I am coming home for a month!! Yeay. I am already looking forward to the day that I can end that sentence at 'I am coming home'. :-)
Anyways, just wanted to let you all know that I am going to be back from the 25th June-24th July, or there abouts (once I actually buy my ticket) and will be making plans to see you all as much as possible!
I also wanted to thank all of you who are helping me with my ticket, words are not enough to express my gratitude. It really does mean a lot to me.
Can't wait to see you all!!
England baby!
Besos.
Monday, April 4, 2011
Monday, February 21, 2011
Bolivia!!
For the final two weeks of my summer holiday, Clau and I went to Bolivia. Bolivia, what can I say? The country was absolutely beautiful, the food was good and the people were really lovely...the negatives? Altitude, toilets and roads!We left Argentina and travelled by coach to the border of Argentina (29 hours), sidenote: on the way Claudio had his residency papers stolen. We stayed a night in La Quiaca and walked to the border the next morning. I had no problems getting in to Bolivia however due to Clau's lack of papers, he was not allowed in until they could prove he had residency...after a few attempts to locate this information we eventually did and were in Bolivia!
We travelled from Villazon to Uyuni by train (10 hours), train was old school and rocked about the whole time but the landscape was amazing and after popping a sleeping pill, wasn't too bad. In Uyuni, we took a tour to the salt flats. It had rained the night before so the salt flats were wet, this meant they looked pretty dirty and were not the beautiful white colour they are when dry, however with the reflection of the sky, they are amazing. We had lunch out the back of the 4x4 and by the end of lunch it was sunny and we got to experience the bright white colour of them also. The longer I live here the more I discover of South America's beauty...the salt flats were definately an addition to my list of amazing places.
From Uyuni to La Paz (12 hours coach), worst coach journey, was freezing and didnt really sleep. La Paz was fabulous, the city itself is set in a valley so all around you the houses are built on the hillsides...very different to anywhere that I have ever been. I loved it. We went to which was really interesting and then to Isla del sol which was just beautiful, very relaxing.
We headed back and went to Sucre for a couple days. Sucre is beautiful and we loved walking around the streets and seeing the views. My camera ran out of battery in La Paz so that was a bummer as I dont really have any pics of Sucre :-( We left Sucre and travelled back to Villazon (awful journey again...heavy rain, mountain roads, crazy driver, fast speed=me thinking I was going to die). After a day in La Quiaca again we travelled 32 hours back to Buenos Aires.
Some others things:
*the food was good, lunch was always soup, meat/fish (a lot of fish) with rice, veg, fries and then some sort of fruit salad for dessert, all for approx £2 :-) Lots of street food too!
*Altitude - AWFUL, had a headache pretty much everyday. Bolivians chew coca leaves which I tried and they do help but we also discovered a Coca Tea which was tasty!
* People - A lot still wear traditional clothes and live a more tradional lifestyle, there was definately a big contrast in life in Bolivia and life in Buenos Aires.
Definately recommending Bolivia to you all.
Along with Argentina, of course.
Besos, Donna
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
2011
So as I sit here, air-con on, fan on and still hot...I am going to update you about my Christmas and New Year Festivities.
I felt like I had been looking forward to Helen and Kate being here for such a long time and it was as fabulous as I hoped it would be...I just wish it could have lasted longer.
My friend Kate arrived just before Christmas. I decided that the local bus would be the best route (aka the cheapest) to go and pick her up so 3 hours after leaving my house I arrive in time to see my beautiful friend walking through arrivals! yeay! We spent a few days in BA, exploring and catching up. A couple days later Hel arrived and we explored some more and before we knew it, it was Christmas eve...
CHRISTMAS EVE: Is the main christmas celebration here and with the temperature over 30, we spent the day walking around my area, purchased a little paddling pool and then headed home for an 'asado' (Barbeque). Claudio was in charge of that part, while we enjoyed the good weather and good wine. Dinner was beautiful and we laughed a lot, and returned indoors after a few sightings of some cockroaches (Hel and Kate were not accostumed to this yet). We had our gift exchange, all very happy.
CHRISTMAS DAY: Early morning rise...we were going to Uruguay. Very happy that we now had new stamps in our passports, we set sail and spent the day in Colonia, a beautiful little town in Uruguay. Later that day we took the bus to Montevideo.
