[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.]
I saw your unfortunate status update on Facebook yesterday, and then again today, and I’ve been thinking about you April! How do I bounce back…probably by your second question…I rely on support from family and friends. I talk out my feelings with people I feel actively listen, with genuine interest for my well-being, and usually, even if I don’t feel better right away, I wake up the next morning with a new spirit and more hope for the future. Stay safe and continue to process in the way that works for you 🙂
I like how you turned it into a learning situation even though you have some string feelings about what happened. I do the same thing with gifts that I love they mean a lot to me in sentimental value.
I am sad that you lost your watch, but this is a great post and great spirit. Kudos!
What a scary experience! I’m so sorry you had to go through that. I love your perspective, however. You’re allowed your time to grieve your watch and it’s memories but it’s inspiring to see you turn it into a positive of what remains. Thanks for sharing, April!
I do understand our attachments to things but when something is stolen or lost I eventually (though not usually right away) go back to forgiveness. I realize that whoever did it must be hurting inside to do such a thing so I bless them and release my attachment. After all, they’re just things. I applaud you for recognizing what can’t be stolen.
Wow, April, I am sorry – I really struggle with feeling taken advantage of or of being purposefully hurt. Perhaps most people do – but such violation would have upset me deeply. I am so glad you still find love in your heart and love for Argentina and its people.
When I feel something ‘stolen’ from me – a relationship, a piece of jewelry, money… I am upset until I can release it. When I state (either in my heart or out loud) “whoever ends up with ___ is in more need of it than me” and when I release attachment to objects – then I find healing through acceptance and forgiveness. Not always a simple journey, but much better than holding anger or victimhood.
It sounds like you and Eric have done just that! Bravo!
Another beautiful article.
I’m sorry for the loss of your watch, but so happy that it hasn’t cost you your adventurous spirit!
I LOVE the picture of the dog walker. So many dogs! And the Argentine bbq is something to live by.
xx
Hi April,
I just read a little bit of your blog, and it is so nice! Love the pictures as well.
It was very nice to meet you and Eric and I hope we will see each other again!
Besos from Buenos Aires,
Ana (Luciano’s girlfriend)
So sorry you experienced this, April, and yes, I have experienced similar episodes in foreign countries. I had a camera snipped off my shoulder in Paris many years ago, a wallet taken from my fanny pack on a bus in Amsterdam (Fortunately I realized what had happened while the bus was still moving and confronted the thief. He gave it back. My legs felt lie butter but I surprised myself with the boldness of my response. I was traveling alone at the time.) And, this past trip, my brother-in-law had his wallet stolen on the Paris metro. What do I do? I remind myself that these incidents are very real and I need to be vigilant when I travel. I also remind myself that these are desperate people and I am so very fortunate that I live a privileged life. I know that doesn’t make it easier. Feeling the loss of your watch and the memories it holds. So glad you are safe.
So sorry to hear about your watch! It’s definitely a good reminder to trust our instincts and that not all strangers have bad intentions. Appreciate you sharing your beautiful photos of Argentina!
It is hard to practice forgiveness and compassion to someone that has betrayed your trust. I say feel what you feel but remind yourself not to dwell in the negative for too long. It’s the practicing of forgiveness (for everyone) that helps me in the end.
So glad to shared all parts of your story and that you are safe and sound! XO
It’s a credit to the beauty and kindness of Argentine people in general, that this experience, so fresh and raw, hasn’t robbed you of your love of the country. And that’s what gets me through the rough times: connecting deeply into the positive…and some supportive people along the way. So smart to let yourself be uplifted through social media while you waited for your own inner strength to stop wobbling from the experience. Bravo.
Oh I am sorry to hear about your experience. I too had a similar thing happen in Mexico years ago…I realized after contemplation that these folks were not the majority or represented the community. Great re-frame April, lovely post.
As usual April, you transported me to your world. I felt your joy, frustration, sadness and empowerment! I’m so sorry for the loss of your watch and the physical connection it gave you to the past, but I’m so thankful you and your hubby are well. You brought the experience there, mostly good, to me, making it feel almost like my own memory. Thank you for sharing your gifted writing with the rest of us!
The watch incident was yuck but the resilience is amazing. The trip sounded enticing with all its experiences and I love the reframe at the end of the article. xx
It sounds like you found a lot of beauty and acceptance in a bad situation. The biggest thing that I remind myself of in situations like that is practicing forgiveness. It helps to keep my serenity in tact and also helps me to show love and kindness toward others who may have wronged me. Another thing that I always try to keep in mind is that one flawed action does not ruin the whole. There is light and darkness in anything, but it is what I choose to embrace that determines how my attitudes and outlooks are shaped. I really like how you listed off all of what wasn’t taken by the action.
Such a beautiful perspective! I find it’s always helpful to look for the positive and be grateful for what is. That way the negative energy doesn’t eat you up.
I love the richness of other cultures! Your trip there sounds like a wonderful feast of the senses! Amazing!
Keep travelling and sharing!
Love deb
As usual a beautiful post by you April. I’m sorry you lost a precious possession but I see that it didn’t tarnish your sense of adventure for travel and love for the Argentine people. I also love that you realize your intuition was guiding you. It will guide you again 🙂 sending you love and thanks for the great post!