Playa de los Hippies

"Truth, and goodness, and beauty are but different faces of the same all." 

- Ralph Waldo Emerson

The perfect words to sum up my weekend... I traveled into the unknown with my dear friend, Gracie. We were told about this a mysterious local spot that was remote and easy-going: "Playa de los Hippies". Of coursed this aroused my soul-searching, gypsy soul. So we set off into the abyss! A beautiful, serene, and "under-the-tourist-radar" beach by a river in the sierras of Argentina. We took a bus (9 hours) overnight to Villa Carlos Paz, then another (20 minutes) to Cuesta Blanca, which is where we camped. Getting to the beach itself was quite the hike. We had to cross the river, which took patience and a premeditated strategy (and a little help from a very kind family) and a pretty serious hike up a mountain. We hiked up an old dried up river bed. The twists and turns and lush greenery made me feel like I was on a tropical island! And the view was breath taking of course, and made every up-hill step totally worth it. Every moment felt like such an adventure, a rush. The world is meant to be explored and enjoyed!

We set up camp in a park called "Eco-Camping" where an humble little family made us feel like we were at home. They were sincerely some of the kindest people I've ever met. They live this beautiful, simple life in the mountains together as a family. They shared stories with us, told us about their lives. Fed us (some of the best food I've had). Played music with us. Opened their hearts and their home to us. There was so much love! And their home was beautiful. The entire park was sustainable, mindful, clean and simple. It was by a spring, that led into the river. We were totally immersed in nature. Surrounded by mountains, water and stars. One night there was a full moon. I will always remember listening to Perota Chingo, watching the moon. Letting it's essence fill my being. Connecting me to divine spirit and Mother Earth. I felt so alive, peaceful and connected. We had planned on traveling north after one night, but we loved the vibes of the Eco-Camping park so much, that we decided to stay the whole long weekend in Cuesta Blanca.

One day it rained. Only for most of the morning, but wow what a beautiful morning it was. It's like, the whole world comes alive when it rains. I could hear the rain, the river, the frogs, the crickets... it's like the entire Earth was signing. I laid in the tent. I read a book. I listened to Pachamama sing and I surrendered to the bliss of complete relaxation. Of intuitive being, of knowing I am exactly where I am supposed to be. That is the energy of which this trip consisted of. "Om Hari Om" - Everything is as it should be.

The best part of this trip? We had no plan. We decided to surrender ourselves to the universe, and in return we were gifted an extraordinary experience. We were in the flow, inviting whatever might come our way. It was a weekend full of friendship, adventure, music, good food, laughter, challenges and peacefulness. We went on walks with out an agenda, we sat by the water and played music, we spoke spanish, we swam in ice cold water, we climbed a mountain, we made new friends, and we invested time into people who warmed our hearts and made memories that will last forever. It was nice to just.... be. To be still. To be silent. To play. To laugh. To just be in my own skin. In nature. With nothing to do. No where to be... I loved laying in my hammock at night, looking up at the full moon. Gazing at the stars, the mountains, the river... It was surreal. Meditative. Divine. There were so many blissful moments, where I felt full of gratitude and love. There was an abundance of buena ondas (good vibes) and beauty.

The nature is here is out of this world. So lush, green and untouched. The water was so clean we could drink it. The rocks were beautiful crystals, white, black and silver. The sand was tiny, tiny rocks grounded into a soft texture. And the silver crystals made the beaches sparkle. My sandy legs looked like they were covered in glitter! It was so beautiful! There were waterfalls, and butterflies and white horses. There were families, children. Taking it easy. Soaking up the sun, taking in the beauty. Relaxing in the simplicity of nature. Speaking spanish and smiling and asking us about ourselves. "Where are you from? What are you studying? Do you like Argentina?" I had so many moments where everything just felt, aligned. In sync. I constantly found myself thinking "Ok Katherine, how are you feeling right now? In this moment? Take it all in.... you are in South America. Surrounded by God, and energy, and love, and beauty. What do you feel? How do you feel? Can you feel the Universe sending you love?" 

