some lovely Indian food, free wine and a run-in or two with the homeless. I actually have a story about that, but think I'll leave that for it's own entry.

I just wanted to say that I am thankful for the few days I had with my chicas but as always wish I had more time with them. Saying goodbye this time was not as hard as I am sure we will meet again. There are very few women in my life who see all the Crazy, and these two have seen more then most, even a Kinder Surprise if you will. I never thought 3 very different people could get on so well. We each bring something to the relationship and I feel very lucky to be a part of our Threesome... Definitely BEST Threesome I've ever had.



I love you ladies, until we meet again... XOXOXO

Jolly Ol'England

If you haven't guessed I went to London, England.

The flight here was unlike most and without incident... no one died, no one threw up constantly, nothing out of the ordinary. Well I guess no incidents is out of the ordinary for me, but I digress...

I was the first to arrive, followed by Sponge and Guava. If you didn't know I went to London to reunite with the girls I met (and fell in love with) in South America last year. The first hotel we stayed at was so luxurious, we had views of lovely brick layer work and a bathroom that actually converted into a shower! Amazing I know. All you had to do was drop the curtain and Viola! Shower. The beds were also interesting, they must have been Chinese as according to Guava she had acupuncture in her sleep from the springs. The second day we checked in to a much less elegant Hotel.. the Sheraton Park Hotel, with views of Hyde Park, porters, robes, oh and cleaning ladies!!


As for London, as we have all been here our main objective is to spend time together. So other then Camden Town (above) which I hadn't been to before, we aren't really doing anything touristy. Unless bar hoping is considered touristy. Seriously we've gone from cafe to bar, rinse... repeat.

Oh I almost forgot speaking of rinsing, the water pressure at the Sheraton was incredible. I swear I washed of the last 3 people who 'touched' me!! (Paraphrased that one) lol.

Magnetta-what? Magnettawan :-)

To Survivor Island and Back!

What a lovely weekend to go to Magnettawan. Nestled on Lake Whally Dr.G&M's wedding party headed to the cottage for a weekend of food and fun.


We played badminton, soccer, the boys fished and BJ & I went for our traditional boat ride. As tradition would have it by the time we made it to Survivor Island BJ annoyed me enough to jump ship. So I swam back to the cottage. Must have taken me at least 2 hours, I have no idea... but when I left they were starting lunch when I got back they had eaten. I was very sore all night and afraid for the morning but in the morning I felt great!

The weekend was fun and relaxing... the best way to spend a long weekend. Looking forward to cottaging again next summer, hopefully at a cottage of my own.

My Last 2 Days in Cowtown :-(

Quickly my trip came to an end on Monday June 4th.

Sunday was a day of rest for all, CM & I headed back to the city to recover from the last 3 nights out. We got some snacks and settled in on the couch to have a nap and watch a movie. For dinner one of CM's best friends made us dinner at her house. Dinner was fabulous and the company was great. CM has some really great friends over there... I will be happy to move out there when we get married ;-)

Monday I spent the day with JMA. We planned to do some shopping in Kennsington, but that ended around noon when we discovered a rooftop patio that served Margaritas and Sangria... so we spend the afternoon relaxing on the rooftop and having some quality time. Until I had to head out to the airport :-(

Good-bye was sad, especially for me to say by to CM, he was the best host ever, I hate that I don't see him more often. Thanks Merks!!

Banff

Bright and early Saturday morning we headed to Banff Alberta to spend the day with nature. What a lovely town. We got there around noon and had lunch on a rooftop patio. The sun was beating on us as we looked at snow capped mountains.

We were joined by JMA & DC in the early afternoon and we got a well guided tour (by CM) of Banff. We started with a trip to the Top'O'Canada .. or at least Banff in a poorly ventilated gondola. DC & I walked up to the peak whilst CM & JMA played with mountain goats... The views were breath taking. Despite seeing many, many mountain ranges in my day, each time it amazes me how the world has such miracles in nature.

In the evening CM treated us to Beergaritas!! I can't tell you what is in them but there is definitely more alcohol in one glass of it then in a bottle of wine I think. Then we headed to 'The Aurora' The local Night Club. I have to tell you, other then being older then most people by 10 years, it was sooo much fun. GW & JW joined us around 1 am as well. All & all a great day/night in Banff.

