"Yanqui"

I could really go for a manicure with mother right now. School is quite challenging; in terms of both the content and the workload. On Wednesday’s we’re in class from 10-4:30. Thursday, we were in class from 10-2:30, then went on a walking graffiti tour and returned home at 8 to read 80 pages for homework. After an evening of this sort, 3 cups of coffee is hardly enough to keep me awake in class the next day. What I’m getting at is, taking 8 credit hours in 6 weeks is not something I would recommend.

Friday night I got to hang out with my argentine doppelgänger. I had a blast with her friends and took part in my first pub-crawl. Then, she came with us on Saturday as we spent the day in El Tigre on the Paraná Delta.

Before coming to Buenos Aires, I was unsure what to expect. I had anticipated major/significant things to be quite different. However, that is not the case. In the big picture, Buenos Aires is a Castellano speaking NYC. What’s different is the many small things; such as, how to use your silverware, how to use the elevator, how to flush the toilet, how to stand in line for the bus, and the list goes on and on.

Some things I’ve learned:

• -       It’s obligatory to vote.
• -       Water is not free; however, occasionally orange juice is.  
• -       People park wherever they want: sidewalks, middle of the street, etc.
• -       Sometimes a 4-lane street turns into a 1-lane street in a matter of seconds. I find the best thing for this is to close your eyes and hold your breath.

     Ciao!

"Cambio cambio"

How lucky are we, to be able to experience two independence days in one summer. I'm so glad we did not end up traveling this weekend because celebrating 25 de Mayo has been a blast. Plaza del Mayo has been full of live music, champagne, parades, political speakers, fireworks, and patriotism galore. The celebration was a surreal experience, I'm so lucky to have been a part of it.

What's even luckier is how amazing my host family is. María reminds me of a modern day Mother Theresa and her family is so loving. 

Have I mentioned how much I love my group of fellow KU Students? On multiple occasions this weekend people have taken pictures of us or asked us to be in their selfie. Although I don't exactly blend in, I love this city. One week down, 5 to go. 

Fun fact:

- While in some settings it is deemed inappropriate for American's to discuss politics, religion, or sports; it can be assumed that Argentines in similar situations will discuss politics, religion, and sports. They enjoy loud, heated discussions regarding the topics they are passionate about. 

- They say that the person that finish's the bottle (for us it is usually the bottle/jug of pomelo juice) will get married soon.  

Ciao!

 

"No te pierdas"

People here are not so intimidating after all… they're not so smiley either; just how I like it. Yesterday and today has consisted of much exploring for me. Soon I will blend in and seem as though I always know where I am going ;) Yesterday was my first day with the professor from the University de San Andrés and I LOVE her. We had two breaks during the day and I ventured out to a different restaurant/cafe both times that were awesome. Whoever said I would have a lot of trouble being veg. in the beef capital of the world was wrong. After class, we stopped for a merienda and had a glass of wine at Biblos. The food and drinks are super inexpensive, but material items in the stores are much more costly than in the states. I met Maria's 10 year old grandson who attends a bilingual school and he taught me so much; I'm looking forward to his next visit. My friends talked me into going out after dinner last night and even walked all the way to my apartment so that I didn't have to walk alone, and did the same on the way back to our apartments. I got so lucky with this group.

Today was the best day I have had in Buenos Aires so far. We spent the day at the actual main campus of the university instead of a smaller branch. At the end of the day we spent nearly 2 hours learning to drink Yerba Mate with other students from San Andrés. It was such an incredible experience to get to know them and spend time with them. We hit it off and weren't ready to stop talking so when the professor forced me to leave two of the students ended up walking with us all the way to the train station so we could finish our conversation. We exchanged numbers and I made plans to hang out with one of the chicas next weekend.

This weekend is the weekend of 25 de Mayo, perhaps comparable to 4th of July in America. It was the start of the first war of the revolution for their independence from España. I am pumped to be able to experience an Argentin holiday while I am here. We are starting off the weekend celebrating a girl's birthday in our group… we may even stop by a "fraternity" party.

Somethings that I've learned about the city:
- Starbucks exist, but drinks to go do not.
- Nearly all ice cream places deliver. (María conveniently just invited me to start going to her gym)
- Graffiti is legal.
- Just because a destination can be found during the day, does not mean that will be the case at night.

Ciao!

"Choque cultural"

About the time I got off the bus and walked into my host family's apartment yesterday was when I began to question what exactly I had gotten myself into. I assume a similar thought to the argentinian woman stuck aside me for 10 hours on the plane. Those feelings quickly subsided after a long nap. María, my host mom, is such a good cook! And much to my appreciation the meat has been very minimal. We took a quick tour around the neighborhood, ate dinner at 9:00p.m., and I was in bed soon after. The apartment is located in Recoleta, one of the nicest neighborhoods of Buenos Aires. Right in the heart of the city where there are many cars, many loud cars. Nevertheless, the view is beautiful.

For a moment I had forgotten I am here to complete 8 credit hours of Spanish. That was a harsh reality this morning… After class, we went on a tour of the whole city. From La Boca to Plaza del Mayo; from soccer to cemeteries, we covered a lot of ground. I love the city but it made for a long day. We'll see if I can make it to dinner. 

Ciao!