Finding stillness while in motion.

As I lay here in my hammock, mate in hand, I write to you. I feel at peace, content. At home. Although I am thousands of miles away from "home". I expected travelling to feel like this constant movement. I feared that I would not be able to find stillness. Or peace and ease. I was prepared to muscle through uncomfortable hostal beds, cold showers, cold nights, unfamiliar faces, awkward conversations (in Spanish), and struggle to catch one bus after the next. And while some of these experiences are my reality, I do not feel rushed. I do not feel stressed or uncomfortable. I have actually found that there is so much time. To sit. To watch. To listen. To be with myself. With nature. With beautiful people, music, and conversations.

Everyday I learn something new about myself or the world. I am learning simplicity. There is no rush. I can sit in peace and enjoy the company of other people without "proving myself". This is big for me. I feel like I've spent a great deal of time making sure people know "how much I know". And while my education, wisdom, and opinions are very valuable to me, they are not all that shape me. I am more than my thoughts and words, I am also the way I look people in the eyes when they talk to me, I am the empathetic smile when someone is embarrassed or upset. I am the kiss on the cheek, hand on the shoulder, grab a guitar and sing along, laughing til I cry, mate sharing woman who is traveling the world on her own! There are so many ways to vibe or connect with people outside of our political views, educational background, or experience. It is possible to just enjoy what is in front of us for what it is. Travelling is very, no bullshit, I am who I am, let's enjoy our time together and have some tea. Sure we share ideas about the world, talk about our travels, compare music tastes, and ask about each others home countries, but the current runs deeper than that. We share rooms, meals, music, games, and lots of time together while surrounded by some of the most beautiful scenery I've ever witnessed. There is a certain shared energy among travelers. An unspoken bond. We are all kindred souls with open minds and hearts, taking in each moment as it comes and enjoying the present. What is around us, and within us, because it is truly all that we have. That and of course our loved ones at home that we miss just as much as we love where we are.

When I go on a hike, or wait in a line for a bus ticket, or spend an afternoon laying in a hammock, I am constantly reminded by this invisible force that 'there is no rush. I am exactly where I am meant to be.' Its this calm, soothing energy that seems to follow me everywhere I go. And of course for me, I know this is my Higher Power giving me courage, strength, self love, and patience as I continue to move forward through my travels, one step at a time. 

Imagine a quiet afternoon, the sunlight is warming your skin, your favorite song is playing, the sun is hanging low over the mountains. You've got a dog by your side, you are sipping your favorite drink, you're barefoot and brawless, and you've got absoltely nothing to do and no where to be... this is backpacking my friend. 
It's the perfect combination of small, simple moments and grand, breathetaking views. They mend the soul, ease the mind, bring peace into your heart.

I am happy with where I am. Content with who I am. And I wouldn't want to be anywhere or anyone else. And I haven't always been able to say those words. But this must be the gifts of traveling. By leaning into the unknown, with faith and curiosity, the world shares with me it's precious gifts and best kept secrets. Here is a short list of the gems that I am able to describe with words.

1. How to love myself, completely as I am
2. Taking in the present moment, all that is around me and within me
3. Trusting and surrendering to all that I do not know
4. Listening to everything and everyone, because there is so much to learn

A rendering, an outpouring, of love for myself first -and then for others.

"Traveling leaves you speechless, then turns you into a storyteller." 

I didn't expect to be writing another blog post before I leave my sweet home in Buenos Aires. But I leave in a few short days... and all of these emotions are rumbling like fire in my belly. My thoughts are stirring and begging to be poured out onto paper. Or in this case, onto the interweb.