Calgary Zoo

Friday crawling out of bed after a late night Thursday was a challenge for sure, but we got up to greet the sunny day and headed to the Calgary Zoo.

The Zoo was huge! We saw Elephants, Monkeys, Giraffe, Hippos, Moose and so much more... my favourite I think was the Gorilla.. CM liked the Moose which I find odd as he is from Thunder Bay and I suspect there are a lot of moose there :-) CM & I also really liked the Otters. The combination of animals, wild children and extreme heat was enough to exhaust me and work up a fierce appetite, so CM & I met GW for Dim Sum in Chinatown (China Mall really).


We ordered enough to feed Hong Kong, and despite the servers advice we continued to order... we weren't able to eat it all of course, but I did learn a valuable lesson. I like pork buns. We Digested our Dim Sum (Dim Sum which I haven't been able to eat by the way since I threw it up out my nose way back in Dec in NYC.) and headed to a Cigar bar for a smoke.

The evening was fairly low key as we were heading to Banff the next day and I wanted an early start. So we went out to a few bars and came home before 2 am believe it or not.

Save a Horse...

Ride a Cowboy

So bright and early this morning GW and I got on a plane and headed West to his homeland of Calgary, Alberta. The flight was more then enjoyable. I don' t know if it was because I'm such a delight in the morning, if it was the excitement to see CM, or the lovely smelling bathrooms of WestJet Airline, but the trip to Calgary was great despite leaving TO before 6 am. I don't want this to become an ad for WestJet, but it was the first time I'd flown with them and the service was great, the plane was clean, the bathrooms really did smell good and the seats were as comfortable as they could be with *Bonus* individual tvs. As I don't have cable at home I always love the opportunity to see what everyone else is talking about. So the day started well which only meant good things ahead.


We arrived to a bright and sunny day in Cowtown where GW and I sat on a patio and had some lunch while we waited for our friends to finish their workdays. CM picked me up in the early afternoon to take me back to his place where he made me an awesome dinner and we spent hours catching up on the last 4 years. Although everything in our lives has changed, our friends ship still hasn't.

In the evening we visited with some of his friends and then met up with GW and his friends for a few drinks in downtown Calgary. I believe it was on 17th street which is their main drag.

A great first night in Cowtown.

New Years Eve in New York City

Happy New Year!!Location: New York, New York

The Last day of 2006 and where best to celebrate a fabulous year, but the fantabulous city of New York. The group of us, 7 in total, headed to Cipriani's Ballroom for a New Years Eve Gala, yes I said Gala. Seriously we were all decked out in our finest fatigues, ready for food, booze, and fun New York Style (similar to the cheese cake with less cheese, more sauce).

The evening started with line ups, endless line ups, IDs checked, tickets taken, coats hung, buffet eating... it was not what we expected, but it wasn't going to put a damper on the evening. The attempt to get booze was an ordeal itself. Trying to get drinks at a crowded bar anywhere is hard, trying to get a drink at an open bar requires 2 things 1) Being pushy, and little helps (as I am) 2) having the ladies on display, which I also did :-). So first round I got 4 drinks and everyone else ordered the same and we settled in at our own made bar in the corner. We were lock, stocked and soon to be loaded. The night progressed well, we danced, we laughed, the DJ missed midnight. True ... so at about 12:03 we counted down to 12:04 and brought in the 4th minute of the New Year.

The night would not have been complete without a few bloopers. For example TG's tits out, Me falling flat on my face while attempting to do the running man, and TG and LS's stumble on the sidewalk in the rain. As you know upon arrival we didn't expect we would be the last to leave, but honestly I wasn't surprised. Before we knew it it was 4:30 am, the lights were on and it was time to go. We gathered our things and headed home.

I hope you all had a wonderful New Years Eve and have a fabulous 2007. To quote my hungover self "2007 is the Year of Year!" Make the most of it.

