Couch Surfing

Hmmm, I think everyone is, or would be a little bit hesitant to invite strangers into your house... Well, that's exactly what Rodrigo and I are doing. Since the beginning of October, we've had 4 surfers. Luna, from Spain, was our first. She was a true hippie with a great spirit. We really enjoyed her and she taught us her perspective on life and was open to new ideas. She has been traveling for the last 2 years... she started in Mexico and has been making her way down ever since! She lived with the poor, studied music, and learned the ins and outs of every Latin country between here and Mexico. It was definitely an eye opening experience to have her here, and I'm glad we did.

Luna playing her guitar

Our second surfer was Peter from Belgium. He was a more typical traveler... but had gotten robbed in the Buenos Aires bus station before making it to us. I don't know how, but he remained in a positive mood with a great outlook even after loosing thousands on his journey to us. We had a lot of fun with him, and I hope he's safe wherever he is!

Our third surfer has become quite a dear friend to us! Natalie from Hamburg, Germany is still staying with us and will be going with me to Mendoza on the Finca Ogawa farm next month. She's cooked Goulash, Apfelstrude, pastas and many more. I'm very glad she will be accompanying me to the Finca, because otherwise... I'd starve. She's very neat and quite... we hardly even notice her presence. I'm sure we'll remain in contact for years to come!

Our fourth surfer was Megan from Arizona... and Philadelphia. She was really into dancing tengo and hiking. She also is working on a farm during her stay here somewhere in Córdoba provence. I'm not exactly sure where though. She taught me about Lululemon, which I fell like I HAVE to have some clothes from there now. Megan will be here until May, and has only 2 pairs of pants and three shirts. I am very impressed she can do such a thing!

Nati and Megan as well as all three of us just loungin' around

I have recently surfed 2 girls in Montevideo, Uruguay's couches. They were both very nice. The first girls name was Renata who is a real estate lady. She was very organized and clean. She was thoughtful and had great suggestions of what I should do while I was in Uruguay. The second girl I stayed with was named Flor. She was such a fun gal. An art major that played the chelo... and loved jazz and photography! You better believe we got along!! Her house was so neat, the roof opened to let in the natural sun in the common area. She took me to many concerts, including one of jazz that was out of this world!

Renata and I

Flor and I enjoying the open air market in Montevideo

Great jazz concert Flor took me to

As you can guess, I'm a huge fan now of Couchsurfing... Who wants to come surf my couch??

Hiking

Rodrigo and I have hiked a number of places here in Córdoba's provence. One of the places we hiked is called "Los Gigantes" which translates to "The Giants." It was like nothing I'd ever seen before. I thoroughly enjoyed the landscape and would love to go again. It was filled with giant rock formations which is where I'm assuming it got it's name. Los Gigantes is located in the "high sierras" here in Córdoba provence. We hiked to a little place within, stayed the night, and hiked out the next day. Here are some pictures you might enjoy...

Camp

Absolutely beautiful scenery!

One hike, we started in a town called "Los Hornillos" and ended in the cutest little German immigrant town called "La Cumbresita." When we finally made it to the town, the first thing on our mind was food! We shared some delicious German delicacies and wonderful beer. I really want to return to La Cumbrecita, so please come so I can have an excuse to go and show you around :o)

Restaurant with the German food

La Cumbresita

A Condor that flew right above us

Nice view of the "high sierras"

The last hike we did in October was called "Champaqui Extremo." Which is the extreme version of hiking to the highest peak in the "high sierras" here in Córdoba provence. It was quite an experience. We hiked up 1,800 meters in altitude... and completed the hike in 3 days. Rodrigo and I were accompanied by Andres and Matias. When we made it to the very top, there was some type of second wind given to us. I really want to do this hike again someday... it was absolutely delightful.

Matias, Andres, Rodrigo and I at the very top with the Argentinean flag

Rodrigo and I at the top of Champaqui

Enjoying the early morning

This was the most beautiful part, we were going down Champaqui, and right here we got just below the clouds.

Labbies

Labbies
Originally uploaded by metacke

My friends I made in the Parasitology Laboratory. This photo features Yerba Mate (the drink we shared during every break), the break room, alfajores (my new favorite cookie), and common bakery items we bought every day for breakfast! I just love this picture, it will always bring great memories of the lab to me :o)

The Parasitology Laboratory

I never really told you about how absolutely wonderful it was to work in the Parasitology Laboratory, at the Hospital del Clinicas, here in Córdoba. Not only did I make lasting friendships, but it was educational, exciting, challenging, comical, and absolutely positive. Every day I went I shared laughs and learned new ways of necessities in a laboratory. Rodolfo (my boss) is one of the leading parasitologists in the whole country. He is a walking encyclopedia, but even more so, he's genuine, caring, and passionate about his work.

I now have high hopes of running some type of exchange program between a future laboratory where I will work and this laboratory. They told me that I can only send people with a good sense of humor... haha, so that will have to be in the contract!

Here are some pictures of the Parasitology laboratory I'd like to share with you...

My co-workers Laura and Dani.

The new lab we moved to while I was there.

Our last day in the old lab... believe me, I was sad to let this space go, it was so antique... I loved it! Here is a picture of Tami, Rodolfo (my boss), me and Laura.