Buenos Aires, Argentina: Sunday, May 16

Quote for the Day: “It is good to have an end to journey towards, but it is the journey that matters, in the end.” –Ursula K. Le Guin

When it comes to the point that there are no more days left, one is usually either longing to go home or holding on to every last minute in an effort to stay. At the end of a vacation I'm almost always grabbing on trying make time stand still. It has been a wonderful trip and I am, we are, all grateful for it. The memories and the experience of it all will be savored for years to come. This trip was not just an indulgent and self-satisfying moment in time, but an experience that will hopefully continue to challenge us forever. I hope that we all come back changed, even if only in some small way. May we learn how to balance gratitude for the luxuries we receive, along with a heart of compassion so that we can also freely give.

We hope to have you with us on our next trip to Argentina in September, 2010!
Muchas Gracias!

Buenos Aires, Argentina: Saturday, May 15

Quote for the day: “I find the great thing in this world is not so much where we stand as in what direction we are moving. To reach the port of heaven we must sail sometimes with the wind and sometimes against it, but we must sail. And not drift nor lie at anchor.” –Oliver Wendell Holmes, Jr.

Tired from the physical, and especially emotional drains of yesterday, we started the day at a little slower pace. The colder weather and grey sky didn’t help either so we decided to exercise in order to awaken our bodies and minds. A couple of us decided to run in the park and around the rose garden near Plaza Italia. It felt great to clear my mind as my legs hit the pavement and the wind caressed my face as I increased speed with each step. My eyes were now wider and my mind clear. As we walked back towards the hotel we were lured into a beautiful bakery by the sight of gorgeous delicacies and the freshly baked sweet smells that gently beckoned us in. The bakery was packed full of people waiting in anticipation and we joined right in, mingling with the locals in their bakery and learning some about the morning culture in Buenos Aires. The pastries were cheap in cost but rich in taste. After our stomachs, as well as our eyes, were satisfied, we showered and got ready. We then headed out the local supermercado to grocery shop for the items needed for our cooking activity. Supplies in hand, we were driven to Plaza De Mayo to meet up with Marcos from GIC Argentina and a group of students from the local university. It was interesting to talk to them and find out that they were from the UK or USA and had various reasons for moving to Buenos Aires. One was a former flight attendant, another a doctor, another an engineer and the others still undergraduates working on their degrees. All were there for a few months to a year to learn Spanish. I was hoping to practice my Spanish with them while connecting deeper as we volunteered.

Our group of ten was soon met by Gustavo who is the director of voluntarios sin fronteras and he led the group to Villa Barrio 3 where the soup kitchen was. Along the way we learned that there are around 300 of these similar barrios within the city. Buenos Aires has a population of around 13 million people with many living in poverty. The small building in Barrio 3 that we arrived at helps to provide food, homework assistance and different workshops for some 200 children daily. It was rainy and cold today and Gustavo told us that there aren’t as many children here because they will stay home when it is cold. The children who were there when we arrived were put into groups and we divided amongst them. Marcos had given us a recipe a traditional Italian pastry, Pasta Frola, and we learned how to make it together. The flour flew everywhere and with sticky fingers, we smiled and laughed together as we baked. The language barrier was overcome by rolling dough together. We baked the desserts, some looking much more appetizing than others, and then ate them as a group. After about three hours with full bellies and leftovers in hand, the children went home and so did we. Soon we were transported from the barrio to our hotel and then to Puerto Madero where we sipped champagne while being entertained by a gorgeous tango show. It was difficult to deal with such a stark transformation of atmosphere within only a few hours. How does one learn to balance gratitude for the blessings in life that money can buy while feeling sad for those who never get to experience them? I suspect I will struggle with this question for the remainder of my life as I continue to try to balance the two. And so I did my best to just let it go and live in the moment. When I was with the children in the barrrio, I tried to be fully with them mentally and physically. The same at the tango show. With only one life to live, perhaps it is best to just invest in wherever life takes you moment by moment.



Pasta Frola
The Pasta Frola (or Pasta Frolla) is, like many classic Argentinean recipes, Italian in origin. Pasta frola consists of a pastry base covered with a topping made of sweetened quince, sweet-potato or of milk and adorned with thin strips of the same pastry, forming a squared pattern. It is an Argentine tradition to eat “pasta frola” with mate in the afternoon. The traditional Italian recipe was not originally prepared with latticework as it is in Argentina, but with a lid pierced with molds in forms of heart or flowers.

