As August comes to a close, I can't help but think back the past few weeks and compare them to what I would be doing if I was back in the states. My classmates at home are back at school, moving into their apartments, and beginning the semester. Here, school is already well underway and there was no grand move in for the year. Just me in my quaint, perfect little room in Palermo. There is something about not having an excess of things that I love. I don't have a booming wardrobe full of shoes, bags, and clothes. I don't have my usual cosmetics, laundry routine, or general things I deemed "necessary." Here, I have what I need, I buy what I need to replace, and that is all. There is something so liberating about having just what you need. You are no longer consumed with what you can have, could buy, or should get.
That being said, the people here, as I have sensed thus far and it is not to say all people are like this, but they do not look at you with judgmental eyes. I feel a sense of acceptance here that I have never felt before. A comfortability in my own skin that I have been unable to find in the states. I feel this also with the other students from the U.S. that are here. We are all here to learn, to grow, and experience this city. Therefore, there is no need for excess emotions (aka dramatic situations). They have not happened after six week and fingers crossed we will remain free of them.
I can feel, day by day, myself adapting a little here and there. From what I say, to what I wear, to what I think, to my overall state of mind it is evident the Argentines are rubbing off on me....and I don't mind :)
Thursday, August 30, 2012
Sunday, August 26, 2012
New York, New York
This post is long overdue and I cannot believe so much time has passed in between posts, but my life here in Buenos Aires went from busy to hectic to warp speed. I was skyping with my family and I said to them, "I miss myself!" I was going from class to class, from one part of the city to the next, that by the time I would arrive home, eat, catch up with my host family, I couldn't keep my eyes open. So much has happened that I will not rehash every detail, but I will mention a few of my favorite things we have done these past two weeks. And I promise myself, and all those loyal followers (especially you Mr. Arrow) that I will be more diligent.
Some stories....
The other day (no I realize it was about two weeks ago) I had finished class for the day and decided to make the long trek home. The Subte was still out of commission, so to the buses I went. Passing line after line I made the executive decision to walk home. I had never done this before, but on this particular day I knew I would make it home faster walking than waiting for a colectivo. I began to walk, map in hand, and put on my headphones as usual. I love walking through the city with my own personal soundtrack. Some days it is upbeat, others low key, and some days a shuffle. This particular day I just hit play and listened to whatever song came on. I reached Santa Fe (a large street, well-known, which stretches pretty far). I knew I still had about 20 to 25 minutes to go, but I trudged on. As I walked the theme song from New York, New York came on by Frank Sinatra. I couldn't help but start to smile as I listened intently to each sweetly sung word. I realize now the people I passed on the street must have thought I was crazy. Literally.
New York, New York
I want to wake up in that city That never sleeps And find I'm king of the hill Top of the list Head of the heap King of the hill
These are little town blues
They have all melted away
I am about to make a brand new start of it
Right there in old New York
Buenos Aires, Argentina has become my New York, New York. It was an overwhelming feeling as I walked home. A feeling of complete contentment, a feeling of comfortability, a feeling of falling in love, and a feeling great awe and thanksgiving for where I was. Everyday as I step out into this city I am aware of what an incredible gift I have been given.
That being said my friends and I have now become well acquainted with navigating the city and decided we needed a day of fresh, so we headed to Tigre! A 45 minute train ride from the city we found ourselves in the quaintest little town located on a beautiful river. We made a beautiful day for ourselves. The weather as well was picturesque. Clear skies, sun, and HEAT! For the first time we peeled off our jackets and were comfortable in T-shirts. We had a great lunch, I ordered Sorrentinos which were scrumptious as usual and we laughed, drank, and ate for three hours! After we did some walking and took a boat tour. A series of rivers connects this town and river side houses line the series of canals. Afterward we went to the art museum and admired the architecture. The building itself was breathtaking and we honestly had more fun on the huge terrace then pondering the paintings inside. After a full day we headed home, sun kissed and relaxed.
More stories to come! Its 2 am here and I have to catch up on homework tomorrow, so off to bed I go. Buenas noches a todos. Besitos :)
Some stories....
