So its been a cold an snowy April here in Park City. Not exactly my idea of a delightful Spring, but I've learned to expect the unexpected when it comes to weather. Last Wednesday it snowed ALL day and yesterday it was 75 degrees... so weird. On what nice days we have had, I've been trying to put some miles on my bike, and check out the area. I can't wait until the snow melts and I'm able to explore the mountain trails!
Slowely but surely I am meeting some locals. The other night I was invited to take a dip at the hot springs over in Midway. It was a random little spot, but made for a fun night under the stars talking about the most random things in the world. I cannot wait for summer to be here and all the adventures its going to bring!
Well not much has been going on in my life so thats about all for now. Hopefully with the warming weather more exciting things will be coming my way.
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Sunday, March 22, 2009
Work, work, work...
So its now been three weeks since my move to Park City and so far so good! The weather this past week, with the exception of the snow storm today, has been so beautiful! I've already taken my bike out several times to go exploring on different rides. The other day I rode all the way to Ben & Kristie's, but my legs definitely were feeling it! Slowly but surely I am working them back into shape!
I have been staying amazingly busy with my now... 3 jobs! Last week I snagged a hosting position at a restaurant here in Park City called Cafe Terigo. Its a cute little Italian place right on Main Street. I guess I have hopes of using it to meet some locals and get my social network going in this town. I've only worked one shift so far, but am looking forward to getting my feet wet. I know its gonna be a get job!
Its nice being so close to Kristie, Ben, & little Coco. I try and stop in at least once a week to say hi and make sure I secure my role as the favorite uncle :-) Coco is such a spaz and makes me laugh with all her little gestures.
Amongst the hustle and bustle, I bought myself a car. Its a 2008 Scion XD and I love it! Its a little red four door and gets up and down the canyon in a breeze!
I had my first night out in Park City this weekend. A bunch of friends from Logan came down for the Clumsy Lovers concert. It was one of the best nights I've had in such a long time! From the pictures I posted, you can see that we are easily entertained and have such a great time in anything we do.
Well I am going to enjoy the rest of my Sunday, the one day I work 0 jobs, and try to catch up with a few episodes of LOST.
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
SLC so far...
I am in the middle of my sixth week living here in Salt Lake City. To tell you the truth it was the last place I wanted to move. Its definitely a hard city to warm up to. I don't know how to describe it, but there is a thick feeling in the air and everyone seems to be uptight and pretentious.
I haven't really had too many opportunities to meet new people. For the most part I have been hanging out with old friends from my time spent in Logan. They have been my sanity and entertainment. Two weeks ago I took advantage of a reasonably warm afternoon and took my bike up City Creek Canyon. I rode all the way until the ice and snow covered the trail. At this point I stopped and started chatting with the nicest people I've met since moving here! They told me all about the amazing trails around the area, grocery stores, coffee shops, and great restaurants. We talked for nearly 20 minutes before they let me go on my way. Its amazing what a little kindness will do for you day...
Everything about my job has been amazing, other than the fact that it is only part-time... the company is on a hiring freeze right now because of hard times, and are unable to hire anyone until that lifts. The company executives project the freeze to life here in another month or so... I'll keep my fingers crossed. In the mean time I started a second job at the Aquatic Center in Sugarhouse.
This past weekend I said goodbye to SLC and headed to Boise for some R&R. Stephanie has been there for about a month now, so I was showing here around to the different highlights the area has to offer. We were able to drive about an hour North to some hot springs I used to frequent when I was in college. We soon found ourselves amongst a crowd of skinny dipping back country hippies... but nonetheless we had a good time enjoying the outdoors and the hot water.
From here... I will be moving to Park City this weekend. Hopefully that will make for an easier commute and place me at the foot of the great outdoors. We will see how it goes.
I haven't really had too many opportunities to meet new people. For the most part I have been hanging out with old friends from my time spent in Logan. They have been my sanity and entertainment. Two weeks ago I took advantage of a reasonably warm afternoon and took my bike up City Creek Canyon. I rode all the way until the ice and snow covered the trail. At this point I stopped and started chatting with the nicest people I've met since moving here! They told me all about the amazing trails around the area, grocery stores, coffee shops, and great restaurants. We talked for nearly 20 minutes before they let me go on my way. Its amazing what a little kindness will do for you day...
Everything about my job has been amazing, other than the fact that it is only part-time... the company is on a hiring freeze right now because of hard times, and are unable to hire anyone until that lifts. The company executives project the freeze to life here in another month or so... I'll keep my fingers crossed. In the mean time I started a second job at the Aquatic Center in Sugarhouse.