Tonight is my last night at Teresa's. She's been my host mother since I've been in Buenos Aires. The bond that we have created is unique to any other person I've ever met. It's been fascinating to watch our friendship grow. She speaks only Spanish, and well, I am not the best Spanish speaker, but the relationship we have runs deeper than words. We communicate through expressions, actions, energies. A smile, a wink, a kiss on the cheek, a kind gesture, gifts. There are so many ways to share love with a person. I have always thought, that if I love someone, I must communicate it with my words. Communication is my love language. Or rather, it WAS. Now... I don't know. I feel as though that has changed. Teresa has experienced of part of me that feels new, refreshed. She was my friend through one of the toughest experiences I've ever had. That is, living in another country for five months, learning a new language, a new culture. But she made it comfortable. She was my "home". We have had dinner together almost every night. I always see her first thing in the morning. We have bonded over hot coffee, music, men, humor and small gifts. And the most beautiful part of our friendship is that I have never wondered "What does this person think of me?" I haven't questioned my self worth... Mostly because I have NO IDEA what goes through her head because I can't speak Spanish fluently. But also, because we both just have such different experiences of life. Our mentality has been shaped in different ways. I am not capable of creating a dialogue for her, which it appears I do often with other people that I meet. It's been refreshing. Our relationship feels light, easy and kind. I am thankful for Teresa. I will miss her, and her beautiful home while I am gone. I hope that I can come and visit her again in the future.

Borges is a famous, Argentine writer. 

I'll be spending my last weekend in Buenos Aires at my friend Brigette's house. She lives in Centro, which is close to San Telmo, which is exactly where I want to be. I love that part of the city. The street art through out the neighborhood its beautiful. San Telmo is rustic, edgy, entertaining, and carries so much rich history. It's a poet's paradise! An artist's inspiration! And for me; intriguing. I love just walking around the streets. Especially on the weekends, because of the Antique Market. The city really comes alive at the markets! Or "ferias". The Feria de San Telmo is at least 10 blocks long. It's full of street venders selling beautiful artwork, hand made crafts, clothing, purses, mate cups... anything you can think of. There is music on every corner. The best street food! It's a "people watching paradise" if you ask me.

San Telmo also offers the best "gringo" gift of Buenos Aires, Walrus Books. This is a used bookstore. The owner is an ex-pat from New York. He buys and sells used books. The best part? He re-buys the books for a 1/3 of the cost. I've been swapping out books since I've been here. And I've got one last stop to make before hitting the road. I think I am going to bring Kurt Vonnegut's "Galapagos" and at least one more... I've got a pretty heavy list to choose from. I love sharing books with people. I love to read. It is the most important thing a person can do in life. Books enrich our experience on Earth. I always say that "most of the things that come out of mouth I took from a book I've read". Someone once said "What you read, when you don't have to, defines who you are". Entirely true. Explains why some people can't seem to find themselves. Pick up a book, damnit!

Buena Onda Yoga... the highlight of my experience in Buenos Aires. Teaching yoga with these amazing women has been the most sentimental, gratifying, and inspirational opportunitie in my life. I have grown as a teacher, as a student, as a person. I have met some of the greatest people. People that I wish I wasn't saying goodbye to. People that I wish with all of my heart that I will see again. The same women, showed up to my Wednesday night class again, and again. They grew with me. I watched them build strength on their mat, they watched me build my confidence as a teacher. As a woman. Their feedback and encouragement have shaped me into the teacher that I am today, and the teacher that I will continue to be as a I learn and grow on my path of life. Meghan, my boss, friend, yoga teacher, and soul sister has been a beacon of light for me while I have been in Buenos Aires. She introduced me to some of the most beautiful people, delicious food, and most memorable conversations.

Buenos Aires has just been an incredible experience. This city has so much to offer. It's rich culture, devastating history, beautiful people, and passionate for music, futbol, politics and eachother have left me with a deeper life experience. I am not the same as I was when I arrived. I have come to understand a different way of life. I feel more patient, open-minded, confident, and adaptable. I have experienced a deep humility and understanding of myself, and the people in this world.

I am patiently anticipating what is next for me. The next 7 weeks will be yet another chapter of my life. A time of growth, of learning. Of continuing to mold me into the best version of myself. As I walk hand in hand with God, anything is possible. I am always being taken care of. There is an abundance of joy, opportunity, and grace in this world. All I have to do is keep my heart open to receiving it.

I bow to the beauty that is within me. I bow to the beauty that is all around me. 

Travel Itinerary

“I am not the same, having seen the moon shine on the other side of the world.” – Mary Anne Radmacher

Well, as by request, I have finally pieced together my travel log for the next seven weeks...

