Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks

These two national parks (which, by the way, could be considered as one, since they are next to each other, and you buy one pass for both parks) are located in Wyoming... yes, Wyoming! how many of you really knew that?... I didn't.

Well, the flora and fauna of these places are incredible, and the landscapes, breathtaking! I was told that there were bears and deers and many other different animals, but I didn't think I was gonna be able to see them all in just the few days I spent in the parks. Here you'll find some pictures of the different species I bumped into.

I also found that there are hundreds of Work & Travel students spending their summer here. It may seem a pretty secluded place at first but, in the small town where they live, they have everything they need and more! I mean, they have geysers and bears! Who has bears around the corner of their house? (zoos don't count). Anyway, I met with some of these students and they confirmed my ideas: they are really happy to have the chance to live part of their lives in the most famous national parks of the world, Yellowstone and Grand Teton

By clicking HERE you can see ALL the pictures from these parks! All the animals and the landscapes. Below you will find just a small selection. So, I really recommend everyone to click there, or HERE :)

A big hole in the Earth

That's basically what I was told by some friends after their visit to the Grand Canyon in 2009, "it is just a big hole in the Earth, nothing special". I thought maybe my friends had mistakenly ended up in a different place. How could they say such a thing about the most famous canyon in the world? But then, they showed me some pictures and it certainly looked like the regular Grand Canyon we are all used to seeing. Were they right? Was the Grand Canyon so overrated? I was about to find that out.
I arrived in the morning and met with Michael, Staff Manager of Xanterra, the corporation that operates all the park accommodations where lots of Work & Travel students come to work every summer. He shared with me some interesting stories (and a sandwich), and showed me around the village, located at the verge of the cliffs! I didn't know there was a community that lives in the park all year round. They have their own school, a bank, a recreation center with several sport fields... and, of course, their own canyon. The moment had arrived! It was time to see the so-called big hole in the Earth. I took a few steps... and it struck me... To be honest, words fall short to describe the magnificence of the Grand Canyon, and images to show how huge and gorgeous this place really is. I went hiking and could not believe I was walking inside one of the 7 Wonders of the World. I must admit I only walked for a few hours, but I left the park with an unforgettable glimpse of what the Grand Canyon is about. I believe it takes a lot more time to get to know it in depth... maybe a whole summer working here? ;)

You can find more photos of my visit to the Grand Canyon HERE! 

Thanks for watching :)

Lifeguarding

It was my first time at a Water Park. We arrived at Splish Splash in Long Island, New York, and at the entrance, you could hear a speaker repeating once and again the same message... warning parents that "the park is bigger than it looks"... they certainly weren't lying. We walked around the place looking for Work & Travel students, and quite often we ended up in the wrong path. We didn't have the chance to hop in any ride, but we had time to meet some cool lifeguards and ask them a few questions about their job. You are probably wondering: if Bay Watch had taken place in a water park, would it have been in Splish Splash? Well, I wouldn't say 'yes' because this job is really different and easier, and I think Pamela Anderson would have had more fun in this place ;)

 

As usual, you can find pictures of this experience HERE! Check them out! :D

A day in the life of an awesome host family

On Friday, I could spend the whole day with a host family in Yarmouth, Maine. It was one of the greatest experiences I've had in the U.S. so far!
First, I met with these siblings, Jack and Phoebe (18 and 16, respectively), and with Néstor (17), their Spanish new brother, who came from Spain after being granted a scholarship, and who has been living with them since last August. The three of them took me to some cool spots in Yarmouth and they told me a bunch of different stories and facts that these places conceal. Then, we went to their house and we all had dinner, the 3 siblings, their parents (Nico and Ellen), and I (I don't know what "title" could describe my position, but I can say for sure that "stranger" is not an option). In just one day I learned a lot about the lifestyle of these young students and their family. And one of the most interesting things was the atmosphere that this family created. I felt integrated right away. They shared all their experiences and knowledge with me. By the way, I must say that these kids looked really mature, and I confirmed this idea after hearing/participating in all the debates that took place during dinner. I am not sure if this attribute, the way they see the world and life, is part of what makes them such a great/cool host family, or if being a host family is what  contributes to their interesting/cool vision of things and life. Maybe a little bit of both.

On Saturday, I was walking down the street when I heard 'Eze!' (I never thought I would be given a shout in Portland!), I turned around and there they were, Jack and Néstor. It was nice to see them again. :)


Here is a small peek of Néstor's experience living with his American family...

And here's a similar video of Jack's opinion on the experience of studying abroad:

This may sound a little trivial or, actually, a little nerdy, but one of the most interesting places we visited was their high school building! I know all my friends in Argentina are probably wondering about this, and the answer is: 'Yes, the school looks exactly the same as in the movies':

...and you can see more pictures by clicking HERE! :)