The last part of the week I got to hang out with Fer a lot because his neck was hurting too much to go to work. We watched several movies. Most were in Spanish with Spanish subtitles. Last night Fer, Ren, and I went to a really, really, REALLY cool place near the river. Since the river is so wide, it looked more like a brown ocean. People were kite surfing and wind surfing. There were all kinds of boats out there too. Also, Ren and I both agreed that it seemed like we were on some kind of movie set because all the people there were so beautiful! Tall, dark, and handsome. :) Three friends of Fer met up with us and we all ended up hanging out the rest of the night at Ren´s apartment. Today Ren and I went to the movies to see The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo. A very good movie.
I am absolutely in love with this city. I love how people will sit outside and actually use the balconies at their homes and the outdoor seating at a restaurant. There will be groups of friends sitting outside at a park sharing maté (a tea very popular here) or tanning. Families will take walks around the parks and fairs with their dogs. I just love how there always people out taking their time to enjoy the day and time with their loved ones. Maybe I am noticing this more just because school has not started up yet or because I am from a small town and this is normal in bigger cities. Whatever reason...I love it.
Sadly, I leave Buenos Aires tomorrow night at my 9:15...Texas 6:15pm. On a happier note, I will get to see some more friends I haven´t seen in over two years!
Sunday, January 29, 2012
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
Getting tan in January
The past few days have been very nice. Hanging out with Ren, the "adopted" daughter of the family and their son, Fernando. I can tell that I'm getting more used to the look of the city and somewhat the rhythm. Earlier today I got to lay out on the terrace to tan. I keep forgetting that it is January and not June or July. My body will get confused after a while when I come back and it is warm April through the fall. No winter for a long time! Wahoo!!! There is not to much to update everyone on except. All is well!!
Saturday, January 21, 2012
UkElele means ukUlele in Spanish
Yesterday I made it to Irene's house. Her husband, Fernando, Irene, and I took their younger son, Juany, to the airport then we went to a birthday party for a friend of theirs. Their friend reminded me very much of Lonny Fox. Kind of, sort of, I was probably just imagining it, he looked like Lonny and he definately had a similar sense of humor. We sat on a patio under the starry...well, I could see about 8 stars. So we sat under the 8-starred sky and had drinks and empanadas. I was able to follow the majority of the conversations I was in, but sometimes I just couldn't hear due to all the other conversations or I was distracted due to all the other conversations and my inability to focus for very long. When the topic of The Big Bang Theory TV show came up I was all over that convo. I am so glad that BBT is popular here too! All of the people at the party were awesome. I didn't get to talk to most of them, but I decided that there were cool. I had a moment were I just had to stop and realize were I am. I felt just so content there. The fact that my Spanish was performing pretty well that evening helped with the happiness going on in my easily distracted mind.
After the birthday party we went back to Fernando and Irene's home to find their older son, Fernando (yep), and his friend having a jazzy jam session on the roof top patio. We listened for a song then Fernando (the dad) and Irene went to bed. I stayed on the patio for a while to hang out, talk, and show off my ukulele skills. I got to sing and play my one song I'm okay at, You and I, while the two guys played along. Singing and playing on a roof top patio wasn't on my bucket list, but I'm going to add it so I can cross it out. It was pretty awesome.
Today we went to a park/country club type place to hang out with a lot of the families from their church. The Tissonis were there along with several other people I knew from the camp I worked here 2 years ago. Lots of sitting and talking and some swimming.
That's all for now. Leave me a comment so I don't just feel like I'm writing in a public diary!
After the birthday party we went back to Fernando and Irene's home to find their older son, Fernando (yep), and his friend having a jazzy jam session on the roof top patio. We listened for a song then Fernando (the dad) and Irene went to bed. I stayed on the patio for a while to hang out, talk, and show off my ukulele skills. I got to sing and play my one song I'm okay at, You and I, while the two guys played along. Singing and playing on a roof top patio wasn't on my bucket list, but I'm going to add it so I can cross it out. It was pretty awesome.
Today we went to a park/country club type place to hang out with a lot of the families from their church. The Tissonis were there along with several other people I knew from the camp I worked here 2 years ago. Lots of sitting and talking and some swimming.
