Navarro, Gaia Ecovillage

Arriving at Gaia was a total change of pace from the bustling capitol of Buenos Aires. Though we are still in the province, we have definitely made our way out of the city and into the country, and here we will stay for a week. The town, Navarro, is quaint and muy linda (very pretty). Most shop owners already recognize us by face, and we have made friends with the woman who serves us helado (ice cream) and the taxi driver, Fernando, who takes us to and from Gaia (a 15 minute ride going at a probably unsafe, but completely legal speed).

The ecovillage is a special place, totally governed by laws of nature, and those creatures who work best in it. As for John and I, we are certainly intimidated by the overgrown buildings and the insects who don´t move out of our way. In the days we work out in the field, beside parrot filled trees, listening while they chat the day away while chopping wood for future use. We eat delicious vegetarian/vegan meals made by two abuelas (grandmothers) who are very patient with my Spanish. All the houses are made of mud and are powered by the wind and the sun. It´s just as sustainable as we hoped, but it is missing a strong ´community´atmosphere. There is one other volunteer, Diego, from Italia, and we play cards at night, and drink vino in secret!

But alas, today is Valentines Day! An awesome day for many reasons. First and foremost, John and I are leaving the ecovillage today. Though it was a nice ride through a magical land of nature and a true Argentinian lifestyle, it´s about time we get off and start to explore other places! So I sit here, in an empty room, beside my pack, under the rays of the sun, feet in the air, listening to music on my belly, quite excited for the taxi ride out. Also, today John has been EXTRA sweet and made me a beautiful booklet of poetry and parrot feathers. ADIOS GAIA!

Palermo Parques

The barrio (neighbourhood) Palermo was next on our list. Green spaces as far as the eye could see made this place a dream. Streets lined with grande and unique trees, sidewalks scattered with locals doing one thing or another - caring for injured pigeons or petting lost cats. We knocked on hollow trees, trees full of water, trees we couldn´t see the top of. We found Buenos Aires ´central park´, full of Spanish rollerblade masters and families packed into bicycle cars making their way around the wide pedestrian path. In the middle, a huge body of water, and here and there some rowboats - a father rowing his son, a couple taking turns, white and spotted ducks splashing around. Finally I feel at home. But alas, not home. Still only a tourist. Tel vez una dia...

Touring the City, Recoletta

John and I had a really splendid first day. We did a preliminary tour of the city, strategically hitting up beautiful tropical parks and famous monuments. So far keeping vegetarian has been hardest some 300,000 feet in the air, but below the clouds we´ve been able to manage and ENJOY! We stopped for a glass of vino rojo on the way ´home´(red wine), straight from Mendoza, Argentina. I read on the terrace, and fell asleep with the windows open and the moon on my mind.

2010 Buenos Aires San Telmo

It´s so nice to have finally arrived! After months and months of planning and imagining and story-telling - lying on our queen-sized bed in our modest room, hair flying from the fan overhead, feet tapping to the reggae rhythm from our travel speakers, sun exposed, even sweating - we´re here!