This past weekend I said goodbye to SLC and headed to Boise for some R&R. Stephanie has been there for about a month now, so I was showing here around to the different highlights the area has to offer. We were able to drive about an hour North to some hot springs I used to frequent when I was in college. We soon found ourselves amongst a crowd of skinny dipping back country hippies... but nonetheless we had a good time enjoying the outdoors and the hot water.
From here... I will be moving to Park City this weekend. Hopefully that will make for an easier commute and place me at the foot of the great outdoors. We will see how it goes.
Sunday, January 18, 2009
Back to Reality
The girls on the new Karaoke machine Steph bought
Sporting our Panama Hats I brought back from Ecuador
Mom & Dad in a hot Ping Pong Tourney
The traditional walk to Grandma's on Christmas Eve
Christmas Eve Dinner
Battling hurricane winds while snowshoeing the lake
Me and Sam at the cabin
Rockin' the Wii
Its back to reality, sadly. It was one thing coming home for my grandfather's funeral and knowing I would return to enjoy more experiences, but when I got on that final jet a sullen feeling came over me. My emotions were very mixed. The American based flight attendants were all decked out in their Christmas sweaters, holiday pins, and on the loud speakers Christmas carols could be heard.
I didn't want to leave all the freedom, the experiences, the adventures, the people, the culture, the food, the music, the land, the water (for swimming, not drinking), and most importantly my friends... my heart was sad. On the other hand, with it only being a few days to Christmas, the idea of "The Holidays" hadn't even phased my mind. Walking around the past month in 80 degree heat with no sign of Christmas decor (minus the mall), made it hard to believe it was really that time of year.
Observing the middle aged, red headed flight attendant with bright red sequined glasses and a slight southern accent, I strangely wanted to be home with my own mother. It must have been her sweet motherly way of joking with passengers and catering to their needs. A sense of happiness and warmth came over me that seems to come with the "season" and when you feel that emotion you want to be surrounded by your family. My eyes were wet from all these feelings.
It was a bittersweet ending to my three month stay and play. I am so happy to have had the chance to go and do the things I have done. I hands down don't think I could have done a better thing with my life. I will forever cherish the memories, the friends made, and the journey traveled.
Some fun facts:
In my 109 day travel, I spent:
- 3.9 hours on a train
- 6 hours on a boat (excluding my 4 day sail around The Galapagos)
- 63 hours in a plane
- 176 hours or roughly one week on a bus! (excluding countless taxi rides)
I also trekked through 4 countries (Ecuador, Peru, Argentina, & Uruguay).
As for reality... well its been tuff. Christmas was different this year. None of the other siblings were able to make it home Christmas Day, so it was simply me, the parents, and grandma. Lacking the presence of Grandpa was also an adjustment, but we had fun playing games, eating amazing food, opening presents, singing songs, and laughing until we cried.
We had a few days at the cabin with the nieces and close friends. The weather wasn't the best with 60+ mile an hour winds, so we vegged out between the Wii, ping pong, meals, movies, and the hot tub. After spending time with the family, I headed south to reunite and celebrate the New Year with good friends.
My sibling Christmas present this year was money for snowboarding. I decided to hit up The Beaver in Logan, only to break my collar bone on the last run of the day :-/ My first break ever... and its really trying my patience. I really dislike being immobilized. I guess everything happens for a purpose and this allowed me to focus my job hunt in the unpromising market.
I was able to snag a part-time job working an HR position for a recruiting firm headquartered in Park City, UT. I decided to jump at the offer (in hopes of finding additional work) and moved myself south. Tuesday is the first day on the job so wish me luck! That's about as interesting as my life gets these days. Now I am just counting down the days to Spring!
I didn't want to leave all the freedom, the experiences, the adventures, the people, the culture, the food, the music, the land, the water (for swimming, not drinking), and most importantly my friends... my heart was sad. On the other hand, with it only being a few days to Christmas, the idea of "The Holidays" hadn't even phased my mind. Walking around the past month in 80 degree heat with no sign of Christmas decor (minus the mall), made it hard to believe it was really that time of year.
Observing the middle aged, red headed flight attendant with bright red sequined glasses and a slight southern accent, I strangely wanted to be home with my own mother. It must have been her sweet motherly way of joking with passengers and catering to their needs. A sense of happiness and warmth came over me that seems to come with the "season" and when you feel that emotion you want to be surrounded by your family. My eyes were wet from all these feelings.
It was a bittersweet ending to my three month stay and play. I am so happy to have had the chance to go and do the things I have done. I hands down don't think I could have done a better thing with my life. I will forever cherish the memories, the friends made, and the journey traveled.