I have spent countless hours on the internet and with my head in books about taking South America by foot. I've read everything from blog posts like "Backpacking through South America on a budget" and "A Woman Traveling Alone" How to Stay Safe." From "Wild" by Cheryl Strayed (lol) to Lonely Planet's South American Encyclopedia for travelers. I am passionate about this journey, therefore I have done my work. I have been like a sponge this past year, preparing for South America. I can't believe it's finally here! It's such an overwhelming sensation, when you wait for something for so long, and then it finally arrives. And now I don't know what to do with the energy of all of this anticipation. I feel like a child on Christmas Eve.

I feel prepared. I feel like I have a strategy, or a game plan, or at least an idea of what my backpacking agenda will look like. My pack is full, my heart is open. I've got my feet on the ground and my head in the clouds.

Of course my plans could potentially change at any given moment. I may meet a few travelers going somewhere that I hadn't thought of! I may end up bored in one place, and loving another more than I anticipated. All I really know is that I must be flexible, patient and open to new ideas. I must stay aware, curious and humble to the pull of the universe! I am going to let the wind take me where it desires. I am alive!

My heart is ready to embark on my long awaited South American journey! Here is an outline of where I will be traveling too....

June 22nd - Leave Buenos Aires! 2:30pm bus to Salta from Retiro Station

June 23rd - Arrive in Salta, stay the night at Hostel La Covacha

June 24th - 29th // Backpack villages of Jujuy and Salta Regions

June 30th // San Pedro de Atacama, Chile I plan on taking a SPACE tour, with fantastic views of the night sky!

July 1st - 3rd //  3 Day Salt Flats Tour through San Pedro Atacama and Southern Bolivia with Cordillera Traveller

July 3rd // Stay the night in Uyuni, Bolivia

July 4th // Train to La Paz, Bolivia

July 4th - 10th // Colibri Camping Eco-Village

July 11th-12th // Explore La Paz, Bolivia

July 13th- 16th // Lake Titicaca and Isla del Sol, Bolivia

July 17th // Bus to Arequipa, Peru - Travel overnight to Paracas, Peru

July 18th - 20th // Paracas National Park, Peru

July 21st // Lima, Peru

July 23rd // Mom lands in Lima

July 26th - July 28th // Cusco, Peru and Pisac of the Sacred Valley

July 29th-30th // Machu Picchu, Peru with Loki Hostel

July 31st - August 2nd // Explore Lima, Peru

August 3rd // Fly to Miami

August 4th // BOWLING GREEN, KY!

I am not sure what will come for me after this trip. I plan to take a sweet "savasana" in Bowling Green with my family and friends. I'd like to teach some yoga, explore my homeland, come back to my roots, and save a little money before heading back west to finish my degree. I look forward to blogging more after my travels. This is my first blog and it's been an interesting experience. I really enjoy writing, and I believe that moments are mean to be shared. I hope that I can help to inspire you to take on the world and travel a bit! There is so much to explore! Peace and love my friends. Until next time.

Two Weeks Until the Abyss

"Something will grow from all that you are going through. And it will be you."

Yoga shoot with the beautiful Sara Kollberg

I always think to write a blog post, but between Facebook, my personal diary and keeping up with communication via social media it becomes challenging to repeat the same information over and over. I am having a hard time sorting my thoughts about this entire experience anyways. It feels as though time is moving very slowly, yet I can feel each moment slipping silently by like a river in constant movement and fluidity. When I reflect back upon these last 4 months, it seems as though I have been living in Buenos Airs for a lifetime, yet also only for a week. This is the only way I can seem to describe my experience. I feel confident that upon my return to the United States, I will spend 5-6 months, or maybe even the rest of my life in reflection, absorbed in moments of nostalgia, or day dreams and re-told stories of my South American tales and adventures. A song will remind me of a quiet, peaceful day by the river in Cuesta Blanca, or a free-spirited, sweaty, wild night at La Bomba! Either way, Buenos Aires has expanded my mind, opened my heart and taught me more about myself in these short few months than I have learned in my whole life. It's a constant stepping into the unknown, taking on new experiences, praying for acceptance, and learning to communicate with a much deeper affect than with words alone.