That's all for now. Leave me a comment so I don't just feel like I'm writing in a public diary!
Thursday, January 19, 2012
Tree climbing day
I got to see one of the counselors I worked with when I was here in 2010, Jony. Jony, Dani, and I took two buses to another part of Buenos Aires. We walked around for a while and found a botanical garden to check out. I enjoyed that a lot. It seemed like Jony and Dani were not as interested in looking at trees and flowers as I am, which is understandable. I somewhat felt like how Ross would feel if he took the other five to a dinosaur museum. (It's a Friends reference btw.) I was wanting to take my time and read about all the trees, but it bored the others. Oh well! Then we went to Havanna and had smoothies and I bought myself another Havannet!! Drop of heaven! After that wonderful experience I had a rather rough experience because I spent about an eternity on a hot and crowded bus having NO clue what we were doing. I asked both the people I was with were we were going and what we were going to do and both said "I don't know." Baaaahhh!! That is definitely something I am learning about myself. I like to know what the plan is. If the plan is wondering around the town that is fine, but I just need to know what is going on. Spontaneity and surprises are wonderful, but standing cluelessly in a uncomfortable bus for a long time is not wonderful. OH communication errors. I'm so ready to be fluent. Ok, rant over. Here is a pic of me climbing a cool tree.
When we got back to the house I had a nice siesta. Played Rock Band. Picked at my uke. Dinner. Then a soccer game came on. Surprisingly, it really made me miss watching football. I never have really craved watching sports, but I always enjoy it. Hahaha...the soccer team the Tissoni's love, River just scored. GOOOOOOOOOOLLLLLL!!!!!
Now I'm thinking about either doing a work out or reading/studying in my Spanish textbook that I brought with me. Nerd, I know.
When we got back to the house I had a nice siesta. Played Rock Band. Picked at my uke. Dinner. Then a soccer game came on. Surprisingly, it really made me miss watching football. I never have really craved watching sports, but I always enjoy it. Hahaha...the soccer team the Tissoni's love, River just scored. GOOOOOOOOOOLLLLLL!!!!!
Now I'm thinking about either doing a work out or reading/studying in my Spanish textbook that I brought with me. Nerd, I know.
Wednesday, January 18, 2012
Walking through an album
Today I went to Puerto Madero with Dani and 3 of her friends. They are all about 16 so it is kind of like hanging out with Spanish speaking TIPsters! haha (TIPsters are what the campers at Duke TIP are called. I worked there the passed two summers.) Puerto Madero was one of my favorite places to visit when I was here in 2010. It was actually the first place that I thought, "I definitely want to come back here someday." There is a river/canal going through it and people will row down it. I have got to do that sometime before I leave. Unfortunately, I left my camera at the house. Every trip I take there is that day when I forget my camera. It was today. But one Dani's friends brought his camera. Here is a pic he took of the girls on the bridge.
I loved being back there and seeing things I remembered because of my pictures I took last time. It was like I was in my Facebook album walking around. Siga la Vaca (Follow the cow) is also there. We didn't go to it today...thankfully. It is the restaurant that pretty much sealed the deal on my dislike of eating meat. I don't have a problem with other people eating meat. I just can't do it. The bones in chicken legs have always bothered me because I can't help but to think about how I am eating a muscle of something that is dead. It just looks too much like...what it used to be. At Siga la Vaca, they had intestines, livers, kidneys, and just about any other organ. If it was a piece of muscle, it either had a bone attached or a giant glob of fat on it. So I didn't...couldn't eat much at that meal, and I'm thankful we didn't go today.
When we returned to the house, my dad's friend Luis came by. Luis is highly interested in the Ultra Long Duration Balloons (is that right, Dad?) that my dad's company makes. It has been his free-time passion since about the mid 80s. My dad made a little packet for me to give to Luis with patches, stickers, and even a piece of the biggest successful balloon. Luis and I sat at the dinner table and went through each item. He knew exactly what everything was, and when I showed him the piece of the balloon he was over-whelmed! He told me, "This is just too much!!" I loved getting to see how happy he was and how much he loved the balloons and everything that goes with them!