Some fun facts:
In my 109 day travel, I spent:
- 3.9 hours on a train
- 6 hours on a boat (excluding my 4 day sail around The Galapagos)
- 63 hours in a plane
- 176 hours or roughly one week on a bus! (excluding countless taxi rides)
I also trekked through 4 countries (Ecuador, Peru, Argentina, & Uruguay).
As for reality... well its been tuff. Christmas was different this year. None of the other siblings were able to make it home Christmas Day, so it was simply me, the parents, and grandma. Lacking the presence of Grandpa was also an adjustment, but we had fun playing games, eating amazing food, opening presents, singing songs, and laughing until we cried.
We had a few days at the cabin with the nieces and close friends. The weather wasn't the best with 60+ mile an hour winds, so we vegged out between the Wii, ping pong, meals, movies, and the hot tub. After spending time with the family, I headed south to reunite and celebrate the New Year with good friends.
My sibling Christmas present this year was money for snowboarding. I decided to hit up The Beaver in Logan, only to break my collar bone on the last run of the day :-/ My first break ever... and its really trying my patience. I really dislike being immobilized. I guess everything happens for a purpose and this allowed me to focus my job hunt in the unpromising market.
I was able to snag a part-time job working an HR position for a recruiting firm headquartered in Park City, UT. I decided to jump at the offer (in hopes of finding additional work) and moved myself south. Tuesday is the first day on the job so wish me luck! That's about as interesting as my life gets these days. Now I am just counting down the days to Spring!
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Uruguay
The sister
Family photo
Bikini Beach!!
Ice Cream Girls
Ready to devour my Chivito :-)
Punta del Este
Having lunch on our back patio
Our cool little beach house
View from the ship as we pulled away from Buenos Aires
Trying to catch some Zzz's on the ship
So much has happened these last two weeks, and yet it feels like just a few days have gone by. The weather has been so off and on. The first few days after Thanksgiving it was a straight downpour! It rained so much they canceled the Polo Tournament we were planning to attend :-( I was really excited to see it too.
Eventually the weather cleared up just in time for our concert. For Christmas, I bought Steph and I tickets to see Madonna! And boy was it a show! I think her concerts are just another excuse for her to workout. She was non-stop dancing the whole night! We both agreed it was like watching a continuous music video. It was held in a soccer stadium right next to the river, so there was a constant cool breeze... pretty much we were freezing the entire time! We tried to dance around to keep warm but it just wasn´t happening. All in all we had a blast and were so happy to see such a legend.
The next morning we met the rest of the crew at the boat dock, where we caught a ship for Uruguay. We sailed three hours before arriving in Colonia. From there we took a two hour bus ride to the capital, Montevideo, and from there another five hour bus ride to a little surf town called Punta del Diablo. It sits just less than an hour south from the border of Brazil.
We were able to snag this great little beach house for super cheap. It was a short walk from the ocean and made the stay so amazing! The town was very low key and all the houses were quaint and beautiful! It couldn´t have gotten any better and then one day on the beach a school (is that what they would be called pod maybe??) of Dolphins swam across the waves right in front of us... so awesome!
After three nights of tranquility, Steph and I split off for the big city. Punta del Este is known as the Miami Beach of Uruguay. It sits on a small peninsula off the southern coast. High rise hotels, expensive yachts, and hot sandy beaches were all around. We lounged on the beach by day and strolled the boardwalk at night. Munching on ice cream and enjoying one of the best sandwiches I have ever had! It was called a Chivito, and oh was it good!
The second day, I just had to make it to Bikini Beach! Made famous for its surf breaks, this beach is listed as one of the most hippest beaches on the planet, at least according to the Travel Channel :-) Still being between seasons, there really weren´t too many people to be seen, however, we still enjoyed laying back, watching the surfers, and taking an occasional dip in the cool water.
It was a great way to enjoy a little sun and heat before heading back to the snow and cold of Idaho. Today I sent Steph back to reality and I will be joining her shortly in another week. I am going to try and enjoy these last few days as much as I possibly can!
Eventually the weather cleared up just in time for our concert. For Christmas, I bought Steph and I tickets to see Madonna! And boy was it a show! I think her concerts are just another excuse for her to workout. She was non-stop dancing the whole night! We both agreed it was like watching a continuous music video. It was held in a soccer stadium right next to the river, so there was a constant cool breeze... pretty much we were freezing the entire time! We tried to dance around to keep warm but it just wasn´t happening. All in all we had a blast and were so happy to see such a legend.