Recipe for 6 people:
1 cup all purpose flour
1/2 cup sugar
2 teaspoons baking soda
1/2 stick butter, softened
2 eggs
2-3 tablespoons of milk
500 g of quince paste or quince jam (or the jam of your choice)
Pre-heat the oven to 350 degrees F. Butter and flour your pan-this recipe makes enough for a small square or rectangular pan.
Mix together the flour, sugar, baking soda and baking powder. Cut the butter in, mixing between your fingers to incorporate the flour mixture and the butter. Keep mixing until it is uniform and resembles sand.
Add the eggs and 2 tablespoons of the milk and mix together until you get a ball of dough that is uniform. It should not be too dry (crumbling apart) and should not be sticky.
Roll out the dough onto a floured surface. The dough should be about half an inch think. Cut the dough and put it in to the pan. It should cover the bottom and go up on the sides only a little bit. Pat the dough down around the edges with the back of your fingers.
Take a few spoonfuls of quince jam and spread it over the dough in the pan. If using quince paste, you may need to add some warm water to soften the paste texture.
Roll out the dough scraps and cut into strips with a pastry cutter or knife. Lay across the top of the jam and dough in a lattice (criss-cross) pattern.
Pop into the oven for a very short time-only about 20 minutes. It should be slightly browned on the top.

Buenos Aires, Argentina: Friday, May 14

Quote for the day: "Life is a journey and love is what makes that journey worthwhile." -unknown

We rise and awake to a gorgeous, sunny day in Buenos Aires. Delicious cappuccinos await in the lobby and we indulge before being picked up by a taxi to head towards our train to catch to Tigres. I enjoy the train ride and sitting amongst the people. Upon arrival in Tigres we are met by Jessie, Emily, and Gaston who greet us with sincerity and take us to the marina for our Delta tour. The boat is impeccably clean and comfortable. The company kind and interesting. As we embark on a serene tour of the Delta, the sunshine glistens across the waters and peace envelops us.

After the boat ride we walk around the puerto de frutos before taking the Tren De La Costa back to Buenos Aires. The train ride provides us with a glimpse of some of Buenos Aires' wealthy neighborhoods and beautiful homes. I look out the window and watch the people passing by. There are many children in private school uniforms laughing, walking with arms around each other, and sitting together as school has clearly just let out for the day. As I watched the children of privilege, I thought about the contrast that we would be experiencing later at the orphanage. The train continued to move down the tracks while the thought of life's fairness lingered in my head.

We returned to the hotel for a quick change and to grab the bags of toys and clothes that we had each brought for the orphanage. An arranged driver waited for us out front and took us on an over hour long journey to the Hogar Infantil Bethel orphanage. We talked along the way but all while keeping our eyes focused on the sights we passed on our way outside of the city. The public transportation, the landscape, the restaurants, the businesses, and the people gathered everywhere were all analyzed as I tried to absorb it all in an effort to determine what life is like for people here. How is their life similar and different than mine? What would it be like to live here?

Upon arrival at the orphanage, our car was surrounded as we were greeted by the smiling faces and quick moving bodies of the children. The car stopped and before I could completely open my door, a young boy, around 8 or 9 years old, jumped in and embraced me with his small, open arms. He looked at me with a smile from ear to ear and eyes glittering with happiness. I smiled in return and tried to process the intensity of the greeting I had just received from such a small, fragile child. I had thought that almost nothing could compare to how great I felt after the many self indulgences of the trip thus far, such as the massage at Finca Adalgisa. Although wonderful, the spontaneous and unexpected hug from this young orphan boy, Christian, ignited a fire in my soul that cannot compare to anything money can buy. I have never had a hug like that. Christian who is an orphan or here at this home for some other unknown depressing reason jumps into my arms without abandon. He had been hurt badly and yet trusted me so fully. What if we could go back to being as free as this child? What if we could all let go to love and trust so easily? I long for that as I imagine it would feel amazing. I think we all do.

