My Journal's Journey (Day 48)

...has continued without me. Yes, I am devastated to say that my journal and I have separated. The worst part is, I don't even know what went wrong.

I had my journal was when I was updating my blog yesterday. I made my way to the campground, tore into the fresh bun and butter I was having a mad craving for (dunno...I think I consumer over 50g of butter!) and then emptied the rest of the contents in that bag only to discover that my journal wasn't there. I frantically raced back downtown to the internet cafe (thanks to a really nice couple from Buenos Aires who drove me back) but there was nothing left behind. I was devastated.

I specifically remember putting it back in my bag and then I can't remember any other time, before I got to the campground, that I even opened that bag, let alone took anything out. I can't imagine that I would walk away from the computer desk and leave it there- I usually check places before I leave and I would surely have seen it. But, after tearing everything I have apart and no trace of my beloved journal, I can only assume I left it somewhere. And worse still, someone picked it up and walked away with it. A journal written in English. Odd found treasure.

I've been super lucky this trip to have managed to hold on to everything (klarma has been kind that way). So, it comes as an especially sour pill to have parted with likely the only thing of value that I have that is irreplaceable. Not only did the journal have all of my thoughts and feelings that I've managed to work through during this trip (as well as lot of tidbits I can look back on in a year and reminisce about), but it was a very thoughful gift from a thoughtful special friend. Double-sword-through-heart. I went to bed really disappointed, and really sad.

But, this morning I woke up with a slightly better outlook. I have made my peace with the fact that my journal is gone. Sucks, but truth. And, I've also decided that the act of writing everything down this last 2 months was probably more valuable an exercise than the actual written pages. I'm sure writing everything out also made it stick in my memory much more than it would have otherwise. I took some time this morning and wrote down a few of the "ah-ha" things I could remember (mostly health coaching ideas) and that made me feel a little vindicated. I'll keep wracking my brain for more recovered stuff on my bus rid to Cordoba tonight. And, to whoever is now the new owner of my journal, I assume that they are enjoying it as much as I would have. At least that's what I'm telling myself :)

The upside of today is that this municipal campground is probably one of the nicest campgrounds (front-country) that I've ever been in anywhere. I set my tent up pool-side: yup, there is indeed a gigantenormous pool (apparently it takes 3 weeks in the spring to fill).

The only problem being, as you can see from the photo, the pool a little low on water- as in no water. I guess it's been dried out in prep for the winter. In any case, this site is lovely. It's immaculately clean with nice bathrooms, 24hr hot water showers and....clothes washing sinks!!! So, while pouting about my journal, I managed to wash off most of the surface grime on my yucky clothes! What a sight- it was like the "pre" part of a Tide commercial. The amount of brown water than rinsed out of my shirt, pants and socks was appauling. But, Mom you will be happy to know I now look presentable and more socially acceptable :)

It's ridiculously hot in Salta today (by 11am the temperature must have been over 30 degrees in the sun), so I'm chilling at an air-conditioned internet cafe for a while. In fact, it's the same cafe I was in yesterday. But my journal's still not here....I already asked :)