The Best of Both Worlds

This past week my family from the U.S. came to visit me, and although it was full of some unexpected hiccups, it was amazing to show them the city I have come to know and love. As I have said in past posts, I have made a home here. At first I found myself in disbelief that my real family was finally seeing what I have been living. Likewise, now that they have returned home, they can have a visual of the city, my home, and a sense of my day-to-day.

One of my favorite moments of the week was having my real family meet my host family. It amazed me how much joy it brought me and also made me realize just how close I have become with my host family. I truly consider them to be an extension of the family I have. It was the best of both worlds. There was so much love in the room.... I was grinning ear to ear!

It was interesting to me that the first thing my host mom asked was if my family saw a difference in me. I did not really see that much of a difference in myself until they came. I have been taking for granted how well I know the city now and my ability to navigate without my guidebook or maps. Also, just the rhythm of life and living within this culture happened quite naturally for me. Of course I knew it would be different for my family, but I don't think I realized just how much I have come to embrace and live in the lifestyle here. I felt so blessed to be able to share what I have learned with my family and have a greater appreciation for just how much I have changed, in little and big ways.

My Argentina

The way in which I have become familiar with Argentina is very unique to who I am and it is equivalent to no other study abroad student's experience. This is something I love and treasure. We are all living in the same city, doing pretty much the "same" things, but when I really think about it we each are learning and internalizing the city through the scope of our own reality.

There have been many things my friends have called to my attention, that I was completely unaware of and likewise the reverse. One thing in particular I had heard before traveling here was argentine women were strong and independent, but my mind never ventured to what exactly that might mean. It was not until earlier last week on my walk to the Subte when I suddenly realized something about the women in not only my life, but in the lives of my friends as well. As I have mentioned we are staying with host family's and out of the five girls I am friends with, all of us live with single women, most with children. I am certain that this is not some rare coincidence. I have talked with others who live with one woman or a woman with her children. There are of course a good amount too with families, Dad included, but this phenomenon really struck me.

Also, on the flip side I have noticed the way men interact not only with one another, but with women, and with children here. It is so refreshing to see men openly giving love. I feel so many times at home there is not the openness to love freely on a day to day basis, especially between men. I understand that culturally Argentine's are more affectionate and outwardly apparent, but for me it is something a little deeper than that. I think it is something very interesting to observe as a foreigner. At first I thought to myself no that's not true, but throughout my time here I keep finding myself saying, "Wow, look at the way that man is with his child, or look at the care and attention he is paying to that women." To me, if you take notice, something is different than the norm you are used to.

I simply wanted to share this, and try to stray away from giving my opinion because it is just observation. Something that shook up my reality. I also didn't want to forget these sentiments that I once felt. In a way this blog is going to be my time capsule of events, memories, and reflections. 

Un besooooooooo

So, its been a while....

Yes it has been a month. Or maybe more. I realize my enthusiasm at the start was very ambitious and now am going to try and take a different approach to this blog. With the remaining two months that I have I am going to blog about one thing perhaps every few days that shocks me, inspires me, astounds me, calls me to reflect, or something I just find funny in the city. I think this is more realistic than reviewing my days. Most times I can't even remember what day it is, let alone the sequence of events.

That being said I have traveled much since my last blog (Mendoza y Jujuy) and I find this country so varied. The Andes literally took my breathe away and to have the opportunity to see them in various parts of Argentina has been a gift.

Also, my spanish has reached a new level and I finally feel like my hard work is paying off. Light bulbs have been going off for the past week or two and it has to be one of the most exciting things that has happened to me here. To maneuver in the language and attain a level of auto-correction is a small accomplishment, but a rewarding one.

My host sister and I have also been able to get to know each other better and I love just sitting at the table doing homework with her. I feel I can really call her a sister.

Hopefully this new agreement with myself will hold true and I will write more frequently.