Art

Día Internacional de la Mujer

Posted on March 11, 2012 by erikamae82

In Argentina, this day is widely recognized to support female rights. Especially here in Buenos Aires, it’s focused on the positive development of the young women within the community. Here is an example of one of the programs “Mission statement”:

1. BELIEVE in our gifts and talents, using them to create a better world.
2. RELINQUISH negativity and build personal power.
3. RADIATE joy and confidence, choosing to be a powerful force for good.
4. STAND as receivers, keepers, and givers of love and compassion.
5. HOLD FAST to truth and moral values, and teach children to stand strong.
6. SEIZE opportunities for growth and leadership while living with passion and purpose.
7. CONNECT with other women to advance worthy causes.
8. SEEK opportunities for meaningful service, touching hearts and changing lives.
9. REACH OUT to enlighten the minds and empower the hearts of women everywhere.
10. DREAM big dreams and make those dreams our destiny.

WOMEN, THIS IS OUR TIME.
By Paula Fellingham and Annette Stanwick

After school, a small group of us girls decided to walk a portion of the city, to see what events we could find. Here are a few of my schoolmates. 2 Dutch and 2 from Brazil.

In the center of the city, they had a couple venues set up.

Something that was new to me was Having to depend mostly on body language and personality in regards to which vendor I spoke with.
In english speaking countries, I could read the sign or recognize a familiar local symbol and quickly decide if I wanted to approach the vendor or even slow down for the eye contact. It was mind opening to depend mostly on pictures and body language of the representatives to decide if I cared to be a part of what they were sharing. Were they smiling and dancing around? Chanting with a forceful tone… Or ignoring the public and just keeping to themselves?

La Casa Rosada (The Pink House) is the official executive mansion of Argentina and is considered one of the most emblematic buildings in Buenos Aires. It also has a museum, with objects related to the presidents of the country. It has been declared a National Historic Monument of Argentina.

They have several priceless photos of politcians from a variety of countries, both present and past. Here are a few of the ones that caught my attention (this is not a direct representation of my political beliefs).

Continuing around the massive building we begin to head towards the main harbor.

On the way back to the apartment we were blocked by what seemed to be either a parade, a protest or some type of demonstration.

Where’s Waldo? (aka- me)

View from our balcony

Categories: Art, Fashion from a backpack, Uncategorized | Tags: current-events, meaningful service, passion and purpose, politics, travel, vacation | Leave a comment

Reunion(s)… Love them!

Posted on March 9, 2012 by erikamae82

Mike is a fine fellow that I met about 10 years ago through mutual friends back in the “Chico days” (as some might call it).
This entrepreneur started brewing beer during college and with his drive to make it happen, took his business mind to Argentina. He is now the successful owner of Fenicia Brewing Co in Rosario and welcomed me and Denise with open arms.

We walked a small neighborhood of the city. More street art:

Had some eats and local beer at his buddies restaurant called Antares .
Mike was invited to join a chugging contest on stage in which he won(excluding the guy that had a crowd yelling before the finish line).

And for desert he hooked up a local drink called “Mate”, pronounced Mah-teh. This traditional beverage is a “social” tea that’s served in a gord styled container with a metal straw. It’s hot enough that one doesn’t gulp or even drink for that matter. It’s more of a sip and taste then pass it along. Even though I awkwardly have one eye half closed, the flavor wasn’t bad. I would partake if this was offered, however I wouldn’t necessarily crave such a taste. Glad I got to try it though, thanks Mike! More to come of this fun gentleman when we hop a bus to Rosario for his St.Patties Day fiesta!

The following evening we met up with Stuart and Andrew, two guys I connected with during the layover in Brazil. At the airport, I was questioning the line I was standing in to board the flight when, to my relief, I heard English speakers in front of me. These friendly Canadians helped me out and we parted ways without any exchange of info.

I got off the flight and while waiting for my luggage here come my “heroes”. Another “thank you” to them and we cheers good bye.

Remember the market from my first Argentina post? As Denise and I were aimlessly strolling around, here come the boys with a pep in their step (yes, I said it… A pep). “Hey, I know you!”

We agreed that after 3 unintentional path crossings, it was in the books for an official connection. Info was finally exchanged and plans were made!

We met up and went for dinner at a place they suggested called Sagardi .
We enjoyed a brilliant bottle of local wine while we dished up our own pinchos from the tapas bar. This was our appetizer before the “Argentenean Steak” was brought out.

Obviously from my edibles page, I’m not a huge red meat eater, however again with the “when in Rome” idea…. Here we go!

Luckily we all agreed for some greens as well to complement this hunk-o-beef and enjoyed.

