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!

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