Hola!
Today was my first day using the subway alone! Who knew that public transportation could be so stressful? I woke up at 8 a.m. for my 10 o'clock class. It took me over an hour to walk to the subway, ride to my stop, and walk from there to the school. There were tons of people squished in the cars...like literally with their faces pressed up against the glass...commuting will definitely be an experience.
Class actually went by very quickly today. We bought our workbooks and after introducing ourselves the teacher delved right in. I am still unsure if I should move up a level or not because today's material was very simple for me. I kind of feel like my Spanish is much better than other people in my class, but when I look through the workbook there are things that I don't know that I need to learn. Today, I worked with a girl in the workbook, and she really didn't know much of anything...when I did the exercises it took me 20 minutes and I kind of flew through it. Hopefully, everything we are currently working on is just review. I am supposed to wait until Thursday to decide if I for sure think that I can go up a level. We will see how it progresses. I want to get the most out of the experience and take the best level class, but I know that I can't just skip through the basics.
During our first break, a few of us girls went and grabbed a cup of coffee at a little cafe. For lunch I walked to a parilla and ordered an empanada. This time I had beef...it tasted kind of like taco meet, but it also had boiled egg in it. MMMM...SO DELICIOUS. In the afternoon my stomach started grumbling again so I grabbed another empanada...this time shrimp and it also had artichokes in it. Also, very very good. Empanadas are perfect for a light lunch or snack in the afternoon...they are about the size of a fist and they are filled with all kinds of things...I am still learning all the fillings that different people use!
After class I walked back to the subte. IT WAS SERIOUSLY NUTS HOW BUSY IT WAS. We had to wait for three separate trains because there was absolutely no room for even one person to squish in. When the doors opened people literally fell out of them. It's absolute craziness.
I also went to the Correo Argentino, which they say is a "post office", but it is also like a secretary of state office. One can send mail, but this is also where you fill out forms and wait in line for hours...When I got there I recieved number 502...and it was on 480. I figured that I would be there for about 20 minutes, however, once it got to like 496 it went back down to 460!!! What a joke!!! Also, some people who arrived after me got called before me and my number got called before some people who had been there before me. I would say that it is even worse than waiting at the Secretary of State, honestly. But eventually I was able to speak with an attendant and receive my Sube pass. This will allow me access on the subway and the buses...its like a credit card and I can recharge it when I get low. It's very convenient for people who use the subway often.
The nice thing about it is that I can use it for the bus and the subway. The bus only accepts exact change. The subway only accepts pre-paid tarjetas. When purchasing these tickets you can only buy up to 10 trips at a time...which would be like 5 days worth of trips. With my sube pass, I can put up to 100 pesos on it and it will tell me how much I have left everytime I swipe it. Saves time and energy.
I also decided to purchase a new phone today. I am still unsure what the deal with Jorge's phone is...he claims that he fixed it today, but who knows...also, most everyone in my program bought Claro phones. This means that calling other Claro users is at a discount rate and there is free texting to other Claro users. So, I have Jorge's phone because he was so insistent that I take it and the Claro phone which I know will work. Kind of messed up, but I didn't really have the heart to tell Jorge that I didn't need his phone anymore. My number is (54 first if calling from outside of Argentina) 1168220849. Don't call me unless it's an absolute emergency because it is very expensive and it will use up all my prepaid money. As stated earlier, I am down for skyping...which I am available most days between 7 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. for skyping for all those who are interested.
I walked home...didn't find any new embassies...I will have to continue to search tomorrow. Hopefully, a few of us girls from class will go exploring in the afternoon...we kind of planned for it earlier today. Either way, I have A TON of sights to see...and I will have to start visiting them all very soon before I run out of time. :)
It is almost dinner time...I think we are having chicken. After that I will probably get ready for bed and relax for a few minutes before I collapse from exhaustion. It's an exciting city, but it certainly wears me out! I need to build up my endurance...haha. :)
Also, something I forgot to say in earlier posts is that my Jorge and Mercedes have 8 grandchildren...two of them are twins and their names are Lucas y Raquel...the Spanish equivalents of Luke and Rachel. I think that's a sign!!!!
Have a good night, everyone!
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Monday, May 30, 2011
Imagine that you are a little spanish baby.