The other day (no I realize it was about two weeks ago) I had finished class for the day and decided to make the long trek home. The Subte was still out of commission, so to the buses I went. Passing line after line I made the executive decision to walk home. I had never done this before, but on this particular day I knew I would make it home faster walking than waiting for a colectivo. I began to walk, map in hand, and put on my headphones as usual. I love walking through the city with my own personal soundtrack. Some days it is upbeat, others low key, and some days a shuffle. This particular day I just hit play and listened to whatever song came on. I reached Santa Fe (a large street, well-known, which stretches pretty far). I knew I still had about 20 to 25 minutes to go, but I trudged on. As I walked the theme song from New York, New York came on by Frank Sinatra. I couldn't help but start to smile as I listened intently to each sweetly sung word. I realize now the people I passed on the street must have thought I was crazy. Literally.
New York, New York
I want to wake up in that city That never sleeps And find I'm king of the hill Top of the list Head of the heap King of the hill
These are little town blues
They have all melted away
I am about to make a brand new start of it
Right there in old New York
Buenos Aires, Argentina has become my New York, New York. It was an overwhelming feeling as I walked home. A feeling of complete contentment, a feeling of comfortability, a feeling of falling in love, and a feeling great awe and thanksgiving for where I was. Everyday as I step out into this city I am aware of what an incredible gift I have been given.
That being said my friends and I have now become well acquainted with navigating the city and decided we needed a day of fresh, so we headed to Tigre! A 45 minute train ride from the city we found ourselves in the quaintest little town located on a beautiful river. We made a beautiful day for ourselves. The weather as well was picturesque. Clear skies, sun, and HEAT! For the first time we peeled off our jackets and were comfortable in T-shirts. We had a great lunch, I ordered Sorrentinos which were scrumptious as usual and we laughed, drank, and ate for three hours! After we did some walking and took a boat tour. A series of rivers connects this town and river side houses line the series of canals. Afterward we went to the art museum and admired the architecture. The building itself was breathtaking and we honestly had more fun on the huge terrace then pondering the paintings inside. After a full day we headed home, sun kissed and relaxed.
More stories to come! Its 2 am here and I have to catch up on homework tomorrow, so off to bed I go. Buenas noches a todos. Besitos :)
Sunday, August 12, 2012
Fresh Air
Today was a peaceful day. After some rain, thunder, and cold winds the city was warmed up by the sun and clear skies. I woke up around noon and lazily began my day. A friend and I met for brunch at a little restaurant I have wanted to go to since I arrived. It is on my to the gym and every time I pass it I tell myself I need to go. Well today was the day! Allison and I showed up ready to devour whatever was put in front of us. We sat outside and watched everyone as the walked by. In Palermo Soho sometimes it is easy to forget where you are. Everyone is very fashionable, sporting Ray Ban's, expensive labels, and leather! As couples, family's, and friends passed by our table we heard Castellano, English, Portuguese, and a few other languages. It was so nice to simply sit and take it what was around us.
Ok so the food at this restaurant was incredible. I forget the name right now, but when I go to the gym I will edit this post and include it! I ordered a flat bread pizza with peppers, onions, eggplants, some type of amazing cheese, chicken, mushrooms (basically the works). Allison ordered a sandwich which was incredible. In less than 15 minutes both plates were completely clean! Afterward we went to Pasajes del Libros and began our homework! Yes, that's right, homework. But of course we had to reward ourselves for being disciplined students, so we ordered some yummy desserts and coffee. I ordered my first lagrima (literally translated means tear like tear drops but when you order one at a cafe it means milk with a little splash of coffee). As a non-coffee drinker I was skeptical, but now I order it every time I am out :) After our studying Allison went on her way and I went to mass.
Today was Grandmother's day and also Children's weekend. The city had different events for children and my host sister gave her grandmother a call at dinner. I love being part of a family here. It is such an incredible experience to have another family let you become part of theirs!
This weekend we spent time with Argentine's and we had an amazing time! My spanish has increased more in the past few days than in my entire life! Everyone is so patient and kind and are so gracious when correcting me. There is a trade off as well - they get some help with their english. It has made me realize I really enjoy teaching english to non-native speakers.
This week is the first full week, as I have mentioned. The subte still is at a halt (this is an all time record in number of days without operation) so many of us are crossing our fingers the problems will be resolved soon! I am excited to see what all these classes have in store! More soon :)
Besos a todos!
