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Published: July 30th 2006
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Don't Cry for Me Argentina!
The famous balcony of Casa Rosada where Evita inspired her country. Standing a front La Casa Rosada (home to the famous balcony from which Evita addressed her adoring crowds), I drew a deep breath and then proceeded to belt out "Don't Cry for Me Argentina" in my most powerful opera falsetto. I finished the grand performance with a ground shaking note (high "F") that would have brought even the likes of Bill Widby (the famous power tenor) to tears. Now, although I was unable to produce a response similar to that of Evita (Eva Duarte - the charismatic wife to President Juan Perón) I still managed to amuse myself and a few passer byers. This overwhelming burst of enthusiasm on my part was not only because I was in one of my favorite capitals thus far, but also because my stomach was starting to feel much better (it is almost back to abnormal). This couldn't have come at a better time since Argentina is known for its world renown steaks (thick, juicy, and super cheap!). I enjoyed my first hardy meal I had had in weeks at El Balcón, which is located in the center of San Telmo (the heart of the tango culture). Along with my delicious $3 Porterhouse steak (stop
drooling Lee; you too Roop!) I was entertained by the tango; performed before me on stage. I have to give it to Buenos Aires; this place has got style! On Sunday, I walked through the antiques fair at Plaza Dorrego (center of San Telmo - 4 blocks from my hostel); where live music filled the air, tango exhibitions went on in the center, and artists showcased their works. Intrigued by the seductive tango, I signed up (through my hostel) for a professional show held at the Michelangelo (a classy, top-notch joint - w/ the exception of me of course). The package included a pre-show reception (all you can eat and drink - appetizers, wine, and champagne) with a live saxophonist and brief tango performance; next came a free dinner and desert; followed by an hour and a half Tango Show (w/ around 20 performers). I sat there the full duration simply mesmerized by the moves and skillful grace of the dancers (similar to watching Tuck and Bobby at a night club). It made the salsa look like jumping jacks. I must say I really enjoyed the entire evening; it didn't hurt that I was the only guy accompanied by seven
females from my hostel. Now, that was the proper way to end my Birthday week!
The remainder of my time in
Buenos Aires was spent walking and riding the subway throughout the city. Stopping to eat steak here and chorizos there. I was just simply astonished by the size and vibrant pulse of this cosmopolitan city. Now, all that I needed to do was to compare it to the likes of Rio de Janeiro; which I can't stop hearing enough about. With this in mind, I finally decided that I couldn't return home until I had seen Rio; but that's not all. I have also decided that I must make a pit stop on my flight home and see the country that has been brought up again and again throughout my travels; Colombia! Don't get all frantic on me (Mom, Linda, Grandmothers!); there is nothing to worry about (rrright!). I am simply flying into Cartagena (on the northern coast - the safest area in the country), spending a few days, and then returning home. I spent an entire day hassling with my visa for Brasil (which I don't have yet!) and searching for cheap international flights back to the states.
At the time, I hadn't fully decided on my itinerary; it was all still up in the air. I couldn't find any specials or discounted flights directly back to the US. Surprisingly, after hours of searching, I found a combination of six flights (Sao Paulo, Brasil-Lima-Bogota-Cartagena-Bogota-Ft. Lauderdale-Orlando) that could get me back (plus stop off in Colombia) for about the same price as a direct flight from Brasil or Argentina. It all seems a little fishy though, especially the name of the airline - Cartel Air; but I'm not going to dwell on it! Well, there you have it. I will cross into Brasil at Iguazú Falls, take a bus to Rio (22hrs.), fly to Cartagena (Aug. 10th), and then fly to Orlando (Aug. 14th); where my dad will pick me up and drive me to Savannah, Georgia (soon after, I will make my way to Knoxville). Man, I can't believe I am almost home and my travels are ending! It is going to take some time to sink in - like the rest of the year.
Saying farewell to Buenos Aires, I caught a night bus (18hrs) north to Iguazú at the Argentina-Brasil-Paraguay border. Here, I finally got
my visa for Brazil, which has been the biggest pain of my trip (I will spare you the details). Following the torture, I signed up for a 2-day excursion of the falls; one day on the Argentina side and the other in Brasil. Argentina gives you the up close and personal look, while Brasil provides the grand overview. The area around Iguazú has been experiencing a serious drought recently, which means the water levels are severely down and the Itaipù dam (the largest hydro-electric power plant in the world and one of the seven modern wonders) is closed for the time being. Even in its depleted state,
Iguazú Falls was still an impressive sight to see. These awesome waterfalls are the largest and most powerful (not the highest-that title goes to the Angel Falls in Venezuela) in the world and are said to rank among the world's greatest natural wonders. When the waters are at their normal level, there is said to be a deafening roar that comes from the 260 different falls crashing 80m (1500 cubic meters of water per second- stop drooling Chad) into the river. In this period of drought, most of the falls are dry and the
The Tango Show
This was my only picture, b/c my camera went dead and I forgot my back-up batteries. The performers changed into different outfits throughout the show; kinda like a play. river shows significant water loss. Although, it is still very pretty and worth the visit. I spent the day walking through the park with a group of girls (Sophie, Albertine, Steph, and Bridgette) from my hostel. I don't know how I keep getting put in groups of all girls; but I'm not complaining. I think the Man above is trying his hardest to hook me up; I'm just not pulling my end! The day was fun despite the falls being in rare form. On one of the nature trails, I ran up ahead, hid, and popped out on Bridgette (a funny little Aussie); snorting like a wild pig. I think I nearly gave her a heart attack! She screamed louder than any person I have ever heard (well, except for the time when Mark was spooked by a mouse in the Broadway house) and nearly fell off into the woods. It made my day; I had tears of laughter in my eyes for an hour - poor Bridgette (and I wonder why I don't have a girl). The following day, I made my way across the border to the Brasilian side; but I decided not to pay the entrance fee
for the park because I had seen plenty the day before. Instead, I found a hostel, booked a ticket on the next bus to Rio (25hrs) for the following day, and I was off!
Wow, Argentina, what a country! I hate that I had to leave so soon, but I've gotta start wrapping things up. Don't worry though, I will return again someday. I still have to see Patagonia, the lake region (Arg. and Chile), and set foot in Ushuaia ( the southern most city in the world); but I'll let it warm up a bit (my timing was a little off). Well, here I come Rio - "Vamos a la Playa!" And as for you ladies back home; hold those babies in for just a couple more weeks (Don't even think about it Ash)- I'm almost home! Take care and I will talk to you soon!
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"Ash"
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Baby Watch 2006.
Don't think I can "hold off" till mid-August. One week left! Take care of yourself, and enjoy the rest of your journey. Sean and I have enjoyed keeping up with you along the way. We'll miss the journals. Mia, will be here soon!