MONTEVIDEO: Spent a couple days here with the ladies and Claudio, was good fun but because of the company. I didnt really like Montevideo although I did love how friendly the people were and spending time with my peeps!
PUNTA DEL ESTE: Clau had to return to BA for work :-( We went on to Punta del este. We werent in the main part of Punta Del Este and I liked it, the beaches were beautiful and it was perfect for spending a few days with the girls, enjoying the good weather and good food! If I forget about the expense and the drunk guy staying in our room the last night, it was fabulous!
We return to BA and the very next day Kate left us :-( Helen and I continued onwards to the South of Argentina...
EL CALAFATE: Beautiful. Glacier. Ice trekking. Expensive. Lack of working Cash points.
EL CHALTEN: Beautiful. Expensive. Walking. Lack of working cash points. No signal. Crap Wifi
I had the most wonderful time with the girls being here. I miss friends and family so much and at this time of year it is definately harder. The girls being here was the best Christmas present and I loved the opportunity to show them more of my life here and to explore. Thank you, thank you, thank you ladies!!! You are awesome!
Since then, with a lot of friends in the states and no motivation to do any work... I have spent most of my time sleeping, reading, walking, cleaning and waiting for opportunities to see people. Good news though, I did some work yesterday and Saturday I go to Bolivia for two weeks with Claudio...I will send a new update about that sometime soon!
Love you all, hope you all had a good Christmas.
Miss you x
I felt like I had been looking forward to Helen and Kate being here for such a long time and it was as fabulous as I hoped it would be...I just wish it could have lasted longer.
My friend Kate arrived just before Christmas. I decided that the local bus would be the best route (aka the cheapest) to go and pick her up so 3 hours after leaving my house I arrive in time to see my beautiful friend walking through arrivals! yeay! We spent a few days in BA, exploring and catching up. A couple days later Hel arrived and we explored some more and before we knew it, it was Christmas eve...
CHRISTMAS EVE: Is the main christmas celebration here and with the temperature over 30, we spent the day walking around my area, purchased a little paddling pool and then headed home for an 'asado' (Barbeque). Claudio was in charge of that part, while we enjoyed the good weather and good wine. Dinner was beautiful and we laughed a lot, and returned indoors after a few sightings of some cockroaches (Hel and Kate were not accostumed to this yet). We had our gift exchange, all very happy.
CHRISTMAS DAY: Early morning rise...we were going to Uruguay. Very happy that we now had new stamps in our passports, we set sail and spent the day in Colonia, a beautiful little town in Uruguay. Later that day we took the bus to Montevideo.MONTEVIDEO: Spent a couple days here with the ladies and Claudio, was good fun but because of the company. I didnt really like Montevideo although I did love how friendly the people were and spending time with my peeps!
PUNTA DEL ESTE: Clau had to return to BA for work :-( We went on to Punta del este. We werent in the main part of Punta Del Este and I liked it, the beaches were beautiful and it was perfect for spending a few days with the girls, enjoying the good weather and good food! If I forget about the expense and the drunk guy staying in our room the last night, it was fabulous!We return to BA and the very next day Kate left us :-( Helen and I continued onwards to the South of Argentina...
EL CALAFATE: Beautiful. Glacier. Ice trekking. Expensive. Lack of working Cash points.
EL CHALTEN: Beautiful. Expensive. Walking. Lack of working cash points. No signal. Crap Wifi
I had the most wonderful time with the girls being here. I miss friends and family so much and at this time of year it is definately harder. The girls being here was the best Christmas present and I loved the opportunity to show them more of my life here and to explore. Thank you, thank you, thank you ladies!!! You are awesome!
Since then, with a lot of friends in the states and no motivation to do any work... I have spent most of my time sleeping, reading, walking, cleaning and waiting for opportunities to see people. Good news though, I did some work yesterday and Saturday I go to Bolivia for two weeks with Claudio...I will send a new update about that sometime soon!
Love you all, hope you all had a good Christmas.
Miss you x
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
Summer Thoughts...
Summer is fast approaching here and I love it.
I take a deep breath and hold back the tears as I tell you that I have decided to stay another year. This decision was so tough and for all involved in listening to my irrational rants and praying for me, I am truly grateful. For nearly a year, I was absoultely sure that I could and would only live here for two years and then life happens...I still miss home so much that I question why I am here but I also have fallen in love with this country. With the beauty, the language (!), the people and the customs. Life here on earth is short and for the time, I need and want to be here.