Today has been such an exhausting day!!! I am ready to hit the sack and it is only 9:30 here.
This morning was the dreaded placement exam. I walked to University of Belgrano (which is about three or four blocks from my house) and they herded all of us American students into the room where we could sit in fear. Unfortunately, the exam was not at all what I expected it to be. The format kind of confused me and I didn't really understand what we were supposed to be doing, but I guess that is why it is merely a placement test. I got put into Intermediate I for the first month and then will go into Intermediate II for next month...I thought I might place a little higher than that, however, I know that I haven't really used my Spanish since January AND that test threw me through a loop. We will see how classes go...either way just being here and taking classes and everything I've been doing will teach me so much more about the language than I ever thought I would know.
After we received our results a few of us went out to lunch and went shopping. I am still on the hunt for the riding boot things everyone is wearing...I've seen a few but they were about 100 American dollars...and we know how I am a bargain hunter. I'm sure I will find some in a few days if I keep looking hard enough. Lunch was at some little tex mex place...it was just okay. As an American, I find myself getting frustrated with the slow pace at restaurants...we were there for two hours!!! Also, the waitress doesn't come to the table...you have to summon her in order to place orders or receive the bill. I look forward to trying other places for lunch in the future. None of us really bought anything while out shopping, although I can't wait to find all the bargain outlets and trendy things that Buenos Aires has to offer.
I am starting to understand my part of the city very well. I am the only one in my program who lives on this side of the Belgrano, but I am a quick learner of directions. Sometimes, I get frustrated with kids in groups because they think they know where they are going, but they really don't...however, don't tell them that because they know everything. I've found it's best to just follow aimlessly and let them figure it out on their own. At least I know that I can handle finding my way.
Today's great adventure was the subte. We learned that most of our classes were not going to be at the University Belgrano tower, but at the business center which is all the way across the city. Needless to say, I am not happy that my five minute trek to class turned into a 35 minute journey through practically all of Buenos Aires. However, this means that I get to become an avid subway user. Today, we all took a field trip to the subway station where we boarded the machine and road to where the other campus is. Then, we got off walked to the campus and rode the subway back. During rush hour. It was hot and sweaty and filthy...people were literally crammed like sardines...and of course, there were pick pockets. This one kid tried to pick pocket at least 4 of us!!! Fortunately, I was too smart for them today...and I will have to be very watchful while on the subway.
I had a nice stroll back to my apartment...I walked down some sidestreets and saw the Pakistani embassy, the embassy of Turkey, the Australian embassy, the embassy of Thailand, and the embassy of Brazil. I love to creep on them!!!! They are all very extravagant buildings with very high walls. Also, many of them have security guards out front along with a pile of trash that gets collected at night...I like to make it an adventure to find a new embassy every day. There are a lot in the Belgrano district. I also stopped at Farmacity and bought a straightener as mine will melt if I use it with their electric outlets.
My house father, Jorge gave me a phone that they used to use, but I need to recharge it with minutes. I bought the card, but for some reason it is not working. Jorge is so precious that he walked down to the kiosko to ask the lady why the card wasn't working...at this time it still remains unclear. Tomorrow I will go to the Movistar store and see what they can do for me...but at least for now I have an alarm clock!!! I will say that it is hard to totally sleep at night knowing that you have to be your own alarm clock...I wake up every 2 hours freaking out that I overslept! Haha! I am also still getting used to sleeping with all the noise of the city...I chose a room with a window to the street because I wanted to be able to look out, but I didn't realize that the traffic would be so loud! I think I will get used to it and even miss it after two months, though.
Mercedes made some sort of tuna pot pie-esque dish for dinner. It was actually quite delicious. She is a very good cook. We had a special treat for dessert called batatas, which is like sweet potato gelatin. Sounds freaky, but after a few bites I found it irresistible. Jorge's favorite flavor is pumpkin, which has a different name. I am getting better at talking with my family...we are starting to get past the awkward I-don't-know-you stage into the laughing and chit chatting more stage. I really enjoyed our time together at dinner tonight.
