Less Than A Month

Thanks again to God for keeping me through it all. There is less than a month left here for me and I can think of nothing but positive experiences. Thanks be to God.

It's been a minute since my last post. That's because I was busy doing a bunch of fun stuff worth posting. Also it's taken Alibe forever and a day to get these pictures to me. However, she came through like a champ! ;)

I have been having the best time that anyone can possibly have while studying abroad. I am thoroughly convinced of this. So much so that if you told me that someone said that they had a better time I would look them straight in the eye and say, "You lie!" (You can get the rest out now Pops)

Since my last post I went to Uruguay, celebrated the 200th Anniversary of Argentina, found a new church home away from home, Rey de Reyes, had my first Cuban, found a place to play drums, and have just been enjoying life. It's been a lot more fun recently since I'm able to actually understand what the heck these people say to me! I guess they aren't all as crazy as I thought they were before now that I understand them a bit.

So here's a quick rundown of the recent news. Uruguay was mad cool! I want to go back again and stay for a bit longer. Me and my friend were busy taking pics, got separated from our tour group and got lost for a little while, only to end up walking right into them. Gotta love those angels. The 200th Anniversary was crazy! They closed down the largest highway in the world (9 de Julio) and had a bunch of cool activities, parades, concerts, booths, food, all then usual. It was a lot of fun, and a lot of people...like really, a lot of people. Rey de Reyes was a church that I heard about a bit before I came here, but just found out information about. It's pretty cool. But it's funny to hear all the same "church lingo" but in Spanish. I think "Church" should be an official language. And yea...that Cuban! It was insane how huge that cigar was. It took days to finish with my friends.

Also one day after rehearsal for chorus, the conductor took me to a music store to try a set of drums for him. When we got there the manager, who also plays drums, after hearing me play said I can come through anytime and play should I wish. YEA SON!!!

I've been itching to play since I got here! Also the following day, a guy saw me standing in line for a concert and basically said in so many words, "Hey, you're Black where are you from?" I say, "US." He says, "Oh good, here's my card, I've got a basketball team and we need talent." lol Racist stereotypes aside, I would love to play some ball while I'm down here. lol Gotta love the Porteños. He gave me a card and everything. I've also joined a gym and have been running everyday and eating rabbit food after everyone has noticed how much weight I've gained and then Nana called me fat. Thanks a lot Argentina.... But weight gained and all, I'm loving it! I've been having so much fun learning Argentina and chilling with friends (especially #17).

Holla at me beautiful people!

Its been a while but here it is!

Thanks be to God again for keeping me through another week in the middle of NOWHERE! lol It was the greatest time ever.

Before we get to the trip I must say that being 21 is not all its hyped up to be. I just knew by time I hit 21 I'd have it all figured out and I'd be this big time adult...not so at all. It's the same thing as being 20 only I am closer to 30 and we all know what happens at 30...lol I have been enjoying myself though and have started these daily readings of the Bible and by time 22 comes around I would have read the Bible cover to cover. Hopefully, that'll get me some answers ;)

On to the trip! Absolutely amazing! As you can see I enjoyed myself quite thoroughly. We went to Iberá en Misiones, Argentina. It is the most rural of the rural. To get there from Buenos Aires was a 10 hour bus ride, followed be a fleet of pick up trucks that took us another 2.5 hours into the middle of nowhere. The roads reminded me of Africa. When we arrived though it was all worth it. The place was really nice and comfortable and we were completely relaxed from the time we arrived until we left.

What did we do? The most unexpected things ever! lol There was a lot of soccer, fishing, herding cattle, branding cattle, lassoing and wrestle cattle, hikes through the jungle, monkey watching, boat rides, concerts, and of course a lot of sleeping. Never in a million years would I have ever thought that I would have the opportunity ride horses across wild terrain for 2.5 hours (and I mean really ride!), arrive at an estancia and wrestle cows, have a sack race (sorry I have no pics of that), take boat rides all in crazy swamps with all types of crazy animals, its just a lot and I'm so thankful to God for the opportunity to be able to do these things.

Aside from the location and activities during the trip, the people, other students and IES staff, were the absolute best! We all enjoyed each other the entire time. There were so many laughs and fond memories as well as new friendships formed and old ones strengthened. Again as always its one of those "had to be there" type experiences. But hopefully some of these pics can convey at least a bit of what this trip was like. I feel bad because I didn't take many photos this trip. I guess I was too busy enjoying myself. But, I had friends who did take a lot so thanks Daniell...A, Megan, Ryan, Jackie, and of course Alibe (number 17) ;)

Thanks again for reading folks. I appreciate the support and the comments. They are the highlight of my life. lol Welcome Uncle Paul and Angie. And just so you all know, when I get back I have to come over because breakfast here is toast and tea or coffee. You know what that means Angie! ;) lol

Oh and a funny story. So I guess I think I'm Superman or something. I was crossing 9 de Julio, a big highway I have to cross to get to IES. I had the light and all and then this crazy guy is turning speeding though the street and is less than a foot away from hitting me. So guess what I'm doing as the car is approaching...that's right I'm balling up my fist trying to punch the friggin windshield! What is the problem here? Please just pray! lol Between that Kevin Sr. and Paul Jr. I didn't stand a chance. ;)

Chau hasta la próxima vez. Besos!!!