Bless

New York in Style

Location: New York, New York

Visiting New York City during the Christmas Season is like being inside a Pinata. Bright lights line the streets, tinsel surrounds, there are Christmas trees at every corner and music plays from the speakers above. The weather is surprisingly nice, not too cold at all. LS and I arrived first around 10 am on Wednesday and quickly hit the streets of SoHo to do a little shopping and get us some lunch. The day was wonderful, we felt like real New Yorkers roaming the streets. AJP was the next to arrive around 6:30 in the evening. After dinner we went for a long walk up Broadway, through the East Village to Time Square, where we met Elizabeth Berkley. We then took a fabulous Rickshaw ride (above left) around Time Square to Rockefeller Centre to see the big Christmas Tree! Had a bit of a photo shoot there as well. It was getting fairly cold at this point and it was getting late so we made our way back to the apartment.

Thursday was spent in SoHo again, LS and I wondered into all the fancy shops just to see what we couldn't afford. AJP also went shopping but on his own. The majority of the afternoon was spent in Washington Square Park (right) where they also have a tree. I people watched and read my book until it got too cold. TG arrived around 7 pm and he began to pour drinks immediately. We headed out to a party at the Maritime Hotel's bar Hiro around 11 and met up with Silent Observer S.S. Who I met in South America and her boyfriend M.S. We had a great time dancing the night away which of course implies I was drinking, and I was. I blame the group for getting me too many rounds and not getting me home until 4 am off my chopps.

Friday was a right off for me. I went for Dim Sum with LS, AJP and a friend of L's but quickly came back home to sleep as I was having the worst hangover of my life. Despite same they managed to convince me to go out with them Friday night to Marquee the hottest bar in NYC at the moment. I had a nice time there, but was careful not to drink too much. Wasn't willing to feel like death 2 days in a row, can't miss another day in NYC. The others on the other hand went all out. We again didn't get home until 6 am. That was after our traditional Limo Ride to the "Flame" 24 hour restaurant for Chicken Salad Sandwiches.

Saturday was a day to relax, by the time we got in gear and had something to eat it was 3 pm. I then went on a mission with AJP to find boots, which I did. We then had a nice time chatting, catching up and having our favourite Starbucks coffee. We didn't want to go out and ruin New Years so we spent Saturday night very low key. Inside enjoying the warmth and chillin'. AJP & TG went out for a bit, but the girls stayed in and had some girl time.

The Finale

Location: Santiago, Chile

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Santiago,_Chile
Santiago was the final destination on my trip around South America (for now). I was hear for only 2 1/2 days and now I must depart.

We arrived early Sunday Morning, not sleeping well on the bus I took a nap until about 9:00 am at the hotel. Upon awakening the group took a short walk around downtown. Shit it was hot! Had a horrible lunch experience the waiter was awful and the food was worse. At the end Guava smiled at the waiter and said "That was disgusting, thank you", he looked confused but saw her smile, so smiled back. I busted a gut.

In the afternoon I went on my own to see the Cathedral and Christmas Tree; not 'cause I like Christmas, but because I am always amazed to see Christmas decorations in a tropical climate. I enjoyed the street people the culture, the chaos the heat and sucked in as much as I could. In the evening we went for a Peruvian dinner, tried Chiviche, had lots of good wine, Pisco Sour and a nice risotto. Afterward we went out for another farewell night out but being Sunday there wasn't much. We ended up at a dodgy bar, with good music and bad drinks. Ended fairly early, but somehow on the way home we managed to 'bar hop' get a few more drinks and some smoke and had a fun walk home, sorry back to the hotel and continued our pow wow in our room.

Monday the girls and I had a nice breakfast at which I thought I might have drugged myself. I realize that needs an explanation. I went to put sweetener in my coffee and when I open the packet and poured the contents in what fell out of the little bag was not powdered sugar but sugar in pill form. I just looked up at the girls and said, 'I think I just roofied myself ' jokes of unwillingly masturbating of course followed. I digress, in the afternoon we headed to the Concha y Toro vineyards for a wine tour. Some of us were there to learn about vineyards, and some of us were there solely for the wine... I fell into the later group. That being said the tour was good but it was almost too hot to be outside again.

Once we got back I decided I was going to treat myself to Gelato. We bid farewell to Dwende (bye bye Peruvian guy) and went to Estrada to find ice cream. I ate a huge ice cream and when I was done I went in for Guava's left overs. I ate so much I couldn't have dinner, but I still went to check out the new group of travelers and to say goodbye to the old ones. This was it, the end was near. I was sad to go, but excited to get home.

