On my way to Sante Fe

My hot, steaming breath blows little white clouds out on the crisp morming air as I emerge from the subway. I’m sweating, in spite of the 5°C, as I’ve been lugging my 20kg suitcase and 10kg backpack up and down stairs down there, en route to the bus station. And here I am, on the bus, after more sweat – nerves this time!

A friend recently quoted her late husband on Facebook: ‘It’s the start that stops many a person.’ Every time I’m challenged by a new experience I think of this, and just push through. Not without trepidation though, it’s quite challenging trying to ask directions in my broken Español. ‘Donde esta numero cuatro dos plataforma’ – and I get a smile and blank stare. No wonder, I’m not sure that means ‘Where is platform 42’. (I googled, it’s: ¿Dónde está la plataforma cuarenta y dos.) I wasn’t thát far off, I suppose it’s my uncertainty and accent that created the confusion. Eventually I found it outside, after having walked the length of numbers up to 39 inside (where they stopped). No corresponding exit numbers inside to platform numbers outside… You live and learn! At least everyone is friendly.

I’m off on my first venture outside of the city, on my way to Sante Fe (hey, that rhymes!), where I’ll be starting my first job as volunteer on a small-holding where they run a hostel and do permaculture.  The latter seems to be quite popular here, as many similar job opportunities come up on Workaway, the site I am registered with. The deal with Workaway is that one works 5hrs a day for 5 days a week, in exchange for board and lodging. The rest of the time one is free to explore and enjoy. Perfect way of traveling on a low budget, don’t you think? Well, time will tell.

One thing about luggage when planning to travel frequently, and specially if one is on a low budget – buy the best, it’s going to take knocks and you don’t want to have to buy new ones. I’m very happy with my bright pink durable and pliable whatever-plastic, with 360° turning wheels, it was money well spent. Obviously the salesman knew what he was talking about. And I managed to squeeze in the extra pair of shoes this morning.

This picture was taken when I left South Africa, just to show my suitcase.

This is then adios Buenos Aires,  volveré! (I’ll be back!)