wellness around the world: the south american edition / ARGENTINA

[one year ago, i focused my attention on the wellness habits of six european countries with the installment of my first "wellness around the world" series (the european edition). my plan is to continue that tradition whenever and wherever i travel outside the u.s.]

[welcome to the second installment of my "wellness around the world" series . . . part 2 of my 2-part mini-series, wellness around the world: the south american edition. here is part 1. today's spotlight is on argentina.]    

    argentina. you hold a special place in my heart.     i've been traveling to buenos aires for extended stays off and on for almost five years. and my family's plan is to see more of this vast country . . . to explore the wonderland of patagonia, to experience the beautiful countryside.

but, for now, my experience has been with the vibrant capital. the cosmopolitan city with the european flavor, "the paris of south america."

we have always felt welcomed here. my spanish is nearly non-existent. but i have always managed to get by. with the help of my husband (who has studied the language more diligently), and with hand gestures, laughs, and the patience of friendly argentine people.

we've met wonderful people (three fun get-togethers during this 2-week trip alone). we've already seen most of the sites so we no longer feel like tourists. we work during the day, buy groceries at the neighborhood store, settle into everyday life.     [photos that describe my argentina.]

    yesterday, however, there was a glitch.

here is my facebook account of what happened:

the day started out so wonderfully. dazzling sunshine. time on the terrace. delicious cafe con leche. happiness.

and then . . .

my watch stolen. wrenched forcibly from my wrist. leaving only scratches and bruises behind.

my husband (my brave hero) chased the thief through the streets. and almost had him, even after he jumped onto a waiting motorcycle.

other wonderful argentine citizens tried to help. by taking up the chase, by staying with me.

the police pursued the thief as well. but had to stop when the motorcycle started driving down the sidewalk.

so . . . new experiences today. riding in a police car. filing a complaint at the police station using mixed spanish/english. feeling violated. feeling cared for by strangers.

very glad eric and i are both okay. never scared, just angry. sad about the loss of an extremely sentimental gift. (which i've had for over 15 years. a lot of story behind it.)

we are very aware, very cautious, when we travel. and, in hindsight, we should have noticed the clues today. we see it all so clearly now, the puzzle pieces connecting. three men acting together, waiting to make their move.

but it happened so quickly. and we don't live in fear.

i shouldn't have been wearing the watch. (i've been so careful with other items.) and i usually pay close attention to my intuition. (but it was ignored this time.)

valuable lessons learned. still love this city.     today i'm feeling a bit disillusioned. i am missing my watch.

i tend to personify inanimate objects, emotionally connect them with people and memories. the watch was symbolic of a particular period in our past. and the thought of that precious gift in a criminal's dirty hands is unpleasant.     but i'm grateful as well. i've been traveling a long time. i've been to 15 different countries. and no one in my family has ever been victimized before.

maybe this was a wake-up call. to not become complacent, to be smart in our movements. to always remain aware.     i posted this follow-up on facebook today:

thank you to everyone who read my story yesterday. and responded with such love and kindness. i appreciated your words very much.

i process my world through writing. but sometimes solitary journaling isn't enough.

yesterday i needed to feel a connection with people who care about me. all over the world. and i got exactly what i needed. what a gift.     a man stole my watch from my wrist. but my husband and i will not allow him to take anything else from us.

he did not steal our willingness to risk and seek adventure. he did not steal our brave and determined spirits. he did not steal our bond with one another.

and he did not steal our belief in the goodness of the argentine people. or in the goodness of people worldwide.     so, how is wellness practiced in argentina?

• by taking the time to enjoy life with friends and family

• by making mealtime a celebration

• by exhibiting resilience

• by sharing their culture and warmth with visitors

    my take-away:

the argentine spirit is alive and well. and this vibrancy permeates the city. the people's warmth and willingness to lend a hand have never been more evident.     [words that describe my argentina.]

    how do you restore your faith in mankind after someone does you wrong? how do you bounce back after a particularly upsetting incident? who do you rely on to support you through the struggle?

make a commitment to EMBRACE THE GOOD IN LIFE. especially when the bad threatens to take over. (and let me know about your plan in the comments.)     [i have been keeping an extensive photo journal of my south american trip on facebook. if you'd like to read more about my adventures, friend me! i'm april m lee.]         [maxbutton id="1"]