Onto Week Two

The whirlwind of the first week abroad has begun to die down and a cold has grounded me just a bit :) This past week was jam packed! To make it easier on my memory I am going to work backwards...

Today we went to La Rural which was an amazing festival/grange-ish fair where there were sheep, horses, cows, etc. We walked around the complex for most of the afternoon and had the best meal there! Finally I can cross a nice, big steak off my list. The three of us each ordered a different piece of meat, some red wine from Argentina (of course!), and don't forget dessert. The meat was incredible! Unlike anything I have ever had! We had to laugh because the restaurant was inside one of the big buildings where the cows were on display. There we were devouring our steaks while the cows were just chillin' about 20 feet away from us. \

After we walked around the Plaza Italia and visited the gardens which were beautiful. Full of statues, beautiful plants, and stray cats it was nice to stroll in some green space in the city.

Sunday was a mellow day for me and the first day of a little bit of homesickness. I was able to meet up with an old friend in the Plaza Serrano and we walked around, bought some unique things from the vendors and stores, and caught up over a great lunch! We ordered pizzetas (personal pizzas) which were delicious. We parted ways later that evening and then it was off to bed for me!

On Saturday I got a late start waking up at 2pm, but I was able to meet some friends on la calle Mayo and we ate lunch at the oldest cafe in BsAs called Cafe Tortoni. It was quite yummy! Afterwards we walked behind the Casa Rosada and checked out Puerto Madero which was beautiful! The signature bridge called Puente de la Mujer is beautiful. I recommend going at night...it was breathtaking!

We returned home and got ready to go out eat at La Alhambra, a middle eastern restaurant. It was so cheap and sooooo good! After we went to see a friend's host brothers band in Belgrano which was quite good. Afterwards we went to look for a bar and found ourselves in an American Cowboy bar - playing American country music and local Argentinos wearing cowboy hats and clothes. Very weird....we left immediately. We went back to la Plaza Serrano and spent the night talking!

Friday a small group of us went to a reflection group where we talked about how we are adapting to life here and we learned how to handle certain situations and some more interesting cultural nuances which exist here. Afterward we worked on classes, grabbed some food, and did some more walking around. That night we went to Rumi for a great dinner with a large group of American students and afterward lots of dancing! 

Thursday we had a scavenger hunt around the entire city! We were able to see el Cementerio de Recoleta, la Floralis Generica, y el Obelisco. Each was amazing and a "must-see" destination. Our final stop was one of the most well known pizza restaurants called Guerrin. It was delicious! Very different from the U.S., but equally as good I think! Afterward we returned home to get ready for our first TANGO CLASS at La Viruta :) It was unlike anything I have ever done, but so amazing to watch and learn. There were people of all ages dancing with one another and I can check dancing with an Argentine of my list! Afterward we all went out into Serrano. A few friends and I went to a bar which converts into a flea market during the day! We split some dessert and bottle of win and spoke in our wonderful Spanglish! Afterward we went to one of the well known clubs called KiKa. It was quite the experience and another thing to check off the list! 

The Fun Continues...

This week has been filled with information about classes, schedules, etc. Necessary evils which are soon coming to a close. During all these info sessions we were able to sneak into the city and discover some amazing places! La Plaza de Mayo was our first stop! There we had a phenomenal tour guide who gave us a two hour history lesson about Argentina and how the country came to be as it is today. Literally every fact he told us was more astonishing than the next! Afterward we went to San Telmo, which I adored! Full of unique houses, shops, and cafe's it was so inviting. We ended up getting hot chocolate and talking for hours! Time stands still here and the Argentine's seem to soak up every minute of the day, never in a rush and always relaxed. This naturally goes against all my American blood, but I'm doing my best to adapt ;) Tuesday we took a subway stop to Palermo near los Jardines Japones. There we relaxed in a park and took some time to ourselves! It's easy to forget that we aren't just here on vacation, we are going to be LIVING here! We ate savory alfajores and walked back to meet the rest of our group

After we visited Manzana de las Luces, I came home and took a tour of Palermo Soho with my host mother. She showed me all her favorite places, the places past students have gone, and little did I know I was only 4 blocks from La Plaza Serrano! There is an adorable book shop/internet cafe right by my house called Libros del pasaje which will become my go-to study lounge! It is essentially Borders meets Urban Outfitters (aka wonderful!)

Today, Wednesday, I enrolled in my first UBA class which I will hopefully get credit for and learned all about cultural activities provided by the school. Also, they had an info session on where to travel in Argentina and around South America!

After this I headed home, confident in my knowledge of the barrio and went to look for a pair of boots. I was shopping around, and wasn't able to find anything so I began to head home. Well, this was the first time I got lost in Buenos Aires, and I am sure it will not be the last. I ended up having to take a cab home because I was so turned around!

Later on, i went out for a class of wine with a friend who lives in Palermo Viejo and we talked, ate, and  shared our love for this city! Arriving home I had a great dinner with my host mom and we bonded over batatas (sweet potatoes) y pescado. I have never felt so at home so far away from home!

Adventures!

So, the first weekend has passed and it was full of adventure from beginning to end. It amazes me how different the days are here. Night becomes day and day become night. On saturday, myself and other students bit off a little more than we could chew. We decided to go to La Boca. Little did we know it was quite a ways away from where we were. Nonetheless, we made it there taking several modes of transportation and asking several people for directions.

The vibrant colors of La Boca are amazing and so inviting. We saw our first tango street performers, had tea, hot chocolate, and churros in a small cafe, and enjoyed the beautiful day! Soon after we found our way back home and began to get ready for our first night out on the town!

La plaza serrano, which is close to where I am living, is full of nightlife! Bars surround the small circle and clubs are abundant. After much searching we found Utopia. Literally. A small little bar where we were able to talk and have a few drinks. Afterwards we experienced our first boliche (dance club)!

Arriving home early the next morning we all were ready for a good night's sleep.

Waking up on Sunday afternoon, we all gathered at the Plaza Francia. There we walked around, grabbed some food, and experienced the feria. The city continues to amaze me. There are so many different aspects, so many different things to do we find it difficult to choose!

When I finally returned home, I enjoyed dinner with my host Mom and sister talking about everything from the barrio to politics. It was an amazing first weekend and I am excited for what's to come!

Day One

Bienvenidos a Buenos Aires, Argentina!

After many long hours of travel, I have arrived safe and sound. Day one was full of meeting people from all over the U.S. and learning, briefly, about what this semester has entail. Today we had several orientations, a spanish test, and were introduced to our host families! I am living in Palermo with a mother and daughter who have welcomed me with open arms. I am excited to get to know the city and begin a life here! Tonight we are celebrating my arrival with empenadas :)