Just remembered. Midterms went well. I had an issue with one grade in a class and I talked with the professor after class and he treated me to a coffee and improved or rather fixed my grade. So all is well. I think that's everything.

Holla

My first...blog as an official adult!

Greetings to all. It's been a while, but I was on blogging hiatus. But, but again, thanks be to God who always causes us to triumph in HIS name! I've been kept once again through another couple of weeks, I've had the blessing of seeing 21 of which I am so thankful to God, despite how much I can't handle the idea of getting old (ugh!!!), I've got a beautiful family that loves and supports me, and once again I have witnessed my semesterly miracle! God's good!

There aren't many pictures for this blog considering I haven't taken pictures in quite some time. But, be ready for a lot of pics next week as I will be going to Iberá Marshes this week for mid-semester break. YEA BOI!!! Break!

The time here is flying by like its nobody's business. I am already more than halfway through my stay here. However, experiences are still as rich today as when I first arrived. Updates...The internship is pretty cool. It's been great getting to meet a lot of new people and share and learn. Some of the people that come in have very limited true interactions with people, that is conversations, embraces, and the likes of which we take for granted at times. Yesterday I witnessed a man eat an entire loaf of bread while talking to me. I not sure what type, but it has definitely left an impression on me.

But, aside from the internship, midterms were great. I'm still working on a take home midterm, which is at least 5x worst than having it in class. I can't stand the idea of an exam haunting me during my break. But, its all good.

Well I'm off to pack and get ready for this afternoon. We pull out of here at 6. Til next time beautiful people. And thanks for all of the birthday wishes. It made my birthday a lot better to read birthday wishes from all of you all even though I was away for one of my biggest B-Day yet.

Oh, and that pick with the cart...an old homeless man and a little boy were trying to move their cart full of stuff across railroad tracks, but the wheels kept getting stuck. Neither of them were able to get the cart across, so I lent a hand, and of course Alibe, being the opportunist photographer she is, snapped a few pics. ;)

Til next time all ;)

Btw, 7 days until the unmentionable!!!

Not Fast Enuff 2 Keep Up With Time!

Thanks be to God Who always causes us to triumph in Him!!!

Another week that God has kept me and provided for me. Been a bit of a tough one at times, but its all good in da hood!

This week I got a real taste of what life is like as a foreigner. If you ever need a crash course try applying for a student visa. Not the smoothest process ever, but the efficiency of the Argentine government helped to make this process a lot easier...NOT!!! They are the worst!!! They lose stuff, leave you waiting all day for a copy of apiece of paper...seriously! I waited 1 hr and 30 mins for a copy! But its all good because I am all set now. I've got my papers and I'm all good.

Also exciting news is that I had my first dream in Spanish last Friday night! YEA SON!!! Doesn't feel like I've had enough sleep to dream since then but I can't wait to see what the next dream will be like.

This weekend's trip was to San Antonio Areco, a province of Buenos Aires. It was another estancia and it was again a lot of fun. They had the absolute coolest 5 year old I've ever met in my life! He danced like crazy, road horse like he was walking, I mean out of this world. Only thing is with that level of cool already I'm afraid he'll reach the peak of his coolness around 9 then it'll be all down hill from there. Sorry kiddo. Enjoy the cool while you can.

On the way back from San Antonio was when it all went down. First there was the craziest lightning storm I've ever seen in my life. No rain, no thunder, just constant lightning. Huge, constant lighting for at least half an hour. We were in the bus at the time. Then out of nowhere BOOM!!! We hear the loudest boom on the roof of the bus like some one dropped a brick on it. We go and look out the window and see these huge hailstones falling from the sky hitting people cars on the road! It's breaking windows and caving in roofs. It was no joke!!! It caused all the traffic on the entire highway to come to a complete stand still. So you know what the good ol'e Argentines did while this was happening, blow their horns at the cars in front of them...FOREVER!!! As if car destroying hail stones weren't bad enough, we also had to listen to the dreadful horns all blasted night! Just lovely. Truly an awakening to just how little control of anything we have of anything.

