Every travel blog needs a final heartfelt "can't believe I'm going home" entry, right? So here's mine...
I can't believe I'm going home! Somehow 8 months have come and gone. While the time has flown in some respects, September does seem like quite a long time ago. I am proud of myself for embarking on this journey, coming alone to South America without a clue of what I would be doing here. And I have been rewarded a million times over. I am, miraculously, leaving without any regrets. I have had more incredible experiences than I thought possible, both experiencing the magnificence of nature and meeting people with amazing generosity of spirit. I know it will be a hard change to come back home, although I'm excited to see all of you! I am returning not as a different person but with strengthened beliefs in the importance of human connection and meaningful interactions. I want to act like I do here, constantly being open to new experiences and new people. I hope to be Argentinian as much as possible in the sense of constantly reaching out to others and enjoying the occurences of everyday life. This trip has been a huge privilege and one that has profoundly affected me.
Here are a couple last thoughts on this beloved country:
ARGENTINA IS...
friendlinessdrinking mate in the park
fighting for the cause
fútbol
in between many worlds
struggling for indigenous' rights
having an asado
dancing the tango
the smell of roasted peanuts on the street
warmth of character
enormous
street cafés
sincere invitations
recovering from the past
diversity of landscape
showing affection
easy-going
not politically correct
eating steak
often corrupt
risking your life to cross the street
stopping at the kiosk
proud
too salty/too sweet
gathering at the plaza
late
group-oriented
a mix of people
greeting with a kiss on the cheek
vos
friendly nicknames
dulce de leche with everything
socializing
always smoking
taking a siesta
medialunas & cortado
fun-loving
relaxed
begging
littering
never having change
drinking red wine
che
street artisans
family
distinct
fashionable
not liking the government
empanadas
struggling
dancing
interacting
alive
helpful
expressive
beautiful
a place to come back to!