Update on where all I'm going to be: On Friday I'll be moving down about 10 blocks to stay with my friend Irene. She has two sons in their 20s, so she is more of the mother/friend. I will stay at her and her husband's house for about 10 days then go to Bell Ville. My bus arrives at the station at 3:30am and the Fernandez family is going to pick me up! I feel bad that it is at that time, but the only buses to Bell Ville arrive then. February 1st I'll get to work at a camp for a church with my friends Andres and Agustina. Yaaaaaayy! It is summertime here, so it is only natural that I work at a camp. :)
I loved being back there and seeing things I remembered because of my pictures I took last time. It was like I was in my Facebook album walking around. Siga la Vaca (Follow the cow) is also there. We didn't go to it today...thankfully. It is the restaurant that pretty much sealed the deal on my dislike of eating meat. I don't have a problem with other people eating meat. I just can't do it. The bones in chicken legs have always bothered me because I can't help but to think about how I am eating a muscle of something that is dead. It just looks too much like...what it used to be. At Siga la Vaca, they had intestines, livers, kidneys, and just about any other organ. If it was a piece of muscle, it either had a bone attached or a giant glob of fat on it. So I didn't...couldn't eat much at that meal, and I'm thankful we didn't go today.
When we returned to the house, my dad's friend Luis came by. Luis is highly interested in the Ultra Long Duration Balloons (is that right, Dad?) that my dad's company makes. It has been his free-time passion since about the mid 80s. My dad made a little packet for me to give to Luis with patches, stickers, and even a piece of the biggest successful balloon. Luis and I sat at the dinner table and went through each item. He knew exactly what everything was, and when I showed him the piece of the balloon he was over-whelmed! He told me, "This is just too much!!" I loved getting to see how happy he was and how much he loved the balloons and everything that goes with them!
Update on where all I'm going to be: On Friday I'll be moving down about 10 blocks to stay with my friend Irene. She has two sons in their 20s, so she is more of the mother/friend. I will stay at her and her husband's house for about 10 days then go to Bell Ville. My bus arrives at the station at 3:30am and the Fernandez family is going to pick me up! I feel bad that it is at that time, but the only buses to Bell Ville arrive then. February 1st I'll get to work at a camp for a church with my friends Andres and Agustina. Yaaaaaayy! It is summertime here, so it is only natural that I work at a camp. :)
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
La Abuela and pictures
Sorry for my spacey entries. I am going to try to be more consistent.
On Sunday we went to Marcela's (the mom) parent's house for lunch. By the way, lunch is typically at 1 or 2 here. Her sister, brother-in-law, and their young daughter and son were there too. We had some very good spaghetti, then I tried to follow about three different and very passionate conversations all at once. I was quite unsuccessful with my attempts, but when they asked me a question I was able to answer. The niece and nephew were adorable. However, the nephew, who is 7, was too shy to introduce himself to me. When his mom told him to introduce himself to me and to make sure it was with a kiss on the cheek, he ran away.
Later that day, Dani, Flor, and I went on the bus to go into town...just because. We found a Starbucks because Dani loves it. It was entertaining watching the barista's expression when I told him my name, and even more entertaining was watching the one try to figure out how to call out my name after the coffee was made. It knew it was mine before he attempted to say my name just by the confused look on his face.
Yesterday I went into the central/main part of Buenos Aires with Dani and her friend Lucas. I got to ride the metro (Subte) too. No AC and very old and rickety. FUN!! The metro came up right along side the Casarosada (pink house), their White House. It was kind of like "Oh hey really important building! Nice to run into you again!" haha Sadly, the tours don't begin until Wednesday.
We also went into a big beautiful cathedral. San Martín, yes, the San Martín, is buried there. Who is this person you ladies and gentlemen who have not studied Latinoamérica history may ask? Well he is the guy who is credited with gaining independence for Argentina, Chile, Ecuador, and Perú. So he is kind of a big deal. I am glad that I knew about him before hand and was able to appreciate going to see that. I would have taken a picture of the site, but it wasn't allowed and there were two intimidating statue-like solider men standing at the entrance. I did take a picture of the altar.
We got to walk on Florida Street and see all the stores and protests. There are protests of some kind always going on there. I took a quick picture so I could show you all. Right now the big problem is that the officials are wanting to get ride of people selling things on Florida because...well it is illegal. However, that is one of the main attractions of going there. Therefore, protests.