Tomorrow is Day number one of class!!! We will be in class for 5 hours every day of the week...from 10 am to 3 pm. It will be quite a lot of studying! Our director today said, "Imagine that you are a little spanish baby. When babies make mistakes, like you spanish students will, everyone thinks it is cute and we laugh at you and teach you what is right. And then you grow up to become an adult." Can't wait to move from Spanish baby to Spanish grown up!!!
Headed to the shower and then to bed...have a great Tuesday and day back to work everyone! :)
This morning was the dreaded placement exam. I walked to University of Belgrano (which is about three or four blocks from my house) and they herded all of us American students into the room where we could sit in fear. Unfortunately, the exam was not at all what I expected it to be. The format kind of confused me and I didn't really understand what we were supposed to be doing, but I guess that is why it is merely a placement test. I got put into Intermediate I for the first month and then will go into Intermediate II for next month...I thought I might place a little higher than that, however, I know that I haven't really used my Spanish since January AND that test threw me through a loop. We will see how classes go...either way just being here and taking classes and everything I've been doing will teach me so much more about the language than I ever thought I would know.
After we received our results a few of us went out to lunch and went shopping. I am still on the hunt for the riding boot things everyone is wearing...I've seen a few but they were about 100 American dollars...and we know how I am a bargain hunter. I'm sure I will find some in a few days if I keep looking hard enough. Lunch was at some little tex mex place...it was just okay. As an American, I find myself getting frustrated with the slow pace at restaurants...we were there for two hours!!! Also, the waitress doesn't come to the table...you have to summon her in order to place orders or receive the bill. I look forward to trying other places for lunch in the future. None of us really bought anything while out shopping, although I can't wait to find all the bargain outlets and trendy things that Buenos Aires has to offer.
I am starting to understand my part of the city very well. I am the only one in my program who lives on this side of the Belgrano, but I am a quick learner of directions. Sometimes, I get frustrated with kids in groups because they think they know where they are going, but they really don't...however, don't tell them that because they know everything. I've found it's best to just follow aimlessly and let them figure it out on their own. At least I know that I can handle finding my way.
Today's great adventure was the subte. We learned that most of our classes were not going to be at the University Belgrano tower, but at the business center which is all the way across the city. Needless to say, I am not happy that my five minute trek to class turned into a 35 minute journey through practically all of Buenos Aires. However, this means that I get to become an avid subway user. Today, we all took a field trip to the subway station where we boarded the machine and road to where the other campus is. Then, we got off walked to the campus and rode the subway back. During rush hour. It was hot and sweaty and filthy...people were literally crammed like sardines...and of course, there were pick pockets. This one kid tried to pick pocket at least 4 of us!!! Fortunately, I was too smart for them today...and I will have to be very watchful while on the subway.
I had a nice stroll back to my apartment...I walked down some sidestreets and saw the Pakistani embassy, the embassy of Turkey, the Australian embassy, the embassy of Thailand, and the embassy of Brazil. I love to creep on them!!!! They are all very extravagant buildings with very high walls. Also, many of them have security guards out front along with a pile of trash that gets collected at night...I like to make it an adventure to find a new embassy every day. There are a lot in the Belgrano district. I also stopped at Farmacity and bought a straightener as mine will melt if I use it with their electric outlets.
My house father, Jorge gave me a phone that they used to use, but I need to recharge it with minutes. I bought the card, but for some reason it is not working. Jorge is so precious that he walked down to the kiosko to ask the lady why the card wasn't working...at this time it still remains unclear. Tomorrow I will go to the Movistar store and see what they can do for me...but at least for now I have an alarm clock!!! I will say that it is hard to totally sleep at night knowing that you have to be your own alarm clock...I wake up every 2 hours freaking out that I overslept! Haha! I am also still getting used to sleeping with all the noise of the city...I chose a room with a window to the street because I wanted to be able to look out, but I didn't realize that the traffic would be so loud! I think I will get used to it and even miss it after two months, though.
Mercedes made some sort of tuna pot pie-esque dish for dinner. It was actually quite delicious. She is a very good cook. We had a special treat for dessert called batatas, which is like sweet potato gelatin. Sounds freaky, but after a few bites I found it irresistible. Jorge's favorite flavor is pumpkin, which has a different name. I am getting better at talking with my family...we are starting to get past the awkward I-don't-know-you stage into the laughing and chit chatting more stage. I really enjoyed our time together at dinner tonight.
