Buenos Aires: My Experience

Hola hola! Remember that time I went to Spain for almost two months and I blogged religiously about my experience? And that time four years later I went to Argentina and I didn't even touch my computer? Major regrets lugging that thing around. But the point here is, my blog posts are going to look a little bit different this time around. Instead of going back day-by-day and recounting what I did, I'm going to hit the high notes. Focus on the things that you MUST DO should you ever get the chance to visit this incredible city. And I hope you do. Because it's one full of culture and history and fashion and nightlife and food and wine and a whole lot of beauty and unique experiences. I absolutely loved my time in Buenos Aires - probably eight days in total - and I would jump at the chance to return. Buenos Aires became a kind of home base to me, and by the end of my time there, I was a pro at navigating those streets. It had such a European feel to it, yet there was something different about it as well. And while there are so many incredible things to do and see and eat in Buenos Aires, I'll stick with just my very favorites. Otherwise, this post could go on forever.

Next stop: Buenos Aires

• Teatro Colon - Y'all. This place was absolutely beautiful. I love the Hobby Center, but Teatro Colon kind of puts it to shame. It opened in 1908, and is said to be one of the top five concert venues in the world. Located in the very heart of the city, this eclectic building has seen many important composers, singers, dancers, and orchestras perform on its stage. I didn't see a show during my time in Buenos Aires, but the guided tour was plenty of time for me to admire the beauty of this historic and well-known opera house. 

• Palacio Barolo - This was hands down my favorite place in all of Buenos Aires. This probably has something to do with the fact that it pays homage to Dante's "Divine Comedy", and the English teacher in me absolutely ate it up. When the building was completed in 1923, it was the tallest building in South America, and I had the opportunity to experience Buenos Aires from 100m up - one meter for each canto in the poem. We started in Hell, moved onto Purgatory, and finally, ends in Heaven. No detail went unnoticed, and I have an entire note on my phone that explains every building-poem connection. I'll spare you guys, but I will tell you that I even learned a little Latin. There are guided tours available in the afternoon and evening, but I would recommend doing the Extraordinary Night + Tango Show tour. You get the full experience, the nighttime adds a spooky effect, and you get to enjoy a tango show with wine post-tour. Tours are in both English and Spanish.

The lighthouse

• La Bombonera + Calle Caminito - I had the La Boca neighborhood on my list of places that I had to visit, however, everything I read about this neighborhood said something to the effect of, "Don't visit this neighborhood alone." Well, I was traveling solo, and I really wanted to see both the soccer stadium and the colorful street that you see in all the guide books. So, I compromised, and I walked as far as I felt was safe before hailing a taxi that dropped me off right in front of the soccer stadium - La Bombonera, home of La Boca Juniors. And I love the story of La Boca Juniors. These kids are taken off the streets of a rough neighborhood, and given an education while at the same time, honing their incredible soccer skills. What teacher/coach doesn't love a system like that? And Calle Caminito was everything I thought it would be. Bursting with color and tango and art, I can understand why this street is at the top of every tourist's to-do list. And let it be stated that I never once felt unsafe in this neighborhood, though I did stay on the main tourist street. I read enough horror stories to know not to wander off the beaten path, but please don't let the rumors prevent you from visiting this historic little neighborhood.

Fun fact: The stadium got its name because it was said to look like a chocolate bombon

• Cafe Tortoni National Tango Academy - You will read in all the travel guides that Cafe Tortoni is a must-visit. And I'm sure the tango shows are out of this world. However, instead of dressing up and watching the show taking place on stage, I decided to try my hand - or my feet, rather - at the tango at this hidden tango academy. For 80 pesos, I experienced two hours of fun. There were four of us in the class, and after mastering the 8 basic steps, we moved onto some more advanced moves. I was way out of my element, but my instructor was fantastic, and I really loved experiencing such an integral part of the Argentinian culture. I highly recommend stepping out of your comfort zone and getting your groove on.

• Cementerio Recoleta - I visited this place on a dreary weekday morning, and I think that added to the overall spooky feeling. Though tours are offered, I chose to wander the "city of the dead" all on my own. It's a maze of everything Buenos Aires has to offer - history and art and flowers and beautiful, loving headstone inscriptions. The architecture is incredible, and wandering through this cemetery was a very moving experience. It's magical and spooky all at once, and a quiet hideaway in the middle of the hustle and bustle of a major city.