The next morning we met the rest of the crew at the boat dock, where we caught a ship for Uruguay. We sailed three hours before arriving in Colonia. From there we took a two hour bus ride to the capital, Montevideo, and from there another five hour bus ride to a little surf town called Punta del Diablo. It sits just less than an hour south from the border of Brazil.
We were able to snag this great little beach house for super cheap. It was a short walk from the ocean and made the stay so amazing! The town was very low key and all the houses were quaint and beautiful! It couldn´t have gotten any better and then one day on the beach a school (is that what they would be called pod maybe??) of Dolphins swam across the waves right in front of us... so awesome!
After three nights of tranquility, Steph and I split off for the big city. Punta del Este is known as the Miami Beach of Uruguay. It sits on a small peninsula off the southern coast. High rise hotels, expensive yachts, and hot sandy beaches were all around. We lounged on the beach by day and strolled the boardwalk at night. Munching on ice cream and enjoying one of the best sandwiches I have ever had! It was called a Chivito, and oh was it good!
The second day, I just had to make it to Bikini Beach! Made famous for its surf breaks, this beach is listed as one of the most hippest beaches on the planet, at least according to the Travel Channel :-) Still being between seasons, there really weren´t too many people to be seen, however, we still enjoyed laying back, watching the surfers, and taking an occasional dip in the cool water.
It was a great way to enjoy a little sun and heat before heading back to the snow and cold of Idaho. Today I sent Steph back to reality and I will be joining her shortly in another week. I am going to try and enjoy these last few days as much as I possibly can!
Sunday, November 30, 2008
Back to Buenos Aires
Getting some fresh juice at the San Telmo Market
One of the many groups of walking dogs... I think their walker was getting some water.
Creepy cat in the Recoleta Cemetery (they are all over!)
Street performer at the San Telmo Market
Plaza de Mayo in the Mircocentro
Our very hot and humid Thanksgiving feast up on the Terraza
Cutting up our Argentinean Steak (we decided to trade in the Turkey)
Standing outside my bedroom
The past week has been a rough ride, but now things are starting to get back to normal. It was so nice to be able to travel home for the weekend and be with all my family. It was a sad time, but it was spent cherishing the memories of the man that brought us all together, Grandpa. I cant explain to you the amazing bond my family has. When we get together, for better or for worse, we always have a good time. Even with the tears and sorrow over Grandpa, we were able to have a memorable time.
My three night, four day visit was a quick reminder of the things I really need to enjoy on vacation before I head home. One of them being the heat. Arriving back in Buenos Aires, the high temperature was well over 10 degrees warmer than before I left along with high humidity. It was a welcoming surprise!
I was also able to enjoy the company of Kristen, Whitney, and Natalie, my Utah friends who arrived in the city while I was home, as well as our friend Emilie from California, whom we all met in Ecuador. Two days after I arrived, I headed back to the airport to pick up my sister Stephanie who will be traveling with me for the next two weeks.
As if I didn't eat enough while I was home, I had the opportunity to host Thanksgiving Dinner at my house here in Buenos Aires. It was by far the hottest and most humid night yet. We were all covered in a nice glaze of sweat sitting up on the terrace enjoying great food and the night sky. I made Mashed Potatoes for the first time ever with a white bacon gravy, and I must say they were pretty darn tasty! Instead of Turkey we decided to order steak, after all we are in Argentina. I had the privilege to slice and dice the meat, being the man of the house, and we all dug in to our various dishes. It was such a good time!
Today we are in San Telmo for the antique market. I really wanted to bring Steph here so she could enjoy the excitement of all the shopping and street performers. Weather permitting we are going to try and make the polo game tonight. The past day it has been raining quite a bit, so we don't know if it will be on or not. I guess we will keep our fingers crossed.
My three night, four day visit was a quick reminder of the things I really need to enjoy on vacation before I head home. One of them being the heat. Arriving back in Buenos Aires, the high temperature was well over 10 degrees warmer than before I left along with high humidity. It was a welcoming surprise!
I was also able to enjoy the company of Kristen, Whitney, and Natalie, my Utah friends who arrived in the city while I was home, as well as our friend Emilie from California, whom we all met in Ecuador. Two days after I arrived, I headed back to the airport to pick up my sister Stephanie who will be traveling with me for the next two weeks.
