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“What is this Day of Patties?”

Posted on March 19, 2012 by erikamae82

To sum up this St.Patricks Day, I got to introduce the celebration to my two Dutch friends who had never experienced the holiday. We got green tanks tops and a black marker to design our own attire for the event. We packed our over night bags and caught a 4 hour bus ride to Rosario, a city outside of Buenos Aires.

Remember Mike? He’s the entrepreneur friend from California that moved to Argentina a few years ago to start up Fenicia, a restaurant bar where he brews his own beer. He modestly told me about it, so I had no idea what to expect. We were a bit lost trying to find it so I pointed out this attractive place across the street by saying “Ooh, that looks fun! Let’s stop there before we find Mikes place”. As we approached this welcoming bar, we realized… “Hey wait, this is Fenicia!”

Here is a tour before the crowds arrived:

Outside on the upstairs terrace

His “office”

The brewmaster “taking care if business”

We enjoyed a great dinner (and coffee) before the fiesta began!

Mike made time to pop in and out of the shenanigans to say hello before going back and taking care of more business.

Fiesta!

My shirt says “2 more please”, Denise’s says “I’m not Irish” (except the “no is written to be hidden so that it reads “I’m Irish”) and Ioni’s says “Irish for a day”. I think we did a job well done!

These next photos have a short story behind them. Ever since we arrived, we’ve been hearing about the Argentineans most popular drink, “Fernet con cola”. This stuff is everywhere! Mike was oh so kind enough to let us try it. Our combined opinions of the stuff was a cross between cough syrup and black licorice being served over burnt rubber… Don’t forget the splash of Cola! Here are the 4 reactions taken from Denise’s phone:

No other comment necessary…

Categories: Uncategorized | Tags: gaming, green tanks, travel, vacation | Leave a comment

Mini jungle gym – part 2

Posted on March 15, 2012 by erikamae82

A few of us from school decided to “study” at a park that was outside of the city. Look what I found! A playground with a new friend and a quick workout.

This is Mads, a super friendly classmate from Denmark who clearly likes to workout. He claims Denmark is the home of the happiest people in the world…after hanging out with him… I believe it!

Working the guts (abdominal).

The goal: Start by hanging underneath, then transfer (anyway you can) to the top without ever touching the ground.
I dedicate this to all of my gymnasts and the countless times I made you do these!

Dips

Categories: Fashion from a backpack, Fitness, Uncategorized | Tags: countless times, exercise, health, healthy-living, travel, vacation | Leave a comment

Stormy day… What to do?

Posted on March 13, 2012 by erikamae82

We had a storm yesterday! There was enough wind to bust in a window and wonderfully soak our hallway with fresh rain. The lightening was as if the clouds were taking photos and the thunder rolled like it needed some attention. It was quite the change to see dark skies hug the city.

Started my morning off with a quick bedroom workout:

One legged push ups with elbows in.

Elevated my feet and moved my hand position closer together.

Start by connecting elbows to knees (kind of looks like a frog).

Then slowly rock forward until you are balanced on just your palms. Hold until you are about to collapse…then hold longer.

One legged dips.

Start in a plank then without dropping your hips, press to a push up. Repeat 8-12 times with 1-3 push ups in each press.

Yes I know my toosh is out… This push up works the shoulders.

One of my favorites! Begin in a push up position and move your knee towards the opposite elbow while lowering. Then press up and straighten the leg. You can also do same knee to same elbow.

After that, off to study! Here are some random shots of the school.

The final lesson is taught and a few of us decided that it was “movie weather”. Those of you who know me well may be shocked that I, Erika, actually sat through an entire movie… in a theater… and did’t even fall asleep! This was a spanish animation about a pirate stuck on an island, super cute!

Here’s Denise wondering where to sit. She said this was a huge cinema compared to the ones in Holland… Imagine her thoughts if she saw some of the theaters in North America!

Yes, I took photos of the movie.

What an entertaining day for a storm…

Categories: Fitness, Uncategorized | Tags: bedroom workout, hand position, push ups, random shots, taking photos, toosh | Leave a comment

The Japanese Gardens

Posted on March 12, 2012 by erikamae82

After a busy week at school (in other words, being totally lost in la clase trying to figure out if she was assigning homework or complementing my ability to cut hair) we thought having a day out on the town sounded refreshing. Denise and I collected a new friend from Holland named Ioni… Off to the Japanese Gardens on the outer edge of the city… Perfecto!

The famous Red Bridge

This was a traditional japanese fortune box. While holding it, you focused on a specific question in regards to your life and then let a stick drop out of this tiny little opening. The number on the stick then pointed you to a paper that had your answer. After you read your fortune, you tied it on the wire wall and left it in high hopes.

It was beyond warm so when we saw water… We took advantage (as well as the guy to the left).