That brings me to today. I started off my day by going to my leg waxing appointment. Normally I wouldn't bother going, but here it is really cheap. Nobody here shaves their legs. Just wax. I would say that in the US it would easily cost $30. Here it is $8-10. The ripping part wasn't that bad, it was the hot wax! I feel like I have a pretty high pain tolerance, but not to hot. I definitely deserve a few Havannets. A Havannet is a little drop from heaven: dulce de leche in a chocolate shell. Dulce de leche > caramel.
This afternoon I went to the movies with Dani. We saw Sherlock Homles 2. It was in English with Spanish subtiltles. I think I spent more time looking at the subtitles to practice just a little bit more. It is a very good movie!!
Tonight, we went to the father's, Daniel, mother's house for dinner. She is someone to remember. In my opinion, she is the classic Argentine grandma I have expected. Dani, Flor, and I ate in a bedroom around a tiny table. She would come in periodically to see if we needed anything else. At one point she told Dani and Flor that I am skinny and they can use me as a good example. Classic abuela #1. Then she comes in and gives me a gift to remember her by - a tiny mirror. Classic abuela #2. Then she continues to bring more and more food after she told her granddaughters to be skinnier. Classic abuela #3. Almost every time she would talk to be she would say every word sloooowwwlllyyy and louder than necessary. Classic abuela #4. And when Dani forgot her bag in the bedroom she told me (in Spanish of course) "She is always forgetting things. Always." Classic abuela #5. And when we were leaving she called me "mi vida" which means "my life". I know that is a common term of endearment, but I just felt like that completed it and was Classic abuela #6.
Love you all!!
On Sunday we went to Marcela's (the mom) parent's house for lunch. By the way, lunch is typically at 1 or 2 here. Her sister, brother-in-law, and their young daughter and son were there too. We had some very good spaghetti, then I tried to follow about three different and very passionate conversations all at once. I was quite unsuccessful with my attempts, but when they asked me a question I was able to answer. The niece and nephew were adorable. However, the nephew, who is 7, was too shy to introduce himself to me. When his mom told him to introduce himself to me and to make sure it was with a kiss on the cheek, he ran away.
Later that day, Dani, Flor, and I went on the bus to go into town...just because. We found a Starbucks because Dani loves it. It was entertaining watching the barista's expression when I told him my name, and even more entertaining was watching the one try to figure out how to call out my name after the coffee was made. It knew it was mine before he attempted to say my name just by the confused look on his face.
Yesterday I went into the central/main part of Buenos Aires with Dani and her friend Lucas. I got to ride the metro (Subte) too. No AC and very old and rickety. FUN!! The metro came up right along side the Casarosada (pink house), their White House. It was kind of like "Oh hey really important building! Nice to run into you again!" haha Sadly, the tours don't begin until Wednesday.
La Casarosada
We also went into a big beautiful cathedral. San Martín, yes, the San Martín, is buried there. Who is this person you ladies and gentlemen who have not studied Latinoamérica history may ask? Well he is the guy who is credited with gaining independence for Argentina, Chile, Ecuador, and Perú. So he is kind of a big deal. I am glad that I knew about him before hand and was able to appreciate going to see that. I would have taken a picture of the site, but it wasn't allowed and there were two intimidating statue-like solider men standing at the entrance. I did take a picture of the altar.
Pretty altar part
We got to walk on Florida Street and see all the stores and protests. There are protests of some kind always going on there. I took a quick picture so I could show you all. Right now the big problem is that the officials are wanting to get ride of people selling things on Florida because...well it is illegal. However, that is one of the main attractions of going there. Therefore, protests.
(ignore the trash man)
...oh, and a Burger King
That brings me to today. I started off my day by going to my leg waxing appointment. Normally I wouldn't bother going, but here it is really cheap. Nobody here shaves their legs. Just wax. I would say that in the US it would easily cost $30. Here it is $8-10. The ripping part wasn't that bad, it was the hot wax! I feel like I have a pretty high pain tolerance, but not to hot. I definitely deserve a few Havannets. A Havannet is a little drop from heaven: dulce de leche in a chocolate shell. Dulce de leche > caramel.
