Last night (Tuesday) was very interesting to say the least. I saw my first Argentine cat-fight!!
The setup: Bill with his three "ladies"; Rick with his two ladies (note the absence of quotes because they truly were nice people); and me, the referee. lol
Rick's two ladies came over to the apartment early in the day and stayed to chat. One of them could speak very good English so I naturally migrated toward her and her friend. Rick didn't mind me mingling. Since they were already at the apartment and the three of us guys were already planning on going to dinner with Bill's three Rick invited his two!! What hoodspa!! Mingling the five girls I didn't think was a great idea as I was well proven.
Once Bill's girls arrived it all started. mind you, it was all in silence or quite snippets in English to me but the girls seemed to sense that they really didn't like each other. I kept telling each set of girls to "be nice" and to "respect each other" but I don't think they really truly understood me or even cared.
Now you have to understand that prostitution in Argentina if not legal is an acceptable vocation. It's just that they really didn't like each other for some reason I couldn't infer. For me, it was fun just the same. For the first time since getting to Argentina I felt like I was the center of attention because they really couldn't complain to their "men". lol
One really important note on the night. We ate at a very nice restaurant on the level of a Morton's or Shula's. Eight of us. In the States, with wine, could easily top $800 US$s. The total price tag here, $834 Argentine pesos or about $220 US$. And we didn't skimp. I had what they called Cajun Shrimp of an appetizer (NOT) and about a 20oz Filet Mignon. Yeah, you read that right. Mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm!! Very, very delicious.
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Skiing in Bariloche
Four days of skiing in the Andes at Bariloche was everything I could have imagined. I wish there was more snow but beggars can't be choosy and there's not a lot one can do about the weather. This has been the worst snow season in 22 years. No snow at the bottoms of the mountains but enough snow at the tops to get some descent skiing in. Of course I'm not a world class skier so I'm not the one to really ask. But I enjoyed it.
When you haven't skied in 12 years you wonder how you'll do before you get out on the slope the first time. I can happily say I did quite well - as long as the slopes were wide. For me to enjoy myself and to be able to turn easily I needed wide slopes and there were plenty.
On ocassion William and the others would entice me to go to a different slope and in order to move from one slope to another you had to follow a "trail". Found out I hate trails. they are about 10-15 feet wide and some are very steep; well, steep for me. I'd get going so fast on some I'd slimply dive to stop. Imagine driving around a mountain and you can understand my fright when I come to a sharp turn. Came way too close to the edge way too many times. Thereafter I tried to stay off the trails.
On my last day of skiing I skied some on my own. On my very last run I took the wrong turn going to the lift as was stuck going down a Red slope; second most difficult next to the Blacks. And once you've started down ain't no turning back. Well, I managed about a quarter of the slope when I fell hard on the ice. Yes, ice! The sun had been shining most of the day and I don't think too many people had gone downt his slope and it was really slippery and hard. Well, to my chagrin I managed to slide down about another half on my but and skies; and I was happy to do it just that way. Once I got to a point where I thought I could ski the remainder I picked myself up and skied the rest of the way down the hill. And man was it fast but I was able to manage not to fall and ski safely to the lift.
Alive and well after four days at the slopes.
When you haven't skied in 12 years you wonder how you'll do before you get out on the slope the first time. I can happily say I did quite well - as long as the slopes were wide. For me to enjoy myself and to be able to turn easily I needed wide slopes and there were plenty.
On ocassion William and the others would entice me to go to a different slope and in order to move from one slope to another you had to follow a "trail". Found out I hate trails. they are about 10-15 feet wide and some are very steep; well, steep for me. I'd get going so fast on some I'd slimply dive to stop. Imagine driving around a mountain and you can understand my fright when I come to a sharp turn. Came way too close to the edge way too many times. Thereafter I tried to stay off the trails.