Speaking of control, I had a doctor's visit today because my finger is twice as big as it normally is. I'm not too sure exactly what happened but whatever happened, it happened like crazy because my left pointer is HUNOURMOUS!!! I thought it was a bite but the doctor didn't think so. He also didn't think it is an infection so I'm not too sure what to think. But apparently soaking it in salt water will do the trick. Gotta love modern medicine. He also gave me a prescription for some medicine, but I'm not too hot on taking medicine and especially not in a foreign country. But its all good. We'll see how it goes.

Also next week is midterms already! This is too intense for words. Hey Auntie Ria!!! Thanks for checking me out and praying for me. Now we gotta get Uncle Paul and Angie. ;) Love ya mucho!

Til next time folks. Pops, look what you did. Got the whole Valentine clan on here. I knew you could do it ;)

Nana's Favorite!!!

Thanks again be to God for keeping me through another week safe and sound, despite all the craziness going on around these parts. That I'll get to later. But, I must first express how overjoyed I am that Nana Valentine is now able to "blog" me...that was for you Keeta. I knew Kevin could do it!

This week has been the bomb! Remember the internship interview I had, the one with the cool people, not the stupid jerks that don't know anything? Well, it went super well and now I have an internship at a magazine company for the aid of the homeless and unemployed Hecho en Buenos Aires (Made in Buenos Aires). They work to provide skills training, honest employment, and all types of aid to the homeless and unemployed. I like it a lot and the people there seem honest. However, no one there speaks English!!! So Wednesdays and Fridays I go home with headaches. lol Some days are better than others.

FEET, FEET, FEET, TOE UP IN THE AIR!!!

Also new is my guitar class! I am taking a folk guitar class at IUNA Musicales, a university here equivalent to the Berkley of Argentina. I really wanted the classical class, but it conflicts with my other class times with IES. Its on Fridays from 6 - 10pm, yea...So I definitely go home with headaches on Fridays. lol (like that one Nana?) The Argentine universities are in desperate need of English reform. ¡Si se puede!

This week was my first time at the movies here! It was pretty exciting. They assign you numbers for your seat ¡Que whack! Other than that it was cool though. I didn't travel anywhere this weekend. I went to the park doing the day and chilled with the best picture taking person of all time, whom most of the pics this week came from. Other than that, I stayed in and got some rest. I slept for almost 24 hours. (Nana, again for you. I know you're proud.)

HELLO CHLOE!!! ;)

So back to what I said I'd get back to. You remember from the first paragraph? Yea, well Chacana thought it would be good for me to share this. About 70% of the students in the program have been robbed at some point here. My host family said they've hosted about ten students before me and all of them had been robbed and some multiple times. But, this past week a group of IES students were robbed at gun point and one was pistol whipped on the head and also has a dislocated knee. So it's no joke here. Say that not to alarm but to thank God for His continued keeping and protecting. I know he hears my praying Nana ;)

Besides that, all is well though. Classes are picking up a lot, but I found a pretty chill study spot. It's a book store that used to be a theater. So I go to the box seats and used them as a private study getaway...I know how nerdy right!? Don't judge me. The theater reminded me that I also went to an opera last week. It was Beethoven's Fidelo. Talk about confusing, it was sang in German with Spanish subtitles...the world needs more English!

But the Spanish is coming a long. Some days are better than others, but I'm feeling pretty confident about what I've learned thus far. This just in, Kevin Sr. loves exclamation points...a bit weird, but Im not his judge. That's all for now good folks! Hope you all enjoyed.

I'll leave you all with a joke...

Q: What has 100 arms, one leg, 100 feet, no toes, and a lot of hair?

A: A tree!!!

Want another joke? Sure you do.

HEALTHCARE REFORM! Hahaha Don't judge me.

Iguazu Falls!!!

Thanks be to God for another week He has kept me through, and what an awesome week it was!!!

Thanks to Semana Santa (Holy Week), the week leading up to Easter Sunday, all classes were canceled after Wednesday. You already know what that means...VIAJE!!! Iguazu was simply amazing! Its difficult to convey everything the park had to offer with words and pics, but I will try. There were jungle hikes, exotic animals, HUNORMOUS spiders, and of course the main attraction, the hugest most beautiful waterfalls in the world! It was the greatest natural wonder I've ever laid eyes on. We also went on a mini safari near our hostel. This hostel was huge! There were so many people and so much fun. There was also so much drinking! One lady was drunk off her stump at 8 am when we were eating breakfast. I was mad confused! It was really cool though to meet so many new people and make so many new friends, which I definitely did. (And no Keeta, you don't need to cut anyone. I have to say that a lot. Why do I always feel like you're about to cut someone? Hmmm...)

