Arrived in Argentina

Well for the next little while this blog is going to be focusing on what I (Nadine) am doing in Argentina. So where to begin...

I arrived in Buenos Aires two days ago and had no problems or fears when I entered the airport. The first time I did this I was terrified that I was going to be mugged or kidnapped but I now knew the routine. I went to the place where Lonely Planet's guide recommended for transport (Manuel Tienda Leon) and booked a driver to my hotel (Park Chateau Kapinski). My driver was Carlos and he was very nice. He knew only a little English and I know only a little Spanish but we had no problems talking. My spanish is better then I thought.

Martin has come back so I'll update later. Sorry.

My First Long(ish) Trip Away from My Little One

Well as the title states I will be away from March 17th until April 19th in Argentina. I will be gathering the data that I need for my PhD project in that time. This is going to be very hard on me and my family...but mostly me I think. Andrew is more then capable of taking care of Dinara and this isn't what bothers me. I am worried that Dianra is going to be upset not having her Mommy around for 4 weeks. I don't know how my supervisor's and other colleagues with children do this. The only thing making it bearable is that we are going to try and do webcam talks and I am going to be calling long distance a lot. I know this doesn't take the place of me being there but I really do have to get this data in order to complete my degree. It won't be forever and the sooner I get all my data the sooner I can complete the degree and go work in Calgary. We are planning for the next field trip to Argentina for January 2009 and this time I will bring my family with me (if not for the whole time at least for a couple weeks). I hope things go alright while I am away. If my friends and family here and in Edmonton could call and keep in touch with Andrew while I am away I would really appreciate it. I am sure Andrew will need a break from time to time. Andrew's parents will be coming and staying with him the weekend of the 21st for a week...which I am sure will help a lot. But if any of you want to come and visit and provide Andrew with some grown up time I am sure he would appreciate it. Well that being said I don't think there will be too much updating on Dinara for the next few weeks. I am considering blogging while I am in Argentina and telling you all what I am doing there. I should be able to post some pics of the area that I am working in as well. Keep your fingers crossed for us and hope that I can endure the time away. I plan on distracting myself with work the whole time I am away so I don't have to think about how much I am missing my little girl (and my hubby too). Talk soon. TTFN.