I have re-discovered my love and passion for music. I can't remember the last time I spent this much time and energy singing and playing instruments. Gracie and I wrote a song together! She is learning how to play this beautiful little instrument called the churrango. It's unlike anything I've ever heard. We sat by the water for hours writing lyrics and singing together. We sat on the crystal beach and jammed with a group of locals! It was so chill. Or in Argentina, the slang word it "tranqui". That's the best word I can come up with for our experience with new friends. The people we met were just so kind and laid back. I felt full of peace and ease. I had a spiritual experience on the beach that I will share... We were all swapping instruments, and I took the guitar and decided to sing a song and play (my infamous "collide" of course). The others jammed with me, we had hand drums, guitar, churrango and the juevo (egg) and I sang from deep within. Straight from my heart. I felt so ALIVE! It was a rush. Like all of a sudden, the only moment that existed was RIGHT NOW.... "here I am sitting by the water, surrounded by the mountains, on this beautiful day, in Argentina, singing and smiling and vibing with all these beautiful freakin people!" 

I am back in Buenos Aires now. I feel refreshed, and refocused. I have three weeks or so of normality. As in no trips (as of yet) or holidays (which is rare jaja). I am teaching yoga on Wednesday evenings, which has been my rock. Gracie and I are dedicating ourselves to making music and practicing through out the week. This weekend was a nice, healthy reminder of why I am here. Why I want to travel through South America. I re-gained my confidence in Spanish, and I have committed myself to learning the language in a deeper way. Living in a country, where I don't speak the language well, has taught me a whole new way of connecting with people. Of making new friends. I am learning to build relationships with laughter, music, empathy, and silliness. It takes an effort that I feel like I have never had to use before. I just have to keep putting myself out there. I am always vulnerable and outside of my comfort zone, but that keeps me seeking. It keeps me curious, open and eager for more. 

That's all for now. Thank you to my family, my friends, and the stars for this beautiful adventure. I can't wait to share more with you. Until next time... Blessings and Gratitude.

And so it is....

Iguazu Falls

First of all, I so apologize for having only posted once since I have been in the beautiful Argentina. It is harder to find the time to get on here than I thought. Though I have had good days, and not so good days, my overall experience here in Buenos Aires has been exciting, expanding and soulful. Each day I find myself creating a deeper relationship with myself, my host family, and the way I participate in the world. I have become adaptable, spontaneous and courageous due to the countless unexpected situations I have found myself in. Like James Michener said "we are never prepared for what we expect." So why bother? And so it is.

I am teaching yoga in Buenos Aires. Some days feel like a dream... So far, I have been subbing classes as often as I can. But I will begin my first class on the schedule beginning the first Wednesday in April. I am teaching in a trendy barrio named "Palermo Soho". It's charming, subtle and inviting. I love the vibe here in Buenos Aires. It seems as though I find another hidden gem each day. Whether it's just looking up rather than down while I am walking to school, getting lost on the wrong bus, or exploring the city on my own, I always find some new, groovy atmosphere and a good coffee. One of my favorite hang out spots is a book story called "Walrus Books". It's owned by an ex-pat from New York City. I wouldn't call him "warm and inviting" but he provides an endless service of books in English, of which I am forever grateful. Reading has been a great tool for grounding and self-care. Along with my vigorous yoga practice and routine morning prayer and meditation. It's the small things. And let's not forget my always stocked, night stand drawer of Ferrero Rocher and peanut butter. AMIRIGHT?

