Bus to Buenos Aires: Into the Wild

The first thing I do on a long bus, train or plane ride is pop on my headphones and listen to the “Into the Wild” soundtrack by Eddie Vedder.  All the way through.  

Eddie Vedder - Hard Sun Lyrics: When I walk beside her i am the better man when I look to leave her I always stagger back again once I built an ivory tower so I could worship from above and when I climbed down to be set free she took

Fascinated by the foreign landscape...

Reflecting on what’s happened...

Imagining what may happen next...  

Highly recommend this movie and album.  It's based on a true story about a young man who rejects societal norms; donates all his money; burns his belongings and sets off to explore North America and truly live in the wild in Alaska.  

This movie had a profound impact on me.  Of course, the main character’s sense of adventure was appealing.  But, what I appreciated more were the relationships he formed along his journey.  Unfortunately, these relationships were fleeting.  But, they were incredibly meaningful nonetheless.

I felt a special connection with several Córdobeans.  Like Marcela, from the gas station who helped me with my Spanish.  Fernando, at the local lavanderia.  Giselle, at la panaderia.  Santiago & Elvia at the kiosco next to my apartment.  Sebastian, from Casa Criolla.  Euge, an amazing woman who inspired me and showed me how hard-working Córdobeans live.  And, Alemendra, the passionate Patagonian, who made me think deeper about myself.  

Elvia, from the Kiosco; Marcela at the gas station; Giselle at la panaderia.

I wish I got snaps with all the magnificent people I met.  But, I did not.  And that's life.  Memories will have to suffice.  And, maybe I will see them again.  But, the reality is, I may not.  

And, that’s where music comes in.  Music brings memories back to life.  I will see my marvelous Córdobeans again when I close my eyes and listen to Into the Wild.  

Soothing Sounds of Power Saws

It’s fascinating to experience the cultural differences in foreign countries.  

In Cordoba, restaurants don’t open for dinner until ~8:30pm and waiters & waitresses are incredibly lax about bringing the check, or even checking on you.  SO different from the US, where the main goal is to churn you out.

One difference I’ll never get used to is night construction...directly across the street.  The sound of an intermittent power saw from ~midnight to ~5am is not the type of white noise I need to Zzzz.  

I don’t mind the drunken revelers that oft pass by my place, singing and slurring.  Reminds me of the good ole days!  But, that power saw.  

Funny thing, is that NO ONE EVER YELLS at them.  If this were New York City, the string of obscenities would be entertaining enough to make me take out my ear plugs.  But, people just seem to accept it here.

I guess the show must go on.  Maybe these guys are working under a tight deadline.  (Doubt it)  Or maybe they just like working at night.  (Maybe?)  Or, they just want to get the job done as quick as possible?  (Hmmm)

If only the waiters and waitresses had that same drive.  :]

You just have to accept that things here are different!  Embrace the soothing sounds of power saws at 4am.  Plan for 2 hour meals.  And ask for the check a half hour before you want to go.

Celeb Sighting in Córdoba!

I left LA a little over 3 weeks ago, and didn’t expect to spot a celeb for another 49.  This past Saturday, I went on a wild goose chase down to Plaza San Martin to find a “convertidor de voltaje”.  2+ hours, 6+ miles, 8+ clumsy Spanish convos and no voltage converter.  

BUT, I spotted a huge crowd of ravenous fans, all amped up to get autographs...  

…of...

Ronald McDonald!

This guy is a legend here.  No joke.  They LOVE McDonalds!  “Que rico!”  

Can’t say I blame them.  I love Chicken McNuggets and Fries.  I just don’t like the way it sits in my stomach a half hour later, or the way it makes my car smell when I get into it the next morning.  

But, I don't drive a car anymore.  

And, now I’m totally craving McDonalds!  Who's with me?