The Des Moines Buccaneers are apart of the United States Hockey League (USHL). A developmental league for 17-22 year olds (roughly). They play at 95 KGGO Arena in Urbandale. This league fights a lot, there's a lot of testosterone on the ice. The USHL is made up of the Des Moines Buccaneers, Omaha Lancers, Waterloo Blackhawks, Cedar Rapids Roughriders, Green Bay Gamblers, Chicago Steel, Indiana Ice, Lincoln Stars, Sioux City Musketeers, Sioux Falls Stampede, and the Tri-City Storm. It's a great league, action packed, maybe not so family friendly, depends on how you view hockey, but great prices and good hockey, one of the top developmental leagues in the US. Some big name players have played with the Bucs, including Erik Cole of the Carolina Hurricanes (NHL).

Salsa dancing in Iowa! You might have thought that it was impossible, however, I am here to tell you, that it is alive and kicking! Ruben Zamudio is the fearless dance instructor who gives a variety of lessons each week at a Latino time of 9pm. By Latino time, I'm referring to the fact that it will most likely begin at 9:15 or 9:30:) On those rare days that it begins on time, you may just be in for the shock of your life:) The dance lessons cover salsa, merengue, bachata, cumbia, and the cha cha. You don't need a partner for the lessons! There is always a wealth of partners to go around, and if there isn't at the time, there will be just in time for you to practice your skills on the floor. The people who come to The Warehouse love the music, the culture, and most of all, getting to dance with a variety of people. You don't have to be an exceptional dancer to come. Just come with a desire to learn, and a desire to have fun, and you will walk away ready to come back for more the following week. There is a large wooden dance floor perfect for those of you who love to glide across the floor. The DJs are excellent.. always providing the best tunes to groove to. It is the place to be in Des Moines on a Tuesday night IF you like to dance:)

Some of you may be like me...still trying to narrow down the mass lying on the floor. Although I may attempt to bring everything I've laid out, ultimately I know that I can't bring 5 pairs of shoes or 4 dresses. I can't bring all of my favorite things expecting to be allowed on board my flight without paying a hefty fine! As I was surfing the web, I found this fabulous site:

http://travelindependent.info/whattopack.htm

Great hints as to what to bring and why!!

This site provides a wealth of information, and it's ideal for the novice traveler, or those who want to learn more about the various countries, the culture, etc.

http://travelindependent.info/topplaces.htm helps one determine which place is best for him or her

http://travelindependent.info/america-south.htm#Argentina is all about ARGENTINA. It lists a variety of cheap airlines as well as other transportation modes.

http://www.argentinacafe.com is a simple guide for travelers and covers ARGENTINA to a T.. the Argentinian slang is discussed as is the food, culture, places to see, etc. There is a CAFE for many different countries, so check it out!

I hope that these sites help you all in some way or form:) I'm packing up a storm... or possibly procrastinating a bit more:) I have a feeling that caffeine may be my "friend" tomorrow as I drive the 6 hours to Chi-town after work!!