This morning we went for another healthy breakfast, walk and said goodbye, this time to me. I have to admit I was a bit emotional. I think Guava cried, bless her, but that didn't break me, it was more when the city was passing me by through the window of a cab. I had such a wonderful trip, met some wonderful people, had a ton of fun and so many laughs. I couldn't have asked for a better trip.

I would like to send a shout out to my new found friends Guava and Sponge Bob. Honestly they are a big part of what made my trip so good. Guava has so much passion and emotion it is contagious. I was lucky enough not to catch it (kidding) but appreciated how open and honest she was about her feelings, something I've never been. Sponge is a strong, fun, independent, brilliant women. I could always count on her to make me laugh or smile when the rest of the group was gossiping or judging. Thank you both, I heart you.

Crazy (me) Guava (Ria) and Sponge Bob (Jen)

Ain't No Mountain High Enough

Location: 3000 metres above Pucon
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Villarrica_%28volcano%29

Today I hiked up Volcano Villarrica one of Chile's most active Volcanos. . Bright and early (after 3 hours of sleep) we were off to have breakfast, suit up and climb a volcano. Regardless of the lack of sleep I felt better then I did the night before which proves my theory that beer is good for you.

It was the most challenging thing I think I've ever done. It wasn't just physically challenging but mentally. When you are standing on a snow capped mountain, sweating your ass off, exhausted and hungry you look 1800 metres down and 1000 metres up and the thought of walking any further up is daunting. It would be so much easier to just go back down, I mean the views from here were already magnificent why do I have to continue. Well as I answer myself I didn't come this far to give up. So I continued with the Odyssey :-)

The walk had ups and downs, I had fears and doubts but it was worth it. I don't know how long it took, I think it took 4 hours to get to the top. I was one of the slower walkers, I felt fine, in fact I got more energy the higher, closer I got. When we got to the 'Top of the world' I felt like I was in heaven... or at least what I would picture heaven to look like. I was above the clouds for crying out loud! It really makes you appreciate the wonders of nature. Honestly not even my pictures can capture the essence, but I did my best.

I felt that this trek was the kick in the butt I needed during a vacation of debauchery. The best part of the hike was getting down. We had to slid down the mountain on our butts. When I was 10 it would have been the perfect tobogganing hill, now, it was fun for about 1500 metres, and then I was over it :-) I was tired and headachey from the altitude, and soaking wet. Couldn't wait to get back to the Hostel and peel off my underwear.





On a side note I wanted to wish a Happy Birthday to my friend Dee back home. I just want you to know while you are out celebrating 3o years I will be trying to sleep on a night bus... again :-(

Rafting & Riding in Chile

Location: Pucon, Chile http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pucon

I have just spent 2 days in Pucon, and they were fun packed - there is lots to do here, so here goes.

First day I went White Water Rafting. It was great fun, better then in Oz, the water was a little cold, but all suited up you didn't really notice. I got some funny shots of me being a 'serious' paddler, and of few of me being an asshole :-) No one fell in, but there might have been some I wanted to throw in ha ha. No we actually had a fun boat, it was Me (Top Right), Dwende, Sponge, Guava and Raton.. and the only one I was worried would fall out was Raton cause he is tiny, I'd have to save him :-) A few funny incidents for the girls trying to getting into their wetsuits. For some reason I was last in the change room and when I walked in ALL the girls had their wetsuits on backwards! I giggled, no I laughed out loud, I was like, the reason they look lumpy is 'cause you all have them on backwards. Then I left my shoes in the change room (that we never went back to) so I had to go home barefoot. Good going Scarps. In the evening we went to bed early as we had to climb the Volcano the next day.

Day two we were suppose to hike up the volcano, but the weather was shit so it was postponed. It rained until about 3:00 and then Laura, Raton, Guava, Sponge and I went horseback riding. The ride was fun, the views were spectacular, but my butt was sore. I think it would have been fine except that my horse decided to run at almost full speed away from the group. I thought I was going to fall off, and for the first time ever I was afraid... mostly 'cause I didn't want to break something as I had to climb the volcano the next day, but also as I didn't want to fall in the mud/shit etc. With the help of our guide I was able to stop her... and was happy to get off.