As if I didn't eat enough while I was home, I had the opportunity to host Thanksgiving Dinner at my house here in Buenos Aires. It was by far the hottest and most humid night yet. We were all covered in a nice glaze of sweat sitting up on the terrace enjoying great food and the night sky. I made Mashed Potatoes for the first time ever with a white bacon gravy, and I must say they were pretty darn tasty! Instead of Turkey we decided to order steak, after all we are in Argentina. I had the privilege to slice and dice the meat, being the man of the house, and we all dug in to our various dishes. It was such a good time!
Today we are in San Telmo for the antique market. I really wanted to bring Steph here so she could enjoy the excitement of all the shopping and street performers. Weather permitting we are going to try and make the polo game tonight. The past day it has been raining quite a bit, so we don't know if it will be on or not. I guess we will keep our fingers crossed.
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Buenos Aires
Buenos Aires has been the perfect location to spend my last few weeks of travel. The city is made of up 40 plus barrios, each having their own unique characteristics. I have spent the last few nights in the area called San Telmo. This area is know for their antique shops and the weekly Sunday market.
The San Telmo market is so crazy! They close down the entire street, nearly the whole length of San Telmo. There are bands, performers, artisans, and food vendors amongst other things. It´s a great way to spend a Sunday afternoon browsing around and people watching. When the sun goes down, the dancing gets intense. Tango, African, and other type of dancers are everywhere and the crowd is encouraged to join. It´pretty much one big dance party!
Most of the day, I have been enjoying one of the many parks/gardens, walking around the ecological reserve, or catching up in my travel journal at a corner cafe. It really can´t get anymore relaxing. I also purchased a month pass at a indoor swimming pool. I would love to run on the river or through the parks, but my foot has been ridiculous lately so swimming is my next best alternative.
Shopping is another topic in itself... I have never been to a city where I love everything I see... its bad! Buenos Aires is honestly the best city for shopping I have ever been to. There are so many boutiques that design their own clothes. Everything is unique and exceptional. The prices aren´t exactly cheap but they aren´t unreasonable either.
Today I moved into a barrio called Palermo Hollywood. I am living with a host family that has a beautiful antique home in one of the hippest areas of Buenos Aires. My room has french doors that lead out to a cobblestone patio full of flowers and plants. Upstairs, there is a large open air terrace and art studio where my host mom, Nora, teachers painting classes. We also have a large, but very friendly dog named Moto. I am so excited to settle in and enjoy this city for a few more weeks.
However, yesterday my grandfather passed away... He was in decent health before I left, but I didn´t think such a thing would happen while I was gone. But I guess God takes us when he wants us, and there is nothing else we can do about it. Fortunately, I will be able to attend his funeral thanks to assistance from my traveler´s insurance.
It will be good to go home and be there to support my family and especially my grandmother. My grandfather was a great man that always loved to be working on some type of project. He was very hardworking and taught me many things. I am grateful for his example and love he showed to me throughout his life.
The San Telmo market is so crazy! They close down the entire street, nearly the whole length of San Telmo. There are bands, performers, artisans, and food vendors amongst other things. It´s a great way to spend a Sunday afternoon browsing around and people watching. When the sun goes down, the dancing gets intense. Tango, African, and other type of dancers are everywhere and the crowd is encouraged to join. It´pretty much one big dance party!
Most of the day, I have been enjoying one of the many parks/gardens, walking around the ecological reserve, or catching up in my travel journal at a corner cafe. It really can´t get anymore relaxing. I also purchased a month pass at a indoor swimming pool. I would love to run on the river or through the parks, but my foot has been ridiculous lately so swimming is my next best alternative.
Shopping is another topic in itself... I have never been to a city where I love everything I see... its bad! Buenos Aires is honestly the best city for shopping I have ever been to. There are so many boutiques that design their own clothes. Everything is unique and exceptional. The prices aren´t exactly cheap but they aren´t unreasonable either.
Today I moved into a barrio called Palermo Hollywood. I am living with a host family that has a beautiful antique home in one of the hippest areas of Buenos Aires. My room has french doors that lead out to a cobblestone patio full of flowers and plants. Upstairs, there is a large open air terrace and art studio where my host mom, Nora, teachers painting classes. We also have a large, but very friendly dog named Moto. I am so excited to settle in and enjoy this city for a few more weeks.
However, yesterday my grandfather passed away... He was in decent health before I left, but I didn´t think such a thing would happen while I was gone. But I guess God takes us when he wants us, and there is nothing else we can do about it. Fortunately, I will be able to attend his funeral thanks to assistance from my traveler´s insurance.
It will be good to go home and be there to support my family and especially my grandmother. My grandfather was a great man that always loved to be working on some type of project. He was very hardworking and taught me many things. I am grateful for his example and love he showed to me throughout his life.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
