Day Sixty-Nine: Last Day in Buenos Aires Reflections

Street art in Buenos Aires

I enjoy my last meal in Buenos Aires with Laura at Casa Cruz. 

Laura insists on coming with me to the airport.  On the ride, we laugh about the things we did on our trip and talk about her upcoming trip to New York in June. 

Orlando, our quirky driverIt doesn’t hit me until we pass through the toll into the EZE international airport that I’m leaving now.

Laura and me on my way to EZE international airportI think about all of the people I’ve met.   I remember what Nacho said about the connections we make. 

NachoIf I had never met Nacho in Miami, I would never have met Lolo, then Jonathan, then Max, then Kike, then Sergio and then finally Laura.

Lolo in CartagenaJonathan with his bullet proof car in Bogota

Max in Bogota

Sergio at Wherever bar in Buenos Aires

Kike and LauraThey are all connected to each other and I am a link.   We are all connected.    Some people come in and out of our lives, but there is a reason we meet. 

Me and Kate in Miami

Arturo, Mark and Ruben and the Standard in Miami

Alejandro on our way to Villa de Leyva

Me and Kika in Bogota

I set out in search of new perspectives and I’ve found many.  I truly believe that everything happens for a reason.  And with the right attitude and an open mind, anything is possible.  We’re never alone.

Me and Lisa at the Box in NYC before I left on my road trip

Jay, me, Inez, Chris and Sammy at the Standard in Miami

I think back to December, when I was in a really bad place.  I had just been betrayed by a couple that I thought were my close friends.  I was hurt.  I was frustrated in my job and  confused about what I wanted in life.  I didn’t know what to do.  However, I did know that I would be up again and the feeling wouldn’t last.  Despite how bad it may have felt at the time, I reminded myself of how lucky I am.  Knowing this lessened the sting.  

And now, I am up again. 

Me and Laura in Mendoza

Me and Lyla in MiamiGetting my car towed in Miami and having my flight cancelled in Mendoza resulted in some great memories.  Despite how frustrating these things seemed at first, they were fun once I changed my attitude.

Chris and Jay after my car was towedI’ve made great friends, reconnected with old friends and realized that there is a world of opportunity out there for me. 

Federica, me and Marine in Buenos Aires

Me and Cat in Charlotte

Meghan, Julia, Alanna and me in Tayrona, Colombia

I don’t need to have it all figured out.  In fact, I prefer to embrace the unknown and trust that I will find my  way, pursue my passion and always love life.  Life is good.  I must always remember that.

To all of my friends who shared this adventure with me, new and old:  Lisa, Maddie, Cat, Craig, Sammy, John, Chris, Jay, Dan, Mimi, Bob, Kate, Ruben, Arturo, Nacho, Lolo, Roman, Alanna, Julia, Meghan, Jonathan, Kika, Max, Nicholas, Alejandro, Kike, Consuelo, Pato, Sergio, Laura, Ezekiel, Fernando, Diego, Judy, Katharine, Tano, Parker, Emily, Ana, Federica, Marine, Juan, Jules and Manuel.  Whether we meet again in this life, you will always be a part of me.  You have taught me so much.  Thank you. 

In South America, I learned the importance of having balance in life and following your passion.   Latin Americans have balance.  New Yorkers could use a dose of it.   Work hard, but enjoy life first.  If it’s possible,  find a way to do what you love everyday.

Fernando and me. Fernando quit his job as a lecturer to play and teach polo.Laura and Alejandro pre-launch in Mendoza. Alejandro sold his trucking company to start a paragliding company so he could fly everyday.

Diego, Judy, Parker and Katharine. Judy spent a month in Buenos Aires for a different life experience. Parker moved to BA and started Oasis BA.Diego and his wife have a restaurant in their home and bring it with them as they travel around the world. I’m sad to leave, but once again, it’s time to go.  I miss Lyla.  I am ready for New York.  I’m ready to focus, always remembering these things I have learned.

This trip may be over but the journey continues. 

Lyla on the roadNext stop: Miami