As per usual time has slipped out of my finger tips and I have been remiss in my blogging duties. So much has happened in these past few weeks I feel like it has been a lifetime since I let my fingers loose on my keyboard. From Tigre, to Colonia, Uruguay, to the many new friends I have made these past two weeks have be packed with tremendous experiences. Along with them came some high high's and some low points. The emotional roller-coaster of study abroad can be difficult, but with it comes a profound independence.
I was speaking with my host family at dinner last night and we were talking about how much I have grown in these two months. My host mother said that my family not even recognize me. And to be honest, in some ways that is very true. The experiences I have had here, the things I have done, the people I have met, and the personal obstacles I have overcome can never be put into words. My time here in BsAs thus far has been anything from a stereotypical American study abroad experience and I have worked hard to stay out of my comfort zone. That being said, as I continually challenge myself, I am changing at a rapid speed. My spanish has finally seen some substantial improvement and little by little my confidence is increased as well.
This past Sunday my friends and I went Konex, an old factory that is now similar to a convention center. There are various experiences, shows, etc that are put on there - some free some not. We took part in Un Dialogo en la Oscuridad. In this simulation we embarked on an hour long journey completely in the dark. The idea is to experience what life is like for a blind person living in Buenos Aires. We went to the park, crossed a busy street, went to a Kiosko and the market, and even took a boat ride. As we went through it was the most terrifying, wonderful experience. It is possible to have your eyes WIDE OPEN but pitch blackness surrounds you. You are given a long stick to feel around an help you, but that did not prevent me from running into walls, trees, and even a car. The last stop on the tour is a cafe. There we sat with our guide Lily and talked with her about her experiences as a blind woman working and living in BsAs. It was so incredible. There we were sitting in the dark, sharing in her life quite literally. At then end we were able to see her as we approached the light and it was a weird sensation. During the tour our other senses had become so hieghtened. I began to recognize the sent of my friends and sense when things were in front of me. I couldn't help but feel so blessed to have the gift of sight. We were blind for one hour. We pushed pause on our "real" lives for a short time. Lily has a different normal. A normal that she has learned to accept and overcome. Each one of us left with a new appreciation and admiration for Lily and all those without sight.
We are always creating new "normals" for ourselves. Why? Because normal is comfortable. Being ok with not being ok is something that I have always hoped to be ok with. Follow me? I believe my time so far in BsAs has shown me that nothing is normal for too long. We are constantly creating new norms for ourselves. For example, my morning routine here, what I do everyday, where I decide to eat, all these things are done with a normalcy in mind. Life is truly lived when I stray away from the "normal cafe" or the "normal walk home from the Subte." When I consciously, and even many times unconsciously, decide to create change I have had the most profound, unique experiences.
In fact, having made Argentine friends helps keep this exciting. I am amazed at the warmth of the people here. Some people argue that Argentines are cold and proud, but I would have to disagree. Even the other people from other parts of South America have commented on how different BsAs is from other cities in Latin America. And yes, of course it is different, but I have felt so much warmth from so many. The Argentine's I have met have patiently, kindly, and loving become not only my friend, but almost like family. I know that if I were to call one of them at anytime they would be willing to come to my side. This almost instantaneous closeness is something I have never experienced before. The are also so willing to listen to my awful Spanish as I attempt to carry on a conversation (probably sounding like a 7 year old!).
More to come soon!
Besos :)
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