Arrivals and Expectations

Estoy aquí amigos!

I've only been here in Buenos Aires for two days but it feels like so much more than that. A lot happens within those first few days of traveling, so I figured I'd fill you in on life thus far.

I took a flight from Raleigh to DC and then DC to Argentina.  It was funny sitting in the terminal in DC because all the people were speaking Spanish- and then when I got on the plane, many assumed I understood what was happening.  The term "no se" has become really useful for me these past few days! Ha! But anyway, I was assigned to sit in the absolute last row of this gigantic plane when they told me I couldn't. So I'm thinking I'm gonna be crammed between two people for 10 hours.  Much to my surprise, they moved me all the way to the front, bulk head seating right behind first class, with no one sitting next to me. Despite not being able to sleep, I definitely appreciated the extra leg room. Oh! But since it was an emergency exit row, they had to make sure I was older than 16. Never had anyone assume I was younger before, so that was a new one.

But thats not the exciting stuff you all probably want to hear about.

Argentina is hot! While most of you all are sitting cooped up in your houses watching the snow fall, I am showing off my pale skin to the bright summer sun happening down here. Hopefully I'll get tan soon. Yesterday, one of my host ladies and I went up to the roof of the apartment complex to tan (17th story btw).  Needless to say, it was quite the view.

So meet my host family.

Now, if you read my last blog, you know how I feel about having expectations, and this scenario just proves my point even more. Coming in to this trip, I assumed Maria and Dolores were 70 year old women living together (all based on facebook stalking), and I assumed they would be quiet and grandmotherly and I would not get a taste of the young Argentine life.

Right before the bus dropped me off, the program director informed me that the ladies were in their 30s.  I had to change my mental picture before meeting them, because I would've been completely thrown off otherwise.

Maria (Mary) and Dolores (Lolly) are a couple of friends who live together.  They met in 2005 when they were working together and have been friends ever since.  Both are very very sweet, Lolly speaks a little better English than Mary.  Between my Spanish and their English, we are able to get along just fine.  The apartment is located in Recoleta, a wealthy barrio of Buenos Aires.  The apartment is small though, but it is more than enough. Two bedrooms, a bathroom, small kitchen and little living area. My room faces the busy street (because Buenos Aires never sleeps).  I had the pleasure of falling asleep to classic Eminem and Rihanna the other night- and I thought I escaped that!  I suppose I'll get used to lullabies of trucks and busses in due time. Oh, there's also no air conditioning so we have to sleep with the windows open.  Thankfully, its not so humid here and there's a wonderful breeze at night.

Mary is engaged to Nacho- they're getting married in November.  He's a pretty funny guy, from what I can tell.  He keeps trying to show me different things but he speaks no English so thats kind of hard.

On the day I arrived, it was Lolly's younger brother's wedding.  So in a matter of hours, the little apartment had its share of family members getting ready.  It was fun just watching them get ready and listening to their conversations, even though I knew very little of what they were saying.  I absolutely love how the Argentines embrace one another, even those they do not know. You always greet one another with an embrace and a kiss on the cheek.  Lolly's family did this without even knowing my name!

For dinner, we had empanadas and the local beer called Quilmes. I love empanadas and really enjoyed the Quilmes as well.

Yesterday, I had an orientation to my program with CEA.  More students with our program will be arriving in February, but those that are here now are here for the early start with an intensive Spanish language course. They took us to a very nice lunch place, where I had steak and Spanish potatoes with flan for dessert.  Oh, and how could I forget the champagne we were served at the end! Needless to say, it was a good day, followed by plenty of walking. EVERYWHERE. These legs are gonna get in shape fast I tell ya.

Today I had my placement test for the Spanish language course which starts tomorrow.  I placed in the intermediate level.  So for the next month, I will have class Monday-Friday, 9:30-2:30. In Spanish. My head will quite possibly explode. After the test, we took a tour of the barrio Belgrano- another ritzy area of the city lined with GORGEOUS houses.  

Sorry for such a long entry, theres a lot to write about in the first couple days. I haven't experienced the famous night life of BA yet as I'm trying to adjust my body to the new culture and sleeping patterns and what not.  But, I'm very excited to experience it first hand!!

Oh, and one last thing. Before I left, I was really bummed about not having a guitar with me for 5 months.  Dad mentioned I could probably buy one for cheap, or perhaps the ladies would have one they don't use much, or would allow me to.  Well, shortly after arriving, Nacho (Mary's boyfriend) asked if I played guitar and pointed to one sitting in the corner...that no one uses. Ha. If that's not a God thing, I don't know what is.

Ok friends, if you read this all...congrats and thank you for keeping up with me! Love love loveeeee