I blame it on my love for this place. I've been swept off my feet with the wonderful scenery, food, culture, and language. But apparently my body is telling me that I need to pay some more attention to it and treat it better.
Yesterday, I went on a little (and by little I mean marathon-long) jaunt around the city. It was probably around 95, sunny, and ridiculously humid out, but no worries, because I brought my water bottle. So I set off on adventure.
First, I went to get my very first Argentinian haircut. Honestly, I have been afraid of that moment for so long. I was going to get one before I left, but I ran out of time. In addition to a lack of time, Jen convinced me to just face my fears and do it right when I arrived because, let's face it, it's gonna have to happen at least 4 times while I'm here. So I went.
It actually didn't turn out so bad...it's not like home, but that's why I'm here, isn't it?! Similar to many things here, there is something about it that is characteristically Argentine, or possibly European. I think it may be that it's a little longer in the back (just a tad...not Cristiano Ronaldo status, but maybe, just maybe I'll start introducing myself as Cristiano). The guy who cut my hair was very nice, especially considering I struggled a bit with pulling out vocabulary for explaining how I would like my haircut. At least I'm not afraid of my future haircuts here now.
Anyway, the day was off to a good start, so I set off again, on my way to Recoleta to see the famous cemetery. Ever since I went on a "field trip" to the cemetery in Guatemala, I have been intrigued by Latin American cemeteries and conceptions of death. I thought I knew what to expect and was excited. But alas, it was not what I expected...it was much more European, but with that unique Argentine charm. It was an absolutely amazing spectacle and some of the most beautiful architecture/art I have ever seen. As the picture suggests, this is the cemetery where the famous Eva (Evita) Perón was buried, along with many other famous Argentine personalities. I even saw the makings of what was to be a funeral that day...the blurry picture is of a priest and, yes, a body cart.
After the cemetery, I was a few blocks from a park that I had seen just days earlier. So I made a stop there because it was an absolutely beautiful, albeit hot and humid, day. It was time to do some sunbathing. The iron flower in the pictures was also at this park. Apparently it opens and closes as a real flower does when the sun rises and sets. It was very relaxing just to lay out in the sun...one of my favorite things to do, of course.
Finally, it was time to start heading back. but I was not about to go back to the hostel before I had picked up some of my favorite snacks. EMPANADAS. Two days earlier, I had finally located a panadería after almost a week of frantic searching. It is probably about a mile, give or take, from the hostel so I still had a walk going for me before I returned.
Well as much as I wanted those empanadas, I probably should have skipped. I was so tired from my marathon walk earlier. So tired that by the time I got back, I just collapsed in my bed and fell asleep for a few hours. I woke up a couple of hours later and didn't feel all too well...I felt flu-ish and exhausted...so exhausted that it turned out I seemed to be suffering from heat exhaustion (*self-diagnosed, via internet). It was then that I realized I had been so into seeing the sites, taking in the beauty of the day, and enjoying the delectable food that I had only drank one bottle of water over the course of a 7-8 hour hike around a boiling hot city. Not good.
Basically, it reminded me that as much as I am enjoying my time here and want to take in as much as possible, I still need to schedule some ME time and take care of my health. I won't be able to enjoy anything if I am exhausted, sick, or some other terrible thing. So, today I feel better...but only after marathon water drinking and carrying (and re-filling) my water bottle several times today.
Stay Classy. Stay Hydrated.
