Yesterday marked the 9-month point along this incredible adventure. As I reflect back on the whole experience all I can think about is… shit, time has gone by fast. I could of had a kid in that time. However, at my mother’s request I’m still baby-free, loving life and trying to maximize the time I have left here in Buenos Aires.
In 9-months I’ve traveled through Argentina, Chile and Uruguay, started my bi-lingual journey, immersed myself into a foreign culture and built lifelong friendships. However, like coal for Christmas, this gift is a curse. Now I crave new adventures, I want to explore more of South America, speak better Spanish, learn more, see more, do more, ahhhh! Para, para, para.
Let’s break it down:
The Blog: After an eye-opening breakfast in Salta, Argentina with Leigh and her family from thefutureisred.com and Simon and Erin from neverendingvoyage.com I realized that I need to network better with the travel blog world. When I first started this trip I steered clear of all couch-surfers, travel bloggers and expats because I wanted to get an authentic and raw prospective about Buenos Aires and Argentina. Not one through the eyes of a traveler, but from “regular citizens”. However, I’ve since grown to understand that this trip should be two-sided. On one side, my day-to-day life can be as townie as I want but I need to incorporate the blogosphere into the conversation to open doors, build relationships and spread the word about What I’m doing. They have a lot of good advice, information and stories to share. Also, it’s kind of weird but at the beginning of this trip I felt intimidated about communicating because I felt like I hadn’t really done anything yet.
With that being said, within the last few weeks I’ve been finally getting into my blogging rhythm as far as reaching out and communicating. Hopefully with time and dedication, I’ll one day be a prominent voice in this ever growing community.
Help me grow, socialize and learn at Facebook and Twitter
The To-Do List: Thanks in large part to my father visiting in late May, I was able to check a few big travel spots off the list recently (Mendoza, Chile and Iguazu Falls). I was also able to check off Salta & Jujuy thanks to the help of my friend Mariela from Buenos Aires Concierge. I was a little bummed I missed the Argentina vs. France Rugby match last weekend, but I decided to play baseball with the Shankees instead. I also missed the opportunity to see a pro basketball game and as many of you know I failed at getting into a Boca Juniors match. Although these things won’t get checked off before I have to go home in August, I’m sure we will be able to knock ’em out in the near future.
The Spanish: I just got back from spending a week of only speaking in Spanish. Although my head was about to explode by the last day, it’s that kind of stuff that really helps push me forward. As I sit here writing this I realize it has been more than 270 days of consistent reading, speaking and/or listening in Spanish. I am still currently working with the Bueno, entonces program to help me break down the conversations I am having everyday. It has been a great way to keep learning formally while traveling. The plan for when I get back to the States is to take more group classes to keep the momentum rolling.
The Money: Ideas don’t make you money, actions do. Executing ideas will be my absolute goal over the next few months. Bartending is still my main source of day-to-day income, however affiliate referrals and travel writing are starting to bring in money and a consulting project will soon turnover. I will get into my money status in much more detail next week with “Let’s Talk Money, Part II“.
The Physical: I have been running a lot as well as playing basketball, baseball, soccer and even polo but I am getting a gym membership on Monday. I need a solid month to put some weight back on before heading home for a number of reasons: 1. So I can fit into my suit for the weddings I have to attend 2. Be ready for the beach weather and 3. Avoid getting scolded by my grandmother.
The Mental: To be honest I am in a difficult spot right now. Trying to plan stuff for when I get home as well as maximize the time I have left here. Also, the bitter-sweet feeling of leaving all the great people I’ve met here to go see my amazing friends and family back home. It’s a point in the trip where I think about all the things I have done, things I didn’t do, and what more can I do. I know I will have a lot more time for blogging and business projects when I get home but I can’t let them fall behind. July is going to be fun, sad, exciting and insane. I’m trying to find balance.
The Social: This is my last week of bartending. That means I will have the entire month of July to rock and roll on the weekends. Stay tuned for the 7 Clubs in 7 Nights Challenge coming very soon!
Tired of: Jamon and Queso sandwiches and grocery store variety.
Absolutely Pumped For: Argentina vs. Germany on Saturday – I’m going to video all the action in Buenos Aires. As I mentioned before, I’m not going to pretend like I’ve always been a big international football fan, but you can’t help but to get excited when the entire city is buzzing with anticipation and the news stations hypnotize you with these glorious Argentina football montage videos that stir the pot even more.
9-months ago I asked my friends & family some questions about my trip, check out the videos:
Pre-Departure Interviews: Report Back
Pre-Departure Interviews: Biggest Worry
Pre-Departure Interviews: Making Money
