Patagonia: It punishes.

"La Patigonia. Se castiga." (The Patagonia. It punishes.) 

These words were uttered by the Bariloche wine vendor across the street from where we are staying. He was referencing the weather, but his ominous words seemed to imply more than just the wind and rain. Or at least that's how Zack and I were feeling after our first couple days in Argentina.

Gone Awesoming: Second try

I know the last time I used this headline, I shortly after killed my computer, but I live on the edge so let's push fate.

A lot has happened in the last week. I put on a moderately successful community event, Julia, my site mate has left town and in exchange I officially have full custody of a dog. (Her name is Mo. She's so cute.)

I am doing my best to get all these updates up, but things are crazy around here, compounded by the fact that I'm leaving for a two week vacation with Zack to Buenos Aires, and Bariloche on Saturday, and leave site for that trip today. Two weeks of Climbing, Argentine wine, good food, and wonderful company. It's gonna be awesome. I really wanna get one more real post up before I leave, but I am doubtful about it happening.  I'll be back after the New Year for sure, and will probably, be on Twitter and FB, but honestly the interwebs are gonna be the farthest thing from my mind.

So in case I don't get on here one more time, here is my Campo 9 family Christmas card, with Mo and her two Mommies, Julia and me.

Feliz Navidad y Prospero Año.

I was born this way: Lady Gaga comes to Paraguay.

Things I didn't think would happen during Peace Corps:

This.

Paws up bitches. Lady Gaga came to town, and shit got crazy. 

Giving thanks: A Thanksgiving dinner in Paraguay

Last week we all learned where Turkeys come from. (Not the freezer section of a grocery store.) Now it's time to talk about their proper final resting place.

In my belly.

Peace Corps Fitness Challenge: December

We are in full holiday mode. This is a time for not caring what you eat, and enjoying the holidays. However, I know that not everyone wants to abandon all physical activity in exchange for cookies and cocktail parties.

Here in Peace Corps Paraguay, this marks a time for lots of travel. Life kinda shuts down in Paraguay in December and January, so there isn't a lot of work to be done. PCVs take this time to visit friends, and take vacations. We often find ourselves on a bus, or in a different town away from our usual routine. Anytime  away from normal routine makes it challenging to keep up with workouts, and especially when faced with a 6 hour bus ride that day. That being said, it is not impossible to maintain some level of activity, even if it's just ten minutes.

This month's challenge: