Page 28 May 2011 Conner Lee atop Corcovado Mountain in front of the famous Christ the Redeemer statue. Trip to South America took 5 years of planning, saving By Kaley Kalil Arcadia native Conner Lee, 24, fi rst began planning and saving for his South America adventure fi ve years ago. For 18 days this past December, he traveled through Bolivia, Chile, Argentina, Uruguay and Brazil. “I loved every country for very different reasons,” Conner said. “I loved Bolivia for its rich, indigenous culture; Chile for its Pisco sours, seafood, history and friendly people; Argentina for its beef, architecture and tango; Uruguay for its tranquility, parillas (large, outdoor grills), wine and Casapueblo Museum; and, lastly I loved Brazil for its landmarks, beaches and women.” Conner fl ew between countries to save time but used a ferry to get from Buenos Aires, Argentina to Montevideo, Uruguay. “In South America, there is a thriving ‘Todos somos vecinos’ (We’re all neighbors) attitude that is not easily found elsewhere,” Conner said. “I think Americans can, and should, take a chapter or two out of this lesson.” Having studied political science at the University of Arizona, Conner said he wanted to experience how he, an American, was viewed by people in South America. He also wanted to further develop his existing appreciation of different cultural lifestyles, which are “as diverse and enchanting as the people themselves.” “If you can count drinking Bolivian Pisco out of a jar shared with a huge, dead Andean boa constrictor, visiting a former concentration camp in Chile during the Pinochet dictatorship, attempting to tango with locals in Buenos Aires on the widest boulevard in the world, eating beef testicles in Montevideo, and being the only white guy willing to samba with Cariocas (local residents of Rio de Janeiro) … then yes, you could say I attempted some ‘out of the box’ experiences,” Conner said. Conner said he also took pleasure in sampling the local food throughout South America. “I was always a picky eater growing up Continued on page 29 6423 E. Thomas Road • Scottsdale, AZ 85251 480-656-4600 • www.arcadiawd.com A Ponderosa Lumber Company FAIR PRICE ASSURANCE: IF YOU FIND A LOWER PRICE WE WILL MATCH IT & PAY YOU 25% OF THE DIFFERENCE Best Prices... Period. ARCADIA W I N D O W & D O O R WINDOWS DOORS KITCHENS SHUTTERS & BLINDS HARDWARE MOULDING ...and much more! AWD wishes all moms God’s blessings this Mother’s Day.

Page 29 May 2011 Neighbor Continued from page 28 and was usually dragged to new places by friends and family,” Conner said. “As I have gotten older, I am now the one dragging them. Little did I know how much good food awaited me down south. I ate the best steak in the world in Argentina.” He relished a traditional meal of Conner Lee fi nds fresh fruit at the Mercado Rodriguez, including fresh- squeezed orange juice. potatoes, snake and corn in Bolivia while overlooking the Andes Mountains. He enjoyed oysters and sea bass in Chile, and indulged in his fair share of Tannat wine while in Uruguay. “Perhaps the most surprising aspect of South America was the omnipresent bottles of mayonnaise on the tables,” Conner said. “Mayonnaise is used on everything from hot dogs to salads to steaks.” Conner has been to 23 countries, fi ve of them in South America, and spent a semester in Madrid during college. “After the thousands of miles I’ve traveled in a relatively short time, I can safely say that we live in the best country in the world,” Conner said. “In that spirit, it is always nice to come back home after being away. “As I’ve gotten older, and hopefully a bit wiser, I’ve witnessed how much is taken for granted where we live and how much I’m thankful for. Travel is the most essential path to one’s maturity and education … As a word of advice: never refuse anything on your travels and try everything once.” Conner currently is living in Arcadia and actively pursuing his dream to live abroad again. He said he is hoping to work for a U.S. Embassy in South America in the near future. Kaley is a 24-year-old traveler from Arcadia who has lived in and traveled to roughly 30 countries. Email her at kaley.kalil@gmail.com. a a l Garden • Arcadia High • Peo op p p p s o o • St. Theresa • Basketball • Ki id d ds i se e eums • Softball • Shemer Art • Ch hr r ri r Vo o o ol lleyball • Neighborhood News • Spo o or N te e e er rtainment • Ingleside • Football • N N N a en n n nt ts • Squaw Peak • Recreation • Dram m m ma a d Da a an nce • Church News • Hopi • Arc ca a a n l lt t th & Fitness • Arts & Entertainme e e en n a s s • Hopi • Football • Desert Botani ic c c ca otan S a ad d d dia High • People • Phoenix Zoo • S S a High • People • Phoenix Zoo a as s sketball • Kids • Tavan • Museums s etball • Kids • Ta h he er A l w w w Peak • Recreation • Drama • Baseb ba a a hu u ur rch News • H i Botanical Garden. Zoo. Papago. Your parks if you live in Arcadia. l h h hem em emer er er er A A A A Art rt rt rt rt • • • • • Ch Ch Ch Ch Chri ri ri ri rist t st st st L L L L Lut ut uth he he her ra ran n • • V V Vol ghborhood News • Sports • Arts & Ent ngleside • Football • Neighborhood d w w Pe Peak ak • • R Re ecr t ti i orts • A l • Nei V rts & En ghborh h he A he A w Peak • Recreation • D l l hemer Art • Christ Lutheran • Vo e d d w w Pe Peak ak • • R Rec ecre reat atio ion • D D l hemer Art Ch i d d ARCADIADAILY COM i i i i i ig g g i i i i i i i i i ig g g g Travel guide great start to vacation By Kaley Kalil Your upcoming trip is still two months away, but you’d like to start the vacation a bit early. How can you do it? Skip the travel agent and the online tour agencies and go buy yourself a Lonely Planet travel guide. These guide books are country, state, even city speci fi c and can be purchased in most bookstores or online for roughly $12 to $30. I recommend buying used books on Amazon.com. With these simple tips, you’ll be surprised to fi nd just how easy it is to plan your entire vacation from day trips to where to stay to where to eat and drink. Plus, you’ll save money and learn a lot in the process. Do your research Purchasing a travel guidebook like Lonely Planet is worth every penny. They’re jam-packed with restaurant reviews, shopping tips, the top tourist attractions and hotel recommendations Continued on page 38 4838 East Palomino • $3,495,000 This exquisite custom home is more than words can convey! From the time you enter the gracious courtyard lined with vine covered walls, you’ll be struck by the elegance, warmth and character of this resort style estate. Its drama mirrors that of Italy’s finest, with finishes that are of the utmost quality. The beauty of the chef’s kitchen, restaurant-style wet bar and wine cellar will take your breath away, not to mention the billiards room, regal dining room, full media room with its own kitchen, and wonderful guest quarters. True drama is sprawling throughout every inch of this glorious home with extraordinary custom design elements such as wood beams, Venetian plaster, breathtaking lighting, cantera columns, designer flooring, spectacular granite and multiple fireplaces inside and out! Every bedroom is true perfection! This European inspired showpiece has equally dramatic grounds with a breathtaking pool, spa, ramada and mountain views that are so pristine it appears you can reach out and touch them. This glamorous home will impress even the most discriminating buyer! Seller financing available , call Robert for details! 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