In the evening despite having to climb a volcano the next day (or in anticipation that it would be cancelled) I had a few too many drinks, and that was just at dinner... then I continued until 3 am. Call me a moron. I woke up in the morning at 6 am feeling like shit as I couldn't sleep and instead of catching up I drank... again stupid.. or was it?

Fifteen's a crowd

Location: Puerto Varas, Chile
Spent Three days in Bariloche, Argentina (above) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bariloche. Bariloche is like the Whistler of Argentina, or so I've heard as I have never been to BC. It is at the top of the Patagonia Mountains, East side of the Andes, and absolutely gorgeous. Was there for three days, and spent most of them alone. Although I love that I constantly have people to travel with, it has gotten a bit much for me; I'm not use to the constant crowd. At the moment there are 15 of us travelling together so I felt it was time for a break. I spent a lot of time alone wandering, writing, relaxing and absorbing.

All I wanted to do while there was go Paragliding, but the weather was so unstable that I couldn´t go. So everyday I stood on the edge of a cliff waiting for the right wind. LOL. That's not totally true it was only one day, the other days I just got a phone call telling me I couldn't go.

I liked relaxing all day in Bariloche and a few nights we went out dancing. Surprisingly I really enjoyed myself dancing... more rock music less 80s. It's not that I hate dancing so much as I can't dance, but a few drinks and I don't care!

After Bariloche we came to Puerto Varas, Chile http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Puerto_Varas . The first night here we had my favourite dinner so far. We went to a Chilean BBQ and I had Congia (white fish) and Arabic Rice and veggies, it was soooo good! Mmmm 'bout time too, having a hard time eating well in S.A. The next day Dwende, Sponge and I hiked up this small mountain to go Canopying. Of course once we got to the top it was closed so we sat around for a while, had a photoshoot and headed back down the mountain. On the way down through the meadow Dwende claimed to see a snake. He came running and screaming up the hill like a little girl. I had to go a head of him to ensure there was no snake... oh Dwende. When we finally got back to town we were starving so we went for the best pizza in town, and it was good... very, so was the beer. The next day a group of us were able go canopying. It was lots of fun, not scary at all, which I would have preferred :-) Glad there was a bigger crowd as I think that made it more fun, specifically to watch Guava.

No Sleep 'Till Bus Ride!

Location: Buenos Aries

Okay silly title I know, but being as I was only in BsAs for a few days I had to make the most of it and not waste anytime sleeping :-)

Our second last day in BsAs we met the new group of travellers joining us from BsAs to Santiago, Chile. Jess, a new traveller, Sponge, Guava and I went for a walk in the poser part of BsAs called Palermo. We walked through Plaza Italia, the Botanical Gardens, and basically the streets to just absorbed the energy and lets be honest, guy watch. Once we got back to the Hotel it was time to wish farewell to Heffe Cabrone (Freddy) "Bye Bye Freddy Bye Bye". It was actually sadder then I expected a fairly emotional goodbye for me, I didn't cry or anything, but it sucked.

This was our last night in BsAs so we got all dolled up and met the new group for dinner. During the introduction Guava made me laugh so hard I had to leave as tears came out of my eyes. Nice first impression I gave to the rest of the group I'm sure. I digress. Dinner for 15 followed the meeting and then it was off to party for the night. Not all 15 of us went out, but 2 cabs full of people did. Dulio (new tour leader) aka Dwende (Dwarf) took us on a champagne cab ride to a bar in the sub-burbs where his friend was DJ-ing. Although it was small we had fun dancing and of course meeting boys :-) Once the bar closed (about 2:30am) a few of us got in cabs again and headed to a club at the Marina. It was a full on dance party! I would say it was similar to a North American Rave, except they served booze. I had a ton of fun, actually ended up leaving around 4:30 am and going to another party that looked like it was in a school gym or something.. Again very rave like. By 8:00 am I was ready to go, so I hopped in a cab, found the hotel and tried to sneak in under the radar. Didn't happen. No matter though I had a fabulous final evening in BsAs.

