Jackie Steves is guest-hosting her Dad’s blog with 17 posts in 17 days. Follow the adventures of Andy and Jackie Steves as they ‘ the first Steves to venture into South America ‘ report on their experience.
In the same time zone but in another hemisphere, I am now back at Georgetown University, beginning my junior year of college.
When I tell my friends what I did over the summer, most of them ask what it’s like down there, as if that portion of Latin America mystifies them. I tell them that Machu Picchu is, in fact, not overrated, and that its ancient majesty and sacred surroundings live on. I tell them that tango in Argentina must be the most sexually alluring, yet dignified, art form ever invented. I tell them that Brazilians are masters at life: lovers of dance, song, progress, beauty, tradition, and love itself. I tell them that paradise can be found on a small island off the coast of Brazil, rimmed by perfect yellow-sand beaches and small sailboats, but not a single car.
Half of my friends are studying abroad this semester. People are surprised when I tell them I am not studying abroad. I must be crazy, right? Andy had what he calls “the time of his life!” while in Rome. Everyone else I know who has studied abroad raves excessively about the unforgettable adventures they had.
So what kind of Steves doesn’t seize the opportunity to study abroad? I realized I can eat my cake and have it too. I want eight full semesters of Georgetown classes, to which I have developed an awful addiction (I know, I’m a nerd). As for the summers, while I revel in my fond memories of South America, I have already begun scheming for next summer…
Europe served as my training wheels. South America was my kid bicycle. What will be my motorcycle?
Very impressive blog and I love your final reflections. Thank you for sharing it with us.
Jackie, I loved your blog especially this last entry. I think it is absolutely refreshing that you and your brother can travel together and share these lifetime experiences. You have created many memories for yourselves when you are your dad`s age. ;-) I hope to read future blogs from both of you. I miss your antics with Zoe. Enjoy your life in DC and Georgetown. This is the best time of your life. Thanks again.
Thanks for blogging about your summer adventures, it was lots of fun to ride along. Enjoy your junior year. DC is the best city for college!
How about the Peace Corps? zoom,zoom!!
I enjoyed traveling with you. Thanks ever so much.
Great blog, Jackie! I loved every minute of it. =) Good luck at school this year.
Jackie and Andy, Enjoyed reading about all your adventures. Thanks for sharing; Jackie you did a good job. Good Luck in school this year! Seeing you kids grow up is like watching one of my own. :0)
Great blog. Thank you for sharing your travel memories from your trip to South America. In keeping with the motorcycle analogy, my guess is a 3 week trek through Southeast Asia might be next on the agenda, maybe Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam & Laos. Best of luck in school and wherever your future adventures take you.
Thanks, Jackie, for sharing your adventures. I enjoyed your writtings. All the best to you as you continue your studies at Georgetown.
Good work Jackie. I enjoyed your blog. I am looking forward ten years when you have established South America Through the Back Door and I will still be in good enough health to take advantage of your experience. Don`t take longer than ten years because I am aging rapidly (and not like fine wine).
Again, I must say, your writing is exactly what a Rick Steves devotee would expect. Your father must be especially proud!
When I wanted to ride the Argentinian desert part of the Andes I started by renting a mototbike in Chile and then crossing the border along the ride touring with other people that hired the same service (http://www.rent-motorcycle-chile.com). The beauty of this trip is something you can only experience when you live it. JC