And then there's school. I love school. I seriously wish I could just study at a college level for the rest of my life. Spanish is difficult, but I am desperate to learn the language. So I am shuffling by, one humbling experience at a time. I LOVE my gender studies class. Our professor has a rad pagan, feminist vibe that is really refreshing. We see eye-to-eye and I respect her endlessly. I am grasping desperately for anyone who will step into the fire with me. The fire of passionate conversation and empathy. It is captivating to learn of gender history from the Latin American perspective. Yet, frustrating to hear the same history replayed over and over in each society. The reminder that no foreign soil has been untouched by colonialism and greed. However, it keeps the fire in my soul rumbling, so that I can continue moving forward. So that I remain passionate, eager and determined. I am also taking the Social Economy of Latin America. A fresh cup of sustainability and enlightened business practices to lighten the mood each martes/jueves. I will call this class, my cup of idealistic tea. It's refreshing to sit among a group of progressive thinkers and idealists. And a teacher that speaks my language? -The language of evolved consciousness that is, Thank you Spirit Gods! You have heard my cries! I love feeling challenged, vibrant and ALIVE. That is what college is SUPPOSED to feel like.

I keep to myself most days, which I prefer, but I am practicing spending more time with others. I just feel so free and independent. A true lone wolf, it's hard to mold to a schedule for other people. But I really enjoy the company of many of my SOLmates, and the friends I have made through yoga and other social outings. I feel challenged on a regular basis. But it's good, because it keeps me seeking. I can feel the presence of my higher power with me every day, and that is the most important beingness for me. I am grateful for my box of spiritual tools, which I keep closely with me. I search for gratitude in each day. I search for presence in each moment that I can. I try and remind myself each day that I am doing the best that I can, and that helps me to move forward on the days I struggle. Self love, self care, self love, self care. Patience... Listening.... These are my tools. This journey has been and endless search for gratitude and deeper meaning. I know that I am on the right path, I can feel it with my entire being. And I am eager, yet patiently waiting for what the future will bring...

Iguazu Falls

I feel so blessed to know this beautiful, creative and loving soul. Gracie!

I woke for the sunrise at Mar de Plata. A beach located 6 hours south of Buenos Aires, we spent a weekend here!

Tree pose among the beautiful jungle at a Tea House in Mar de Plata. Charming, tasty, and plenty of BUENA ONDAS!

I wish I had more pictures to share. I'll admit, I am not the best at remembering to take photos. We went to Iguazu Falls, which was a breathtaking experience. It is no wonder it is considered one of the Seven Wonders of the World. I took every moment of it in, to keep me with me for the rest of my life. The vastness of the water falls, were truly stunning. I felt so small, yet so significant. Being so connected with nature can be the wildest experience. It makes lifes trials and tribulations seems so irrelevant, so otherworldly. When I am in nature, I am in the here and now. I feel unplugged, free and playful. As if nothing matters except for the exact moment that I am in. The NOW. I love that feeling. That is what I am seeking here in South America. Beauty, Truth and Goodness as Emerson would say. There is so much to be had!

I feel that I should also mention the immense love for music here in Argentina. Especially percussion. I get this bizarre, yet overwhelming feeling of joy when I go to a live show! The energy, the dancing the careless laughter and passion for music is truly inspiring! I've never experienced anything like it. There is not judgement, or thinking, just dancing dancing and dancing! I went to see Manu Chao with Gracie and is was beyond what I could have ever imagined! The crowd kept me energized! It was exhilarating! There was a moment where I felt a rush of love and joy. It was as if I was frozen in time. The entire crowd was singing together in beautiful Spanish, with so much love! The lights we beautiful. The music was beautiful. The people, so beautiful. And I felt that sigh of "Well here I am, in South America. I fucking did it." And THOSE are the empowering, truly honest moments that I live for.

The experiences I am having here in South America are truly profound. I look forward to sharing more memories with you soon. Until next time.... blessings and gratitude.

Week One

Wow! I can't believe it's only been a week. I swear it feels like I have been in Buenos Aires for months. It must be because I am taking in so much, constantly, all of the time. The language, the art and the food (literally)! The days are so long. Right now I am taking an intensive Spanish course which is 5 hours a day, but I am learning so much! My host mother's name is Teresa, she speaks fluent Spanish and very little English. I am so thankful that my roommate is from Mexico. Her name is Alexis, she's super sweet. We get along really well. She has been my translator for the most part between me and Teresa, but as of Monday I am only allowed to speak Spanish at my house. I am thankful for this rule because it will push me to learn more Spanish, faster. I really feel like I am getting the hang of it!

