““All journeys have secret destinations of which the traveler is unaware.” – Martin Buber
Bienvenidos a Buenos Aires
12 Jan 2012 | 2 Comments | posted by Intrepid Explorer | in Before We Left Home, South America
Day 1 – Buenos Aires, Argentina
We woke up to an absolutely gorgeous day in BA! 27C and not a cloud in the sky. With Jon’s reminder that we probably needed sunscreen (which I totally wouldnt have thought about as we have been living in the cold grey for the last few months), we set out to explore.
Buenos Aires apparently has an amazing public transport system, but since San Telmo is just outside the microcentro, we decided to walk it. We wandered up towards the center of town, checking out the Palacio de Congreso (based on the Capitol Building in Washington), the famously phallic Obelisco (shown with great flair by Thomas Jansson in the photo above) and the Casa Rosada, the pink presidential palace. I havent actually seen ‘Evita’ but everyone knows the famous balcony where she spoke to the crowds.
We also ambled down Av. Florida, the BA version of Oxford street, but really it more reminded me of the shopping streets in Amsterdam, with it’s 19th century buildings and close walls. Stepping into one of the shops, I did discover something amazing!! Apparently in Argentina, Antonio Banderas has not one, but about 10 different fragrances of cologne! How bizzare is that? I was scolded by the shopgirl for taking this pic, but it was totally worth it!
Why Antonio Banderas smells so good
At the Casa Rosada, there was an outdoor photo exhibition of photos of the current Argentinian President, Cristina Kirchner. Now normally that would be a bit dull, but these weren’t the posed fake-smile shots we normally get from politicians. In fact, if I didnt know better, I would have thought these were her personal candid snaps! I’ll post some of them when we put the whole of the BA photos up next week, but this one I couldnt resist.
The Perfect First Family Pic
What a great family shot! Cristina looks poised, her son Maximo looks totally uncomfortable in his suit, and her daughter Florencia is doing the typical ‘my mates are taking a photo, quick -pose!’ pose. How great is that?? Can you imagine any US or UK top politician letting that image be public? Let alone in front of the White House or 10 Downing St? Much respect, ma’am.
We have liftoff!
10 Jan 2012 | 2 Comments | posted by Intrepid Explorer | in Before We Left Home
And they’re off! The day is finally here and I cannot believe how fast it has come around!
I was thinking the other day that it has been exactly 10 years since the last time I set off on a grand adventure. January 3, 2002 was when I left San Diego on a supposed three month trip to Australia and New Zealand. 6 months later, having added some Thai, Malay, Singaporan, Fijian and Israeli stamps to my passport, I arrived home and promptly told my friends and family I was moving to the UK. And within the month, I was in London, starting a new life. And what a ten years it has been!
This trip will be very different, and will be Jon’s turn to experience life as a traveller for the first time. It will be amazing to have a partner to travel with, and I am sure it will bring challenges as well. This is truly the adventure of a lifetime. 4 continents, including the most remote one on the planet, over 39 countries – and a whole year to experience it in.
Wish us luck!
T Minus 1- The Final Countdown
9 Jan 2012 | No Comments | posted by Intrepid Explorer | in Before We Left Home
And now I have the ‘Europe’ song in my head!
Last minute mayhem here! One last physio treatment, calling all the bank and credit card companies to remind them that we are indeed leaving the country, ending phone contracts, picking up final bits at the store, getting extra passport pictures, etc. It doesn’t seem to end, and that’s from a fairly organised couple!
We’re now just looking forward to hopping on the plane!
T Minus 2 – Nearly there…
8 Jan 2012 | 3 Comments | posted by Intrepid Explorer | in Before We Left Home
Amazingly, I think the party has taken all the stress out of leaving for me! I’m much more chilled now! We’ve had a lovely day with Jon’s family, and ran a few last minute errands (picking up my Miss Moneypenny glasses!). I even had time to dye my hair! Yup, for those of you who haven’t seen me for a bit, it’s now a lovely shade of aubergine/eggplant. Photos to come!
Everyone has asked if we are pretty much ready to go and for the most part, I’d say yes! We packed everything into both the rucksacks and the daypacks to see how it fits, and we even still have some room left. Woot woot! I’d definitely say choosing everything in advance was a good idea, because now there isnt any frantic throwing of stuff into bags, or wildly looking for bits and pieces we’ve forgotten! We’ve even been able to charge all our gadgets, ready to go! I think the only thing we need to do is put the last few toiletries in on Tuesday morning! Fantastic!
Now that just means I can’t put off doing my taxes any longer… Sigh.
Packed and Ready To Go!
Oh, and my lovely aerial silks girls – Kirsty, Elina and Caro – have given us a goodbye present. Well, not for us really, but for Thomas Jansson, as they like him better.
He’s now sporting very fashionable and bohemian neckwear! He’s very pleased.
Thoma Jansson's New Attire