• Empanada Cooking Class - This was my very last Argentinian activity, and one of my very favorites. After looking around on the Internet, I stumbled upon Norma's home-based cooking class, and not only was the time right, but the price was right, too. I felt so at home in her precious apartment, and she had all of the ingredients purchased and prepared as she walked us through a lentil stew creation, delicious carne empanadas, and easy-peasy dulce de leche alfajores. This class was very hands-on, we got to enjoy the fruits of our labor - accompanied by the most delectable Malbec, and we got a recipe book to take back to the States with us. Norma is warm, inviting, and full of interesting stories. It was a fabulous way to wrap up my time in Argentina.

• El Ateneo - Calling all bookworms! You cannot miss this place. It's a theater-turned-bookstore, and I think I visited this place no less than four times. It has actually been named the second most beautiful bookstore in the world, and if this got second place, I've got to see the one that holds first place. The only words I can think to describe this place are magnificent, splendid, grand, and a place you have to experience for yourself. Of course, most of the books were in Spanish, but I had a wonderful time wandering row upon row of my favorite books. I spent a number of rainy days curled up in a theater box reading one of the six books I completed while abroad.

• Olsen Restaurant - I stumbled upon this dreamy little restaurant while walking through Palermo one day, and I later learned that it's quite the Buenos Aires hotspot. It's in a very trendy part of town, and I was able to enjoy a sunny Sunday brunch on the most charming patio. It was a little bit pricier than the other meals I ate in Buenos Aires, but the food and atmosphere were definitely worth it. Olsen is what I would call an Instagrammable restaurant, and I certainly recommend it if you find yourself in the area.

I don't know about you guys, but this post just made me one step closer to booking a flight back to Buenos Aires. I loved everything about this city - except for maybe the paying for water thing, and the fact that every other person I passed on the street smoked - but there was always something to do and see. I loved the walkability of this city, and that there were always so many people on bikes and rollerblades. The architecture was so unique, the food was outstanding, and the generosity and hospitality I experienced was second-to-none. Counting down the days until I get to experience this most wonderful city again.

Realistic Goals

I think this nearly six-month hiatus is the longest break I’ve taken from this little blog of mine. And while I am tempted to blame it on the fact that I just “didn’t have time,” the truth of the matter is, I was so ashamed that I had neglected fitnessandfroyo for months upon months upon months, that I couldn’t even bring myself to log onto blogger. I just couldn’t. I received emails now and again asking me to do a product review, and I wondered how my website could even possibly be getting any traffic. Just the other night I found myself shrugging and telling myself, “I guess it was just a phase, not something that was going to last forever.” I felt like I was so far gone that I was past the point of return. And my old goal of ten posts a month? Not going to happen. Funny enough, I think I was feeling the way some of my students feel on a regular basis. I get so frustrated when they sit there and won’t even try to do the work that I’m giving them. And when I talk to them about it, it’s because “I’m already failing so badly anyway that doing this won’t even help.” Okay, maybe that’s kind of true. But how about looking at it this way instead?

Doing it is a step in the right direction. It won’t erase all the assignments they didn’t do previously, and it won’t erase the months of nonexistent blogging, but doing it helps build a habit. And good habits are the stepping stones to success. And that’s how I’m going to approach this blog from here on out. That, and I ran into my principal in the hallway earlier today, and he said to me, “I saw that you have a blog.” To which I probably gave an embarrassed, “Yes … and I haven’t written anything … in months.” But I could feel my face light up while talking about my blog, and just that one 30-second conversation inspired me to set a new, more realistic goal for myself. Ten posts a month is a lot. But what about one post a week? Whether it’s my favorite Survey Sunday, a new recipe or workout, or just anything that comes to mind, one post a week is more than manageable. Lord knows I spend more time Instagram stalking the brother of a friend’s cousin’s sister’s boyfriend than I care to admit, and that time could easily be spent doing something a bit more productive.

So, what have I been up to while I haven’t been blogging? To start, I finished (!!!) my very first marathon. 26.2 miles through the city in which I was raised. I grew up hearing about the Houston Marathon, and I felt like a million bucks walking through downtown wearing a medal almost the size of my face around my neck. I met my goal of finishing in under four hours (just barely!), and I can honestly say that I loved every single minute of the race. The weather was perfect, the signs were laugh-inducing, the spectators were encouraging every step of the way, the beer at mile 21 was clutch, and while I spent most of the next day curled up watching Family Feud in bed, and much of the next month nursing a tender knee, I wouldn’t change one thing about that day. Though I did limit myself to the half marathon in 2017.