The hardest part of me being here is missing the people who are not here. It would seem that the birthdays, weddings and babies are just some of the events that I have to accept I will not be part of (at least not in person). So this week as my oldest friend (not in age but in length of friendship) gave birth to her second baby boy, highlighting the reality and magnitude of my decision to be away from England...I just wish I could have my cake and eat it. To live life here and there. And on that note, i have just four words...Thank God for Facebook.
Above is a pic of the gorgeous little Oliver!
Christmas is coming...I have my flip flops and suncream ready! As I said in my last post, Kate and Hel are going to be here for a couple weeks and we are gonna have an awesome time!
'Feliz Cumple Kate' - We will celebrate Argentinian style in a couple weeks!!
There will be a long blog update post visit...just you wait.
Thats it for now, keep safe and wrap up warm!! haha.
Besos, Donna
P.S Went away to a small town on outskirts of BA and a few times was reminded of the beautiful homeland...here is one of those moments...
I take a deep breath and hold back the tears as I tell you that I have decided to stay another year. This decision was so tough and for all involved in listening to my irrational rants and praying for me, I am truly grateful. For nearly a year, I was absoultely sure that I could and would only live here for two years and then life happens...I still miss home so much that I question why I am here but I also have fallen in love with this country. With the beauty, the language (!), the people and the customs. Life here on earth is short and for the time, I need and want to be here.
The hardest part of me being here is missing the people who are not here. It would seem that the birthdays, weddings and babies are just some of the events that I have to accept I will not be part of (at least not in person). So this week as my oldest friend (not in age but in length of friendship) gave birth to her second baby boy, highlighting the reality and magnitude of my decision to be away from England...I just wish I could have my cake and eat it. To live life here and there. And on that note, i have just four words...Thank God for Facebook.
Above is a pic of the gorgeous little Oliver!
Christmas is coming...I have my flip flops and suncream ready! As I said in my last post, Kate and Hel are going to be here for a couple weeks and we are gonna have an awesome time!
'Feliz Cumple Kate' - We will celebrate Argentinian style in a couple weeks!!
There will be a long blog update post visit...just you wait.
Thats it for now, keep safe and wrap up warm!! haha.
Besos, Donna
P.S Went away to a small town on outskirts of BA and a few times was reminded of the beautiful homeland...here is one of those moments...
Thursday, October 28, 2010
Reality
So I realised that I have not blogged for nearly three months and although for some of you that is a blessing, I know that for some of you this entry will help brighten your day. The truth is, as with the majority of my blog entries, life goes on as normal and there is not much news to tell however I am going to try and think back and have decided to shake things up and write my entry as 'a likes list'. This will give you an idea of the things that are going on but also the things that are making me happy.
1) My kids in my class. I only have 5 so we are like a little family. My day consists of constant repition, which for all you teachers and parents is not surprising news however when you are having to repeat things like 'put on the table', 'paper' as well as teaching a year 1 curriculum...it is not easy but as always...entertaining.
2) Days off - now don't get me wrong, i love my job but I love days off and this half of the year is particularly nice for that. I haven't done any travelling (see point 3) but is fun anyway. Yday and today were days off for the census...I love Argentina!
3) Kate and Hel are coming in 8 weeks!!! I have not travelled much as am saving my pennies but I cannot wait - this time is going so many things that I love...Hel, Kate, talking, sun, hugs, wine, food and travel. We are going to Uruguay for a few days and going to El Calafate to see the glaciers. Again, I cannot wait.
4) Spring - is seriously the best season here, weather is nice, flowers everywhere...just happy times and we are at the beginning of it now. This makes me happy.
5) My boyfriend - yes, i did just write that. He definatley makes the 'things that make me happy list'.
6) Friends - now this goes without saying really as for all of you that know me, you know that my friends mean the world to me. However, I have started to make new friends here, Harryet (a friend from England) is here which just helps bring a bit of home here, the girls at the house and I am also thankful for you guys that help me feel connected and loved even though I am thousands of miles away.
