el fin del año

2011 was an year of unexpected consequences. though my last post was rather nostalgic and sad about some things that happened, overall, i think it was a good year for me. i had a lot of new experiences, and though they weren't all good, i think some of the bests and worsts are worth mentioning.

Best Meal

cuy & papa en Patachancha, Perú

before

after

Worst Meal

alpaca ravioli - it was worth trying but alpaca and tomato sauce do not mix well

Best Party

carnaval

before

after

Worst Party

stoplight party

Best 24 Hours

literary reading, used books and records, diezyseis loco in Baltimore

Worst 24 Hours

the day after stoplight party

Best Teaching Experience

ROTC student telling me "every time I'm in drills I just can't stop thinking about anthropology things like rituals and stuff."

Worst Teaching Experience

the day i had 20 students present (out of 60) and no one would say a word

Best Student Experience

a departing hug from my stoic advisor

Worst Student Experience

writing a 40 page chapter of the dissertation and then realizing its useless

Best Moment of Triumph

interviewing Carmen Rosa (and buying a victory salteña afterwards)

Worst Moment of Defeat

Mr. Atlas telling me I need to bring a friend to help me translate

Best Protest

occupying IMF

definitely best protest music

Worst Protest

mineros on the Peruvian/Bolivian border, keeping me from crossing by land

Best Holiday Celebration

halloween dance party

before

after

Worst Holiday Celebration

fireworks on roof of adventure brew hostel (but at least it makes for a good story)

Best Chance Encounter

Carwil in Bluehouse

Worst Chance Encounter

the kiwi i hated

Best Paper I Wrote

"UnBoliviable" Brawls: Tourist Perceptions of the Cholitas Luchadoras

Worst Paper I Wrote

Buttering Her Up: Agricultural Politics of Princess Kay of the Milky Way

Best Surprise

New York visit

Worst Surprise

non-renewable visas

Best "Illegal" Activity

pool party after Dan's wedding

Worst "Illegal" Activity

overstaying visas

so there you have it....my year's bests and worsts. may 2012 have just as many memorable moments, because even the worsts were worth doing. i'm lucky to be able to say that though there were plenty of "worsts" they were all amazing, joyful, useful experiences. i've got no complaints...