I've got the Travel Bug!


Since the last time I blogged, I have switched provinces, cities, homes and atmospheres. I have the travel bug that's for sure!


I spent 3 days in the glorious city of Buenos Aires (Tuesday June 3 - Thursday June 5). When I arrived to the hostel where I would be staying, I was lucky enough to meet 2 Brazilian's who were staying in the same room that I was in. They were amazing to say the least! Beto and Sonia became my tour guides, cooks and alarm clocks for the next 2 days. I wish that I had the chance to see more of the vibrant city but what I did get to see I fell in love with. My "To Do/To Return To" list has yet another addition to it since I visited that great city. 

Obelisco y Bandera - Obelisk and Flag

Buenos Aires reminded me a lot of Toronto. Everybody walks everywhere! It is fast paced and if you don't keep up, you get left behind or worse - trampled, cursed at, stepped on... I am sure you can imagine why you would want to keep up! My hostel was on a pedestrian street called Florida. It had everything! It was an over packers heaven/doom! Clothing stores, shoe stores, electronic stores, LUGGAGE stores, restaurants, bars, tour companies... All within walking distance of my 3 day home! 


Sadly but yet very happily, Thursday evening I went to Retiro, one of the bus terminals of the city, and caught a 7:00 pm bus to Posadas. My next destination - the provincial capital of Misiones. The country works on bus systems. They do not use trains anymore and have not mastered aquatic travel so buses is the way to go when visiting Argentina. I can assure you that they are a lot more efficient, reliable and on time than Canadian transit. My bus ride from Buenos Aires to Posadas was 13 hours. The great thing about this bus and ride was:

1. Nighttime - 13 hours is not that bad when you are sleeping. 
2. Cama Economica - They are called economic beds and they are a GREAT idea! I paid around 95 US dollars for a cold appetizer, hot dinner and breakfast with a seat that turns into a bed. It reclines 160 degrees to make for a very comfortable 13 hour siesta.     
3. Save My Pesos - Since I was travelling by night, I did not have to pay for overnight accommodation! This way I also did not miss out on daylight that was used to spend explore Posadas! 

Once I arrived in Posadas I was greeted by Miguel Molina. Holding a sign that had my name neatly printed on it, standing in the rain and almost in shock at how big my suitcase was and how many of them there were, he led me to his car and we headed into the city's center. I spend the next 2 days with Miguel and his lovely wife Amanda and daughter Victoria. Even though I have only known them for a short amount of time, I feel like I am part of their family. They are the kindest, most sincere people I have met. I had a reservation at a hotel in the downtown area of they city but when Amanda offered for me to stay with them, I couldn't resist. I have eaten the most delicious foods, drank the most incredible wine (sorry Niagara but Miguel's vino collection is superb!) and had the greatest talks and experiences since I arrived at the Molina household. 

Yesterday, Friday July 6, after enjoying a mouth-watering lunch, I visited Amanda's school, ITEC Alem, in the small town of Alem. It is about an hour outside of Posadas. She had organized a charla - talk with the students where I could tell them about Niagara Falls, the college, my experiences and why I am in Argentina. I was unprepared and not aware that this was happening but it turned out to be the perfect way to start my 2 day stay in Posadas. The students asked me questions about Niagara Falls, exchange opportunities, the importance of second and third languages, my family and even the traditional dance of Canada... To be honest, they stumped me on that one! Needless to say, I showed them the video of Elaine from Seinfeld dancing and they understood perfectly. 

After our charla, the students took me on a tour of their town. We stopped at two small museums that you would never know existed! One had artifacts from years gone by from around the province and country that were found or donated to the couple that owns the museum. This museum is going to be inaugurated this coming Monday! The second museum was a vehicle museum. It had transportation devices and cars from the 1900's and forward. It was incredible! Neither of these places charge an entry fee but the knowledge that the owners have is mind-blowing and entry-fee-worthy! I learned facts and information that I would have never even thought to research.

Artifact Museum Abolengo

Vehicle Museum 

Today, I was woken up by the smell of freshly brewed coffee and the fresh breeze blowing through my bedroom window. The sun was shinning and I knew it was going to be a great day! I headed downstairs for the traditional Argentinian breakfast that is 100% opposite of what a Canadian breakfast is. I had coffee with milk, a medialuna - a croissant with a sweet jelly center and chipas. Chipas are these delicious balls of dough that are filled with cheese. They serve them at all times of the day and either hot or cold. I am addicted! After breakfast/brunch, Miguel took me out around the town for a tour. We spent almost 3 hours driving around and talking about the history, the new and the old and the opportunities and potential that Posadas as a city and Misiones as a province have. Miguel is an incredibly intelligent and level-headed person. He is very motivating. We returned for lunch and as always, it was delicious. Amanda and I went for a walk along the Costadera to work off our breakfast and lunch calories. The Costadera is a beautiful board walk along the Rio Parana which separates this part of Argentina from Paraguay. Paraguay to the Argentinians of Posadas is like Buffalo to the Canadians of St. Catharines, Welland, Fort Erie, the Falls, etc. They can buy certain items for a lot cheaper across the boarder. 

The bridge that connects Argentina to Paraguay

At the old train station 

During the summer, the Costarena is packed, but since it was about 15 degrees today, there were hardly any people walking. This evening, we went to a dance performance by the University of San Martin. It was beautiful. Sadly, the pictures that I tried to get away with were asked to be deleted by the theater police. The performance was held at the Culture Center and was free for anyone who wanted to attend. Every day of the month the center has something scheduled. Tomorrow, the orchestra will be playing. I can’t believe the amount of culture (FREE!!) that is available to witness. My day was full of new and exciting activities! 

La Costanera - Boardwalk along the Rio Parana

Tomorrow I am headed to Corpus! At this time tomorrow I will be sound asleep (hopefully) in the place that I will call home for the next 6 months! I can't explain how excited and nervous I am to finally arrive. See you in 10 hours Corpus for another delicious almuerzo - lunch I am sure! 

Hasta mañana chicos!