7) The children's home I go to...oh my gosh. I love this place. The kids are so happy to see us and all we do is go play games, celebrate birthdays and, with the school, help buy them things they need. To be surrounded by children who have been abandoned for whatever reason is extremely humbling when I spend all week with children who have 'everything' and coming from my childhood and culture. These children are amazing, they never fail to make me laugh. I love them and I love the heart of the people who run the home and help at it. Is the best part of my week. Check out www.illuminatehope.org.
Right, I am going to add some extras. I still need prayer for my spanish...it is improving but slowly, i am enjoying it more. I have been ill this week with a throat infection and now a gum infection and am getting migraines again so not only is this expensive (i have to pay for dental and prescriptions) but also just makes me feel crap...when I would like to feel happy.
Apart from that, I have to decide if I want to stay another year by December. I love it here and feel at home but yet it is not home and I miss England and everything that means for me (mainly you all) so much...
Besos, Donna
P.S I will add some pics soon but no time now.
1) My kids in my class. I only have 5 so we are like a little family. My day consists of constant repition, which for all you teachers and parents is not surprising news however when you are having to repeat things like 'put on the table', 'paper' as well as teaching a year 1 curriculum...it is not easy but as always...entertaining.
2) Days off - now don't get me wrong, i love my job but I love days off and this half of the year is particularly nice for that. I haven't done any travelling (see point 3) but is fun anyway. Yday and today were days off for the census...I love Argentina!
3) Kate and Hel are coming in 8 weeks!!! I have not travelled much as am saving my pennies but I cannot wait - this time is going so many things that I love...Hel, Kate, talking, sun, hugs, wine, food and travel. We are going to Uruguay for a few days and going to El Calafate to see the glaciers. Again, I cannot wait.
4) Spring - is seriously the best season here, weather is nice, flowers everywhere...just happy times and we are at the beginning of it now. This makes me happy.
5) My boyfriend - yes, i did just write that. He definatley makes the 'things that make me happy list'.
6) Friends - now this goes without saying really as for all of you that know me, you know that my friends mean the world to me. However, I have started to make new friends here, Harryet (a friend from England) is here which just helps bring a bit of home here, the girls at the house and I am also thankful for you guys that help me feel connected and loved even though I am thousands of miles away.
7) The children's home I go to...oh my gosh. I love this place. The kids are so happy to see us and all we do is go play games, celebrate birthdays and, with the school, help buy them things they need. To be surrounded by children who have been abandoned for whatever reason is extremely humbling when I spend all week with children who have 'everything' and coming from my childhood and culture. These children are amazing, they never fail to make me laugh. I love them and I love the heart of the people who run the home and help at it. Is the best part of my week. Check out www.illuminatehope.org.
Right, I am going to add some extras. I still need prayer for my spanish...it is improving but slowly, i am enjoying it more. I have been ill this week with a throat infection and now a gum infection and am getting migraines again so not only is this expensive (i have to pay for dental and prescriptions) but also just makes me feel crap...when I would like to feel happy.
Apart from that, I have to decide if I want to stay another year by December. I love it here and feel at home but yet it is not home and I miss England and everything that means for me (mainly you all) so much...
Besos, Donna
P.S I will add some pics soon but no time now.
Saturday, August 7, 2010
2nd Year!!
Can you believe it has been a whole year since I first moved to Argentina! Feels crazy. So last year was really tough, transitioning from life in London to life in BA was fantastic and difficult at the same time! I am really excited about this year though and am looking forward to travelling more, a new year at school and just new experiences generally.
The last few weeks have been busy...I spent two weeks in Memphis at a conference hosted by the organisation that my school is part of. This conference really gave me a fresh perspective on serving abroad and loving my time in Argentina. I also got to meet the new teachers who joined us this year, including the three lovely ladies who have move in to my house. Joanna, Joy and Clare (old housemates) broke my heart and left at the end of last year...I can't say anything else about it as I am still hoping they will return! ha. However the new ladies are lovely (in that American way) and looking forward to spending more time with them.