Devine
Tonight, we went to the father's, Daniel, mother's house for dinner. She is someone to remember. In my opinion, she is the classic Argentine grandma I have expected. Dani, Flor, and I ate in a bedroom around a tiny table. She would come in periodically to see if we needed anything else. At one point she told Dani and Flor that I am skinny and they can use me as a good example. Classic abuela #1. Then she comes in and gives me a gift to remember her by - a tiny mirror. Classic abuela #2. Then she continues to bring more and more food after she told her granddaughters to be skinnier. Classic abuela #3. Almost every time she would talk to be she would say every word sloooowwwlllyyy and louder than necessary. Classic abuela #4. And when Dani forgot her bag in the bedroom she told me (in Spanish of course) "She is always forgetting things. Always." Classic abuela #5. And when we were leaving she called me "mi vida" which means "my life". I know that is a common term of endearment, but I just felt like that completed it and was Classic abuela #6.
Love you all!!
Friday, January 13, 2012
Cards and Locks
Today is the last day in Mar del Plata. For desert today we had watermelon. Yes, sweet and delicious water melon in January. Be jealous, Mom. :) We have been sleeping in until at least noon everyday because we stay up until 3am playing cards or watching movies. I taught the Tissonis how to play Oh Hell (aka Oh Beep) and they love it!! When I get back to their house I will be able to use my computer for internet and I´ll upload some pictures to my blog. However, there will be more on my Facebook.
Not too much has happened since my last post. But I did forget to tell you all a funny story from when we went to visit their friends in Miramar. Right before we left the friend´s home I asked if I could use the bathroom. I locked the door, but when I tired to leave the bathroom...I couldn´t get the door to unlock. All seven of the people on the outside of the bathroom were trying to help me figure out how to unlock the door. I was laughing so hard that it took a little longer.
More updates and photos later!
Not too much has happened since my last post. But I did forget to tell you all a funny story from when we went to visit their friends in Miramar. Right before we left the friend´s home I asked if I could use the bathroom. I locked the door, but when I tired to leave the bathroom...I couldn´t get the door to unlock. All seven of the people on the outside of the bathroom were trying to help me figure out how to unlock the door. I was laughing so hard that it took a little longer.
More updates and photos later!
Sunday, January 8, 2012
The beginning of the adventure
Well, here I am! This is being typed in a "locutorio" aka an Internet cafe. :) The keyboard is very different so it is taking a while to do all the punctuation.
When I got to the airport my mom had to take some pictures for her scrapbook, of course. I said my goodbyes and gave hugs, then went through security. They took my 2 lbs weight from me. I guess they think I would hit someone over the head with them on the plane. Oh well, I´ll just have to do my workouts with Gillian Michaels with soup cans. haha. The plane ride to Miami went very well. I had a window seat with no one next to me, and I became friends with the guy in the isle seat. His name is Enrique and he is form Uruguay. He gave me all kinds of tips for Montevideo, his city and a place I might want to visit while I´m here. We talked about movies in Argentina and authors. Almost all of the conversation was in Spanish. (PS - he is way older, married, and has a daughter. So don´t get excited about anything, Mommom. haha)
The plane ride to Argentina was delayed because the toilet was broken and they had to fix it. It took and hour, but I´m thankful they fixed it because I was just two tiny rows in front of it. I was lucky again on this flight because I was in a two seat row by myself. I laid down and took a 5 hour nap. Or sleep, whichever you want to call it. The Tissonis were there to greet me with a sign and all! :) I had to re-pack a bag for the beach. The drive to the beach was very very long. We arrived at the house after midnight. I was all ready to go to bed, but the mom started to make dinner!! Then we stayed up longer and watched TV.
The first full day at the beach: got up late, went to the playground, looked at the beach, and went into town. Every night and just about everywhere there are fairs that are very similar to Fall Festival. All kinds of crafts that are handmade. You know I´m in heaven and want to buy almost everything! Oh yeah, the day began with a little holiday tradition. Last night we left out shous out with grass and water for the camels of the Wise Men. The wise men left us a gift! I got a jersey fo one of the soccer teams here. It is the favorite team of the Tissonis. It was kind of like getting a Aggie jersey from my family. It even has my name on the back!!