One of my students held this sign up for me at the race

I reentered the world of club volleyball – thanks, BPal, for luring me out of retirement – and though I frequently questioned my decision to tackle the whirlwind of club volleyball in the midst of an always stressful STAAR season while dealing with a new puppy, I can say without a doubt that it was more than worth it. Not just because of the extra travel money deposited into my bank account each month, but because I realized just how passionate I am about the game, as well as the opportunity to be a positive influence in teenagers' lives.

Beach practice

Ran into a few of my sweet Bellaire girls

It’s a big time commitment, though. I missed out on more than a few outings with my friends in favor of spending my Saturday inside a gym. And it made me so grateful for all the coaches I had growing up, who gave up time with their families and friends – and probably even some time spent on the couch watching Netflix, if we’re being honest – to help mold me into the person that I am today. Am I getting sappy enough for you guys yet?

I may be a Cardinal now, but Spartans forever

I survived my second year of teaching, and man oh man, was it ten million times better than the first year. Not that the first year was bad. But it was my first year. As you all know, I had my own classroom, I grew more comfortable with the curriculum, and I felt so much more confident this time around.

I wouldn’t say that I totally know what I’m doing, but I’m learning more and more every single day. And I love it. And I can’t imagine doing anything else. I sometimes feel guilty when I tell people that I have a job where I don’t dread Mondays, and I actually mean that. I’m challenged in so many ways, and I learn so much every single day from not only my colleagues, but also from my students. And let’s be real, when you’re around high schoolers all day, you’re never lacking in laughter. I heard you kind of start to figure things out in year three, so I’ll be sure and keep you guys posted on that front.

Thanks for putting up with me as I counted down to my birthday for three weeks

I moved to the cutest one bedroom apartment, and I L O V E living by myself. Okay, not totally by myself, because Mack has the energy of about three additional humans. But I actually think this move has caused me to make more of an effort to see my friends on a regular basis, because I know that it’s all too easy to stay home with a book and a blanket and shut out the rest of the world. So this has been great for my introverted tendencies.

If you don’t follow me on Instagram, Twitter, and we’re not friends on Facebook, I spent three weeks traveling solo around Argentina. And let me guess, you’re saying to yourself, “Wow! She went to Argentina all by herself?” I can’t tell you how many times I got that reaction. But I really did it! And it was awesome. I wish I had a better adjective to describe my time in such an incredible country, but awesome is all I can come up with right now. I’m hoping I’ll be inspired to write a couple of posts about my time there, because while I posted plenty of pictures, I would love to be able to put into words some of the incredible sights that I saw, the food that I ate, and the things that I did. I’ll leave you with a couple of sneak peeks, though if you follow me on any form of social media you have likely already seen them. But if you’re anything like me, you never tire of looking at them.

Houston --> Buenos Aires

Teatro Colon

Recoleta Cemetery 

Tango lessons

Biking the park

Fruit stands on every corner

The mountains are calling

Hook 'em from the top!

Cerro Campanario

Cerro Campanario

Biking Circuito Chico

El Caminito

Hotel Llao Llao Spa Day

Iguazu Falls

Empanada class

And I’ll also leave you with this now-laughable moment (that was only shared with my mom long after the fact): Thanks to an allergic reaction to lotion used during a massage (and they tell you to treat yourself), I was treated to a cortisone shot in the butt just minutes before boarding a flight back to Buenos Aires from Bariloche. Every trip has to have something, right? But in all seriousness, I fell in love with the culture and history and country of Argentina, and it will always hold such a special place in my heart. My first – and it won’t be my last – solo adventure abroad, and I’m so grateful for the opportunity to travel and experience what else this world has to offer.

I have watched some of my friends move to new cities, I have welcomed other friends home to Houston, I have walked my sweet pup to the point of exhaustion, I have tried new restaurants – and revisited my favs, I have completed over half of my 2016 25-book goal (goodreads link), celebrated my 24^th trip around the sun, relived my soccer days – Clutch City FC third place chumps, served my first jury duty summons, been in two accidents (yes, in a brand new car), experienced the goodness and strength of a community in the face of an unimaginable tragedy, reconnected with old friends, shared endless laughs with my favorite people, learned, grew, failed, and have learned how to be intentional with and present in each day.

Houston Rodeo

Blading into 24

Beer and baseball in the bullpen with the bro (and we won!)

Let the good times roll(erblade)

Golden

Suite 1 forever

My best bud

Hopdoddy does Houston

And I look forward to all of the future posts to come. It’s a little bit nuts when you realize that it takes only one conversation to get that mojo back, but it makes you realize how much impact a single conversation can have on another person. And now I’ll have something else to think about as I run myself ragged in and around Hermann Park and the Rice jogging trail.