bikes and beauty

Monday provided quite the experience: urban biking to El Tigre. This was an activity with the program so I thought- ok- this would be legit and safe. Uh-uh. We first risked our lives merely crossing the streets of BA on bikes either too big or too small for us, then boarded a train in an extremely sketchy train station… bikes, helmets, and all. Finally we got off in a tiny suburb to bike our little hearts out. Well, my little heart was much biked out when large droplets started to fall from the sky… and continued for the entire day. Ok- enough complaining. It was cold, but we had a lot of fun. We finished at El Tigre and boarded a luxurious little boat (with heat!) and sailed throughout the “Eye”lands of the Tiger (pun intended). After all the day’s festivities, I lugged my cold and sore body home for a relaxing evening.

Tuesday and Wednesday, attended classes as per usual. On Wednesday night, we had salsa lessons at a local club and celebrated a few birthdays afterward. After classes on Thursday, we went to see Sex and the City (the day of its Argentine premiere), and left happy but longing for that American life. After that, I went to see Rent in Spanish—what an interesting experience… “quiniento venticinco mil seiscientos minutos” is certainly a mouthful- but they pulled it off beautifully! On Friday we attended class, but my mind was already on our big trip to Iguazu Falls!

The bus ride was incredible in and of itself—luxury seats, wine, champagne, videos, and comfy blankets—so the sixteen hour ride passed by quickly. We arrived around 3 PM and set out to plan our day. After a delectable dinner we settled in early for our visit to “las cataratas” the next day! We woke up early and took a bus to the park. After a safari ride through the jungle (which was actually not as cool as it sounds), we boarded a boat and rode to the falls. After getting completely soaked (I felt like I was transported back to the days of Busch Gardens’ Roman Rapids) , we walked around to the various falls and witnessed to the ethereal beauty of each view. Probably one of the most beautiful things I will ever see… Around 2 we headed back and boarded our bus for another luxurious and fast trip home. What a weekend! Today- 21^st birthday festivities!