Buenos Aires and Bariloche, Argentina

Trekking down to the southern hemisphere, I decided to take a trip to Buenos Aires and Bariloche, Argentina. Mesmerized by the European influence, cafe culture, and spectacular architecture, I instantly fell in love with Buenos Aires. Coming from Venezuela, I expected something more latin, but on a larger scale. Instead I found a true hodgepodge of latin and european influences. There were so many museums, and parks, and shops and restaurants, that I didn't know where to begin my eating and shopping-sprees. Luckily, I met some a friendly australian and norwegian and we set off to explore the city and all it has to offer. Whether it be exploring the Recoleta Cemetery where Evita is buried or dancing until the wee hours of the morning we enjoyed every minute of it. We took tango lessons and failed (or at least I did) horribly at it, walked around the theater district, met a few locals and plenty of expats, and probably drank enough cafe con leche to last us a month. I felt truly comfortable and relaxed in such an energetic yet peaceful city.

After a few days in Buenos Aires, my friends set off to Rio de Janeiro and I went to Bariloche. Since it was summer in Argentina, that was a big mistake. Unless you are going to ski in Bariloche, I'm not sure it's worth it. Don't get me wrong, the views were amazing and the mountains and lake were truly picturesque, but after a vibrant city like Buenos Aires there are only so many mountains you can stare at. I did get to see a few adrenaline junkies para-glide off the mountain and I took a relaxing boat ride to the island that inspired the movie Bambi.

Back in Buenos Aires, I ate lots of steak, read in the park, and relaxed as life passed by. It was exactly what I needed after a few stressful months in Caracas. And although I'm not stationed there, BA is definitely a place worth visiting again and again and again!

Traveling to Quito for Thanksgiving we replaced Turkey and Stuffing with Empanadas and Locro de Papas (Cream of Potato Soup), and my friend and I ate our way through the second highest capital in South America (Behind La Paz). Wandering through the historic city center on cobblestone streets we visited the Gran Plaza which conveniently had a parade or protest (we couldn't really tell) that day and we saw the "La Compania" Church with has 7 tons of gold. The grandeur overwhelms you as well as the bright shiny metal. Climbing the top of the Basilica you take your life in your hands as you grasp onto the rickety steps going straight up. The view is well worth it. You see the majestic views of the surrounding mountains as well as the architecturally intriguing downtown. Heading north of Quito, Mary and I visited the "Mitad del Mundo" monument and we were able to be in both hemispheres at once. We continued to a hacienda near the town of Octavalo which has a world famous market. Located next to towering volcanoes (thankfully which are inactive) and a wide open lake. We bought rugs, scarves, hats, and the list goes on. They conveniently sold woven Ecuadorian bags we could use as extra luggage. We didn't make it to Galapagos Islands so Ecuador's definitely worth a return trip. Plus it's cheap and the food is amazing!

Trip to Lara State, Barquisimetro, Quibor, and Sanare

Waking up to a sleepy Caracas on saturday my friends and I set off to Western Venezuela in search of artisanal crafts and the next adventure. As with all developing countries, you're bound to hit some road bumps (or road blocks) along the way. We wound through the mountains and barrios of Western Caracas and finally reached the two lane, pot hole infested highway where we began our dodging act, keeping our fingers crossed to avoid yet another flat tire.

The scenery of Western Venezuela is very distinct from eastern Venezuela. Eastern Venezuela is drier, has more beaches, and reminds me of a Florida city gone wild during a latino music festival (but just without all those nice American amenities).

Western Venezuela, on the other hand, is covered with mountains, and numerous pueblos tucked away in every corner. Upon entering the city of Barquisimetro (one of the cultural capitals) you seen a vibrant city with a park. Even though that doesn't seem so spectacular, it is for Venezuela. And I was impressed to see actual trash cans. Not sure if people use them, but at least they pretend. Beyond the city you can see a landscape that reminds of the Western U.S--30 miles of open land with rocky green mountains at the very end.

We got lost, of course, trying to find the small towns that supposedly have great wood and crafts. After a torrential rain, desperately searching for food, and a long trip down a dirt road, we came upon the town of Guadalupe. The town was so small that it consisted of a plaza with a church and roughly 5 or 6 buildings. Tucked away behind the church was a small shop that had everything wooden (Animals, Fruit, bowls, statues, utensils). Trying to get the best prices on what we wanted (big mistake since that was the cheapest place) we continued down our dirt road. There were little stands scattered along the way. We stopped at a few and saw how each artisan varied their technique slightly yet still had a beautifully finished product.

We continued to wind through the towns and came upon one that specialized in inlaid wooden boxes and tables. I guess we got lucky, because he had friends around the corner who specialized in bowls and coffee tables. Going from house to house and buying items from people's living rooms was interesting, but that's how you find the good deals. All of these artisans work out of their backyard and sell items from their house. I got a coffee table and numerous boxes.

After driving through the countryside for endless hours, we decided it might be good to venture towards our posada before nightfall. Too late! We got lost again and luckily didn't get robbed when we stopped and asked for directions in the barrio. Finally, approaching the posada up a mountain that was tucked away from time and all neighbors, we pulled into a quaint little honeymoon-like getaway. We basically gobbled down dinner and passed out from the day's exhaustion.

In the morning we saw the view that was obscured by the pitch black night. Beyond the posada (and the interesting unicorn that the posada was so proud of) you could see for miles and miles. Hills rolling into mountains folding into sky. The different shades of green and blue and brown swam through the landscape. We could have stayed there for hours, but our drive back to Caracas forced us to get our sore backs and tired bodies into the car and set off.

Passing through the vendors of black beans, dulce de leche, coffee, oranges, and those random people who sell cell phone car chargers and hubcaps (I wonder which tourist they stole them from) we weaved our way back to the capital, taking our purchases and full stomachs through the spectacular views and horrific traffic. Just another road trip in Venezuela, but the views made it all worthwhile!

Mexico City

I recently did temporary duty in Mexico City and after exploring the city markets, world class musuems and eating plenty of tacos, I decided to venture out beyond the city limits to see the pyramids of Teotihuacan. These pyramids are about an hour away from Mexico City, but once you arrive at the site you are amazed all the open land with large towering pyramids stealing the landscape's view. You can hike up to the top, carefully choosing your step and grasping onto the rope for dear life. Once you get up to the top you can see for miles. It was a little ironic how peaceful the view was yet knowing over 1,000 years ago these pyramid were used for sacrifices to the gods. I tried not think about the lives lost as I carefully focused on not falling down the step steps.

For lunch we ate in a restaurant located inside a cave. We had plenty of authentic Mexican dishes as we watch the native dances to the region. We all piled back into the bus, tired and full, but with plenty of souvenirs and memories of the pyramids.