Ok so the food at this restaurant was incredible. I forget the name right now, but when I go to the gym I will edit this post and include it! I ordered a flat bread pizza with peppers, onions, eggplants, some type of amazing cheese, chicken, mushrooms (basically the works). Allison ordered a sandwich which was incredible. In less than 15 minutes both plates were completely clean! Afterward we went to Pasajes del Libros and began our homework! Yes, that's right, homework. But of course we had to reward ourselves for being disciplined students, so we ordered some yummy desserts and coffee. I ordered my first lagrima (literally translated means tear like tear drops but when you order one at a cafe it means milk with a little splash of coffee). As a non-coffee drinker I was skeptical, but now I order it every time I am out :) After our studying Allison went on her way and I went to mass.
Today was Grandmother's day and also Children's weekend. The city had different events for children and my host sister gave her grandmother a call at dinner. I love being part of a family here. It is such an incredible experience to have another family let you become part of theirs!
This weekend we spent time with Argentine's and we had an amazing time! My spanish has increased more in the past few days than in my entire life! Everyone is so patient and kind and are so gracious when correcting me. There is a trade off as well - they get some help with their english. It has made me realize I really enjoy teaching english to non-native speakers.
This week is the first full week, as I have mentioned. The subte still is at a halt (this is an all time record in number of days without operation) so many of us are crossing our fingers the problems will be resolved soon! I am excited to see what all these classes have in store! More soon :)
Besos a todos!
Saturday, August 11, 2012
Where does the time go?
I cannot believe the last time I wrote was on Monday! This week ended as quickly as it started. The excitement of beginning classes has made all the days blur together. Also the Subte workers remained on strike all week and presently they Subte's are not operating, so it has made navigating the city very difficult for all of us. I don't think I have ever been so thankful for underground, crowded, grungy trains in my life!
Due to the difficulty in transportation I stayed at home more this week and took some needed regrouping time. I enjoyed time with my host family and was able to get to know them much better. My host sister and I talked every afternoon this week. After I finished a long day I would go in her room and sit on her bed and just chat! For the first time I felt an improvement in my Spanish. It is so hard to tell and gauge if there has been improvements, but I have begun to think less when I am speaking.
I have really enjoyed all the classes I have been to so far. They are all three hours which is very different from in the states, but it worked out that I only have class Tuesday through Thursday! That means some nice long weekend trips are possible :)
Yesterday, Friday, we had a group trip to Chascomus. About two hours south of the city, it was an amazing get away for the day! We arrived on the farm for the day we all took our coats off and but our bags down (something that took us a little while to get used to because in the city we are always on guard of everything). We walked around the grounds, snacked on some empanadas, and took in the beautiful fresh air. Soon it was lunchtime and we were seated in a beautiful large room with a stage in the center. The meal began with a salad which I have eaten here, but typically I find the salad's to be bland. I am always craving toppings, different dressings, or I guess a more American overload of food! Here they had all that! I have never seen so many 20 year old happy about salad. Then came the MEAT! haha For a good amount of time different pieces of meat were brought out and we all devoured them. One was better than the next. We enjoyed the company of just our CIEE group. It is rare that we are all together in complete isolation. I was able to talk with people I haven't seen since the beginning of the program and catch up on their experiences here. Next was dessert which was dulce de leche pancakes. Yum!
After lunch there was a performance. There men and women were dressed in traditional gaucho clothing and preformed an amazing show! It was unlike any dancing I have every seen. It was a cross between typical Latin dancing and Irish step dancing. There was lots of stomping, clicking of heels, and synchronization. I liked it very much! After we all went outside and a few men played a traditional game. Each was on a horse and there was a tall square frame, almost like a soccer goal with no set except taller, that the men would race their horses towards. Hanging down from the top bar of this frame were small rings which were the targets. Each man held a small wooden stick, almost like a chop stick, and would run toward the ring at full speed and attempt to make the stick pass through the ring without dropping it. Percussion at its best. Then they brought out a leather "sled." It was tied to the back of the horse and a few kids took turns taking a run on it.
The rest of the afternoon was ours. We went to say hello to the pigs, llamas, and horses. We even got to ride them around the grounds! My horse wasn't so cooperative but I can now cross horseback riding in Argentina off my list! My friends and I lounged around taking in the beautiful lagoon and took plenty of pictures. Mate and alfajores were brought out and we all enjoyed our afternoon tea time. A group began playing soccer, others learned a card game, but we all agreed it was a great day out of the city! Much needed.