My spanish is not even close to fluent and the children don't speak English yet we managed to communicate just fine. We laughed, played, and conversed as best we could with one another anyway. The courtyard was filled with their tiny voices and the combined laughter from all of us.

After awhile the manager, Alejandro, took us into his office to explain the history and current condition of the orphanage. He also introduced us to his brother who started the orphanage. The story is both sad and encouraging. I have such respect and admiration for these men. These men who have given their lives to the children.

We joined the children while they ate dinner and then afterwards we presented them with their gifts. I handed one young boy, Matias, a ball and two catching mits. His face lit up as he said, "Ohh...I know what this is, my friends all have it. Yes!!" I later found out that he had been anger management issues because he had been abused by his father. Time passed slowly as we threw the ball to one another and I couldn't focus on anything but his beautiful smile.



AFter a number of hours we were driven back to the hotel. There were five of us who then went to dinner to process all that was seen and experienced. One thing that had impressed everyone was that two of the adults who worked and served at the orphanage were former orphans there in their younger years. They had returned to give back to the place they knew as home. We all commented on how it was an amazing testimony to the place. When we finally left the restaurant it was past 1 am and the streets were filled with people as we walked back to the hotel. Exhausted, I fell into bed thinking of the children and of their smiling faces. I'm quite sure I fell asleep with a smile on mine.

Buenos Aires, Argentina: Thursday, May 13

Quote for the Day: "Though we travel the world over to find the beautiful, we must carry it with us or we find it not."
-Ralph Waldo Emerson

It is 5 am when the alarm abruptly awakes us from our peaceful slumber. We have an early morning flight to catch to Buenos Aires and the day has certainly come to soon. However, within minutes there is a knock at the door as the hotel staff has brought us coffee and breakfast pastries to ease the morning pain. Mmmm...I'm going to miss this place!

The flight from Mendoza to Buenos Aires is under an hour and a half and it goes quickly. Upon arrival at the airport we are greeted by our driver who is both friendly and knowledgeable. It doesn't take long to get to the hotel, The Glu, in Palermo Soho neighborhood of Buenos Aires. It is a contrast to La Finca Adalgisa with it's sleek, modern decor. However, the staff appears to be just as friendly so far. After a smooth check in process we set out to see some of the historical sites of this vast and beautiful city.


We ride the Subte, take taxis, and walk around the Monserrat, Centro, and Puerto Madero areas of Buenos Aires to view many gorgeous buildings and monuments while learning about the history of the city and country. We took in Avenida de Mayo, Plaza de Mayo, Casa Rosada, Congress Park, the Obelisk, 9 de Julio Avenue, Cafe Tortoni, and more. While viewing the Argentine National Congress building I noticed doves dancing in mid air above us. I focused my camera and waited for the right shot. It came as the birds flew in a rhythmic, circular pattern above our heads while causing a group of us to gaze upward and take in the peaceful beauty of it all. Magnificent.

After numerous miles of walking we had built up an appetite and stopped for lunch at a restaurant called La Americana. It was said to have the best empanadas and pizza around. Our taste buds, as well as two elderly business men in the street, concurred. Post massive carbohydrate consumption for a very reasonable price, we continued to tour the city. We were able to get in more sights before ending up at Puerto Madero for the sunset. It was a beautiful evening and a wonderfully soothing oasis to end the day. Being next to the water helped to calm the hectic buzz that was felt in the midst of the city.

After sunset we headed back to The Glu for some rest until 10pm dinner at La Cabrera. It was brilliant to have worked up such an appetite because I easily consider La Cabrera to be one of the top 10 best meals I have had. I have simply never had a better steak at the price they charge. Needless to say, everyone was jolly and full by the time midnight rolled around. Buenos Noches Buenos Aires!

Mendoza, Argentina: Wednesday, May 12

Quote for the Day: "The world is a great book. They who never stir from home read only a page." -St. Augustine

Often I find the sign of a truly satisfying vacation to be falling asleep as soon as your head hits the pillow and not stirring until morning. We had all experienced satisfying rest and we shared so over another delicious breakfast buffet.

