Yay! Finally going back to the caribbean! St. John for a week then off to the BVIs for Christmas and New Years.
We sail on Friday and it will take about 5 days to arrive in St. John. While there our charters will be to Jost Van Dyke, Tortola, Virgin Gorda and some smaller islands along the way. I can't wait!
Friday, December 10, 2004
Tuesday, October 12, 2004
Back home in Rhode Island
Back in Rhode Island. Yay. I met a really nice South African dude on the flight back from Argentina. We talked to entire flight back. It's so great when you can meet people like that. I may never see him again. How sad is that? You wait your whole life to find someone you can connect with and then circumstances tear you apart. Oh well...
I have updated my website but no pictures of Argentina yet. I actually only took two. One of Evita's grave and the other one of the Iguazu falls. Really, I don't even know or care about Evita. I just like Madonna.
I have updated my website but no pictures of Argentina yet. I actually only took two. One of Evita's grave and the other one of the Iguazu falls. Really, I don't even know or care about Evita. I just like Madonna.
Monday, October 11, 2004
Stupid things I do in other countries
I was walking around this little town and this guy standing outside a supermarket or store or something starts talking to me in Spanish. I have no idea what he was saying. Four years of Spanish in school for what? Anyway, these guys are constantly saying something about wanting to kiss you or that you are from heaven or something. So I´m walking really fast because I try to get away from them. But he pointed to my arm. I guess he was pointing at my watch. Not really sure. All I could make out was that he said...ahora. So I was thinking about what he could have possibly said for about two blocks after that. Then I decided that he was asking for the time. So I walked all the way back and he was still standing there...so I walked up to him, pointed at my watch and said ocho treinta (8:30). In really bad spanish. He looked at me like I was crazy and started laughing hystarically. Then I realized I was I am crazy. So I ran away. Really, really fast. Why do I do stupid things like that? Does anyone else do that?
Saturday, October 09, 2004
What they think of us in Buenos Aires
So, since I have been here, I haven't met one person who likes the US or has anything good to say about us. In fact, where it used to be "I like Americans just not their government," it has now become, "I hate Bush. I hate the US. And what is wrong with Americans? They're fat and lazy and have no idea what is going on in the world." I can detect a huge shift in opinion. And this coming from Australians and English as a mutual consensus. The only person I met that didn't seem to care was this French guy. But I don't think he could understand what we were saying. These people are supposed to be our allies. I've always defended my country and even at times defended Bush. I have done so here as well. But now, people aren't so willing to understand or to listen anymore. But I'm not so worried about what the world things, I'm worried about what Americans aren't doing. I just want people to vote. I want people my age to get involved and understand that a lot of things are impacting us in this election and it's essential that we take a more active stance. Most of all, poverty is a huge issue. With poverty, comes lack of education and health care. I work for incredibly wealthy people and all I can tell you is that it is true...the rich are running the United States and as long as they are, the poor and middle class will continue to have less opportunities and less freedom.
Anyway, last night I watched the second debate from my hotel room. I thought Bush did a much better job this time. He was more forceful and articulate. The debate really helped in that I have decided not to vote for Nader as I was planning to do in protest. I guess that's it. I'm ranting and I know people hate rants on politics. I do. I don't want to choose sides anymore. I just want to make things better. I don't want my friends and family to have to work two or three jobs to just get by. The ones that do, they are just too smart for that. So, I guess I'm just trying to say that, I don't know what I'm trying to say. I hope I've alread said it.
Anyway, last night I watched the second debate from my hotel room. I thought Bush did a much better job this time. He was more forceful and articulate. The debate really helped in that I have decided not to vote for Nader as I was planning to do in protest. I guess that's it. I'm ranting and I know people hate rants on politics. I do. I don't want to choose sides anymore. I just want to make things better. I don't want my friends and family to have to work two or three jobs to just get by. The ones that do, they are just too smart for that. So, I guess I'm just trying to say that, I don't know what I'm trying to say. I hope I've alread said it.