Not wanting to waste my final day, Sponge and I went to Plaza Italia again, walked south down Liberator to the Japanese & Rose Gardens to see this bridge she wanted to see. On the way were propositioned to make a movie, a dirty movie, I laughed in the guys face and said no thank you. Hung over and tired we saw the bridge, took pictures, and headed back to the hotel for yet another shower. I have found that I have to take 2 or 3 showers a day in BsAs as in addition to the heat it is also smoggy here, so you just feel dirty all the time. Anyway, we had a late lunch, showered and got ready for the overnight bus to Bariloche.

BsAs to Bariloche is a 20 hour bus ride, but I was ready for it, as I needed sleep! Guava, Maharani and I were on a separate bus from the group, but that actually made it a bit more fun. Maharani got her flirt on, Guava had a child crushing her, and I had wine and caught up on my sleep. Yeah! This is where my trip was suppose to end.. but it didn't ;-)

I Heart Buenos Aries

Location: Buenos Aries

I said it, I heart BsAs and I do! I arrived in B. A bright and early on Monday morning; what a FABULOUS City! http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buenos_aires It is big, beautiful, smoggy, alive and sooo full of energy. It is often referred to as the Paris of South America, but I think it is the New York of South America, partly as I've never been to Paris, but mostly because I Heart NY!

BsAs is crazy hot, and as I said smoggy, but that didn't affect my love for her. The tree-lined streets, European (I believe 18th century) architecture, julliette balconies as far as the eye could see. Monuments on every corner, outdoor shops, parks, people and most importantly men, beautiful ones! Frickin Fabulous. They say god made Rio on the 7th day, I disagree he made BsAs. I really can't say enough about it, I don't know what it is, it is just a feeling. I feel like I am absorbing some kind of energy here that I can't compare to any other. It is relaxed but chaotic. It is fast paced but people seemed to enjoy the moment. It is is perfect. Ok enough gushing about BsAs, on to what I did. First day I took a crappy sitting on a bus city tour. Saw all the monuments from the window of the bus. We did get out in a colourful (literally) little area called La Boca. Wandered for about 1/2 hour got back in the bus and went back to the hotel. Although it was a lot of sitting on a bus I got a good idea where I want to head back to.

Evening was spent at a typical Argentinian buffet, similar to a Brazilian but they don't bring you the meat. It was called Siga La Vacca meaning 'Follow the Cow', and for $11 you get a full dinner buffet a bottle of wine and dessert. We were there until about midnight, I really enjoyed it, not just the food but the company, everyone was in good spirits at the same time, it was nice.

The next day I wandered the city, started with a group of us and we slowly lost and gained and sometimes wandered alone. We went to Rigoletta to see some monuments up close, the churches and the cemetery where Eva Peron is buried. That was not what I expected, it was all cement, no grass just mausoleums. I really liked it there, felt Serene, at peace, it was a good experience.

In the evening a group of us went to a Tango show. It was a tango lesson, dinner and show. Not exactly my cup of tea, but Guava, Sponge and Heffe made it fun. I drooped Sponge trying to dip her and giggled as fat old ladies pushed around their husbands. The food was really nice as was the wine, thanks Heffe, and of course the company.

Montevideo

Location: Montevideo

Day two in Montevideo I went to visit my father's cousin who lives here. Turned out his cousin was 85 and her daughter who I thought was the original cousin was about 55 or something. Anyway, she picked me up - the young one, Cousin T :-) took me around town but mostly to her house. There I was lucky enough to get bitten by her dog, eat a half raw chicken, and meet every neighbour or street person she knew. It was interesting to say the least. A bit stressful to be honest as interesting as she was (which she was) she was also very negative. So, that being said I'll move on.

In the evening I was able to get back to the hotel on time to meet everyone before dinner. I wasn't that hungry and a bit cranky so I tried to drink my dinner to cheer me up. After a few drinks we went to a club. This time a who lot of us.. Me, Sponge, Guava, Heffe, Maharani, Kat and Faye.. We danced to 80's music all night again. Yeah, mood lifted.

Today I just ran around Montevideo trying to see what I missed the day before... kind of did a drive by with cousin T. This afternoon we took a bus to Colonia , a cute little Colonial Village on the waters edge of Uraguay. The Picture below is in Colonia, my attempt at Ocean's 11 I call it Scarpino's 5.

Tomorrow Buenos Aries.