Today it is raining, quite heavily, and I have to begin getting some coursework done. This week begins a full schedule! Where has the time gone?
Due to the difficulty in transportation I stayed at home more this week and took some needed regrouping time. I enjoyed time with my host family and was able to get to know them much better. My host sister and I talked every afternoon this week. After I finished a long day I would go in her room and sit on her bed and just chat! For the first time I felt an improvement in my Spanish. It is so hard to tell and gauge if there has been improvements, but I have begun to think less when I am speaking.
I have really enjoyed all the classes I have been to so far. They are all three hours which is very different from in the states, but it worked out that I only have class Tuesday through Thursday! That means some nice long weekend trips are possible :)
Yesterday, Friday, we had a group trip to Chascomus. About two hours south of the city, it was an amazing get away for the day! We arrived on the farm for the day we all took our coats off and but our bags down (something that took us a little while to get used to because in the city we are always on guard of everything). We walked around the grounds, snacked on some empanadas, and took in the beautiful fresh air. Soon it was lunchtime and we were seated in a beautiful large room with a stage in the center. The meal began with a salad which I have eaten here, but typically I find the salad's to be bland. I am always craving toppings, different dressings, or I guess a more American overload of food! Here they had all that! I have never seen so many 20 year old happy about salad. Then came the MEAT! haha For a good amount of time different pieces of meat were brought out and we all devoured them. One was better than the next. We enjoyed the company of just our CIEE group. It is rare that we are all together in complete isolation. I was able to talk with people I haven't seen since the beginning of the program and catch up on their experiences here. Next was dessert which was dulce de leche pancakes. Yum!
After lunch there was a performance. There men and women were dressed in traditional gaucho clothing and preformed an amazing show! It was unlike any dancing I have every seen. It was a cross between typical Latin dancing and Irish step dancing. There was lots of stomping, clicking of heels, and synchronization. I liked it very much! After we all went outside and a few men played a traditional game. Each was on a horse and there was a tall square frame, almost like a soccer goal with no set except taller, that the men would race their horses towards. Hanging down from the top bar of this frame were small rings which were the targets. Each man held a small wooden stick, almost like a chop stick, and would run toward the ring at full speed and attempt to make the stick pass through the ring without dropping it. Percussion at its best. Then they brought out a leather "sled." It was tied to the back of the horse and a few kids took turns taking a run on it.
The rest of the afternoon was ours. We went to say hello to the pigs, llamas, and horses. We even got to ride them around the grounds! My horse wasn't so cooperative but I can now cross horseback riding in Argentina off my list! My friends and I lounged around taking in the beautiful lagoon and took plenty of pictures. Mate and alfajores were brought out and we all enjoyed our afternoon tea time. A group began playing soccer, others learned a card game, but we all agreed it was a great day out of the city! Much needed.
Today it is raining, quite heavily, and I have to begin getting some coursework done. This week begins a full schedule! Where has the time gone?