Tomorrow is Day number one of class!!! We will be in class for 5 hours every day of the week...from 10 am to 3 pm. It will be quite a lot of studying! Our director today said, "Imagine that you are a little spanish baby. When babies make mistakes, like you spanish students will, everyone thinks it is cute and we laugh at you and teach you what is right. And then you grow up to become an adult." Can't wait to move from Spanish baby to Spanish grown up!!!
Headed to the shower and then to bed...have a great Tuesday and day back to work everyone! :)
Sunday, May 29, 2011
City Tour
Buenos noches!
Today was Day 2 in Buenos Aires, Argentina. What an exciting day!!! Unfortunately, we had to wake up and go to orientation all morning and I did not get to sleep in...I guess I can sleep when I am dead, right? I was a little late leaving for my orientation because I do not have an alarm clock and I didn't know when to wake up. My house mother and father were still sleeping by the time I had to leave. However, sweet little Mercedes woke up in order to make me coffee and put out some cereal. She chatted a little bit with me while I ate and we talked about some articles in the newspaper. Then, I embarked on my first walk alone in this big city. Thankfully, Sundays are very quiet here in Buenos Aires, especially in the University of Belgrano district...I think Argentinians value their beauty rest!!! While I was very sure of where I was going, I ended up walking about 4 blocks too far and I passed my destination once before realizing that it was where I needed to be. But that is okay...it was a learning experience!
One thing I've noticed is that the people here dress like it's freezing out here! My family has the heat on...its like 60 degrees out there! People wear parkas and boots and scarves...its crazy! But they think I am crazy for not wearing a coat and my house mother constantly asks if I'm cold. Also, Argentinians LOVE TO LOOK GOOD. Fashion is very important here, and I love to see what they wear...I can't wait to scope out their shops and start dressing like them.
When I got there the Buenos Aires director, Guillermo, had already started in on his orientation. But the other ISA staff made me greet them the Argentinian way...with a kiss on the cheek. I'm pretty sure handshakes are not acceptable down here, and Guillermo confirmed this when he told us that we needed to start acting like Argentinians so we won't be conspicuous. He went into a lot of detail about the rules, our host families, and a lot of other stuff that I kind of forgot already. He also went into a lot of detail about why American girls need to beware the Argentinian men and warned us of their charms...can't wait to see how this goes!!! Haha! It was quite long, and I was getting a little bit bored, especially since we had more exciting things on the agenda.
For lunch we had the most heavenly little things...empanadas. I know what empanadas are in the States...their those sweet, carmely things that you can buy at Taco Bell for 99 cents...but let me tell you that those phonies don't hold a candle to the empanadas here in Buenos Aires. In this city, empanadas are pastries filled with beef, chicken, ham and cheese, and there is even an Italian style one with tomato, mozzerella and pesto sauce. Words cannot describe how wonderful empanadas taste. Apparently, Buenos Aires is muy famosa for its empanadas, and I can see why. I cannot wait to have another one.
Then, we ventured onto the tour bus for the grand adventure of the day...THE CITY TOUR!!! This was basically a one day tour of the city...and it just proved to me how vibrant and busy Buenos Aires is with much to offer. I have a lot of sight seeing to do as today just made my appetite for the sights even bigger!
First, we went to Recoleta neighborhood. This has a beautiful park, sculptures, plants, and architecture. It looks like a great way to spend an afternoon in Buenos Aires. Also located in the Recoleta neighborhood is the famous Cemetery of Recoleta. This cemetary hosts some of the oldest and most beautiful mausoleums. It has been around since 1800 and a person could spend a whole day browsing the tombs and finding famous historical figures who chose the cemetery for their final resting place. Unfortunately, we only had 5 minutes. I look forward to heading back there to find the tomb of Eva Peron among other famous Argentinians. Also, if a person visits this part of town on Sundays then they can also browse one of the largest ferias (kind of like an art fair) in Buenos Aires.
We also drove down 9 de Julio Avenue and saw the famous obelisk from the bus. 9 de Julio Avenue has twelve lanes of traffic which cannot be crossed with one walk light!!! It takes 4!!! This particular place has lots of shopping and famous historical and architectural buildings.