On my last day of skiing I skied some on my own. On my very last run I took the wrong turn going to the lift as was stuck going down a Red slope; second most difficult next to the Blacks. And once you've started down ain't no turning back. Well, I managed about a quarter of the slope when I fell hard on the ice. Yes, ice! The sun had been shining most of the day and I don't think too many people had gone downt his slope and it was really slippery and hard. Well, to my chagrin I managed to slide down about another half on my but and skies; and I was happy to do it just that way. Once I got to a point where I thought I could ski the remainder I picked myself up and skied the rest of the way down the hill. And man was it fast but I was able to manage not to fall and ski safely to the lift.
Alive and well after four days at the slopes.
Sunday, July 26, 2009
Customs
It's always amazing to me that although we are all one family we have so many different customs, attitudes, etc. throughout the world. And what's even more amazing is the similarities.
Dinner time in Argentina is around 10pm. Certainly throwing off my eating schedule. I hate eating after maybe 7pm but when in Rome..... Another thing Americans will find to their disliking - the napkins in most restaurants are as hard as drafting paper and tiny too. I find the National Dinner is any steak and french fries. And I really haven't found too many foods to my liking except for the steaks. Oh, and the Cubatinos. Tasty little cigar-looking treat with chocolate on the outside and caramel on the inside, wrapped in a wafer. Hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm!
Everything is drunk out of wine glasses and ice is only served if you ask for it.
Dinner time in Argentina is around 10pm. Certainly throwing off my eating schedule. I hate eating after maybe 7pm but when in Rome..... Another thing Americans will find to their disliking - the napkins in most restaurants are as hard as drafting paper and tiny too. I find the National Dinner is any steak and french fries. And I really haven't found too many foods to my liking except for the steaks. Oh, and the Cubatinos. Tasty little cigar-looking treat with chocolate on the outside and caramel on the inside, wrapped in a wafer. Hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm!
Everything is drunk out of wine glasses and ice is only served if you ask for it.
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Bariloche - 1st Day
Arrived in Bariloche this morning. Reminds of Lake Tahoe area - huge lake and high mountains capped with snow. Beautiful. Can't wait to see if I still know how to ski. Tomorrow we eat breakfast at 7am and off to the mountains for a tour of the facility at 8:30 before we begin skiing. Bill will probably be skiing on his own because his skill level is much higher than the other three of us. We'll be lucky to make it down the bunny slope without falling. lol Taking lots of pics but can't post anything yet. Connection is very slow and it isn't free!!! Okay $7/day isn't bad.
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Bariloche
Got the schedule for when I'll be skiing - Thursday through Monday of this week. SO wish me luck that I don't break anything!! Yikes! Also hoping to head out tomorrow night to watch some fantastic Tango Dancing and maybe head out next week to tour the province of Mendosa. I'd like to go South to Patagonia but I've been told you only go there during the summer months.
I'll let you know how the dancing and skiing goes when I next get online.
I'll let you know how the dancing and skiing goes when I next get online.
Arrival in Argentina
I arrived in Argentina yesterday and what a ride it was. First my seat was up against a wall so it didn't recline as others did and then I had the great misfortune of sitting three seats across from a screaming baby. Yes, you've all heard the horror stories, now I've lived it. Well, in most part; the baby did quite down after about an hour or two so at least it was quite for most of the flight.
Then my headphones didn't work and naturally I didn't attempt to watch tv or a movie until well into the flight. Luckily that was fixed too. I can only read so long.
Once we got to Argentina getting through customs was a breaths of fresh air. No problems at all and the line was extremely short. Now the line for the Argentines coming back to their country, that was long!!
So we got to get a taxi. We seek out a good sized bus and think we've secured one until we roll up to the curb with our six bags and our three carryons to a tiny little "remis" cab. If I could have taken a picture I would have. Luggage stuffed in the trunk and in the front seat, the three of us 190# plus men squeezed into the back seat with our carryons and one piece of luggage off to the apartment. Wow! Luckily the cab driver came to his senses and we ended up getting the "bus" like we'd intended.
