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.

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

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!!