We stopped along another craft market and perused the streets. Craft markets are very popular on Sundays...which is wonderful for me because I happen to love these sorts of things. I will definitely be stopping back there to buy souveniers and gifts.
After this we ventured to the Avenida de Mayo. I will be going back there in order to have a chocolate espeso like Dr. Eipper told me to. Also, this is home to many tango bars and museums.
Next was the Plaza de Mayo, which is home to my favorite landmark of all time. None other than the pink house, which is where the president hosts meetings and things like that. This is also home to many political demonstrations, which is evident when one walks around. This is an interesting time to be in Argentina because the presidential election is in July. Plaza de Mayo is home to many demonstrations and political activists who paint huge banners and gather in the plaza. There was also a man building a small, log house on top of a pole, which I'm sure will have some significance. It will be interesting to see how the intensity of these political displays will grow within the next few months. It will also be interesting to get to know the candidates and to see how different Argentinians feel about politics and the future of their country. I've already discovered with my host family that Argentinians love to talk about politics...it is a popular subject for the dinner table. My host father, Jorge, and Mercedes both like Barack Obama and like to discuss American politics. I can't wait to see how everything pans out.
We also visited caminito and La Boca neighborhood. This is a very colorful area with lots of tango, literature, music, art, and football (yes, I mean soccer). Here is where I had my first run-in with a true Argentinian flirt who tried to lure us young ladies into his restaurant. He was so funny, "Ay, such pretty ladies, come to eat in this restaraunt we have the most delicious Argentinian food!," when we didn't respond he tried to use his charms..."okay, maybe one kiss??? just a kiss from a beautiful girl??? come on girls...my house is your house, my car is your car...but my money is my money!!!" We all laughed, naturally. The things they come up with!!!
Last stop was the puente madera which is the woman's bridge. It is supposed to look like a woman dancing the tango. There are a lot of fancy restaurants and shops around here.
I saw and learned a lot about Buenos Aires today. I knew that it had an amazing night life, but our orientation confirmed that Americans don't party the way Argentinians do...I hope I can keep up with these people! They love the tango and they love mate (a sort of tea beverage that they drink from a special mug with a special straw). They also love dulce de leche, which is SO MUCH BETTER THAN CARMEL. Captain Jack Sparrow is common around here, especially with the hundreds of billboards for Pirates of the Caribbean and all the impersonators that hang out at the craft markets. It's a huge city with much to see...and I will be very busy these next two months exploring the bars, restaurants, clubs, and markets.
After the bus tour we all stopped in to Havana for a cup of coffee before heading home. Everyone seems very excited for our stay in Buenos Aires and we are all hoping to stick together and go out exploring until we get our bearings...I would also like to meet some natives who can help me get around and show me a true Buenos Aires good time. :)
Mercedes made some sort of variation of pot roast for dinner. It was very good. We had the usual fruit with dulce de leche for dessert. She showed me around the kitchen so that I can prepare my breakfast in the morning as my family has to work all day. And then they went to bed, which I will be doing soon...tomorrow is my placement exam!!!
Also, tomorrow I will be purchasing a cell phone for the duration of my stay. While it might be quite expensive to call home, it will be nice to have a way to reach my family if I am out and to call my new friends so that we can meet up when we want to go out. I think that Skype will be one of the most efficient, cost friendly ways to communicate with people back in the U.S. I also need to buy a hair straightener. Things I wish I would have brought...my red pea coat, my black suede boots, and some more winter clothes...it was a little bit chilly here today even for a Michigander!
Well, I guess I'm off to bed now...good night world! I will be sure to update everyone tomorrow evening! :)
Today was Day 2 in Buenos Aires, Argentina. What an exciting day!!! Unfortunately, we had to wake up and go to orientation all morning and I did not get to sleep in...I guess I can sleep when I am dead, right? I was a little late leaving for my orientation because I do not have an alarm clock and I didn't know when to wake up. My house mother and father were still sleeping by the time I had to leave. However, sweet little Mercedes woke up in order to make me coffee and put out some cereal. She chatted a little bit with me while I ate and we talked about some articles in the newspaper. Then, I embarked on my first walk alone in this big city. Thankfully, Sundays are very quiet here in Buenos Aires, especially in the University of Belgrano district...I think Argentinians value their beauty rest!!! While I was very sure of where I was going, I ended up walking about 4 blocks too far and I passed my destination once before realizing that it was where I needed to be. But that is okay...it was a learning experience!