Our hired wine tour operation picked us up as scheduled and we joined with another tourist already on the comfortable luxury van. Out tour guide, Jose, and driver introduced themselves as we headed towards the first winery in the Lujan and Maipu regions. The quaint and historic buildings of Clos De Chacras winery were charming. As we stepped onto the grounds of the winery, the crisp cool air contrasted with the warm smiles that greeted us. Salina, the winery tour guide, introduced herself and then led us on an informative tour. She was both extremely knowledgeable and personable.


The second winery that we visited was relatively new and equally as enjoyable. As the wine continued to pour, so did the personal information about one another. By the end of the the second winery visit, we had verbally signed up new people for the next Travelers Gift vacation. And not only that, but connections for local non-profit and charities were made with our new friends at the wineries. They informed us of many charities in the area and the various activities in which we could be involved in the future. We were connecting so well and having the most wonderful experience that time became lost until Jose led us out the door and to the next winery.


The third winery, Melipal, was where we enjoyed a superb 5 course lunch set against the backdrop of the Andes mountains and winery vineyards. The lunch was long and indulgent. Cheese soup, filet, dulce de leche and so much more. The food was superb, the wine delicious, and the company stimulating. it was again difficult to leave and we certainly wouldn't have if Jose hadn't again led us out the door.






With laughter and smiles we entered the fourth winery. We enjoyed our final tour with the continuation of meaningful conversation about travel and love and what matters most in life. And with that, we headed back to Hotel Finca Adalgisa. Some went for a walk while others rested. Later, we all met up and walked around the area before having a late dinner at the hotel bodega. With a fire warming us from the outside and the homemade soup from within, we could barely keep our eyes open as Marcello served us once again with his kind smile. Another beautiful day. Muchas, muchas gracias Mendoza!

Mendoza, Argentina: Tuesday, May 11

Quote for the Day "Wheresoever you go. Go with all your heart." -Confucius



We awoke to a gorgeous, but brisk, day. Some ran while others slept. All enjoyed a breakfast of huevos con Jamon with fruits, breads, cereals, and cappuccinos served in the comfort of the gorgeous dining room.

One of the tour guides from Argentina Rafting Expediciones picked us up right on time and we were off for a day of adventure. The scenery along the 45 minute ride was breathtaking and the tour guide was friendly and informative. When we finally arrived, our eyes fell upon a beautiful sight within the Potrerillos. The Andes mountains cascading into the sparkling blue waters below were reminiscent of perhaps only New Zealand.

We were given our wetsuits to change into and then instructed on the safety procedures. A relatively short bus ride took us further out to where we began our white water rafting adventure. Our guides, Tony and Pablo, were friendly and helpful. Soon we were off and The solitude and sheer beauty of the place instantly calmed the soul while the rapids of the waters invigorated the senses.










Although I have participated in numerous physical activities, I have never before white water rafted. There is something to be said for learning a new sport. It challenges not only the body, but the mind and soul as well. As the water splashed across our faces and our arms worked in sync to steer the boat, smiles were to be found on the faces of all of us.

After rating we enjoyed a steak lunch overlooking the river. I think that no words are needed here. Ahh.....

After lunch we were greeted by Matias and Tito who took us zip lining. What an adrenaline rush! We were taken across 6 lines and with each one, confidence grew. Near the end, one of the guides asked if I wanted to go upside down. Being the adventurous type, I answered "of course" without hesitation. He replied with, "okay, but you are going to have to let go and trust me completely." I followed his lead, loosened my grip, and began to soar through the air with my legs pointed towards the sky. Although I was silent, the wind rushed past my ears as the adreline pumped through my veins and my heart screamed inside. There is a lesson in this. A lesson of trusting others and letting go in life. It is sometimes so very difficult to do even though the risk is worth it all.

We are driven back to La Finca as the sun sets while casting a soft glow across our faces, putting us to sleep. I gently lean against the window and my eyes close for a bit, as I am too tired to try to comprehend the conversation in Spanish that surrounds me. They are talking about the history of the land and I know I will ask to learn about it later. For now, however, our bodies have been completely used up and I long to rest. I sleep for a while in the gratitude for health.


When we arrive back at La Finca we go to the bodega and finish our wine and cheese plate from the night before. Marcello, our server, is incredibly kind and helpful. The smile on his face is constant and it spreads among us all. From here, we are picked up and driven to dinner in Mendoza. Upon recommendation from the taxi driver, the group ends the evening with ice cream and a walk around one of the plazas.
Another wonderful day. Que bueno!