Friday, October 08, 2004
Buenos Aires, Argentina
Right now, I am in Buenos Aires Argentina. I've been here for a week now. I got here on Sunday and went to this incredible market called "Feira de San Telmo" with vendors set up on cobblestone streets selling what in the United States would be considered crap. Fake antiques and little items you would find at your gramma's house like porcelein cats and tiny teacups.
But somehow, I found it charming and interesting. Best of all there were performers doing the Tango and musicians with amazing talent playing their instruments and these scruffy, truly bohemian artists selling their creations on the street. I loved it. I felt like it was the kind of place you could really be a part of while being yourself and you could be embraced for it.
The next day I went to Iguazu Falls on the border of Paraguay, Brazil and Argentina. The falls are the fourth largest in the world. The only words I can think of for this place are magnificent and spiritual. The place is still not a spot on the map where many tourists go so it doesn't have the trashy themepark feel. But it did kinda feel like Jurassic Park. I wanted to stay there forever, but decided I couldn't live without my MTV (in English).
I've met some really great, fun people here at my hostel but they are friendships that last only for a few days and then we all move on. Then, once again, I am left alone to wander the streets of Buenos Aires in anonymity. I recommend it to everyone-traveling alone that is. You are lonely, sad, and thrilled all at the same time.
I also got to visit Evita's grave. I have decided that Evita is the Hilary Clinton of Argentina. People love her and hate her all at the same time. I wonder if Madonna would play in a movie about Hilary? I learned about Che Guevera from a Cuban and an Argentinian and defended my country-as usual- to a group of people where no one was on my side. This is what I love about traveling. Now, I'm going to go continue my exploration of Argentina cause it is my last day. Adios!
But somehow, I found it charming and interesting. Best of all there were performers doing the Tango and musicians with amazing talent playing their instruments and these scruffy, truly bohemian artists selling their creations on the street. I loved it. I felt like it was the kind of place you could really be a part of while being yourself and you could be embraced for it.
The next day I went to Iguazu Falls on the border of Paraguay, Brazil and Argentina. The falls are the fourth largest in the world. The only words I can think of for this place are magnificent and spiritual. The place is still not a spot on the map where many tourists go so it doesn't have the trashy themepark feel. But it did kinda feel like Jurassic Park. I wanted to stay there forever, but decided I couldn't live without my MTV (in English).
I've met some really great, fun people here at my hostel but they are friendships that last only for a few days and then we all move on. Then, once again, I am left alone to wander the streets of Buenos Aires in anonymity. I recommend it to everyone-traveling alone that is. You are lonely, sad, and thrilled all at the same time.
I also got to visit Evita's grave. I have decided that Evita is the Hilary Clinton of Argentina. People love her and hate her all at the same time. I wonder if Madonna would play in a movie about Hilary? I learned about Che Guevera from a Cuban and an Argentinian and defended my country-as usual- to a group of people where no one was on my side. This is what I love about traveling. Now, I'm going to go continue my exploration of Argentina cause it is my last day. Adios!
Monday, October 04, 2004
Letter to dad from Buenos Aires
I love it here dad. Just love it. I went to a market yesterday in an area, San Telmo, that could best be compared to what Greenwich used to be (so I hear). Very bohemian and artsy but nice. There were professional tango dancers and street performers.
One thing that really has made an impression on me is yerba mate. Last night at the hostel I met a few new friends and we shared some mate. It´s a tea that is drunk among friends. It´s kinda like a peace pipe sort of thing. Anyway, I want to bring some back but I´m afraid customs is going to think I have drugs!!! Gotta go for now wasting time
when I could be exploring!
One thing that really has made an impression on me is yerba mate. Last night at the hostel I met a few new friends and we shared some mate. It´s a tea that is drunk among friends. It´s kinda like a peace pipe sort of thing. Anyway, I want to bring some back but I´m afraid customs is going to think I have drugs!!! Gotta go for now wasting time
when I could be exploring!
