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! :)