Photo with Argentine Associate Justice

Buenos Aires

I have been in Buenos Aires now for 3 days. It's amazing what one can pack into such a short amount of time. I have sat in 6-7 lectures relating to Aregentine politics, economy, history, culture, justice system and women and human rights. I have assimilated amazing amounts of information. A local tour guide took us on an extensive tour of the city visiting many of the 100 neighborhoods in BA. Include in the tour was a visit to the cemetery where Eva Peron is buried. The city is an amazing mix of many European cultures. The people here are incredibly friendly all the while, on the news and in the papers there is a general dislike of America and american politics. Although one on one the people are kind and helpful. I am constantly being told to put my money away before I step out of the taxi.

Yesterday, we met an incredible woman, Dr Elena Highton de Nolasco, the first woman Supreme Court Justice in Argentina. She is in fact, the Deputy Chief Justice. Then in the late afternoon, I had a grand adventure in La Boca neighborhood, which is one of the most visited tourist spot but also the most dangerous and poorest of neighborhoods. The houses are all made of tin and painted in the brightest of colors. As it got dark we were told to leave quickly.

Today we were treated to an amazing tea with the US ambassador to Argentina, Vilma Martinez. I will upload photos later. The palace that her residence is in was quite spectacular as you will see. Finally, tonight we were treated to a tango lesson in which I discovered I was actually pretty good at and enjoyed. However, we were only taught very simple steps. On Thursday we will be seeing a tango show with professional dancers. It has been fun to see all the tango street performer. Tomorrow we will get out of the city to El Tigre and San Isidrio. It will be nice to get away from some of the noise and congestion of such a large metropolis.

Austin: The pre-departure orientation

I am now in Austin getting all of the background information from Professors in Latin America studies. The history of Argentina as a country is extremely complex and at times quite violent. Tomorrow we learn about womens rights history and then Saturday will bring the over night flight to BA. So for now we are headed to a Texas tradition of TexMex food with margaritas, although I'll make mine non-alcoholic. The UT in Austin has been very welcoming and I would love to come back here when I have more time. I'm increxibly tired and hopefully will have a better night sleep tonight.

Travel Troubles

     Well, in my zeal to have all my high tech electronic devices ready to go, we somehow managed to crash the computer I was planning on taking to Argentina.  So, I'm off to school tomorrow to see if my IT folks can fix it.  Fortunately if we can't get this one up and running I have other options.  I have bought my Argentine pesos, have travel size bottles for all my hair products and packed for temperatures from 100 degrees all the way down to below freezing. Alright, that's all for now.  For those of you also following Sage's journey through China, she is doing well, a little hungry, but enjoying her time there so far.

Argentina or bust

Just three more days and I will be on my way. Went to my favorite 2nd hand store today and bought some new to me clothes. Yeah! Put Sage on her plane this morning quite early and now it is my turn next. I probably won't post anymore until I reach my pre-departure orientation in Austin, TX on Wednesday. Until then enjoy our almost summer.

Location:SW Carson St,Portland,United States

T-Five Days

Well, school is finally out, my classroom is packed up and I'm finally able to turn my full attention to getting Sage ready to go to China and me ready to go to South America.  I'm starting to get all my stuff together as well as get all my technology up and working.  I now have a Skype account, webcam and soon I'll have my Ipod working with my new little laptop.

Welcome to all my new followers.  Stay tuned for more posts!

Travel Prep for my trip to Argentina

I am 1 and 1/2 weeks away from leaving for my summer (here, winter there)  adventure in Argentina.  I have acquired a large rugged suitcase, new hiking shoes, and all the sundried things I can think of to make my travel easier.  Please follow me as I prepare to travel to Argentina.  I will chronicle as much of my experience as possible.