One thing I've noticed is that the people here dress like it's freezing out here! My family has the heat on...its like 60 degrees out there! People wear parkas and boots and scarves...its crazy! But they think I am crazy for not wearing a coat and my house mother constantly asks if I'm cold. Also, Argentinians LOVE TO LOOK GOOD. Fashion is very important here, and I love to see what they wear...I can't wait to scope out their shops and start dressing like them.
When I got there the Buenos Aires director, Guillermo, had already started in on his orientation. But the other ISA staff made me greet them the Argentinian way...with a kiss on the cheek. I'm pretty sure handshakes are not acceptable down here, and Guillermo confirmed this when he told us that we needed to start acting like Argentinians so we won't be conspicuous. He went into a lot of detail about the rules, our host families, and a lot of other stuff that I kind of forgot already. He also went into a lot of detail about why American girls need to beware the Argentinian men and warned us of their charms...can't wait to see how this goes!!! Haha! It was quite long, and I was getting a little bit bored, especially since we had more exciting things on the agenda.
For lunch we had the most heavenly little things...empanadas. I know what empanadas are in the States...their those sweet, carmely things that you can buy at Taco Bell for 99 cents...but let me tell you that those phonies don't hold a candle to the empanadas here in Buenos Aires. In this city, empanadas are pastries filled with beef, chicken, ham and cheese, and there is even an Italian style one with tomato, mozzerella and pesto sauce. Words cannot describe how wonderful empanadas taste. Apparently, Buenos Aires is muy famosa for its empanadas, and I can see why. I cannot wait to have another one.
Then, we ventured onto the tour bus for the grand adventure of the day...THE CITY TOUR!!! This was basically a one day tour of the city...and it just proved to me how vibrant and busy Buenos Aires is with much to offer. I have a lot of sight seeing to do as today just made my appetite for the sights even bigger!
First, we went to Recoleta neighborhood. This has a beautiful park, sculptures, plants, and architecture. It looks like a great way to spend an afternoon in Buenos Aires. Also located in the Recoleta neighborhood is the famous Cemetery of Recoleta. This cemetary hosts some of the oldest and most beautiful mausoleums. It has been around since 1800 and a person could spend a whole day browsing the tombs and finding famous historical figures who chose the cemetery for their final resting place. Unfortunately, we only had 5 minutes. I look forward to heading back there to find the tomb of Eva Peron among other famous Argentinians. Also, if a person visits this part of town on Sundays then they can also browse one of the largest ferias (kind of like an art fair) in Buenos Aires.
We also drove down 9 de Julio Avenue and saw the famous obelisk from the bus. 9 de Julio Avenue has twelve lanes of traffic which cannot be crossed with one walk light!!! It takes 4!!! This particular place has lots of shopping and famous historical and architectural buildings.
We stopped along another craft market and perused the streets. Craft markets are very popular on Sundays...which is wonderful for me because I happen to love these sorts of things. I will definitely be stopping back there to buy souveniers and gifts.
After this we ventured to the Avenida de Mayo. I will be going back there in order to have a chocolate espeso like Dr. Eipper told me to. Also, this is home to many tango bars and museums.
Next was the Plaza de Mayo, which is home to my favorite landmark of all time. None other than the pink house, which is where the president hosts meetings and things like that. This is also home to many political demonstrations, which is evident when one walks around. This is an interesting time to be in Argentina because the presidential election is in July. Plaza de Mayo is home to many demonstrations and political activists who paint huge banners and gather in the plaza. There was also a man building a small, log house on top of a pole, which I'm sure will have some significance. It will be interesting to see how the intensity of these political displays will grow within the next few months. It will also be interesting to get to know the candidates and to see how different Argentinians feel about politics and the future of their country. I've already discovered with my host family that Argentinians love to talk about politics...it is a popular subject for the dinner table. My host father, Jorge, and Mercedes both like Barack Obama and like to discuss American politics. I can't wait to see how everything pans out.