Monday, March 15, 2004
St. Martin
When I moved to St. Maarten after graduating from college in the US, I had never been to an island before and had no idea what to expect. I assumed that everyone lived in homes thatched with palm leaves. I was quite pleasantly surprised as I took the bus that wound through the hills of Dutch St. Maarten from Princess Juliana Airport to Philipsburg. What surprised me most overlooking P'berg from atop the high road leading into the town was the number of white houses with red roofs clustered in the land outside of the town. From there, everything looked pristine and beautiful.
As I disembarked from the taxi bus, paid the driver my $1, and made my way from Back Street to Front Street, I noticed that the roads were littered with trash, potholed, and narrow. I saw very few people as I walked toward the main road through alleys and side streets. I reached Front Street and that’s when I felt like I was in another world. Loads of camera-toting tourists immediately closed in on me, and I quickly understood that most of them were from the cruise ships. The street was lined with jewelry stores and souvenir shops.
If one walks from Front Street toward the bay, they will reach the boardwalk, which really isn't made of boards. No matter. It's a very nice stretch of restaurants and shops. At night, locals gather to sit out on the boardwalk and visit while their children play on the beach. My favorite restaurants are Taloula Mango's, which has happy hour every night from 5-7pm with free tapas. I also like Oualichi's across the Sint Rose Arcade. They have a very cute boutique of women's clothing. Of jewelry stores, I recommend Shiva's. As I have been living in St. Maarten, I have come to know the owners. They are very respectable and sincerely are concerned about the happiness of their customers with their purchases.
Also, don't miss Old Street. There is a lovely French bakery with great sandwiches and pastries. Overall, Philipsburg is a place that looks a little rough around the edges, but underneath it is quite a jewel.
As I disembarked from the taxi bus, paid the driver my $1, and made my way from Back Street to Front Street, I noticed that the roads were littered with trash, potholed, and narrow. I saw very few people as I walked toward the main road through alleys and side streets. I reached Front Street and that’s when I felt like I was in another world. Loads of camera-toting tourists immediately closed in on me, and I quickly understood that most of them were from the cruise ships. The street was lined with jewelry stores and souvenir shops.
If one walks from Front Street toward the bay, they will reach the boardwalk, which really isn't made of boards. No matter. It's a very nice stretch of restaurants and shops. At night, locals gather to sit out on the boardwalk and visit while their children play on the beach. My favorite restaurants are Taloula Mango's, which has happy hour every night from 5-7pm with free tapas. I also like Oualichi's across the Sint Rose Arcade. They have a very cute boutique of women's clothing. Of jewelry stores, I recommend Shiva's. As I have been living in St. Maarten, I have come to know the owners. They are very respectable and sincerely are concerned about the happiness of their customers with their purchases.
Also, don't miss Old Street. There is a lovely French bakery with great sandwiches and pastries. Overall, Philipsburg is a place that looks a little rough around the edges, but underneath it is quite a jewel.
Sunday, June 01, 2003
Letters from Barcelona III
Hey Carmen Sandiego(That's my new nickname for you because it sounds Spanish and because she is all over the freakin globe). How are things? So, going to Milano...lucky! I was watching the Amazing Race on TV yesterday(it wasn't actually yesterday, it was three
days ago, but you won't know the difference because you are living with Euro trash who don't get American stations)...the groups started in Milan and there were at some huge indoor shopping place that looked like a train station...it looks pretty cool, you should check it out. And then Switzerland...what the freak? Are you going skiing or something? You know people all over the place now...got the hook ups! Sorry about your relegation to the beginners class, that sucks. But now you can make fun of all the "beginnners" since
your skills are far superior to theirs now that you have taken the pre-intermediate. You can laugh at them and taunt them when that answer questions wrong.
If you do well enough in the beginners that might bump you up to super-expert class and you debate in Spanis and stuff...ja oder nein? Sorry this is one big paragraph, for some reason I can't push the return button so it just keeps typing like so. I guess I'll end for now since I don't want your eyes getting tired. Talk to ya soon...have fun in Milan, or wait Switzerland, or wherever you are going!