Mendoza, Argentina: Monday, May 10

Quote for the Day: "I have wandered all my life, and I have also traveled: the difference between the two being this, that we wander for distraction , but we travel for fulfillment." -Hilaire Belloc


With eyes half-awake, I absorb the warmth of the sight from my window seat. We are slowing descending into Chile. We pass above the rugged peaks of the Andes and the view awakens my eyes and my soul. The glow of the morning sun falling across the silhouette of the rugged peaks and flowing gently down the ridges is breathtaking. This beautiful day greets us warmly.

The entirety of the group is brought together at the gate in the Santiago, Chile airport for the final flight into Mendoza, Argentina. We enjoy a cup of coffee together as we await to board our flight on LAN airlines. The flight is short and smooth. At the Mendoza airport we are picked up by a taxi sent for us by the hotel. The transportation from the airport to the hotel goes effortlessly and we enjoy the conversation with the taxi driver on the way there.



About thirty minutes later we arrive at Finca Adalgisa: Hotel Rural and are immediately fed a delicious meal. With almost no time wasted, we quickly take a cab back into the city of Mendoza where we rent bikes to take throughout the town. We tour the various parks and ride a steep incline up to Cerro De La Gloria. We stop to talk to various Argentinians along the way. I find that the Spanish words and phrases that I have been trying to absorb bounce in my head like the tires of my bike bounce along the rocky street below.

After a four hour ride we decide that we have earned an indulgent Dulce De Leche helado. There are almost no words that I can find to describe how much we enjoyed our ice cream.



Exhausted, we return to the hotel and enter into their beautiful winery where we are offered a bottle of malbec from their vineyards and a cheese plate. From there, an eleven o'clock dinner at 1884. Delicious.

Well fed and exhausted from a full day, we all sleep peacefully. Argentina nos trata bien!

Argentina Trip: Sunday, May 9

Quote for the day:
"A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step" -Confucius


A group of travelers arrived at two different airports but with the same destination printed on their tickets. With bags in hand, smiles on their faces, hope in their hearts, and minds full of anticipation, they left the known with carefully constructed plans in hand for the unknown. And although the details were meticulously constructed and scrutinized, what will truly occur on the trip, as in what touches the soul most deeply, they knew could not be formulated. The memories that will be held most dear for years to come are not known at the beginning of the adventure. It is at the end when all is made clear.

Travel has a way of peeling the fingers from the grip we hold onto the known and comfortable. It opens us to grow in new ways. Therefore, to go into this trip with a rigid mind and a closed heart would be a tragedy. The inconvenience of the luggage, the long hours in the air, and the cost of the trip are nothing when compared to the wisdom, memories, and soul satisfying experiences that are a result of embracing the travel experience. May we embrace the culture, the people, and the experiences before us. May we all approach this experience with open minds, hearts, and hands so that we can return changed for the better.

The Rolling Stones famously composed the lyrics, "You can't always get what you want but if you try sometimes you just might find you get what you need." I listened to these very words as I flew comfortably at 35,000 feet and I began to think about satisfaction and need in relation to travel. People want a vacation that satisfies our selfish, individualistic desires but what we may find we truly need is a vacation that feeds our soul through the meaning found in connecting with others. This thought lingered as I stared out the window and across the endless white sky. The sea of clouds below me connected my mind to heaven and ultimately to the meaning of life. Is there anything in life that has such innate value that we pursue it almost blindly? Is it perhaps purpose or perhaps love or perhaps God? These certainly motivate all of us on some level and they cannot be pursued in the vacuum of loneliness. Hopefully together we will experience purpose, love, and God on this trip.

I set my gaze on the clouds again and wonder what it would be like to fall and land amongst them. Would I bounce amongst their soft cushion as if it were my playground? Would I float in a sea of child-like wonder amongst them until I eventually fell into a distant land below? I smile as I thought of this and of where we were headed. And so, as the sun sets and casts a soft glow across the green lands below the thick white clouds, a warmth also spreads across my heart. I'm contented with this adventure we are on and I'm ready to rest now and dream of tomorrow. May it come soon and bring us safely to Argentina. May we find purpose and love there.