Monday, August 6, 2012
Let the Real Fun Begin
Today was the first day of classes and I was well-prepared and ready to go. Despite the subway strike, I was ready to conquer my fear of the "bondi" (slang for bus) and make it to UCA (the private Catholic university in BsAs) on time. I woke up and promptly walked to Santa Fe to begin my long journey to Puerto Madero. After little searching I found bus 152 and boarded. We were given a small booklet called "Guia T" which is the key to navigating public transportation. Literally. I followed the path of the bus with my finger and along the way asked a few people for instruction. One woman particular kept the conversation going asking all about me and my stay here. We chatted until Avenida Belgrano where we parted ways. Confidently I marched up to the doors of UCA, head held high, ready for my first day of school. Slowly that wonderful feeling began to dwindle as I realized that Marketing I did not seem to appear on the roster and there was no classroom assigned. After speaking to four different people, all in different departments at UCA, I learned that Marketing I Monday's 9:30-1 did not exist. Apparently it was taken off the schedule but we were not notified. Defeated, I let myself wallow for a few minutes and made a new game plan. I soon ran into some friends, one of which had the same predicament as me. Together we went back to FLACSO to remediate the situation. Sooooo, even though I did not physically sit in classroom, I learned more today about myself, navigating the city, and asking people for help then any standard class could teach me. To me it was the first day of school :)
Sunday was a beautiful day here! The stormy weather cleared up and we had a graffiti bike tour planned! Beginning at 2:30 we met at the gates of the Botanical Gardens to meet our tour guide. The company was founded by Britain's and although tours were offered in English we opted for Castellano :) One of our guides was actually from Colorado and ended up being a great resource. We asked all things relating to Buenos Aires (traveling, safety, night life, master programs - you name it...it was covered!) The tour was great and there is unique style of graffiti here. Being from the Philly area I am accustomed to the murals and artistic style found in PA, but naturally in Buenos Aires there is a different estilo. I found it to be very abstract and interesting. Our tour guide fascinated us with her knowledge of the city's graffiti. After about three and a half hours we finished the tour and found a cafe to chat and have a snack before dinner. Afterward I headed to mass. There is a church very close to my house which for some reason I was unable to find up until Sunday. I wasn't sure what to expect. I LOVED going to mass in Spain and hoped for a similar experience. The church was very long and narrow, quaint, and full of people. Mass began and to my surprise it was very melancholy. Unfortunately, there were no books to be found so I had some trouble understanding (the combination of poor microphones and lack of ability to recite the prayers with the congregation made it difficult), but nonetheless I really enjoyed mass. It was just what I needed. It was a very grounding moment. After communion I found myself very overwhelmed. For the first time I thought to myself, "I live here." And it was an amazing feeling.
From what I hear Saturday morning was beautiful, but I was soundly asleep until mid-afternoon (around 2:30) Once I got ready for the day I set out for some "Me Time." This included finding an ATM, a school supply store, and a few other odds and ends needed before the start of school. Navigating the streets with no problem, I can't help but think of where I was two and half weeks ago. A timid, scared American girl glued to her maps. Freely walking throughout Palermo Soho is one of my favorite things to do. The barrio is so beautiful and inviting that I just love to see who (Argentine's and other foreigners included) is there for the weekend to shop and eat! After my own errands were done I wanted to check out la calle Murillo. This street is known for LEATHER, leather, and....oh wait MORE LEATHER! There are dozens of stores all carrying leather in its various forms. From jackets, to boots, to bags it is easy to watch the money fly out of your wallet. I was successful and was able to find a pair of boots and a backpack for school. All in all, great prices in comparison to the U.S. I returned home and spent time with my host family and their extended family. I love meeting members of their family! It is another great opportunity to practice my Spanish and learn new phrases and sayings. Their friend was visiting from San Juan and we talked for a while about different accents (the girls being very patient with me!) Afterward I got ready to go meet friends in the plaza for some wine and then we went to Flux to celebrate its birthday! There we were able to accomplish our most desired goal: meeting locals! Everyone was so nice and we spent the night talking, learning about each other's lives, and sharing our favorite parts about the city. Afterward we went to another club called Dubai - very fun and a great night out!
And last, but not least....FRIDAY! Friday evening we had went to see MOMPOX (one of the girls in our group host mom was back up dancing for them). The concert was great and I really, really liked the venue. It was a very different vibe than what we have seen down here. Honestly, I am having such a hard time remembering anything else about Friday other than my first Pilates class and the concert!
Tomorrow I have my first UCA class...fingers crossed!
Sunday was a beautiful day here! The stormy weather cleared up and we had a graffiti bike tour planned! Beginning at 2:30 we met at the gates of the Botanical Gardens to meet our tour guide. The company was founded by Britain's and although tours were offered in English we opted for Castellano :) One of our guides was actually from Colorado and ended up being a great resource. We asked all things relating to Buenos Aires (traveling, safety, night life, master programs - you name it...it was covered!) The tour was great and there is unique style of graffiti here. Being from the Philly area I am accustomed to the murals and artistic style found in PA, but naturally in Buenos Aires there is a different estilo. I found it to be very abstract and interesting. Our tour guide fascinated us with her knowledge of the city's graffiti. After about three and a half hours we finished the tour and found a cafe to chat and have a snack before dinner. Afterward I headed to mass. There is a church very close to my house which for some reason I was unable to find up until Sunday. I wasn't sure what to expect. I LOVED going to mass in Spain and hoped for a similar experience. The church was very long and narrow, quaint, and full of people. Mass began and to my surprise it was very melancholy. Unfortunately, there were no books to be found so I had some trouble understanding (the combination of poor microphones and lack of ability to recite the prayers with the congregation made it difficult), but nonetheless I really enjoyed mass. It was just what I needed. It was a very grounding moment. After communion I found myself very overwhelmed. For the first time I thought to myself, "I live here." And it was an amazing feeling.