When I signed up for my semester abroad, I was full of excitement. Curiosity. I had a deep hunger for adventure. Since the day I stepping onto the spiritual path of sobriety and yoga I have dedicated life to a deeper learning and understanding of the world around me. I have asked God time and time again, please use me, mold me, make me the best version of myself so that I may help other people. I am a humble servant. A human activist. A yogi. A teacher. But most of all, I am a student. And that's exactly who I have been during this journey. A student. Patiently waiting for my next lesson. I have learned lessons of patience. Acceptance. Overwhelming amounts of gratitude, yet also powerlessness. I have experienced humility. I now deeply understand the words "foreign" "outsider" and "uncomfortable". The experiences I have had, the conversations I have endured, and the people I have met, have lovingly challenged my beliefs, my existence, my experience and my perception of the world. I try my best to be an open minded person. I am always willing to be wrong, to be open to new ideas, and this has given my consciousness wings. I have flown into new beliefs, stories, perspectives, unknown possibility and a I have found a new sense of freedom from the shackles of old ideas. I am wearing a new pair of glasses. I can see the world, my life, my actions, my thoughts much more clearly than I could before. I have a deeper empathy for the people, the animals, and the plants whom exist in this world along side me.

The charming neighborhood "La Boca"

I have learned these lesson from observing. Listening. Trusting. Allowing myself to be swept away by the experience of living in another country. To let my experiences mold and shape me. Instead of resisting the unfamiliar, I have invited it into my being. Everything in Buenos Aires is the same yet different. As is the entire world. Each country. Each person. Everything is different, yet entirely the same.

I feel empowered and educated by participating in classes developed through Latin American perspectives. My Gender Studies and Social Economy of Latin American classes have given me a fresh perspective and a deeper appreciation for Latin history. They have also fueled my fire, and confirmed my deeply seeded angst against Colonialism and a Capitalist/Patriarchal Society. Which brings me to my experience of Ni Una Menos. A march against Violence Against Women in Argentina consisting of 300,000 people. What a beautiful fucking moment in history. I feel deeply inspired. Being a part of such a beautiful, bold mass of human rights activists gave me a lifetime of encouragement. It was a divine sign from God that humanity is GOOD. That I am on the right path. That women's voices are heard. That MY VOICE matters. That people DO CARE. Wow, wow, wow. I am truly amazed by the power of people. Of collective consciousness.

With out Women's Rights, there are no Human Rights.

This is a published photo from the font page of  a Buenos Aires newspaper.

Learning a differently language has also been a monumental part of my experience. It's so challenging, yet endlessly intriguing. I have a deeper appreciation for words. For words! It's funny to think about, but we wrap so much meaning around a word. A thought. That conversation we had yesterday. Or whatever so-and-so said. Blah blah. Each word. So much importance. So much meaning deeply embedded into our consciousness. And then imagine, all of those words are taken from you and replaced with new ones. I have been learning to re-create my significance of words. It's bizarre. And for myself, as a writer and speaking like a poet in a world of "be specific and speak efficiently" has been a challenging task in itself. But I respect language. I respect anyone who can speak more than one language. Learning to speak Spanish has been humbling, humoring, and interesting to say the least.

I wish I could illustrate for you each and every moment of my semester abroad. I wish I could write a short novel, or produce a chic indie film that would elucidate my time spent in Buenos Aires. But all I can really do is write another blog post, post a Facebook album, or share a story or two the next time I see you. But what I suggest, is experiencing Buenos Aires for yourself. Or whatever other place in the world is calling your name. If there is one thing I have learned while spending my time over seas it is that ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE. We can have whatever we want. We can go where ever we want. All of our dreams and goals are reachable, attainable, possible. The world is a vast land of opportunity and abundance. It's fear and rationality that keep us in one place. That force us to harbor in the darkness of heavy doubt and uncertainty. But please my friends, let me make my self clear: You can have whatever you want. You can go wherever you want. You can meet whoever you want. See you whatever you want. Be whoever you want. All you have do is ask for it. And take one small step into action.

"I do not at all understand the mystery of grace, only that it meets us where we are, but does not leave us where it found us."