I then spent three weeks in London...loved it, loved it, loved it. When I flew in over the motherland I already felt like I was home and just really enjoyed being in familiar places with the people I love. Was fabulous to go back to St.Mary's and see all the kids and staff, I really love you guys! I loved seeing friends and family all over the place so thank you for making my time so enjoyable. It was weird to be back, I felt like everything was familiar and comfortable yet there was something that didnt quite fit...confirming my feelings that I am suppose to be in Argentina at the moment. Although I have days where I just want to grab a pint at the goose (!), have tea and cheesecake at the gardens, grab a mcflurry after a meal, go for a dance with the plymouth girls, have lunch on the barbican, have a takeout at home...for now, Argentina fits and I am happy.
and then I returned...to the cold. And I mean cold. School started on Wednesday, I only have 6 children at the moment but am loving personalised planning and having some of the children I had last year. My school BAICA is amazing...the students and staff - I love working there, challenges included! ha.
So what now? Well, Spanish starts again on Tuesday so am hoping this is my year for learning the language...hopefully. Am also helping at an orphanage which I love...www.illuminatehope.org. I am also very excited (already) about Kate and Hel coming to visit at Christmas and hopefully seeing Julia in January. Finally, so when I left England people joked 'You will find a latin man but just make sure you come back'...well step one is done, ha. I have found a latin guy but don't worry I am still planning on coming back...I love England, I love you guys! xx
The last few weeks have been busy...I spent two weeks in Memphis at a conference hosted by the organisation that my school is part of. This conference really gave me a fresh perspective on serving abroad and loving my time in Argentina. I also got to meet the new teachers who joined us this year, including the three lovely ladies who have move in to my house. Joanna, Joy and Clare (old housemates) broke my heart and left at the end of last year...I can't say anything else about it as I am still hoping they will return! ha. However the new ladies are lovely (in that American way) and looking forward to spending more time with them.
I then spent three weeks in London...loved it, loved it, loved it. When I flew in over the motherland I already felt like I was home and just really enjoyed being in familiar places with the people I love. Was fabulous to go back to St.Mary's and see all the kids and staff, I really love you guys! I loved seeing friends and family all over the place so thank you for making my time so enjoyable. It was weird to be back, I felt like everything was familiar and comfortable yet there was something that didnt quite fit...confirming my feelings that I am suppose to be in Argentina at the moment. Although I have days where I just want to grab a pint at the goose (!), have tea and cheesecake at the gardens, grab a mcflurry after a meal, go for a dance with the plymouth girls, have lunch on the barbican, have a takeout at home...for now, Argentina fits and I am happy.
and then I returned...to the cold. And I mean cold. School started on Wednesday, I only have 6 children at the moment but am loving personalised planning and having some of the children I had last year. My school BAICA is amazing...the students and staff - I love working there, challenges included! ha.
So what now? Well, Spanish starts again on Tuesday so am hoping this is my year for learning the language...hopefully. Am also helping at an orphanage which I love...www.illuminatehope.org. I am also very excited (already) about Kate and Hel coming to visit at Christmas and hopefully seeing Julia in January. Finally, so when I left England people joked 'You will find a latin man but just make sure you come back'...well step one is done, ha. I have found a latin guy but don't worry I am still planning on coming back...I love England, I love you guys! xx
Saturday, June 5, 2010
I RAN a half marathon!
So Sunday 30th May 2010 marks the date that I actually ran a half marathon. The journey has been long...have been training for months and was definately unsure if I could complete it before the race however I made the dream happen! lol.
quick story of the day...Joanna and I arrived at the start at 8am and started running (obviously). Joanna decided we would count all the little 'miracles' of the race so we did, the first was that it wasn't raining. The second was the water at 5km. The 1km marks were a killer, I was pretty tired after 8km so knowing I had another 13 to go was not a great thought and I could also feel a blister forming, bad times! At 11km a few friends were on the sidelines cheering us on and that was fabulous and also a little booster (our third little miracle). The sun now came out so that was our forth little miracle and helped us to smile through the pain. The next 1o km were a blur of 'you can do this' talking to myself, numb legs, 2 quick stretch breaks and a gatorade stop (miracle 5). At 18 km Joanna and I showed our joy with a 'woop' and high five, some guys tried to tell us it was only 2km left...outrageous! 2km later, we obviously still had 1km left...grrr. Ran through the pain and made it through the finish line 2.11 hours later (miracle 6)...very happy! Received the goodies and medal, examined my blister and went for a well deserved beer and lunch.
Fun times...hmmm...the dream continues with a full 42km marathon in October, hopefully!! Maybe not!
love ya all x
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
