Freddo

Freddo is not my new boyfriend but rather fresh Argentine ice cream and the closet store is just a few blocks away. So that means I’m skipping dinner and eating the whole 1/4 kilos tonight as a treat for walking I don’t know 49 miles today or something. (How come I think only drugs were measured in kilos?) The flavors I choose are Mente, Crema Irelanda and Chocolate Amagaro.

For the first time since I arrived at the casa, I took a cab today and still walked hours on end. I enjoyed all the honking and how calm people are despite buses cutting off 4 lanes of traffic to make a turn. Such a luxury to be in a car. Seriously, at one point today I got dizzy from all the exhaust I think. I have to always be aware of what street I’m on and crossing over because everything looks the same at this point. The same sign for Minikiosko, Telefonica, shops and shops and more stores. Thats one of the problems I find with big cities is the lack of natural landmarks to give reference and not being able to see the sun is very disorienting.

Today I saw a young couple making out, like whooa that should be saved for the bedroom. Not very common here to see PDA (public displays of affection).

I know the container is terrible for the enviroment, being styrafoam, but this little “cooler” is brilliant and after a 10 minute walk back to mi casa, it is cold cold cold. I hear in Brasilia the beer comes in sytrafoam too, so after being on the hot beach for hours you can enjoy a very cold cerveza.

Freddo

I found another bit of heaven tonight, a spa. Yep, I soaked in a huge bathtub with bubbles and all for 30 minutes tonight for 50 pesos, about $17. Worth every penny, I think it might have saved my life. Tengo fria, that means I am cold. The season is almost spring and today for instance, I think it was 55. So a hot bath was just what I needed since mi casa doesn’t believe in heat. With so much polution and noise here, I really need those places of refuge. I’m going back tomorrow night for another soak and then picking up my 1/4 kilo of hielo.

I heard back from the horse back riding guide and they are sold out for the trip coming up which is too bad as it fit my schedule perfectly. “My schedule” being get out of the city!

In the works is a trip to Salta on a 17 hour bus ride leaving at 10pm. They have a full bed on them so it will be easy to rest my eyes. And Iguazu Falls in Brasil. Colonia in Uruguay. I’ve held off making any decision about changing my flight to Ireland, keeping an open mind. I’m in contact with a beautiful retreat center in Ireland and I’m looking forward to the tranquility of lush green hills and happy (drunk perhaps) folk. Did I mention I am really excited about Ireland!?!!?!

Tonight I am full of Freddo and my muscles are relaxed so I go to sleep early. It’s just 10:15! I have been staying up till 3am and exhausted come 8 when I need to get ready for school.

BTW, here is the view from my school:

Funny, my feelings about Buenos Aires being a loud dirty chaotic city are shared by almost every Argentine I have met. Revelation: I am not a city girl. No kidding, lol. Taking the tiny elevator up to the 10th floor and walking up 1 more floor to the classroom I feel so out of my element.

Buenos Noches mi amigos.