Monday 29 November 2010

Wrapping up in Argentina


I write this with equal parts of sadness, nerves and excitement as we prepare to leave the fantastic place which is Buenos Aires. Emily, Lucie and myself are departing in a few hours via bus to Mendoza, where we start our two month journey through Southern Argentina, Chile, Peru and Bolivia. Josh, Chirag and Julian have already left for Peru. Some of us will stay in Buenos Aires for an extra night or two - I know Ali will be here for several days to meet up with some of her friends from Sydney. Julz and Dani are heading back to Melbourne and Perth tonight. It's awful to think that the relationships we have developed with the other residents and people on the program will disappear without the constant presence of each other which we have become so used to. The majority of the Antips group is from Sydney - so maintaining contact between us should be relatively easy, or between Melbourne, Adelaide and Perth. But staying friends with those
from Britain, USA or Canada will definitely be more difficult but I'm certain we can stay in contact.

I have had an incredible, incredible three months. The volunteer work has been extremely challenging but worthwhile, and I am so glad we persevered through the problems we had. Saying goodbye to the children was very hard, but Lucie and I bought a collection of balls to give as a farewell present, which they loved. We also gave them a collection of Australian stickers - so hopefully our legacy will live on in the through kangaroos and Australian flags stuck in inconvenient places.
It is a bittersweet thing saying goodbye to such a fantastic city which has become our home for the past three months, but I am almost certain I will return to this place with better Spanish skills and more money!
Buenos Aires en mi corazon para siempre. Chau.

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