From what I hear Saturday morning was beautiful, but I was soundly asleep until mid-afternoon (around 2:30) Once I got ready for the day I set out for some "Me Time." This included finding an ATM, a school supply store, and a few other odds and ends needed before the start of school. Navigating the streets with no problem, I can't help but think of where I was two and half weeks ago. A timid, scared American girl glued to her maps. Freely walking throughout Palermo Soho is one of my favorite things to do. The barrio is so beautiful and inviting that I just love to see who (Argentine's and other foreigners included) is there for the weekend to shop and eat! After my own errands were done I wanted to check out la calle Murillo. This street is known for LEATHER, leather, and....oh wait MORE LEATHER! There are dozens of stores all carrying leather in its various forms. From jackets, to boots, to bags it is easy to watch the money fly out of your wallet. I was successful and was able to find a pair of boots and a backpack for school. All in all, great prices in comparison to the U.S. I returned home and spent time with my host family and their extended family. I love meeting members of their family! It is another great opportunity to practice my Spanish and learn new phrases and sayings. Their friend was visiting from San Juan and we talked for a while about different accents (the girls being very patient with me!) Afterward I got ready to go meet friends in the plaza for some wine and then we went to Flux to celebrate its birthday! There we were able to accomplish our most desired goal: meeting locals! Everyone was so nice and we spent the night talking, learning about each other's lives, and sharing our favorite parts about the city. Afterward we went to another club called Dubai - very fun and a great night out!
And last, but not least....FRIDAY! Friday evening we had went to see MOMPOX (one of the girls in our group host mom was back up dancing for them). The concert was great and I really, really liked the venue. It was a very different vibe than what we have seen down here. Honestly, I am having such a hard time remembering anything else about Friday other than my first Pilates class and the concert!
Tomorrow I have my first UCA class...fingers crossed!
Thursday, August 2, 2012
Last Week of Freedom
So this past week was our last week free from classes and the responsibilities of being a college student.
Today was a the first day of horrible weather. Rain, thunder, more rain.....and oh wait buckets more of rain!! Why I even decided to go out into the city today is beyond me because I was a wet dog from head to toe. After signing up for the gym, my friend and I went into FLACSO to check our courses and watched a little bit of the Olympics. Afterward we met up with some other people and went to lunch at La Opera, one of the older cafes, and stayed there quite some time to dry off as much as possible. After we signed up for our Rojas courses (mine being a Tango class! When in Argentina.....) And then went to our first class at the gym! The spinning teacher was so nice and everyone there was so welcoming and engaging. I find that when people meet you for the first time here, they sincerely want to know YOU. They make unwavering eye contact which I am still adjusting too haha and ask questions about your life. It is a warmth that I seem to only feel in Latin America. After class I enjoyed dinner with my host family and tonight the plans are still pending!
Yesterday, Wednesday, my friend and I went searching for a restaurant for lunch and stumbled upon a quaint little spot on Charcas. It was on the same street as the other middle eastern restaurant I had gone to, but this was a little more formal. When we sat down my friend noticed that the pictures on the menu were from Lebanon, where she is from. She mentioned it to the waiter and he told us that the owner is actually Lebanese. They then broke into Arabic and it was probably one of the coolest things I have seen. They asked where I was from and spoke a little English with me! Afterward we went to sign up for classes and went to Malba - the museum of Latin American art. The building itself is beautiful and we enjoyed strolling through each floor. My particular favorite exposition was on the top floor. It was done by a Peruvian artist named Fernando Bryce. He created replicas of newspaper headlines and articles from all over the world during different significant times in history. Anything from an old Inca Cola advertisement, to the Kennedy's, to German propoganda. Afterwards we went to a cafe and relaxed over tea, coffee, empanadas, and laughter! Later on that night we went to Cossab Cerveza Artesanal, a well-knownish brewery here.
