Tuesday, November 27, 2012

4x4 Tour

I did yet another thing I never thought I would do. I went off-roading in Argentina! Bet you didn’t know I was so outdoorsy, huh? It was raining so the narrow, dirt roads were pretty much just big puddles. At one point, I thought the car was going to flip over when we went down a steep hill and through the water (scary!) We drove past beaver dams and cool scenery for about an hour before we made it back to the main road.

The history of Ushuaia is kind of weird and interesting. I guess it used to just be a place that prisoners were sent and didn’t become truly livable until about the 90’s. There aren’t many legit houses. From what we saw today, a lot of people live in little shacks surrounded by stray dogs and gorgeous views. We ended our tour with a BBQ in someone’s home. I think these experiences have been more valuable and educational to me than learning about them in school. 



 




Shake It

I realized that I don’t really talk about my job much other than the traveling. As I was onstage yesterday, I had one of those moments where I thought to myself…OMG I can’t believe this is my life. I’m not trying to brag, it’s just that I’ve been fighting to make my passion a career for as long as I can remember, and I’m doing just that. Passengers have been commenting that it looks like we truly enjoy each other and performing. I’m glad it appears that way, because I really do love performing for audiences from all over the world with my amazing cast, even if that means I’m temporarily far away from home. One of the shows that we do is all about the guys, but it also requires one dancer to shake what her mama gave her. This past weekend, it was my turn. I’ll have you know that I’ve become an expert shimmier and this is a peek at what we get to shake it in…


Friday, November 23, 2012

Puerto Madryn, Argentina

We dancer girls spent the day together in Argentina. We walked around this cute little beach town, stopping at a café and playground along the way. Next time we are here we plan to do some serious shopping…all of them were closed from 1-5pm for siesta. When we got back to our room, we decorated our mini Christmas tree and made paper snowflakes. So excited for Christmas in South America!

Wednesday, November 21, 2012

Doing Some Reading

I am currently reading a book called “Wild” by Cheryl Strayed through which she shares her many misfortunes that ultimately lead to her decision to distance herself and hike the Pacific Crest Trail. It takes great effort just for her to survive the journey, which allows her to realize just how strong she is and what she is capable of. I am also discovering more about myself through my own experience. I can relate to the author in that when there is a setback in my life it takes time alone (or time on another continent) to remember who I am and what is important to me. I have always known what I want in my career. Now it’s becoming increasingly clear what is essential to me in other areas of life, especially relationships. I am stronger than I thought and know what I deserve. Read the book if you get a chance.

Tuesday, November 20, 2012

Buenos Aires, Argentina

Buenos Aires is beautiful! I was able to spend one more day hanging out with a certain someone who is now finished working on my ship … We walked to the cemetery that Eva Peron is buried in. This was one of my favorite places so far. 

 

 


 
After that we spent some time at the Japanese Gardens which were gorgeous as well. I can’t wait to have an overnight here next month! We want to go out and hopefully tango : ) … I was really sad to see him go, but that’s how things go in this job. Goodbyes never get easier. Ever. Who knows what will happen in the future though. 

Monday, November 19, 2012

Montevideo, Uruguay


We went to this market in Montevideo with tons of meat. Basically a vegetarian’s nightmare. I ordered a massive steak. So worth it! I really wish I would have paid more attention in Spanish class. I can understand and say a few things, but I couldn’t have a conversation. This is a really pretty place with great, sunny weather. Later on, we found a nice café with Wi-Fi and I ordered a cappuccino with an entire chocolate bar melted into it…dream come true! Sad that one of my good friends is leaving tomorrow, but I’m so fortunate to have had someone to explore these gorgeous places with and to help me get used to ship life. Anyway… my blog is being taken over by pictures, but I want to show you the cool sights. I’ll try to write a better update soon.
 
 




Saturday, November 17, 2012

Ushuaia


 
We reached Argentina the other day. All I did was go online and sip Argentinian wine all day long. It was amazing.

Monday, November 12, 2012

Saturday, November 10, 2012

Puerto Chacabuco, Chile

Today I went on an excursion in Patagonia. We began with a 2 hour hike where we saw colorful birds and flowers along the way. So many people were looking for birds like the Chucao that I think they scared them away. It was funny because once the group moved on, me and one passenger saw this bird and took some great pictures as it wasn’t frightened. I think the most beautiful part of the tour was the waterfall at the end. The weather is surprisingly chilly here (ha!) I arrived on the ship with sundresses and no coat only to discover that I’d freeze my butt off if I didn’t get one ASAP. Anyway…after our trek, we had an awesome lunch with lots of lamb, potatoes and flan in this gorgeous building overlooking the mountains. They greeted us with champagne and Chilean wine (yum!) There was live entertainment and somehow I found myself on the dance floor doing some Chilean dance with a scarf. Many of the passengers taped it and took pictures so maybe I’ll be a YouTube star soon. What a fun day.

 


 
 

Monday, November 5, 2012

Lima Wildlife Excursion

My favorite excursion thus far was a wildlife tour in Lima. We took a boat out to these small islands to see penguins, birds and sea lions. One of the islands was completely covered in sea lions and we were given the option to swim with them. Some people did, but it was way too cold for me. I still can’t believe that this is my life and that I am able to see all of these beautiful places. Seriously... unreal. You know how much I love this stuff. Club sandwiches not seals! : P





Lima, Peru

I toured Lima at night on an excursion with passengers. The colors and lights of the city made for vibrant pictures. We visited beautiful fountains in a park and ended our night watching a Disney-like fountain performance. Parts of Lima are gorgeous and others well… not so much, but I certainly prefer being in a bigger city.




Trujillo, Peru

My very first shore excursion was in Trujillo, Peru. We started at a museum of modern art. It was a pretty place with out there statues and art. Next, we explored the city with a stop at a church and a historical fountain. There really doesn’t appear to be much to do and it isn’t the nicest place, but I enjoyed seeing how other people live. For some reason, everyone here loves blondes. I was chased for a picture the second I stepped off of the ship. Our last stop was to the Temple of the Moon. It is next to the Temple of the Sun and made entirely from mud/clay. The art and designs on the walls are the best part.





Thursday, November 1, 2012

Ecuador

Today we arrived in Ecuador. There wasn't much to do other than the beach, but it's always nice to get off of the ship.