I Licked a Llama (Argentina throwback)

Ok, so I had to find out if this statue llama was made out of rock or salt. I saw it on my shelf in a hotel in JuJuy, which is located in the NW of Argentina near Salta. It just sat there staring at me and it looked similar to the salt llama I bought for my younger brother from a market in Salinas Grandes. Salinas Grandes is a famous area in JuJuy where the ground is made entirely out of salt. Sick! After I had bought it, I was told that in 20 days time it would disintegrate. You can't imagine the pain I felt in my chest. The llama is of one of my favorite animals. Imagine one of your favorite things desintegrating before your eyes. It is not a good feeling.

I was alone when I entered my hotel, Los Colorados. It was a beautiful hotel at the base of the Colorados mountains made entirely out of adobe. I felt really tall in this particular hotel and this made me happy. Anyway, I knew that any one of my other three roommates could enter at anytime and this llama was still occupying a large space in my mind. Time was not on my side! I had to devise a plan quickly and execute it even faster. If I didn´t find out what the llama was made of there was a good chance I wouldn´t be able to get to sleep that night. I love sleep so this was a dire problem I was faced with.

I stared into the carved out eyes of the not-so-fluffy llama with intent. I slowly walked over to the mantle and then took the piece in my hand. I grabbed it around the neck making sure it knew who was boss. I faced the door just in case anyone walked in. I didn't want to be caught in the act. I had to handle the situation delicately. Facing the door I lifted the lifeless animal to my lips, opened my mouth and stuck out my tongue. The tip of my tongue touched the llama´s leg. The one on the right-hand side towards the front. The experience was quite pleasant. The surface was smooth. My tastebuds tingled and sent the response to my brain. Salty... my previous conjecture was confirmed. I was filled with a new hope that perhaps the story I heard was a vile rumor, circulated to startle children and crush dreams. I said to myself, "If this llama can survive death, perhaps mine can too." When my roommates walked in I simply said "That llama is made out of salt" without given anymore information. When the time is right I´ll tell them how I came to find out that it was in fact a salt sculpture.

Girlish Charm

I mean what are you supposed to do when you see two Korean guys on a jet ski but say, "HELLO". Luckily, the two of us were the perfect amount of people for the two jet skis ;)

"Christina...look over there. What do you think?"

"Looks like we have to go over."

"Yea...you're right. Let's go"

Now, I didn't think we had to pretend we were drowning, but I thought it would add a nice spin to what we were attempting to do. Arms floundering and Christina's screaming did the job. You should have seen the looks on these guys' faces. Before "rescuing" us, we saw both of them light up their cigarettes on their jet skis in the middle of the water!! Korean men love their cigarettes.

When they motored near us we spoke English in really loud voices. Then I switched to the little Korean that I know, "같이 가요" gatchi gayo, or together let's go. I saw them nod. Yes!! we're in.

I hopped on the back. There's no more talking at this point. It's just the sound of the engine. HOLY SHIT! We jetted off so fast. I couldn't stop laughing and screaming simultaneously. My chauffeur (that's right, I called him my chauffeur) was also laughing. He first went around in a circle a few times then created a multitude of waves. After that, he went perpendicular to all the waves he created. We got some serious height. I wasn't sure if he was trying to actually fling me off the back or if he was going fast to have me hold tighter. I leave trying to figure that out up to you guys.

Some of the other foreigners (French, German, American) we traveled with were still at the beach. I caught a few of them standing up and I'm sure they were jealous! Mission accomplished. Well both missions... It wasn't just about the jet ski ride, it was about looking cool in front of everyone else. haha.

I can't lie. I had to use my girlish charm.

7/11 Storage

The note reads:

Hi Sam, ^,^

I'm Hyemi. Did you enjoy your camping in Ha-dong? I'm so sorry about return your clothes lately. I regret that we couldn't meet. Thanks so much your kindness and see U soon. ASAP!! ^.^

Ps. Maybe I'll go to Africa Togo for working in 2010.7-2010.8. Every prepare (company, my parent's assure...) is completed, except University's asure. So, I waiting university's asure until next Mon. I hope that I can go to Africa. Every prepare will finish, I'll contact to U.

The main part of this note is the following: I'm so sorry about return your clothes lately.

I let Hyemi borrow a long-sleve shirt and shorts after we went swimming in the river in Ha-dong. We had been trying to meet for a few days. Finally, she called and the conversation went something like this:

"Sam! This is Hyemi. Do you remember me?"

-"Yes, of course I remember you."

"I am moving my trash to another apartment"

-"?? ??. Do you mean you are moving your things to another apartment?"

"Ah, yes my things. Anyway, I leave your clothes at the 7/11 near your apartment. Just call me when you get them."

-"Umm...are you sure it's ok to leave them at the 7/11"

"Yes, it's ok."

-"ok. I will talk to you soon."

Normally, I would have panicked. But this is Korea, so I don't have to. When I got back from the beach I walked into the 7/11. "안녕하세요. 옷 있어요?" "Hello, do you have my clothes?"

There is a 2 second pause from the cashier and then he reaches to the side and hands me a bag. Thanks guy. Not only did I receive my clothes no questions asked, there was some Hershey kisses and a canned coffee awaiting me as well along with the note. I love Korea!!

Surprisingly Wonderful

You know that kids don't see you as a threat when they start touching you...

I was eating dinner with my friends when a nice family sat down at the table next to me. All of a sudden out of the corner of my eye I see a tiny hand floating towards me. Then, with one deft movement, BAM! She poked me! I turned my head and smiled and she smiled back. What a cute girl. I scrunched my face a little and she copied me. I had my own tiny Korean monkey.

I decided to take it further. I took my glasses off and put the circles of my hands to my eyes. She was a wonderful apprentice. I wanted to take it one step further. I turned my hands so my palms were against my face. My forefingers and thumbs were touching to create the circle. My other three fingers were resting on my cheeks. My little Korean monkey girl tried in vain to do what I was doing, but she couldn't. Her effort was a valiant one nonetheless.

After her failed attempt I decided it was time to eat my food. I turned away and continued talking with my friends and that's how our relationship was... surprisingly wonderful ^^