Helloooo chicos!
As you all know, today is Thursday...not only the start of the end of the week, but it is tango day here in Buenos Aires. The hippest tango bars start their tango classes/performances on Thursdays. Us ISA chitlins got to experience the tango today, also. What an experience...while we only learned like 8 steps, it was still cool to be in a tango bar and say I kind of know something about tango. I had to walk about 20 blocks from the subway station to get to the place, and at first I couldn't find it because it is in the basement of some sort of community building. Luckily, I spotted another ISA student. Apparently, the tango is all about sex and passion...from what I've seen it is a very intimate dance. The part we learned today, however, was like super super basic. I cannot wait to see the tango for real with real dancers who actually know what they are doing...haha! It's also very difficult because there are a TON of chicas, but not a lot of boys...so we had to share. I only got one turn around the dance floor! Oh, well...guess I can practice here in my room at night. :) Apparently there are a lot of tango places that offer group lessons...and then later there are tango shows and students can even show off their new grooves.
I took the subte to class again today...5 hours is a very long time...and nothing too eventful happens. Just a lot of Spanish. I had two beef empanadas and a yogurt for lunch today. I could seriously eat those things all day...I find that I am always hungry. I think it is because I walk so much. I walk about a mile and a half everyday to get to class...and all the other places I venture to. I'm not really sure how much walking I actually do, but I know it is a lot. So anyway, my snack this afternoon was this nation's version of an Oreo. It's actually a chocolate wafer covered in chocolate with a sort of chocolate frosting filling. Very good. Also on my I-need-to-eat list is helado, also known as the classic treat of ice cream. I've heard that it is much much richer and sweeter here. Which I think I will love love love...BECAUSE I LOVE ICE CREAM. So, I will become addicted to empanadas and ice cream while I am here.
I ate my dinner with Jorge and Mercedes. Jorge was worried that I wouldn't be home in time for dinner...so we ate a little bit later than usual. I watched Law and Order and read the newspaper with Jorge before our meal was ready. Tonight was leftover roasted chicken and some sort of salad with some sort of green leaf...I didn't much care for it and Mercedes insisted on making me some mashed potatoes. She is the sweetest little lady. And Jorge is the sweetest little man...they are so precious. I am also falling in love with dulce de leche...I hope I can find it back in the States!!!
Some more observations about Buenos Aires...THEY LOVE THEIR DOGS. There are dogs everywhere. Like, literally...you would think that a) people wouldn't have dogs because it's kind of uncommon to have pets in Latin America b) people wouldn't have dogs because its such a huge city and c) it would be expensive to have dogs. Nope. Everyone has a dog. And they walk around without leashes all over the place following their masters. Normally, they are dressed in coats and sweaters (because its too cold for them to not be, duh). Also, they just poop in the streets and nobody cleans it up. Like, you seriously have to watch every step so you aren't walking around with shit on your shoes all day. That would be embarrassing.
Also, PDA is a huge thing here. People make out on the subways, on the park benches, outside of their apartments, in coffeeshops...like everywhere. You name it they will make out on it. But, it is kind of endearing how in love people are with each other and they aren't embarrassed to show it. Also, the boyfriends are so good to their girlfriends. At first I thought it was a bit much how couples acted so enamored with each other, but now that I'm used to it I find it quite precious. They hold hands and talk intimately and are always touching each other...its nice to be in a place where people aren't ashamed of their feelings. Maybe people in the United States could start picking up on this...maybe not so intensely...but just a little bit. It's okay to be in love with someone and let the whole world (and your love) know it...and Argentinians are very passionate about their significant others.
Tomorrow is Friday, and I get to sleep for an extra hour because Friday classes are at the campus down the street! Que suerte! Then begins an exciting weekend chock full of adventures. Until tomorrow...hasta luega. :)
Hi Rachel!
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