Tuesday I had the morning to myself which was SO NICE. I woke up on my own, got ready, and did some needed errands. Picked up my laundry, planned my classes, and recovered as much as possible so I could beat the cold which has been lingering for too long. In the afternoon we all meet at UCA, the catholic private university here, and were given a tour and able to speak with some professors. I personally really enjoyed the visit and plan on taking at least one class there. Afterward we went to lunch across the street at Gatto where we had quite the eccentric waiter. He was overly attentive and enjoyed speaking to us in quite possible the worst English I have heard down here so far. It is interesting that sometimes when you meet locals and they see that you speak English they immediately try to communicate with you in English. Most times we have to remind them that we can understand and speak Spanish and they gladly do so, but I think its interesting. Later on that night we went to one of the coolest bars in Buenos Aires. It is called Acabar. The inside is ridiculously wonderful. Your eyes dart everywhere - filled with color, texture, and a friendly ambiance it welcomes you right in. There they have board games, card games, etc waiting to be played. You just go up and pick what you want and bring it back to your table. We picked pictionary, jenga, and Argentina's version of Connect Four (Linea 4). After that off the bed!
Today was a the first day of horrible weather. Rain, thunder, more rain.....and oh wait buckets more of rain!! Why I even decided to go out into the city today is beyond me because I was a wet dog from head to toe. After signing up for the gym, my friend and I went into FLACSO to check our courses and watched a little bit of the Olympics. Afterward we met up with some other people and went to lunch at La Opera, one of the older cafes, and stayed there quite some time to dry off as much as possible. After we signed up for our Rojas courses (mine being a Tango class! When in Argentina.....) And then went to our first class at the gym! The spinning teacher was so nice and everyone there was so welcoming and engaging. I find that when people meet you for the first time here, they sincerely want to know YOU. They make unwavering eye contact which I am still adjusting too haha and ask questions about your life. It is a warmth that I seem to only feel in Latin America. After class I enjoyed dinner with my host family and tonight the plans are still pending!
Yesterday, Wednesday, my friend and I went searching for a restaurant for lunch and stumbled upon a quaint little spot on Charcas. It was on the same street as the other middle eastern restaurant I had gone to, but this was a little more formal. When we sat down my friend noticed that the pictures on the menu were from Lebanon, where she is from. She mentioned it to the waiter and he told us that the owner is actually Lebanese. They then broke into Arabic and it was probably one of the coolest things I have seen. They asked where I was from and spoke a little English with me! Afterward we went to sign up for classes and went to Malba - the museum of Latin American art. The building itself is beautiful and we enjoyed strolling through each floor. My particular favorite exposition was on the top floor. It was done by a Peruvian artist named Fernando Bryce. He created replicas of newspaper headlines and articles from all over the world during different significant times in history. Anything from an old Inca Cola advertisement, to the Kennedy's, to German propoganda. Afterwards we went to a cafe and relaxed over tea, coffee, empanadas, and laughter! Later on that night we went to Cossab Cerveza Artesanal, a well-knownish brewery here.
Tuesday I had the morning to myself which was SO NICE. I woke up on my own, got ready, and did some needed errands. Picked up my laundry, planned my classes, and recovered as much as possible so I could beat the cold which has been lingering for too long. In the afternoon we all meet at UCA, the catholic private university here, and were given a tour and able to speak with some professors. I personally really enjoyed the visit and plan on taking at least one class there. Afterward we went to lunch across the street at Gatto where we had quite the eccentric waiter. He was overly attentive and enjoyed speaking to us in quite possible the worst English I have heard down here so far. It is interesting that sometimes when you meet locals and they see that you speak English they immediately try to communicate with you in English. Most times we have to remind them that we can understand and speak Spanish and they gladly do so, but I think its interesting. Later on that night we went to one of the coolest bars in Buenos Aires. It is called Acabar. The inside is ridiculously wonderful. Your eyes dart everywhere - filled with color, texture, and a friendly ambiance it welcomes you right in. There they have board games, card games, etc waiting to be played. You just go up and pick what you want and bring it back to your table. We picked pictionary, jenga, and Argentina's version of Connect Four (Linea 4). After that off the bed!
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