On the way back, we took the public bus and strolled our way back to the apartment.

City sights

Categories: Art, Fashion from a backpack, Uncategorized | Tags: high hopes, japanese gardens, new friend, outer edge, public bus, red bridge | Leave a comment

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

Fish N Chips x 3

Posted on March 8, 2012 by erikamae82

I mentioned in a previous post that I would tell you what I did with the beautiful (but massive) plate of fish, chips, veggies and salad I was served back in Timaru, New Zealand.

I believe in a balanced lifestyle that best suits each individual person. For example, some enjoy 3 large meals with no snacks in the middle, many are gluten free, others may feel at their best as vegetarians… Whatever fits your daily routine and allows you to maximize your health, energy and schedule, I say go for it!
However, If you’re always sick and/or tired, over or under a healthy weight, not sleeping well, (the list goes on) I would suggest evaluating not only your stress level, but your nutritional habits.

For me, I feel at my best when I eat veggie based, protien enhanced, small portions with as much variety as possible. I add products with fat by sticking primarily to the ones that have some type of benefit to my health if it be nuts, seeds, bananas, yogurt, avocado, oils, etc.
Once in awhile, I’ll throw in a scrumptious meal thats out of my norm…just to keep my body guessing and taste buds alert. Also, this world is full of amazing things, how dare I limit myself to what “I” think is the best.

MEAL #1

The first portion I ate just the way as it came. I always try it exactly how the chef prepares it out of respect for their creation and also because usually…well always… It’s made differently than I would of done it and I love new things!

As soon it came out I separated a serving size of the fiput and put the other 2/3 in a to go box. (I de-breaded it leaving just the white flaky fish for left overs).
I thouroughly enjoyed all of the fresh raw veggies and put a good portion of the cooked veggies aside with the remaining fish. Chips (fries) are obviously not the healthiest choice, but an unusual treat and I valued every single bite. There were a few crispy ones left so not to be wasteful, I put those in the to go box as well for a future recipe.
With every meal or snack I try and balance protein, carb and fat. Here’s how this one worked:

Protien: Fish
Carb: Veggies and chips
Fat: Oil

MEAL #2

So now I have 2 servings of fish left, some chips and cooked veggies. I took a little less than 1/2 of the fish and the rest of the chips and put them in a bowl. Added 1 egg white, and some raw chopped veggies including celery, carrot, onion, bell pepper, and zucchini. Herbed it up with some cilantro, garlic and pepper (salt not needed due to the left over Chips). Mashed it all together to create a fish, veggie patty and grilled it. Once it came off the grill, I put it aside a green salad with no dressing and used the flavor of the patty and a dash of salsa to complement the greens.

Protein: Fish and egg.
Carbs: Chips and veggies.
Fat: Oil from the fish, and chips.

MEAL #3

Remaining fish and veggies simply thrown in a brown rice tortilla with a dab of yogurt, cucumber, avocado and lettuce. A fish wrap… Easy!

Protein: Fish and yogurt
Carbs: Tortilla and veggies
Fat: Oil from the fish and avocado.

So one plate made 3 huge, complete meals with only adding a few additional items. This round I was lucky to have a fridge and grill to use for my left overs as well as a fresh market within walking distance. Score!

Categories: Edibles!, Uncategorized | Tags: dinner, fish chips, food, raw veggies, timaru new zealand, vegetarian | 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

Last stop of New Zealand… Queenstown!

Posted on March 4, 2012 by erikamae82

We arrive and set up at the youth hostel centrally located on the main street.
Cute place with an incredible view of the mountain range appropriately named “The Remarkables”.

Here’s our room and our other new roomie Steph. She’s a down to earth, spunky Canadian with an approachable personality. Short and sweet visit with her, but definitely many smiles. Safe travels my friend!

Kitchen and lounge area with a balcony.

This pic was taken standing on the balcony.

I haven’t been doing a great job mentioning how common recycling is here. In fact, it’s harder to find a rubbish bin than it is to have a compost place and/or a section like this.

Ever since I got to New Zealand, I’ve been told that I have to go to “Fergburgers” , an extremely popular joint that only provides burgers and sides. Well, I haven’t had a hamburger in years and Erica had also heard of this amazing place so as she said “When in Rome…”.

When we arrived I was impressed by the menu which ranged quite a bit. Patties of beef, lamb, deer, fish, veggie or falafel. Every topping you can imagine and of course we had to get the chips (fries) too!

After a meal like that, it was time to walk it off (or atleast a fry or two)and have a night out on the town.

We spent a whopping 20 min in each place (I think we were trying to hit every variety of age and genre of music possible in one evening.