The city is so beautiful. The architecture is breathtaking, it's all French and Italian inspired. Buenos Aires is very green too, there are lots of parks and the biggest trees I've ever seen! I love just waking around and exploring new cafes, stores and neighborhoods. There is a subte (subway) right next to my house, so I can easily travel anywhere in the city. I live in Retiro, it's a pretty safe spot and it is very central to all of the cool spots! I can walk out my front door and I've got everything I need within a couple of blocks. Below are a few pictures from around the city...

 

 

 

 

There are many parks in Buenos Aires. Above is a picture of my SOLmates playing futbol in a park near our school. Buenos Aires runs along the widest river in the world. It's a natural border between Uraguay and Argentina. There are many ports and lakes in Buenos Aires, making the city super green and lush! The trees are amazing!

 

 

 

 

Above is from the famous Cemetario de Recoleta. Muy linda! 

 



This week has been a whirlwind of field trips, cultural activities, meeting new friends, and getting to know my way around the city. Each day I take the subway, which we call the "subte". Between the subway and walking it's about a 50 minute commute to school. I love my campus. It's in a beautiful neighborhood! I love the walk we take each morning. There are fruit markets, cafes, and beautiful trees. I usually pack my own lunch, but my friends and I go for coffee and pastries after school each day. My eating schedule is a little strange here. We eat toast and coffee for breakfast each morning, lunch at 1:30pm, coffee and pastries around 4/5:00pm and dinner at 9/10:00pm.

 

Above is a picture of my school! From the top you can see the most beautiful view of the city! My school is just one building, because it's a private college, and the building is 15 stories tall.

 

 

 
This week Raul, our program advisor, has been taking us on tours to the main locations in Buenos Aires. I am becoming very familiar with the city already. Each neighborhood has a different vibe, but over all Buenos Aires is very laid back, friendly, artistic and practical. For example, there is not air conditioning in most buildings, the elevators only go to half the floors, and all of the coffee comes in tiny cups. But I am falling in love already! I absolutely love it here!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Above is in Palermo. There is a huge book line of book stores down the main street, Santa Fe! Just another charming aspect of Buenos Aires.

 

 

My SOLmates are so rad! All of the girls are already pretty close. Everyone is a little younger than me, but I enjoy their company. We stick together and go on excursions throughout the city. This weekend we went to the Craft Market in the Recoleta neighborhood. This is the "Hollywood" of Buenos Aires. It's very upscale and the people are super trendy. I got a really pretty leather purse, handmade, for $10.00. Not bad! The people are so beautiful, helpful and kind. They are very patient with my pitiful Spanish. If I am having trouble communicating I always say "Aprendiendo espanol!" which means, "I am learning Spanish!" and I usually get a smile and a nod. Better to speak poor Spanish than none at all!

Above is a picture of "mate" said like "mah-tay". It's very common here to gather with friends and share a pot of mate. One person pours the mate for the group, and one at a time, each person drinks all of the tea in the cup and then passes it, we all share the same straw. It's similar to a hookah experience.  It's served with biscuits, jam, butter and sugar.

There are lot's of small packaged cakes, chocolate and dulce de leche desserts in all of the markets and convenient stores. Alfajor is the most popular mini cake here... if you ever come to Argentine you MUST try one these little angels.  I had a spiritual experience with a croissant too, everything is SO GOOD here. The fruit is fresh (well most) and even the bread tastes so good. Less preservatives!

 

Okay, so one of my favorite things about Buenos Aires is that there are fruit markets on almost every block. I kind of stay away from apples and oranges, but the plums, pineapples, peaches and kiwis are excellent! AND THE FIGS ARE HUGE AND SOOOOOO GOOD!!