Hey Chris!
It's been a while since I have had the chance to email you. How's everything going with you? I got back from Italy and Switzerland on Sunday. Switzerland, the little part I saw, was gorgeous. I would live
there maybe if I knew French or German or Italian or that other language they speak. Alas, I know nothing. I have started speaking Spanglish. Where, when I need to speak in English is has a Spanish accent! AHAHAHAHA. It's really funny. I crack myself up. Next time I talk to wherever you may be, I'll speak some Spanglish to you.
Anyway, I'm SOOOO ready to come home. I miss not having to worry about not being able to talk to people. I went to la playa yesterday. That is the beach for all the lay people. My arms are so
so dark that If you just look at them I fit in with all the Spanish. But if you look at anything else such as my face it's white, white white. Kinda strange I spose. Well, Chris, I hope life is good with you. You're right about the Euro trash no one is better than us so called "Americans." Or would the poliically correct term be United Statesians.
Carmen
days ago, but you won't know the difference because you are living with Euro trash who don't get American stations)...the groups started in Milan and there were at some huge indoor shopping place that looked like a train station...it looks pretty cool, you should check it out. And then Switzerland...what the freak? Are you going skiing or something? You know people all over the place now...got the hook ups! Sorry about your relegation to the beginners class, that sucks. But now you can make fun of all the "beginnners" since
your skills are far superior to theirs now that you have taken the pre-intermediate. You can laugh at them and taunt them when that answer questions wrong.
If you do well enough in the beginners that might bump you up to super-expert class and you debate in Spanis and stuff...ja oder nein? Sorry this is one big paragraph, for some reason I can't push the return button so it just keeps typing like so. I guess I'll end for now since I don't want your eyes getting tired. Talk to ya soon...have fun in Milan, or wait Switzerland, or wherever you are going!
Hey Chris!
It's been a while since I have had the chance to email you. How's everything going with you? I got back from Italy and Switzerland on Sunday. Switzerland, the little part I saw, was gorgeous. I would live
there maybe if I knew French or German or Italian or that other language they speak. Alas, I know nothing. I have started speaking Spanglish. Where, when I need to speak in English is has a Spanish accent! AHAHAHAHA. It's really funny. I crack myself up. Next time I talk to wherever you may be, I'll speak some Spanglish to you.
Anyway, I'm SOOOO ready to come home. I miss not having to worry about not being able to talk to people. I went to la playa yesterday. That is the beach for all the lay people. My arms are so
so dark that If you just look at them I fit in with all the Spanish. But if you look at anything else such as my face it's white, white white. Kinda strange I spose. Well, Chris, I hope life is good with you. You're right about the Euro trash no one is better than us so called "Americans." Or would the poliically correct term be United Statesians.
Carmen
Thursday, May 29, 2003
Letters from Barcelona pt II
Dear Jerri, Hola(I was going to try and write this email in
Spanish, but as you can see I didn't get very far), how are things in Barthelona? I don't know if you watch MTV over there, but the new Real World is in Paris, not that you are in Paris, but it is still in
Europe. Glad to hear you finally had the courage to venture into a restaurant...I bet you were starving. Well, nothing much new here. I have been emailing random people from the past and seeing what there are up to...kind of fun. I am thinking about heading to Virginia in a week or so. I am not looking forward to the trip at all. Have you taken any long distance excursions yet or are you going to stay in the immediate vicinity? What about the beach, been there
yet...it's probably pretty nice this time of year.
So, when are you moving to Dallas or Austin? What will you be doing? To answer your question I am surviving without a job by not eating. It works out pretty good. Naw I have two more checks coming in from ACU and that should cover my gas and expenses to
Virginia, other than that I haven't bought anything since I can remember and my sister has been nice enough to cook and lodge me for free...that's what family is for I guess. When I get to Virginia, I will give my mom the rest of the money I have so I am not quite such a burden on her and will find some crap job for the summer before I leave.