The first day was pretty laid back - breakfast, lunch and dinner (the steak is as awesome as you can imagine), met up with another buddy and then the nightlife. With Bill their is always nightlife. He got us all "dates" and we hit a couple of clubs before heading back to the apartment. We had a few laughs, Mike and I kind of kept to ourselves. I think our dates got mad and decided to leave early. Seems we didn't have any desire to depart with our hard earned cash as the others would. Lol. Seems all very surreal living the life that Bill and others of his friends live.
I think I'll stick to my life even with its heartaches and troubles; at least I can often pick my own troubles.
Then my headphones didn't work and naturally I didn't attempt to watch tv or a movie until well into the flight. Luckily that was fixed too. I can only read so long.
Once we got to Argentina getting through customs was a breaths of fresh air. No problems at all and the line was extremely short. Now the line for the Argentines coming back to their country, that was long!!
So we got to get a taxi. We seek out a good sized bus and think we've secured one until we roll up to the curb with our six bags and our three carryons to a tiny little "remis" cab. If I could have taken a picture I would have. Luggage stuffed in the trunk and in the front seat, the three of us 190# plus men squeezed into the back seat with our carryons and one piece of luggage off to the apartment. Wow! Luckily the cab driver came to his senses and we ended up getting the "bus" like we'd intended.
The first day was pretty laid back - breakfast, lunch and dinner (the steak is as awesome as you can imagine), met up with another buddy and then the nightlife. With Bill their is always nightlife. He got us all "dates" and we hit a couple of clubs before heading back to the apartment. We had a few laughs, Mike and I kind of kept to ourselves. I think our dates got mad and decided to leave early. Seems we didn't have any desire to depart with our hard earned cash as the others would. Lol. Seems all very surreal living the life that Bill and others of his friends live.
I think I'll stick to my life even with its heartaches and troubles; at least I can often pick my own troubles.
Saturday, July 18, 2009
Miami
Made it to Miami around 3:30pm today. Bill was racing his Vette so he didn't meet until after 6pm. I'm staying at his parents penthouse tonight before leaving for Argentina tomorrow night. I've posted some pics and yes, that is looking straight down from 40 floors up. I took a picture of the CITI building next to me as a reference point. Gorgeous, absolutely gorgeous.
Friday, July 17, 2009
Heading to Miami
Heading to Miami tonight and will sleep in my car again tonight. Good thing is it wont be 82 degrees outside. The temp right now at 11:32 shows 73 degrees which means it should still cool down later tonight. Should sleep comfortably. Keeping my fingers crossed....
Sleeping in the Jeep
Well, I slept in the Jeep last night and discovered through experience that what I already knew; if it is hot outside, sleeping in the Jeep will be unbearable. Thus the plan to go North during the summer months. At least its cooler during the night hours. Oh well, I suppose going to Argentina is worth a couple of uncomfortable nights.
Although I did discover that running my engine and thus my air conditioner throughout the night does 1) allow me to slept comfortably and 2) doesn't burn as much gas as I thought it would. In fact, it burns very little. Don't know why; if anyone has an answer please let me know.
Although I did discover that running my engine and thus my air conditioner throughout the night does 1) allow me to slept comfortably and 2) doesn't burn as much gas as I thought it would. In fact, it burns very little. Don't know why; if anyone has an answer please let me know.
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Driving
Couple of thoughts about the differences between driving down roads in the Mid-West/South as opposed to out West. And please pardon me for generalizations!!!
Driving in the Mid-West: Trees, trees and more trees. Most of the time you can only see in front of you (which is a good thing) or behind you. You look to the side - trees!! Okay, I can see the beauty and lushness of the greenery and I will admit that in the fall when the leaves start turning the colors are awesome. However, no vistas, none, nada, zilch.
Driving out West: Can be somewhat monotonous and boring at places, especially in the flat lands but you get to where you can see mountains and yes, you can see the mountains. The vistas when you peak over a mountain top can at time be breath-taking. I have always thought the most beautiful stretch I've ever driven was between Bozeman and Billings Montana. That may change but I'm sticking with it for now.
Driving in the Mid-West: Trees, trees and more trees. Most of the time you can only see in front of you (which is a good thing) or behind you. You look to the side - trees!! Okay, I can see the beauty and lushness of the greenery and I will admit that in the fall when the leaves start turning the colors are awesome. However, no vistas, none, nada, zilch.
