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Published: July 23rd 2006
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Happy Birthday to me! I'm all alone in Chile. Feliz cumpleaños a mi! I made it to Thirty! Well, I am kicked back and relaxing in Santiago after a 23 hour bus ride through the northern desert region of Chile (the driest desert in the world). The ride was long and grueling, but the scenery was nice to look at (as far as deserts go). The Chilean capital is a booming metropolis, with skyscrapers elevated high across the city. Although, nothing can help but be dwarfed by the mighty Andes (second highest mountain range in the world) that lie only a few kilometers away. The snow caps make for a refreshing sight when surrounded by giant buildings and the noise of city traffic. Although, the mountain range is often obscured by the haze of smog that hovers over the city.
Santiago has the feel of an American or European city; with modern technology and the price ranges at a very close comparison. Chile is one of the more financially stable countries in South America; being a huge difference from that of Bolivia (the poorest country in South America). There in lies one of the reasons why I can't hang around here
too long (plus it is freezing down south). I still have a few more countries I want to visit; and if I stay in Chile much longer I won't even be able to afford to fly home. It is too bad though, I would have loved to have traveled through the southern lake district and on into the glacial region; but I can't do everything. I have talked to several people who have been all through Chile and have told me great places to see (I have seen the amazing pics too - it is tough to leave); but as I near the end of my travels I also near the end of my budget. Instead, I have decided to cut straight across to Buenos Aires; where I will attempt to get a travel visa for Brasil. If successful, I will head the Iguazú Falls on the Arg./Brasilian Border and on to Rio de Janeiro from there. I have decided to pick up the pace and attempt to be back home by the end of August. Uncle Curl wants to be around to welcome all of these little ones into the world. It really means a lot to me; so
I will hit some final highlights and be home soon.
Desiring to get out of the busy city for a couple days before my B-day, I decided to head over to the city of Valparaíso on the Pacific coast (2 hour bus ride). Valparaíso is a major port town with steep rolling hills just off its shores. What makes this city unique from other harbor towns are the hillside ascensores (elevators) that allow for quick access to the communities above. Ascensores are located at the base of each of the towns many hills to connect these residential areas to the lower level (main drag). I spent my time walking all through the city and really enjoyed my time in Valparaíso, but after two days was ready to return to my comfortable, huge hostel (La Casa Roja) in the capital. I made it back to Santiago just in time for my B-day and prepared to head on to Argentina the following day.
Wow, I can't believe that almost all of us are now in our thirties - oh how time flies. It feels like just the other day the guys and I were decorating all of you lady's (actually
your parent's) yards with toilet paper and covering your cars (theirs too - sorry Louise) in shaving cream. Man do I miss those days; it is so hard to believe that all of us men grew up to be so unbelievably mature. You'd might even say that the men have finally surpassed the women in this matter - or not (maybe even-ish....give or take...yeah I'm foolin'). Now, back to what's really important about July - my Birthday! There really wasn't much to do besides walk aimlessly, alone through the city - stopping to cry on occasion (whatever; you know that ain't right!). Some how every road lead me to where I was meant to be on my 30th B-day; the local Gran Cinema for a double dose of new releases (now that is Birthday Bliss!) I did some catching up on flicks, since I was in a city that was up to date, and even had me a mini B-day cake (I couldn't find any candles). So, instead of making a birthday wish this year, I just made a promise to myself that I was going to do four things upon my return home; visit with all of my friends
and family, avoid all types of public transportation, eat some proper country cookin', and embrace my toilet with a love like no other. You just don't know how much I look forward to these four simple things.
One thing is definitely starting to sink in as my time of traveling comes to a close; I have to find a JOB!!! I don't know though; I think I need a vacation after all of this travelling. Yeah, that's it! I wouldn't want to throw my body into shock by diving straight into the fast paced world of work. This is a very delicate transition that must be eased into very slowly and carefully. Man, a thought just dawned on me! When I return home, my pick-up line is going to be similar to that of George Costanza's;
Hi, my name is Jeremy. I am 30 years old, bald, broke, jobless, and I live with my mom. Would you like to take me out to dinner sometime?
Alright now, on a more serious note; I have been pulling some ideas together over the past six months that I will be looking into further when I return. Nothing is concrete; it is all really just a lot of ideas with many holes. What about firefighting you ask? Are you changing careers again for the 4th time? I just don't know what the
future holds, but I can't think with all of these questions. Stop putting so much pressure on me! Just leave me be!!!........just kidding! I know everyone always supports me in what every it is I decided to do (or at least you say you do- which is fine). Heck, I could just become a full-time babysitter with all of these youngin's you guys are popping out. The Moore's could actually pay me a full salary- sweet!
Well, that was it for Chile; I really didn't do it justice. I did see a lot of beautiful scenery, but it was all enjoyed through a bus window (sorry, no pictures). The city of Santiago was really nice; as far as big cities go. I am definitely more of a wilderness man than a city guy. But of course, I am heading to another capital - 23 hours away! Ugh!! When I get there, I am going to see a travel agent about my different options and make a final decision about my last stops. I have been on the lookout for cheap flights home and Rio de Janeiro is not looking good (plus a $100 visa just to get in). I
need to have enough money left over for my vacation when I return and to go see a proper doctor about my freakin' stomach. I believe it is going to take more than a few shots to kill what I've got. I have set an all time personal record for irritated bowels; somebody check with
Guinness for me - I may have taken the new title. So, besides being the size I was on my 14th Birthday, all is well and chuggin' along. I will see what kind of trouble I can get into in Argentina so my next journal is a little more interesting - or I'll just make something up! Take care all and I will write you soon. I'm out!
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kelly gregory
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happy 30th!!!
can't wait to see you when you return(after you get your bowels straight!) oh yeah-you said something about babysitting???!!!