We started at the nearest place called “Buffalo’s”. This is your popular, tourist, college age, rowdy crowd. They were giving $300 for a bikini contest prize… Did NOT go in!
(But the picture was fun)

Then we found an adorable candle lit bar that drew us in with a live acoustic version of Green Day, “Time of your life”. We end up connecting with a retired Rugby League Pro and the group that was there with the band (of course).

What is that we hear? Finally good dance music… Is that you?

Nope. That’s 16 yeatan dingstanding around wondering if it was too cool for school to dance. I tried to fit in…

Last try of the evening was a place that had a tiny sign out front that said “Open mic night”. Perfect! Good crowd, local artist and a laid back vibe…

On the way back we stopped by the market for a snack and this is where we learned a new term. At least new to us. I was joking with Erica using the term “Dirty bird” (ask someone if you’ve never heard of that in the states) when two kiwis walk by and say “Oh, it’s right down that street, but don’t know if they’re still open”. We look at each other confused and they said “You’re talking about KFC right?” Turns out they call KFC “Dirty bird” and MCD’s “Mackers”.
We end up hanging out with these locals, Karl and Scott, and what a great connection! Extremely polite and hospitable. The next day Karl picked me up for lunch and a personal tour of Arrowtown, a cute town that is home of the historic Chinese village during the gold rush.

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We stopped by a local brewery for a taster and chat with the owner.

My last night there I was lucky enough to get an invite from my new Kiwi friends for dinner and a spare room. Woohoo! Laundry, dinner cooked for me, a hot shower, my own room and a ride to the airport in the morning… Thanks again Karl! No dramas

His place on the hill.

Front room and what you see while standing on the balcony.

Oh dear laundry, enjoy the view and the fresh mountain breeze!

…and view from the dinner table (I literally took this pic from the table)

Rise and shine! Off to the airport for my journey to Argentina.

Categories: Accommodations, Fashion from a backpack, Uncategorized | Tags: rowdy crowd, vacation, when in rome | 1 Comment

And the universe keeps giving…

Posted on February 29, 2012 by erikamae82

After my extraordinary stay in Timaru, Ping was able to find me a ride with a kind gentlemen that was heading to work in the next main stop, Lake Tekapo. When I was notified that I had a ride (leaving in 10 minutes) I through everything in my bag, skipped the shower and ate my apple along the way. By the time we got there, my stomach was polity informing me that it was definitely time to eat. I say this because through finances and time restriction I wasn’t as prepared as I usually am in the food departnent.
We walk into the tavern where he was working and there sat a friendly family talking around a table. I smiled as I walked by and the guy says “Hey, are you hungry? The kitchen gave us too many sandwiches, please take one!”. I was literally handed a meal. No joke! Deep breath and a big smile. Blissful how it all works out.

So I planned (oh silly plans) on hitching out of there that same day…Then i looked around! This place is home of the highest mountain in New Zealand and known for the best star gazing on the island. Due to the popularity, I figured it would already be booked out for the night but it was worth a try. You think?

I walk up to the front desk and asked if there was a bed available. His response was “Hmm, well we only have a bed in the dorms which is our cheapest option. Would that work?”
Wow… Thanks kharma, I will be paying this forward at every opportunity.

Here is the main lounge of the hostel (just a basic YHA) and yes… That’s the lake in view!

Kitchen and dining area.

Door leading to my room.

Everyone in the room is doing their backpacker solo thing with light conversation and instantly I connect with this awesome girl from New York City. We chatted about random stuff for a bit then decided a walk around this gorgeous place was a must. As we’re getting ready to head out I say “I’m sorry, have I asked your name?”. She responds “Erika”. How embarrassing, she remembered my name and I don’t have a clue what hers is! “Right, and YOUR name?” I ask. “Erica” she says. “Oh…haha, your name is Erika too!”

So we walk! Here’s some of what you’d see around this stunning place.

Erica and I found this bench over looking the water and a historic church. Can you see the bride walking? Beautiful.

We decided to stop by the pub on the way back for a local drink. This your view while sitting at the main bar.

While enjoying or drinks, we got approached by some locals for a game if pool. A name exchange is necessary and from that point on we were named “The Erika’s from America”. To tell us apart they called me “Cali” and her “New York”. Others referred to us as “West Coast” and “East Coast”.

After we return to the hostel, I continued to ask around for a ride to Queenstown. (I forgot to mention that I had earlier asked Erica if she was going that way, but the answer was “No, but we’ll find you a ride!”)

So this is when it gets even better… Erica turns to me after awhile and delightfully says “Wait, what am I thinking, I should head THAT way… Wanna ride to Queenstown?”

All righty universe, now you’re just showing off! I received both rides, a meal, a safe place to sleep in a tranquil location and a new friend! I feel the love!

Remember how I mentioned New Zealand weather changes? This was the view leaving the next day. I still love the way this looks though.