Sayonara, Backpacks: We Rented an Apartment!
Written by Bessie on Thursday, February 05, 2009 in Argentina
Feelin' excited
I think of it as the training wheels. I don't really know where it will lead us or how long we'll be here, but we're living in an apartment in Buenos Aires and it's great!Feelin' excited
building key, door key, my smiling face
Huge Life Perks:
- for the foreseeable future, we'll be sleeping in ONE bed
- we have a kitchen! (with dishes, and a stove, and a fridge people can't steal our milk out of!)
- we've got a sweet hook-up with internet & cable (CNN and BBC, lucky, I know.)
- a red couch - I've always wanted a red couch, and it's a pull-out bed for visitors (any takers??)
- there's a bathtub, and I'm catching up on a year's worth of wonderful, baths-missed
Happy Lifestyle Changes:
- we're running again! Neither of us can deny, traveling made us a bit soft. We for sure weren't lazy, and walked and biked a lot, sometimes with 30 pounds of goodness on our backs, but this is a lifestyle we can actually keep a work out routine in. And actually, we picked our neighborhood for the plethora of parks and trails nearby to explore. Sweeeet!
- Kyle's working - you might be wondering, well, happy, really? Yes, very. Kyle loves programming (he builds websites, like this one), and having a decent internet connection and a desk has been he's been drooling after for a while. The next step is a job...need a website made?
- we're making friends - well trying anyway. One of the things I've missed the most on the road was having a social life. Some of you know I'm a Facebook addict, and love it for keeping in touch with people, but of course, there's no replacing human interaction. I've been all over the CouchSurfing forums here, we're meeting up with a local running group (Hash House Harriers), and last night we even went speed-dating, well, not exactly, but Spanglish is this 5-minutes in english, 5-minutes in spanish, meet a bunch of new people thing that's basically speed dating - we even got some emails!
- we can eat all our meals at one lovely table - we should have tracked the number of restaurants we ate in or pb&j sandwiches made on my sarong, because the numbers would be staggering. Neither of us are much of cooks, but I've been whipping up lentil creations and throwing in some blue cheese, on some sort of hidden cooking instinct. Lately, the most exciting thing for me to be seeking and scrounging through are the grocery stores - love it! Huge Buenos Aires perks, the cheese and wine are cheap and delicious!
Sayonara, Backpacks!
I say it with love, I really do. I love my pack, but I'd been lusting for the moment of unrolling my clothes from their air-tight plastic bags and putting my 3 shirts (ok, actually 5) in drawers for a looooong time!
A few more pictures:
view from our balcony; our neighborhood Disco for all our grocery needs.
Comments on "Sayonara, Backpacks: We Rented an Apartment!"
Great idea to rent an apt - that's what we're hoping to do along the way on our trip too. How did you find the apt? Some kind of local agency or Craigslist? Can I ask what it's costing you (you know it's all about budget when you're planning!)
Also, congrats on a year on the road - I can't wait to see what that feels like!!
Hi Gillian - we found an apartment through www.bytargentina.com, they have weekly and monthly rentals. There are TONS of services here that you can rent apartments with. If you have a copy of the Lonely Planet on a Shoestring, there is a listing of a bunch of places they suggest.
Our apartment was a bit of a splurge, for the comfort & sort of posh neighborhood - it's $900US/ month, but there are certainly cheaper ones.
Good luck to you!
It has been very interesting following your adventures. Does this mean there will be no more emailed blogs to all of us? I hope not! Save up and then perhaps you can tackle another continent! Smiles & Chuckles, Jane.
There is certainly more adventure to come - not to fear! We just have to figure out what it might be... :)
WOW! Safety, luxury, modern conveniences, beautiful warm city! I see sincere smiles on your faces and love in your hearts! Stay very, very happy and have fun dancing down the aisles of the clean and organized "DISCO" grocery! We love you....
The apartment and neighborhood look great! Please fill us in on your thoughts for the "Next Step". We are also envious for we have just endured one of the worst winters in recent memory!
i'm so happy for u guys! sounds like u found a good apt <3
Your new place looks incredible! Congratulations!
Glad that you have a "place to be" for a while. I would think, as you indicated, that the constant backpack thing would be getting a little old by now. Time to recharge your batteries for a new adventure. Apartment looks great, clean and modern....a nice change from hostel accomodations.
I'm so happy for the two of you! What an exciting year it's been! Congratulations on ALL you've accomplished.
I guess my getting across the street is a little lame in comparison to, oh say, getting one in Buenos Aires. holy crap - good for you guys; stay safe!
Actually, getting an apt in Buenos Aires is quite easy. We were actually overwhelmed by the abundance of choice.
Just came across your site. My first stop on my RTW trip is Central and S. America. Have enjoyed a couple posts so far and am excited to read more. Congrats on the place too.
Nice! Let us know if you have any questions about those areas. We're full of knowledge that we couldn't fit in our blogs.
Dear Bessie and Kyle, I have loved reading about your adventures in Latin America and am glad to hear you found an apartment in Buenos Aires - amazing! I hope you will continue to post, as even now, you adventure will surely continue! Best of luck! - Brianna
Congrats!
Welcome to Buenos Aires!
by Tina at February 05, 2009 07:25 AM