We also visited caminito and La Boca neighborhood. This is a very colorful area with lots of tango, literature, music, art, and football (yes, I mean soccer). Here is where I had my first run-in with a true Argentinian flirt who tried to lure us young ladies into his restaurant. He was so funny, "Ay, such pretty ladies, come to eat in this restaraunt we have the most delicious Argentinian food!," when we didn't respond he tried to use his charms..."okay, maybe one kiss??? just a kiss from a beautiful girl??? come on girls...my house is your house, my car is your car...but my money is my money!!!" We all laughed, naturally. The things they come up with!!!
Last stop was the puente madera which is the woman's bridge. It is supposed to look like a woman dancing the tango. There are a lot of fancy restaurants and shops around here.
I saw and learned a lot about Buenos Aires today. I knew that it had an amazing night life, but our orientation confirmed that Americans don't party the way Argentinians do...I hope I can keep up with these people! They love the tango and they love mate (a sort of tea beverage that they drink from a special mug with a special straw). They also love dulce de leche, which is SO MUCH BETTER THAN CARMEL. Captain Jack Sparrow is common around here, especially with the hundreds of billboards for Pirates of the Caribbean and all the impersonators that hang out at the craft markets. It's a huge city with much to see...and I will be very busy these next two months exploring the bars, restaurants, clubs, and markets.
After the bus tour we all stopped in to Havana for a cup of coffee before heading home. Everyone seems very excited for our stay in Buenos Aires and we are all hoping to stick together and go out exploring until we get our bearings...I would also like to meet some natives who can help me get around and show me a true Buenos Aires good time. :)
Mercedes made some sort of variation of pot roast for dinner. It was very good. We had the usual fruit with dulce de leche for dessert. She showed me around the kitchen so that I can prepare my breakfast in the morning as my family has to work all day. And then they went to bed, which I will be doing soon...tomorrow is my placement exam!!!
Also, tomorrow I will be purchasing a cell phone for the duration of my stay. While it might be quite expensive to call home, it will be nice to have a way to reach my family if I am out and to call my new friends so that we can meet up when we want to go out. I think that Skype will be one of the most efficient, cost friendly ways to communicate with people back in the U.S. I also need to buy a hair straightener. Things I wish I would have brought...my red pea coat, my black suede boots, and some more winter clothes...it was a little bit chilly here today even for a Michigander!
Well, I guess I'm off to bed now...good night world! I will be sure to update everyone tomorrow evening! :)
Saturday, May 28, 2011
Day One in Buenos Aires
Hola amigos y familia!
Today was my first day here in the city that they call Buenos Aires! The flight was loooonngggg, but so worth it to be here! I flew from Detroit Metro to Houston which is a three hour flight. There I caught my plane into Argentina. I spent 10 hours in a plane last night...which is very hard to sleep on by the way. I did, however, learn some fun facts...Buenos Aires is the 9th largest city in the world. It is composed of 44 neighborhoods (or barrios), and houses 13 million people.
I arrived at 9:30 a.m. Argentina time and finally got through customs and claimed baggage by about 12:30. The ISA rep was waiting for us and we took a bus ride to the University de Belgrano where I met my host family. Thankfully, everyone in my group is very friendly and excited to be here just like me! My house mother, Mercedas, was waiting for me, and the minute I saw her from the bus I knew she was my family. She had a cooking book in her arm and she kind of reminds me of my grandma on my father's side, which is comforting. She was very happy to see me and we walked a few blocks to her apartment where I met my house father, Jorge. The family lives in the Belgrano district of Buenos Aires. He is a very sweet old man who likes to talk and laugh. They fed me a delicious lunch and we got to know each other a little better. Mercedas gave me a tour of the apartment and gave me a set of keys. I settled into my room a little bit, although I still have much unpacking to do. After lunch I finally got to relax and I slept for two and a half hours before my orientation at the ISA office in Buenos Aires.
