Alive Crazy Person

I like to talk about things a lot before I actually get round to doing them. That way I almost don´t need to go through the real experience, because, well, it might not be such a good idea when it comes down to it and anyway, I´ve talked about it so much that it feels as though I´ve really done it.

Today I can say, however, that I have actually achieved something it feels as though I´ve been talking about for months. I´ve started my Big Adventure in South America. Alone, at the age of 29, with very basic Spanish and barely a clue what I´m doing. I first hatched the idea back in August and have been telling everybody I know and quite a lot of people I don´t all about the plan. Everyone has been sweetly supportive, telling me it will be the best thing I ever do and that I will have an amazing time. A few people have suggested that I will come back a completely different person (which is a frankly alarming thought) and some have hinted that I might "find myself", as though the real me has all along been hidden down the back of a Peruvian sofa. I am hoping for neither of these things, but I did feel I was overdue for an adventure, so backpack firmly strapped into place, I touched down in Buenos Aires three days ago.

I´m staying at the Hostel Carlos Gardel in San Telmo, a basic but respectable place named after the famous tango musician. San Telmo is the oldest part of Buenos Aires, centered around the Plaza Dorrego where every Sunday there is a huge antiques market. I´m sharing a room with two Irish girls, Elaine and Michelle who are nearing the end of their own five month adventure and have been sharing their stories and tips with me.

They are quite intruiged by the idea of Juan-Pablo Gonzales, my future husband, whom I´m sure I´m going to bump into at any second. To encourage this we have booked a tango show and dinner tonight. I must dig out my sparkly skirt...

Michelle and Elaine leave Buenos Aires tomorrow and I must go exploring and plan the next part of this whole experiement. Adios para ahora. x