Well, tell me more about your exploits...they are very interesting. Tell the Nigerian spies I said hello, and that Uncle Sam is watching them very closely.
Take care...be safe!
Chris
Hey Chris
Barthelona is at best ok. I'm not a big fan of it really. I can't really tell you why other than perhaps they don't speak English and I am ethnocentric and hate anyone who doesn't talk like me. That's why I go to places like Canada (the non-french part),England and Australia (I don't count Scotland because I can't understand them)
Real World is in Paris? That's awesome. I can't wait to get home and watch it! Chris, why aren't you using your degree and getting a job in that field to stop all evil and corruption as good ACU students do? Maybe you should not go to Virginia but rather Um
let's see...BARCELONA! Yes. Friday I am leaving for Milan to visit a friend that I have there and we're going to go up to Switzerland. YEA!
My latest exploits are as follows:
I was in a pre-intermediate class for Spanish and we change levels at the end of the week. Everyone else moved up to intermediate, but do you know where my profesora moved me? To the Beginners class!!! Which is four weeks behind the one I am in now. I am THAT
bad at espa¿ol. It was really embarrasing because she told everyone in class where we were going then I came last and she was like, Herri, you are impossible. Not really, but I've been pissed about it all day. So, back to the starting line. HAHA
Then lets see...what else. I had a Spanish lady ask me a question the other day...¿Cual es proxima? I said Sant Cugat and I was RIGHT! We were on the Subway and she wanted to know the next station. I thought that made me fluent but appearantly not according to my
profesora. Hmm, and then I saw a woman walking the other day with squeky shoes. It made me laugh. And I have ventured out to eating cereal and pan d'medio. Which I hope just means bread. Other than that, not much is going on. Hey, I hear Americans talking beside me! Should I say hello? Another interesting
thing, tonight there is going to be a demonstration against America and a month long boycott of American things like Coca Cola and other stuff. I'm thinking about joining.
Well, tell your family hola for me and give them
Spanish kisses. I'll let you figure out what that is.
Hasta Luego
Jerri
Spanish, but as you can see I didn't get very far), how are things in Barthelona? I don't know if you watch MTV over there, but the new Real World is in Paris, not that you are in Paris, but it is still in
Europe. Glad to hear you finally had the courage to venture into a restaurant...I bet you were starving. Well, nothing much new here. I have been emailing random people from the past and seeing what there are up to...kind of fun. I am thinking about heading to Virginia in a week or so. I am not looking forward to the trip at all. Have you taken any long distance excursions yet or are you going to stay in the immediate vicinity? What about the beach, been there
yet...it's probably pretty nice this time of year.
So, when are you moving to Dallas or Austin? What will you be doing? To answer your question I am surviving without a job by not eating. It works out pretty good. Naw I have two more checks coming in from ACU and that should cover my gas and expenses to
Virginia, other than that I haven't bought anything since I can remember and my sister has been nice enough to cook and lodge me for free...that's what family is for I guess. When I get to Virginia, I will give my mom the rest of the money I have so I am not quite such a burden on her and will find some crap job for the summer before I leave.
Well, tell me more about your exploits...they are very interesting. Tell the Nigerian spies I said hello, and that Uncle Sam is watching them very closely.
Take care...be safe!
Chris
Hey Chris
Barthelona is at best ok. I'm not a big fan of it really. I can't really tell you why other than perhaps they don't speak English and I am ethnocentric and hate anyone who doesn't talk like me. That's why I go to places like Canada (the non-french part),England and Australia (I don't count Scotland because I can't understand them)
Real World is in Paris? That's awesome. I can't wait to get home and watch it! Chris, why aren't you using your degree and getting a job in that field to stop all evil and corruption as good ACU students do? Maybe you should not go to Virginia but rather Um
let's see...BARCELONA! Yes. Friday I am leaving for Milan to visit a friend that I have there and we're going to go up to Switzerland. YEA!
