Tales from a Noteworthy City...

Perhaps my friend Seth was correct in saying I would find a special place in my heart for Buenos Aires. It is a city where smiles come in epic proportions, waiters have subtle wit, and though many of the buildings are some variaton of white, the flowers that grow in the cranies, drape down from balconies, and garnish even the drabist streets can make the hustle and bustle of a city seem as calm as a walk in the woods. Indeed, the only other place I have found this to be remotely true in is Hanoi, Vietnam.

As it is, we have spent the majority of these last few days in search of something to prepare for our departure date. Working at a camping store, I have sold innumberable camping stoves always recommending some sort of international stove to people travelnig abroad as fuel would be easier to find. My friends, I can say that canister fuel is readily available in Buenos Aires and that propane, white gas, and kerosene are much more difficlut to come by. As we were soon settling on unleaded gas, we gave one last store a cynnical try. We nearly kissed the man when he plain as day said he had the fuel we needed. Whether it was a blunder on our part asking for the wrong type of fuel or a true miscommunication in the handfuls of hardware, plumbing, and camping stores we tried, it will remain a mystery.

For those interested in hearing about Buenos Aires, I will share the bits I have experienced. Today we woke up late...either we have slight jet lag or we have in some way become Argentine over night in that we can miraculously stay awake until 4am and sleep until 1pm. Post the experience of sleep we staggered out of the hostel with bikes in hand ready to explore the famous antique market and for me, take and opportunity to see the city through my camera lens. The antique fair was suprisingly a real afternoon amusement. Imagine colorful street artists performing and handicrafts of all sorts lined on the streets for as far as the eye can see on a bright cloudless day whilest women selling mate from little thermoses in carts bounce along the cobblestone streets. It seems like a typical street faire but I have to say, I don´t think I´ve ever been to a faire where everyone seems to be enjoying themselves to this extent. I did however purchase a puppet to add to the traveling clown act. His name is Margo. We can now say the adventures of ¨jude, Margo and (whatever my bikes name is)¨.

Ridng through Bueons Aires has offered a different perspective. I find myself feeling a part of the city rather than an observer. I have to communicate with the bus drivers, taxi cab drivers and pedestrians to maneuver. It also makes the city seem somehow familar. This afternoon I casually raced a few cars between stop lights just to share a laugh. It is Sunday, however, and that does mean less traffic. Can´t wait until tomorrow.

Tomorrow, I shall post pictures.

In closing, I have to admit that I find it difficult to write a blog. I´ve discovered that traveling has come to mean something different over the years. Where as once I was amused by even the fact that a gum wrapper was different I can´t say I think the same. I am still amused by these differences though it only lasts a fleeting moment. So, that leaves the question as to why I travel or why I make the extra effort to see something new and here is the only answer I think will do for today...it´s simply because. While this trip in my mind started out as a way to overcome a difficult year it is certainly something different. And to be honest, for me it is the best reason to be here. It´s a story for the sake of a story...nothing profound or attempting to be profound, it just is.

Enjoy your daily adventures my friends and when I can think of something of interest to write about, I will.

jude.

ps. for those of you traveling with friends and in need of a practical joke, you may try convincing your travel partner that the word IBO means ¨I purchase¨and then by further telling them it makes them sound more intelligent. I promise you at least ten full minutes of laughter when they practice their new found word.