Post 7: the need to reduce stress by G

Dear fellow adventurers, 

My trip to Florida was very enjoyable, and I feel as though I caught up on some much needed rest and relaxation, and got to see those I hold dearest. However, I returned home to unsettling news on the homefront regarding my living situation, and it adds to the list of things needed to be remedied by the time I leave for Florida again.

Past that, money has been tight and I feel the need to cut back on some of my vices (Tv, dining out, etc.) and concentrate on bettering myself (reducing bills, getting rid of more "things", checking up on my health etc.). Accomplishing that will help in easing my stress and further my determination. Ive decided also to use a greater degree of my spare time being productive as opposed to passing time with distractions and things that can drain me monetarily.



Negativity is a virus, therefor positivity is Anti-Virus.

other thoughts...

We may be able to fly directly from Orlando. While at the airport, I saw many flights to and from major metro areas in South America. TACA and TAM seems to be prominent amongst the names. We may get to avoid Miami after all.

Signing out,
G

Post 6: Happy Valentines Day!

(more after the break)

Post 5: the beautiful game by G

Football (or Soccer, Fusbol, Futbol or Footie) is the worlds game.

I consider the game to be an international language, and the most beautiful part about it is the fact that it transcends nationality, ethnicity, cultural, political and philosophical boundaries to help people from across the globe relate to one another.

Almost every nation in the world has a national level football association, and many have leagues. Those leagues play each on a continental scale and then internationally in many tournaments. I myself have seen teams play here in Philadelphia from Mexico, Scotland, and England. Not only do these teams play each other, they also trade player on an international level.

How this pertains to the trip: Football is HUGE is South America, and they have long been a powerhouse in the sport (Argentina, Brazil,and most recently Uruguay are all very high in FIFA rankings). Many players from my local"club" (Philadelphia Union) have come from the major players in Argentinian and Colombian football. Most noteworthy is recent acquisition Faryd Mondragon who hails from Cali, Colombia and starts for their national team. I hope to be able to speak this international language with many I meet while on the road, and experience their style of the game and their passion.

After the jump...about teams and leagues and the possibilities of seeing competition:

Post 4: the checklist by G

 Checklist:

 - Visas:

• Bolivia ($135 reciprocity fee)
• Brazil ($140 reciprocity fee)
• Chile ($140 reciprocity fee)
• Paraguay ($65 visa)
• Venezuela (tourist visa)

 - Passport Replacement ($60)
 - Yellow Fever Vaccine (required by several S.A. nations)
 - Plane tickets:

• Philadelphia, PA to Orlando, Florida for Kaleys wedding
• Miami to Colombia

• Venezuela to home?

 - Plan for subleasing our mutual residences
 - Make joint bank account.
 - Save! Save! Save!

This is what must be accomplished before the planning phase even begins. I am getting more and more excited about the prospect of what lay ahead. Thanks to a new source of income, I may end up departing for South America with plenty of extra money to make my trip even more of an adventure. My only concern thus far had been that I may not be able to save enough money, or eat into my already saved money. Hopefully I can keep this in check and I believe with my extra source of income, this will be an easier possibility. Anything to help my confidence and forward the end goal is a plus.

in other trip related thoughts, I downloaded Rosetta Stone: Latin American Spanish. I have 9 months to practice. 

$550 down
$6500+ to go?