My latest exploits are as follows:
I was in a pre-intermediate class for Spanish and we change levels at the end of the week. Everyone else moved up to intermediate, but do you know where my profesora moved me? To the Beginners class!!! Which is four weeks behind the one I am in now. I am THAT
bad at espa¿ol. It was really embarrasing because she told everyone in class where we were going then I came last and she was like, Herri, you are impossible. Not really, but I've been pissed about it all day. So, back to the starting line. HAHA
Then lets see...what else. I had a Spanish lady ask me a question the other day...¿Cual es proxima? I said Sant Cugat and I was RIGHT! We were on the Subway and she wanted to know the next station. I thought that made me fluent but appearantly not according to my
profesora. Hmm, and then I saw a woman walking the other day with squeky shoes. It made me laugh. And I have ventured out to eating cereal and pan d'medio. Which I hope just means bread. Other than that, not much is going on. Hey, I hear Americans talking beside me! Should I say hello? Another interesting
thing, tonight there is going to be a demonstration against America and a month long boycott of American things like Coca Cola and other stuff. I'm thinking about joining.
Well, tell your family hola for me and give them
Spanish kisses. I'll let you figure out what that is.
Hasta Luego
Jerri
Wednesday, May 28, 2003
Letters from Barcelona
So I have finally gotten the courage to go into places and order food and I even went into a papeleria (paper store) and bought a notebook the other day. The woman asked me how much they were en espanol and I said Cuatro. I was right!! My class sucks. See, I took cuatros anos in high school of espanol so I thought that made me pre-intermediate. Turns out I¿m not even close to that. So in my class everyone is talking to each other in Spanish and I have no idea what is going on. And then my profesore gave us homework and I did some of it right but most of it wrong. AHHH! What¿s worse is that all these people speak like 20 languages already and they are all my age. Anyway, I don¿t have anyone to go out with at night so I¿m kinda bored. So during the day I walk around Barcelona and spend most of my time being lost! Honestly! But then I found this place called San Fransico¿s Burrito Bar
and went in. It was REALLY good. I had a jamon buritto. I have finally deduced that my roommate is in fact a lesbian not by my own conjectures but I found a postcard to her from this woman named Kathy that she always talks about saying she couldn¿t wait to see her naked and they could play in the bathroom I mean
bedroom. Anyway, I¿m feeling a little more comfortable here but I still miss everyone and wish I could meet some people here other than the Nigerian bloke who keeps calling me! Anyway, I have no way of finding new friends other than in my class and they
are all weird scary people from places like Turkey and Sweden and one really holey guy from London. (He has like doscientos piercings and tattoos. (Doscientos=200! I¿m so smart!)
Oh yes, once again I only talk about myself to you. What did you do while you were in Canada? Did you go by yourself? Did you seen any moose? Where are you going to end up finally and last but not least. How are you surviving without a job? Are you going to come visit me when I live in Dallas? Well I need to go now and go out into Barcelona where I will surely get lost as usual! I miss ya Chris, and will hopefully see you soon.
Jerri
and went in. It was REALLY good. I had a jamon buritto. I have finally deduced that my roommate is in fact a lesbian not by my own conjectures but I found a postcard to her from this woman named Kathy that she always talks about saying she couldn¿t wait to see her naked and they could play in the bathroom I mean
bedroom. Anyway, I¿m feeling a little more comfortable here but I still miss everyone and wish I could meet some people here other than the Nigerian bloke who keeps calling me! Anyway, I have no way of finding new friends other than in my class and they
are all weird scary people from places like Turkey and Sweden and one really holey guy from London. (He has like doscientos piercings and tattoos. (Doscientos=200! I¿m so smart!)
Oh yes, once again I only talk about myself to you. What did you do while you were in Canada? Did you go by yourself? Did you seen any moose? Where are you going to end up finally and last but not least. How are you surviving without a job? Are you going to come visit me when I live in Dallas? Well I need to go now and go out into Barcelona where I will surely get lost as usual! I miss ya Chris, and will hopefully see you soon.
Jerri
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