Orientation was pretty lax. The ISA reps are very fun and friendly. Everyone greets you with a hug and a kiss around here. Different from home, but nice. They gave us the low down on Buenos Aires and explained the rules and culture a little bit. It is all kind of overwhelming, but I'm excited to learn all this awesome stuff. They also insisted that we eat at least three of these little pastry things called "bella lunas." They are so delicious...and I feel that there will be many more "bella lunas" in my future. The rep said that one thing we will learn is that Argentinians have a passion for food...I think I'm gonna fit in just fine. We also learned that Argentinian men have a passion for foreign women...maybe my love life will finally start picking up...haha!!! Also, Buenos Aires is known for its exciting night life which I cannot wait to sample. Anyway, there is just so much to see and do and experience. I'm sure I will make all kinds of new friends, taste all kinds of delicious foods, and have many fun and exciting nights out on the streets of Buenos Aires.
Mercedas is so sweet. She is the only house mother who came and retrieved me from my orientation at the office. We rode home and I met another one of her sons, his wife, and their three kids. We all had dinner together...some sort of fried chicken and rice. It was so delicious. We also had fruit with dulce de leche for dessert. The children are so adorable I wanna steal them and bring them home with me, but I think their parents and grandparents will miss them. I feel that this is a very close knit, loving family...it is a very nice environment to be in especially when I am over 6000 miles from home.
Tomorrow morning at 10 a.m. we have more orientation at the ISA office. Then we will be having a city tour!!! Until then I will be passed the heck out. I'm exhausted after the plane ride and all the new things I've done today. Happy travels everyone! See you all tomorrow. :)
Today was my first day here in the city that they call Buenos Aires! The flight was loooonngggg, but so worth it to be here! I flew from Detroit Metro to Houston which is a three hour flight. There I caught my plane into Argentina. I spent 10 hours in a plane last night...which is very hard to sleep on by the way. I did, however, learn some fun facts...Buenos Aires is the 9th largest city in the world. It is composed of 44 neighborhoods (or barrios), and houses 13 million people.
I arrived at 9:30 a.m. Argentina time and finally got through customs and claimed baggage by about 12:30. The ISA rep was waiting for us and we took a bus ride to the University de Belgrano where I met my host family. Thankfully, everyone in my group is very friendly and excited to be here just like me! My house mother, Mercedas, was waiting for me, and the minute I saw her from the bus I knew she was my family. She had a cooking book in her arm and she kind of reminds me of my grandma on my father's side, which is comforting. She was very happy to see me and we walked a few blocks to her apartment where I met my house father, Jorge. The family lives in the Belgrano district of Buenos Aires. He is a very sweet old man who likes to talk and laugh. They fed me a delicious lunch and we got to know each other a little better. Mercedas gave me a tour of the apartment and gave me a set of keys. I settled into my room a little bit, although I still have much unpacking to do. After lunch I finally got to relax and I slept for two and a half hours before my orientation at the ISA office in Buenos Aires.
Orientation was pretty lax. The ISA reps are very fun and friendly. Everyone greets you with a hug and a kiss around here. Different from home, but nice. They gave us the low down on Buenos Aires and explained the rules and culture a little bit. It is all kind of overwhelming, but I'm excited to learn all this awesome stuff. They also insisted that we eat at least three of these little pastry things called "bella lunas." They are so delicious...and I feel that there will be many more "bella lunas" in my future. The rep said that one thing we will learn is that Argentinians have a passion for food...I think I'm gonna fit in just fine. We also learned that Argentinian men have a passion for foreign women...maybe my love life will finally start picking up...haha!!! Also, Buenos Aires is known for its exciting night life which I cannot wait to sample. Anyway, there is just so much to see and do and experience. I'm sure I will make all kinds of new friends, taste all kinds of delicious foods, and have many fun and exciting nights out on the streets of Buenos Aires.
Mercedas is so sweet. She is the only house mother who came and retrieved me from my orientation at the office. We rode home and I met another one of her sons, his wife, and their three kids. We all had dinner together...some sort of fried chicken and rice. It was so delicious. We also had fruit with dulce de leche for dessert. The children are so adorable I wanna steal them and bring them home with me, but I think their parents and grandparents will miss them. I feel that this is a very close knit, loving family...it is a very nice environment to be in especially when I am over 6000 miles from home.
Tomorrow morning at 10 a.m. we have more orientation at the ISA office. Then we will be having a city tour!!! Until then I will be passed the heck out. I'm exhausted after the plane ride and all the new things I've done today. Happy travels everyone! See you all tomorrow. :)
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