 

 

One day all of the students took a tango lesson! It was really fun! My roommate, Alexis, is in the red shirt.

 

I went to a boliche this weekend call "The Mo" or "Alamo", boliche is what we call a "night club" in Argentina. We went out around 1:00am and came home around 3:30am (which is pretty early here, believe it or not!). Most people stay out until sunrise. At first, I was really nervous about going because of safety reasons and my lack of Spanish, but we actually had a great time! The music was great, and the locals seemed to love us! It's funny to hear what "North Americans" are associated with. I've heard things like "Do you like Obama?" "Do you watch breaking bad?" "You have the same nose ring as Christina Aguilera!" Haha! It's funny to meet people from other countries and see what we have in common. It's easy to think people in other countries are so different, but at the end of the day, we're all just people right?

 

This house is across the street from our university. Albert Einstein lived here while in Argentina!

 

 

It's really common to see people playing music in public places. If you're lucky, you'll get to hear live music in the subte too!

 

 

 

 
Argentina loves Frida Khalo! And I do too!

 

Over all, I am having a really great time here in Buenos Aires. I feel like I am learning and growing so much with each day. I am building confidence in myself, expanding my mind, and opening my heart wider. My Spanish is getting better as quickly as my friendships are growing with my incredible classmates. I finally feel like I have a routine, and I feel more familiar with my surroundings. I am almost overwhelmed with all that I am experiencing, but I will do my best to share my adventures with you! I feel like a sponge, I am just soaking it all in. I am pouring over with gratitude for all that has been given to me thus far. I cannot wait for what is soon to come! Thank you for reading, more next week!

and the journey begins...

Hello friends and family! This is my new travel blog! I have created this as a way for you to keep up with my adventures while I am abroad in Buenos Aires, Argentina. I will do my best to post every week. I just want to take a moment to thank you for all of your love and support. This is my first big endeavor, and watching you all come together to be a part of it has filled my heart with joy and gratitude!

So now, you may be wondering. What exactly and I doing? Why am I going to Buenos Aires? Well, I am going as a foreign exchange student with a study abroad program called SOL Education Abroad. I am going with approx. 20 other students (my SOLmates). They are all from different parts of the United States, I am the only student coming from Colorado! I chose Argentina for two reasons. The first, I am a Spanish Language Minor; and second, it is my dream to backpack through South America. I made a deal with the Universe. I said "I want to back pack South America, show me the way." And the second day of my Spanish class last spring, a young woman came and talked to us about study abroad and wah-lah, a sign from the Universe. I signed up immediately, got accepted into the program, and I have been preparing ever since.

What is your plan?, you may ask. Well, I will be a student at Belgrano College for 6 months. The first month I will be taking an intensive Spanish course, 3-5 hours a day, for 30 days. That way, I will be able to speak Spanish while I am there. For the rest of the college semester, I will be in English speaking classes. I am taking "Gender Studies in South America, Argentinian Literature, The History of South America, and Advanced Spanish 1 &2". We will go on multiple excursions on the weekends, of which I will be sure to post. During the week, we are to participate in two cultural activities, which I have not picked mine yet, but I am thinking pottery and tango classes!

I will be staying with a host family. They will house and feed me three times a day. I will have a roommate from the program living with me. After the semester is over, I plan to backpack from hostel to hostel through the entire continent of South American (at least until the money runs out). I am hoping that one of my SOLmates will stay and travel with me, but I'm trusting the process.

My goals for this experience are simple. I want to learn Spanish, meet new people, and explore as much of this beautiful and diverse continent as I can. I believe that the experience of traveling abroad will expand my perception of the world. It will open me up to a new way of being, and interacting with other people. I want to deepen my spirituality and becoming a distinguished traveler so I am take on other parts of the world as well!

Please feel free to email me at luckyjupiter.kh@gmail.com or you can contact me through the app called "Viber" I have it downloaded on my phone.

May love and light find you always. I can feel your love and support in my heart! Om Shanti.