Patagnonian Wildlife

if you've ever read guide books about Argentina and Chile you would be aware of the wide range of animal life in the area, the penguins, the whales, the birds. So far, i have come across two main types of species, dogs and horses.

Dogs and Phrases
the phrase let sleeping dogs lie could have been coined in Argentina, when it was perhaps shortened from the good advice of 'keep sleeping, limping and rabid dogs as far away from you as possible.' To imagine the amount of stray dogs here, think cats in Israel, double it and give each dog a slightly different limp and you get close to the picture here.

Horses and Metaphors
i was told by the guide that horses are just like women, treat them well, but wack them every now and then to show them who is in charge. Clearly being a new age 21st century sensitive guy i treated my horse with only kindness and respect...yet it constantly took adavantage of me, stopping every few minutes to eat - what does that say about the fairer sex?

Argentina and Chile - The Lakes

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If a week is a long time in politics (as im sure Shimon Peres thinks it is) then it is even longer when you are away from home, spending lots of time outside and looking for activities. In the past week, we have done a couple of tiyulim, rafting, spas, met many Israelis (some of whom did combat units, others who sat in jail for left wing refusal) and on Thursday i climbed an active Volcano called Villarica which is definitely one of the highlights so far of the trip.

i have just spent Shabbat with an Israeli couple who have cabanas (cabins, rather than sausages) in Pucon, Chile. I think Shabbat is always hard being away from family and friends, but being in a quiet place with the sun shining, with views of the Andes on the one hand and Volcano Villarica on the other is not such a bad alternative. The past week we moved from Bariloche, a fantastically beautiful place of lakes, snow capped mountain - the kind of place that looks like a postcard, and you can close your eyes, open them again, and you still dont quite believe you are there, to Pucon in Chile also very picturesque and quite with lots of options for activities.

Please find below a few thoughts on the holiday so far and having been here almost 2 weeks, i feel at liberty to be able to advise potential travelles on the dos and donts of South America

Horse Riding

Horseriding is a bit like life in general – you think you´re in control when youre not and it can sometimes be a huge pain in the arse.

But despite these minor physical pains and existential discoveries, Friday´s virgin ride was a lot of fun. And when I wasn´t worried about falling off it was quite relaxing too. Tanya and I went with a small group of Dutch, Spanish and Texans through gorgeous scenery with hills and snowed capped mountains in the background.

At one with nature, at one with the house and successfully managing to not be at one with the ground, the whole day was great, and my bum was very much looking forward to Shabbat.

Wishing everyone a Shavua Tov and missing you all

Calev

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Spanish

In an increasingly globalised world, ability to communicate is empowering...unfortunately having my level of Spanish is not.

The most accurate description of what I have been breaking my teeth over the last week is Spanrench, an eclectic mix of French, Spanish and Hebrew. Between the ´toilettes´ and the ´c’ilu´s,’ a smile here, a hand movement there I think we are slowly making ourselves understood.

I have to say it isn’t helped by the fact that South American Spanish is different to Spanish Spanish, but then when you don’t really speak either, it doesn’t mater that much.

Is Argentina Israel in disguise?

Talking about being Israeli (we are yet to see lots of them although there are signs up in Hebrew) the similarities between Argentinians and Israelis are somewhat uncanny.

I know that an early Zionist congress decided against mass immigration to Argentina, but a century on there are many similarities. In addition to the dark complexion, I thought that it was only Israelis who ignored plane stewardesses asking them to turn off laptops or not get up before the plane has actually ground to a halt. Stranger still was the widespread clapping as our plane touched down in Buenos Aires.

Add to that the Kosher McDonalds and the absolutely crazy driving and I sometimes think my Aliya has started early.

In contrast, things couldn’t be more different to England. Hardly anyone speaks English, there is lots of PDA´s (Public Displays of affection) it is hot and sunny in November and the Falkands War is a big deal here….if asked best to say you are Australian.

National Stereotypes

Just because Stereotypes and generalizations are morally wrong does not make them factually inaccurate and wholesale descriptions of loud, raucous and drunk did not become associated with Brits road by accident.

I was unlucky enough to be awakened from my politically correct slumber by a group of retired WASPS who entertained our plane from Buenos Aires to Bariloche with their exaggerated laughter and broad accents.

For anyone who asks, I’m a proud Israeli!

The Story so far...

Unemployment, or being in between jobs as I like to call it, is not treating me so badly, although whether I´ll say that in 6 months is a different question.

A constant influence of shops, cafes and internet has somewhat calmed my slightly obsessive need to be busy and active the whole time and so far its been a lovely mix of relaxation and moving about, of squares, museums (well one museum) lovely walks and views and decent restaurants (Steaks in Buenos Aires are about 3 pounds).

I´m still slightly apprehensive about being on my own later in the holiday but traveling is very much a learning curve and I already feel a lot more comfortable and confident than when our plane touched down on Monday night 12,000 miles from home. Anyway, a few comments and thoughts so far almost week in…