Apparently whosever tongue was the darkest had had the most wine…

A walk after that meal was refreshing and turned exciting when we heard music coming from the street… It’s after 10p on a Wednesday and theres a decent group of people gathered around tables. Giggling children chasing each other through the bundle of friends sipping coffee while others enjoyed a bottle of wine. All topped off with a live band and tango dancers as the center peice! The dark sky was lit with a few street lights and the ambiance overflowed with a local vibe. You would of thought Denise and I had found the gold at the end of a rainbow!

I wish the pics were more clear, but we plan on going back so I’ll try again.

Buenos Noches to our new friends and a quick group tango…

Categories: Art, Edibles!, Uncategorized | Tags: buddies restaurant, business mind, social tea, st patties day, travel, vacation | Leave a comment

51 Hours of travel to get 1/2 way around the world

Posted on March 5, 2012 by erikamae82

Since I was traveling through a variety of major time zones, I’ll simply put which hours of my journey I’m describing rather than what time it actually was (don’t know if I could be accurate with that anyway).

HOURS 1-3
Departed his place, checked in and flew to Aukland.

HOURS 3-6
The start of a wicked layover!

I landed by noon, but wasn’t able to check in for Dubai until 2:30. Snapped a couple of pics before getting rid of my bag.

I love how this says “Relax”.

Finally checked in, boarding pass in hand and 4 more hours to burn until I get on the flight.

HOUR 6-8
In New Zealand you’re aloud to bring liquid on the flight and I had a left over bottle of Mount Gay Rum (That I purposing picked in name of all my friends in Barbados, miss you boys!) There was no way I was going to drink all of it, especially alone, so off to the food court to find a new friend!

I walked around the corner of a pub and in front of me is an older woman. She suddenly turns to me and with a confused look, points to a group of gentlemen in costume. Loudly she says “You here with them?”. They naturally turn and look at us as I smile and laugh while saying, “Of course I am…. These crazy boys do this to me all the time!”

She gives me the “seriously?” look as the guys agree and invite me in their direction….. Found my new friends! This bundle of joy reunited here after years of not seeing each other… Bachelor party… Woohoo! We shared a beverage and a few stories before they debarked. Hopefully those vibrant smiles stayed with them as they made a memorable mess of the weekend… Cheers to unexpected paths crossing!

With more left in the bottle, I approached a table of 4 who were playing cards and said “Have time to finish a bottle before your flight?”. You would of thought I was handing them gold! Sharing is caring.

Roamed through Duty free.

HOUR 8-10
Finally near my gate but still 2 more hours. Hmm, ooh.. I know!

All of the photos were takin with my self timer, so if you can imagine the sight of me running back and forth trying to get the right pic. That alone was half the fun! Either that, or I’m just a dork. Well, in the midst of one of my “running in action shots”, I hear the voice of Tim. Another new friend? Yup! “Can I grab that photo for you?” (I must of looked in need of some special help).

After a pic or two he offered a walk to the nearby cafe, what a treat! We walked for a bit with great conversation and ended up waiting to board at the same gate. From the hour I spent with this Aussie, I picked up on his kind nature and a very distinct drive for a fulfilled life. What an encouraging person to send me on my way.

Side note: If I end up working in Hong Kong…. You can blame thus guy.

Time to get on the plane… Finally! See that cute little bugga on the left? That’s your average size for domestic flights. Im riding window in the monster bus to the right.

HOUR 10-14
Fancy warm towels before we depart for the pit stop in Sydney. (I asked this stewardess if I could take her photo and she answered with a giddy energy, “”Everyone always wants a picture of themselves, nobody ever asks for mine!”) glad I could make her smile.

These are little adhesive tabs that you put on the top of your seat in case you fall asleep. I’ll give you one guess on which sticker I picked.

(FYI: it was the green one)

“Soda Water”

HOUR 14-27
Back on the bus for the 13 1/2 hour flight north… Next stop Dubai.

This night flight starts out dark so I decide to leave the flash off so I don’t disturb the other passengers. Ooh look, another warm towel before the dinner meal.

Bored.

Tired.

We’re here!

HOURS 27-29
Layover here was a nice treat. Besides your typical airport restaurants and shops, it also had this beautiful Zen garden with benches, greenery and soothing water running through it… And why wouldn’t they have a hookah shop?

HOURS 29-43
Back to the Airbus! 14 hours to Brazil before the final flight to Argentina. The sun is up now, however I’m totally confused on what day it is. Should I be tired? Why am I so hungry? Good travelin times!

This plane is a bit smaller, but still a decent size. They turned off the lights for the morning departure, check this out. Remember when bringing your Walkman or Gameboy on the flight made you the cool kid? Times have changed…

Who do I get to sit by? This friendly local of Rio De Janeiro. He wrote down several suggestions that other travelers wouldn’t know about and helped me brush up on my Spanish. Gracias!

HOURS 43-45
A transfer in Rio.