Driving out West: Can be somewhat monotonous and boring at places, especially in the flat lands but you get to where you can see mountains and yes, you can see the mountains. The vistas when you peak over a mountain top can at time be breath-taking. I have always thought the most beautiful stretch I've ever driven was between Bozeman and Billings Montana. That may change but I'm sticking with it for now.
Thursday, July 9, 2009
Catching up!
Wanted to catch everyone up on my travels since I'd been keeping my journal in various places other than here.
On May 15, 2009 I received notice that I would be laid off on July 14, 2009. So officially I have been working these past two months, unofficially NOT!
Since May 15th I have been preparing for my new life of traveling the land.
I gave notice on my apartment shortly after and as of June 20th I will be living with family, friends or in my Jeep. Yep! you heard that right. I sold my Acura TL to a good friend and shortly after bought me a 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited. Yes, it does have all the buzzes and whistles except for a sunroof.
Everything I don't need to have on my travels I've placed in storage. The rest will fit neatly in the Jeep or in the car-top carrier I recently purchased. I was worried about it fitting but since arriving here in North Carolina, my son Matt and I built a shelf that my golf clubs will fit under and four storage tubs will fit on living the other side of the back for me to sleep on.
As for my bed, with the back seat laid flat there is plenty of room for me to seep comfortably. I purchased to egg-shell foam pads, cut them to size, wrapped them in a blanket and laid my sleeping bag on top of them all. Very, very comfy!! And with my four pillows I should sleep soundly.
What, you ask about light shining in the windows; well, I took care of that by having 5% window tint put on all the back windows. 5% is the darkness of a limousine, so I should sleep very well on my journey.
More catching up another day; fingers are all typed out!!!
On May 15, 2009 I received notice that I would be laid off on July 14, 2009. So officially I have been working these past two months, unofficially NOT!
Since May 15th I have been preparing for my new life of traveling the land.
I gave notice on my apartment shortly after and as of June 20th I will be living with family, friends or in my Jeep. Yep! you heard that right. I sold my Acura TL to a good friend and shortly after bought me a 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited. Yes, it does have all the buzzes and whistles except for a sunroof.
Everything I don't need to have on my travels I've placed in storage. The rest will fit neatly in the Jeep or in the car-top carrier I recently purchased. I was worried about it fitting but since arriving here in North Carolina, my son Matt and I built a shelf that my golf clubs will fit under and four storage tubs will fit on living the other side of the back for me to sleep on.
As for my bed, with the back seat laid flat there is plenty of room for me to seep comfortably. I purchased to egg-shell foam pads, cut them to size, wrapped them in a blanket and laid my sleeping bag on top of them all. Very, very comfy!! And with my four pillows I should sleep soundly.
What, you ask about light shining in the windows; well, I took care of that by having 5% window tint put on all the back windows. 5% is the darkness of a limousine, so I should sleep very well on my journey.
More catching up another day; fingers are all typed out!!!
Beginnings
Hello All, this is the beginning of what I hope to be a long journey to places yet unknown. Yes, I know that sounds grandiloquent but I really don't know where specifically I'll be traveling from week to week until it is planned.
All I do know is I will be attempting to travel each of the 49 states in my Jeep. If anyone can find a road my Jeep can travel leading to Hawaii, I'll go there also.
I've already lived in several states and visited several more but I won't let my past life deter me from visiting many of those states again for this time I have a purpose in mind; to visit two or more historical or adventurous places in each state.
Following along and see how my travels go...............................
BTW - Here is my new home:
All I do know is I will be attempting to travel each of the 49 states in my Jeep. If anyone can find a road my Jeep can travel leading to Hawaii, I'll go there also.
I've already lived in several states and visited several more but I won't let my past life deter me from visiting many of those states again for this time I have a purpose in mind; to visit two or more historical or adventurous places in each state.
Following along and see how my travels go...............................
BTW - Here is my new home:
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