Yesterday we went to Miramar to visit some old friends. They are of Italian descent. So they had lots and lots of energy! My head was almost exploding yesterday because of all the Spanish! I actually got a little but of a headache, but I think it is because I hadn´t had enough water.
Some interesting observations: They don´t drink a lot of water. Coke and juice drinks are preferred. I gave them some cinnamon gum to try, and the results were hilarious. It was waaay to spicy hot for them! Also, the traffic lines seem to be more of a suggestion. It isn´t scary on the roads, just very...free.
I apologize for any misspelled words and poor sentence structure. I´m typing as fast as I can to save money. I love you all. Leave me questions so I can tell you more!
When I got to the airport my mom had to take some pictures for her scrapbook, of course. I said my goodbyes and gave hugs, then went through security. They took my 2 lbs weight from me. I guess they think I would hit someone over the head with them on the plane. Oh well, I´ll just have to do my workouts with Gillian Michaels with soup cans. haha. The plane ride to Miami went very well. I had a window seat with no one next to me, and I became friends with the guy in the isle seat. His name is Enrique and he is form Uruguay. He gave me all kinds of tips for Montevideo, his city and a place I might want to visit while I´m here. We talked about movies in Argentina and authors. Almost all of the conversation was in Spanish. (PS - he is way older, married, and has a daughter. So don´t get excited about anything, Mommom. haha)
The plane ride to Argentina was delayed because the toilet was broken and they had to fix it. It took and hour, but I´m thankful they fixed it because I was just two tiny rows in front of it. I was lucky again on this flight because I was in a two seat row by myself. I laid down and took a 5 hour nap. Or sleep, whichever you want to call it. The Tissonis were there to greet me with a sign and all! :) I had to re-pack a bag for the beach. The drive to the beach was very very long. We arrived at the house after midnight. I was all ready to go to bed, but the mom started to make dinner!! Then we stayed up longer and watched TV.
The first full day at the beach: got up late, went to the playground, looked at the beach, and went into town. Every night and just about everywhere there are fairs that are very similar to Fall Festival. All kinds of crafts that are handmade. You know I´m in heaven and want to buy almost everything! Oh yeah, the day began with a little holiday tradition. Last night we left out shous out with grass and water for the camels of the Wise Men. The wise men left us a gift! I got a jersey fo one of the soccer teams here. It is the favorite team of the Tissonis. It was kind of like getting a Aggie jersey from my family. It even has my name on the back!!
Yesterday we went to Miramar to visit some old friends. They are of Italian descent. So they had lots and lots of energy! My head was almost exploding yesterday because of all the Spanish! I actually got a little but of a headache, but I think it is because I hadn´t had enough water.
Some interesting observations: They don´t drink a lot of water. Coke and juice drinks are preferred. I gave them some cinnamon gum to try, and the results were hilarious. It was waaay to spicy hot for them! Also, the traffic lines seem to be more of a suggestion. It isn´t scary on the roads, just very...free.
I apologize for any misspelled words and poor sentence structure. I´m typing as fast as I can to save money. I love you all. Leave me questions so I can tell you more!
Tuesday, January 3, 2012
I feel the warm breeze already
Well, I am airport-bound in just 12 hours. Whoa. I can’t believe my childhood dream of going to stay in a foreign country is finally coming true. The reality sunk in a little more when I printed off the boarding passes. However, it still doesn’t seem real…maybe when I board the plane.
My first flight takes off at 5:05pm to Miami. Then I'll wander my way around the airport to find my next gate. The rumors say the Miami airport is huge and tends to confuse its wanderers. Just before Miami’s midnight, my Buenos Aires flight takes off. The flight takes almost nine hours. As long as I remain sane during the long trip, the hospitable and wonderful Tissoni family will greet me at the airport. They have two daughters - 16 and 13 years old. Hours after my arrival we will head to the beach in Mar del Plata. Apparently this is a location many Argentines love to visit. When I told some Argentine friends that I would sit in the warm breeze of Mar del Plata they looked jealous. That seems hopeful! (Note: It is taking a lot of will power to not go into a quick Spanish grammar lesson about the name of the beach. Your welcome to those of you who don’t have the same nerd-love that I do. Haha.)
Many other plans exist, but knowing how things rarely turn out how you expect, I will stick to the most current. Not spoilers here.
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