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.
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.
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.
Friday, November 9, 2012
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.
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