HOURS 45-48
Final flight to Buenos Aires, Argentina… Whew!

Landed safely with all smiles.

HOURS 48-51
Over an hour collecting luggage and going through customs, found my ride and headed to my new apartment. This is where I’ll be living for the next month while I attend a spanish immersion school and volunteer within the city. Ciao till next post!

Categories: Art, Uncategorized | Tags: transportation, travel, unexpected paths, vacation | 6 Comments

Hitch hike to a hidden treasure in Timaru

Posted on February 27, 2012 by erikamae82

The best unexpected stop of my journey so far!
Things happen for a reason… The universe works in mysterious ways… I’m lucky… Kharma pays… It all happens the way it’s supposed too.(You can fill in your own phrase that may sum up the reason I was meant to be exactly where I was last weekend).

Let’s start with hitch hiking. I put on my big girl pants, made an awesome sign and took the bus to the edge of town. There I stood with my backpack, hoping someone would be going in the same direction and willing to pick up a smiling traveler headed south. The thumb out and look of desperation doesn’t suit me well so I went with a huge smile and the wave. Yes folks, I waved at each vehicle passing as if it was a long time friend I hadn’t seen in years. Did I score? Yes! Within 5 minutes a car pulls off and as I approach the window I see a sweet guy around the age of 18 with a genuine look and smile as big as mine. I jumped in with Hamish for the ride to his home town of Timaru.

So if you check out a map, Timaru is a little less than half way from Christchurch to Queenstown (my ultimate goal) so I was pretty stoked. I had him drop me off at McDonalds due to their free wifi and the opportunity to contact another ride. (Pause for a minute and really grasp that visual. Me at McD’s, that alone is awkward…then add all my bags in a small town… Spectacular!) After moments of research I found a hotel thats a part of my Help X volunteer program. I gave them a call and this is where my journey turns for a direction beyond my imagination. I meet Ping. When we spoke he mentioned it was a busy night and he already had help, but he would call me back. 5 minutes later, my phone rang and he says “In your profile, it mentions you’re a hairstylist”…. And then it began. He came and picked me up with a beaming smile and an energy that grew through our conversation.

The “Grosvenor” is a hotel with 2 bars, restaurant, lounge and casino. This place has the coolest vibe with an awesome staff… A staff that all needed haircuts! I arrived at my new home for the night (even though I ended up staying the whole weekend) and got my scissors out right away. During my stay I got to do 7 haircuts on a variety of thankful people. Here are a few of the gals.

After the cuts were done, energy picked up as I was informed that they were hosting a Maori Rugby event that night. Of course I offer my help and to my pleasant surprise, I get to bartend and bus the entire evening! Amazing how exciting it was to get back in the “work mode” so much fun!

As if I wasn’t already stoked for some work and a good nights sleep, they offer me dinner from the menu. I requested they make me their favorite dish however the chef would like. I got local fish and chips with tons of veggies, double score! (I’ll post about what exactly I did with this scrumptious plate to make it last the entire weekend. Look for it soon in my “edibles” category).

The next day I got to snap some photos around this enchanting building that was built in 1878. Ping has brought back most of it’s original foundation and added a modern “kiwi” flare. It’s clear he’s put as much thought into this creation as passion into his surroundings. An inspiration for sure. Check this place out!
www.eight wired.co.nz .

This is the front desk area that you see when you first walk in.

Then they close the doors. (Tui is the local beer)

Bar area

This is the “#8” which is the old sports bar. It was damaged by the quakes so they’re in the process of rebuilding.

I don’t know what I like best about this photo. Either the childrens booster seat next to the cigarette machine, the poster of Marilyn Manroe or the hilarious bathroom sign!

Fun around the place.

Men’s bathroom… Super creative use of an old keg and taps!

This is the wall the boys “use” for their toilet.

These are some paintings on the wall you see on the way to my room.

My room. Let me remind you that I’ve been sleeping in hostel bunk beds, tree houses and vans… This place made me feel like a queen! I had my own tea kettle, a bed with 2 pillows, private bathroom with a hot water shower and real toilet! Spoiled? Yes I was.

Ping decided to take me for a walk and drop me off for “Erika time” as he called it. We walked for a bit untill we hit the coast. He took me to a beach that most travelers don’t know about and suggested I just roam around from there.

Rocks. Love them. Started with this pile…

…realized the magnificent colors I was surrounded by…

…then combined all of them!

Got lost in the industrial park.

Found some train tracks.

Then just wandered the city…

Found some cute shops.

… And this little guy!

“Thank you” doesn’t really describe my true appreciation for everyone at the Grosvenor. I felt more than welcomed right away into such a positive, warm family that makes my stop in tiny Timaru my favorite so far. A very sincere personal thanks to my new friends for a memorable weekend that will always hold a place in my heart.

