This is summer?

Last year I arrived to Uruguay in February, about the same time I arrived this year and like the year before I arrived with expectations of warm weather and sunny skies.  However, last year, from the first day I arrived and for nine days after that, it was rainy and not at all warm.  So far this year it has rained for three days straight since my arrival.  I’m starting to think that I bring the rain!   Everyone says that it’s a blessing I come with rain as the country is in the midst of one of the worst droughts in its history.  

Airports

As a consequence of my adventures, I spend A LOT of time in airports around Latin America and the States.  It’s incredible the things you see and the patience you learn.  Patience because of all the security checks, flight delays, visa problems, etc.  If you are going to travel, just be prepare yourself to be patient and you will be a much happier camper!  I know it sounds like obvious advice, but in the stress of an airport it can be easy to lose your patience--my advice, relax, watch the person next to you lose their cool and it will remind you how ridiculous you almost appeared.

I could write a pretty long entry on the things I observe as well while in airports but I think for now I’ll just choose one that currently fascinates me: how I identify a traveler from the U.S..  I am definitely generalizing with my theory but more often than not it seems like people from the United States who are traveling tend to dress down, they wear comfortable clothing such as jeans and a tee shirt, or even sweat pants.  I myself have finally graduated to wearing jeans but there was a time when I would wear those oh so comfortable running clothes.  I’ve noticed as well that while people from the U.S. tend to dress down, those from other countries may dress to the nines!  I am amazed at these women who can sit on an airplane in their fashionable clothing and high heels.  It’s impressive!  I actually envy them, I always feel quite frumpy and much younger when I walk about the airport in my typical ASU t-shirt.  I must also appear that way as I often get treated as a teenager traveling alone, I hear phrases like “oh sweetie,” “pumpkin” etc.

Back to Uruguay-my second home

I’m on my way back to Montevideo, Uruguay and I have started this blog to separate it from the one I made to share my year’s experience in Uruguay with Rotary.  This time, I hope to blog a bit more often and keep everyone updated on my adventures and observations of life down South.   I am headed back to Uruguay not on scholarship but to work, teach English and volunteer. 

If you had asked me months before I left to Uruguay whether I would consider staying more than one year I would have said no.  The reason I did not apply for the Peace Corps is because I could not imagine staying away from my family and loved ones for so long.  But I don’t feel like I’m going back to Uruguay, it’s more like a second home than anything.  It will always be second though, my first, whether my family believes it or not, will always be Arizona.  

I’m not sure what this year has in store for me but stay tuned and we’ll discover together!