Hallo

Heyo- I'm spending the first semester of my junior year in Buenos Aires, Argentina. I never thought I would venture into the blogger world, but I've realized that it's probably the best way to share my experiences, and eventually remember them myself. Also, I can now call myself a blogger, which unfortunately sounds like a species of toad. Hm. Anyhow, happy summer and Merry Christmas and feliz dia de los amigos to all...

lunes, 26 de julio de 2010

Colectivos y Subtes

Hola hola. Buenos Aires, Argentina... que barbaro:):)
Since arriving here I have seen, felt, experienced, EATEN, heard so many new things I simply don't know what to do with myself. Emphasis on eaten. Coffee, [so much] dulce de leche, empanadas, unos Quilmes, medialunas, milanesas...we may not need my plane ticket back as I will be rolling home. Just for the record...totally worth it.
To say "it's been great" or " I love Argentina!" simply wouldn't encompass or pay tribute to being here on the IFSA program, which is scary in a wonderful way as I can tell it's only just begun. The only expectation my experience here fulfills is the one that goes like this: I expect that it will be cold and also I have no idea what's ahead of me.
Elvira continues to be welcoming beyond all measures, open, very very encouraging that I eat more, and interesting to talk to.
So I would not call Buenos Airesa the most beautiful city I've ever seen. However, I can confidently say that I probably will sometime after October. It is winter here now..in one word, the weather is gray and miserable at times. Other times it's a few degrees too cold to lounge outside but crisp from the sunlight. Today for lunch we sat outside in Plaza Santa Fe, and I finally felt toasty from the inside out for the first time since being here. Luckily, the shower here is the BEST, with unlimited hot water and a there is a heater conveniently located right next to the toilet. Too much information? Too late muahaha hmm the lack of feedback in blogs might be a bit dangerous...
Life has yet to gain a regular rhythm, besides that of going to orientation with the other 145 American kids here for orientation. Oops just read that last sentence, but I'll leave it because it reflects the orientation's redundancy. I'm already eager to move on and actually start venturing into my own choice activities...which are...
a) I decided not to do a concentration. I have flip flopped, like good ol' georgie bush used to say, between whether I should do a concentration or just take classes independently at one of the 4 universities we're allowed to pick and choose from. I decided to go for the independent track...I want to meet as many local students as possible, and if not at least branch out from all the American kids. I like the kids on the program, but either they live in Philly, they know my best friend from 3rd grade, their best friend goes to Haverford, or they go to the same school I do, that is a small liberal arts school in the Northeast. It seems like Tulane and Penn have the most students here. Speaking of which, I need to go to New Orleans one day...but I digress. I'll write more about my classes later. For now, we get to "shop" classes for a week or two before choosing them. I am most excited about being in a class about the culture, history and language of...tango. No surprise there.
b) I'm looking for dance classes already. But again, you guys knew that.
c) I want to try to volunteer with a physical therapist if I can and also with an arts organization that provides access and classes for people with less money and opportunities than would normally allow it.
d) PARTYTIME!!! all the time. Just kidding! Well, not exactly...I've been out twice, once to a relaxed bar/restaurant with board games at all the tables, and once to a boliche (nightclub) until 5am. Saturday I was going to go out, but after spending the day at cementerio recoleta, and the boliche on Friday, I stayed in and talked to Marian and Ankur on Skype. No regrets, and again no surprise there. haha oh jaysus I should really work on being more unpredictable... I can't wait to go out dancing more, but let me tell you I will never be ready to party like Argentines. They are nightlife connoisseurs, often partying through the daylight hours. Sidenote: Argentinian is not a word...to get into the technicalities, Argentine is the correct term.
e) Transportation is so easy and SO CHEAP AS IS EVERYTHING. I can't express how wonderful the exchange rate is. For me obviously, kinda sucks for, you know, all Argentines. Anyway apparently even though my suitcase was approximately 15,000 lbs I brought very little clothing, so it's a good thing the shopping is so excellent. Also, next to the park right across the street there is a used book fair every weekend, and there are street fairs everywhere on Sundays.
f) Tourist-extravaganza. When I found myself taking a picture of a cobweb at the Cementerio Recoleta (wherein lies Eva Perron) I knew I had crossed to the darkside. Soo much to see. This morning before orientation, I went to Plaza de Mayo. It's a plaza...shocker....surrounded by a lot of the major governmental offices of Argentina. From the Plaza you can see the National Bank, 'La Casa Rosada' (where the president works) and the balcony from which Evita spoke to her masses of followers, and the cathedral of BsAs. The plaza has been a place for historical protests, speeches, rebellions, coups...generally it's seen many a crowd of angry Argentines. A scary thought. I was most affected by the image of the Madres de Plaza de Mayo making their daily walk around the plaza. They are women whose sons disappeared during the Dirty War, demanding retribution or at least an answer as to what happened to their loved ones.
Gahhh as you can see my head is all over the place. In other news, I am really excited to see Inception ( El Origen ) when it comes out here on Thursday. I hear it's a mindf***. Scuse my french.
love, love, love, and I'll leave you with some Argentine phrases...
che= dude, used CONSTANTLY
boludo= endearing term for idiot, used for friends and general displays of stupidity, literally 'big balls'
plascha= playa (beach) with an argentine accent.
milango= tango club
boliche= wild nightclub. a redundant phrase.
que barbaro= how cool. appropriate for just about anything.

I really know nothing yet. I can't wait to find out how many more things I'm ignorant about. In the meantime, missing everyone loads and loads...

tata,
Alex(andra)

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