Categories: Accommodations, Art, Edibles!, Uncategorized | Tags: awesome sign, volunteer program | 2 Comments

Ferry ride and first day in the South

Posted on February 13, 2012 by erikamae82

Rise and shine, time for the ferry ride from the North to the South Island

When I was 14 years old and hanging out with “the wrong crowd” I took a $.05 jolly rancher out of the bucket from a local gas station… Without paying… Eek! This was totally out of my character, but I did it. I walked all the way home with the candy in my hand and a ball of yuck in my guts. It took a solid 10 minutes before I walked all the way back to the station with $.10, put it on the counter with the candy and said “I took this without paying.”
The kid (probably 19 yrs old) behind the counter said something to the effect of “Okaaay…. So?”.
Point of this story is to show how much I don’t like the idea of cheating, stealing, lying and so forth. Which leads me to this next post… the ferry ride.

I’m not going to say much, pictures will speak for themselves…

Once we made it across, we started our towards the west coast.

Why not hike along the way? This is a path that leads to the purest water in New Zealand. Untouched by man and the clearest natural springs that I have ever seen.

They had this mirror set up to show just how you can see to the bottom. Photo opt!

This is a suspended bridge we accidentally found when we pulled off the side of the road, spectacular!

He likes heights, especially when dangling from above. I like to be closer to the ground.

Stopped by this cool little bar where they brew there own beer. This place is called the “Mussel Inn”.

Off to look for our next camp site…

Categories: Art, Fashion from a backpack, Uncategorized | Tags: ferry ride, mussel inn, untouched by man | 2 Comments

Walking the streets of Wellington

Posted on February 6, 2012 by erikamae82

Lost in a new city… Check!

I absolutely enjoy this location. It has the energy of a college town with the feel of a major city. Wandering through the alleys leads me to believe this place was developed by underground artists with an abundunce of creative juices spilling into the streets. This post is just random shots taken throughout my walks in town.

I spent an hour in here just reading labels of new stuff I had never seen. Yes, this is fun to me!

What… An Irish pub? Shocking! (referring to a previous post in which proving there is an Irish Bar in every country so far).

This is one of the main corner crossroads… Fun colors.

Tempting

Categories: Art, Uncategorized | Tags: irish bar, irish pub, random shots, underground artists | 1 Comment

Last Day in Melbourne

Posted on January 23, 2012 by erikamae82

Last day here in Melbourne. Went for walk just to take in a few last sights and sounds, what a cool city. If you were to tour it from one side to the other (including the outer towns) you would venture through what feels like London with the vibe of Davis and a touch of Folsom. Between the gorgeous high rise buildings, the family parks and the variety of eateries… I feel like this place would intrigue most travelers.

More street art!

I thought this was a creative concept. Makes one hesitate to spend a dime at other chain coffee shops (that might start with “star” and end with “bucks”. www.street.com.au

Ended the day out at a local beer garden called “The Penny Black”. Brilliant setting, scrumptious food (including one of my favorites, sweet potato fries) and a monster selection of unique beers and cider. www.thepennyblack.com.au

Categories: Art, Fashion from a backpack, Uncategorized | Tags: cool city, creative concept, high rise buildings, scrumptious food | Leave a comment

St. Kilda Beach

Posted on January 22, 2012 by erikamae82

Today was a layed back day of people watching, beach absorbing and a picnic. I started out at St.Kilda, a popular stretch that actually reminded me a lot of Southern California (except with more faux hawks and cool accents). I was shown around by a new friend that I had met during the playoff game last weekend. His story? Tate is from California and was actually working in Folsom (weird, I know). He decided that there had to be more out there so he’s now bar-tending on the beach in Australia while he figures out his next step (enter the “i don’t really feel sorry for you” face here). He’s beheron this area for a bit so with easy conversation, he pointed out some hot spots and lead the way towards the beach. It was extremely hot which is the reason this van-o-cold-goodness was parked right out front.

This was the not so populated side away from the shops and main beach.

Tate left for work and I met up with the girls for dinner and the drive home… Hmmm, why eat inside when it’s such a vibrant day? To the park we went!

Quick fashion note: I wore a cut off denim skirt so the wind couldn’t catch and give everyone a show (as if there wasn’t enough on the beach already) paired with a light fun t-shirt over the bikini top for color and comfort.

Categories: Art, Fashion from a backpack, Uncategorized | Tags: hot spots, new friend, st kilda | Leave a comment

Knit Bombing

Posted on January 18, 2012 by erikamae82

There’s a new craze hitting Australia (or at least Melbourne) in which people gather around and knit. You really don’t see them doing it, so I’m assuming it’s a late night or early morning process. Chelsea said she saw them once and they were literally sitting in a circle chatting while just knitting away. Love it! The city has adopted the idea and let’s it be, from street signs to park benches, trees, chairs and so on.