Also cool was the bus ride back, which was also not so cool. First of all it's an 18 hour bus ride in Argentine time, which translates to a little over 20 hours real time. Then we had a driver and staff that absolutely hated us! The staff was also mad shady! I would wake up in the middle of the night a lot and almost every time the bus would be stopped with the passenger doors still locked and I would see the bus driver take off running somewhere and come back without opening the doors and letting any new people on or others off. Stuff that makes you go hmmm... Then the shadyness continued as we were stopped at least 5 times by the police and had the bus searched and were required to show passports, which some of us did not have since we did not leave the country. One time we were required to off load the bus and produce some identification, while we were off the bus I watched the shady driver look on with the shadiest look ever. Aside from the weird stops and drivers, the bus ride was cool though. Everyone had a good time and did what college kids do best, be loud. All in all though the trip was amazing. I'm not even sure that these past few days are real life.

Also, more internship news! I have another interview on Wednesday. Let's hope these people aren't jerks like the other group. But, really, I am excited about this place and will give more details events unfold. Oh and one more thing. Apparently people have been blowing up ATMs here. YIKES! No one knows who it is, but they are on a roll and no one seems to be able to stop them. Its crazy too because I just saw the movie "Law Abiding Citizen." What if the people blowing up ATMs are already in jail!? Did anyone think of that?

That's all for now people's! Happy Resurrection Sunday!
Btw, these comments are my new life's inspiration. Eboni, thanks for the comments!
Hope you all keep enjoying this as much as I do. Til next time!

The First Month of the Rest of My Life...

Gracias a Dios for another week He's kept me through! Reflecting on the first month of my stay here in BsAs, all I can say is, "Wow, Argentina, I had no idea you had it in ya!" I have had the time of my life thus far. Words can't begin to convey the fullness of this experience. Also worth noting is yesterday while on a tour of local houses of worship, we heard many priests and rabbis speak, and when paying attention, I understood nearly all of what was said. YEA SON!!! My skills in Español are much larger than before.

Before I go any further I must also say thanks to everyone who has braved the intense blogging process in order to read and post here. It is greatly appreciated. [That's for you Auntie Vicky ;) ] Also, had I known that responses to a blog would be half as funny as they are, I would've done this long ago. I've been showing everyone here all of the posts and they've been cracking up!

On to the best week yet here in Argentina, Wednesday, 24 de Marzo, I went to a celebration and protesst of of a highly controversial government holiday here in Argentina. El Dia Nacional de Memoria Por la Verdad y la Justicia (The National Day of the Memory of Truth and Justice), the longest name of a national holiday EVER!!! It was intense, really intense.

My host mom advised me not to go as to avoid potential danger as in years past, however, I was required to go for a class and already had genuine interests in going anyway. The event was relatively peaceful and I was pleasantly surprised to how "receptive" the locals were. (Keeta, chill with the ropes and such)

One to the weekend in Tigre, a small chain of islands outside of Buenos Aires. It can be summed up in one word...THE ABSOLUTE BEST TRIP THUS FAR! (close) However, reading about it will be a bit anticlimactic because the best part of the trip was how relaxing it was with a bungalow right off of the water, live music, all the free food you can imagine, maté, a warm pool, and pure tranquility. There was also a bit of adventure though. We did some kayaking, swimming, fishing, and had two boat rides, one of which was during sunset. Out of this world! And you know what just warms my chili every time I think about it? That blasted internship place! They had the nerve to send me an email asking me to come to a few of their events! How rude!?

Me: Hey, I really want to be a VOLUNTEER intern here, like a lot!
Them: Uuummm...No!
Me: YOU'RE THE PITS!
Them: Oh hey Kevin you want to come to a few of our events? We think it'll be good to have you!
Me: How rude!?

Okay, so I am a bit salty about this. I mean really!? How can you send someone an email saying we can't use any VOLUNTEERS, and later say hey we can really use you? Good riddance freakky people!!! lol

But, back to the weekend, AMAZING! But really, how rude can you get? Okay, I'm over it. But yea, the staff in Tigre was the best. They gave us free rein over the entire island practically and we blasted music and danced all night long and the staff taught us a bunch of local dances. Also a staff member here at IES played her guitar and sang her face off! Dats real talk!

There is so much more to share, however, I am trying to maintain a blog and not a dissertation. So until next time folks!

PS...Pops, as I advance in my years, as you have already, I hope my wit is just as sharp. Keep up the good work sir! I'm so proud of your funnies. "Bama?" Purely inspirational.

Problems with the blog folks, will be posted later today.

Ladies and Gentlemen, I give you WEEK 3!

What can I say? I have just wrapped up week 3 of my 4 month adventure here in BsAs, nearly a quarter of the way there already! WOW! Thanks be to God again for another week He's kept me through. Btw, people are still speaking a lot of Spanish!

This week has had its ups and downs, highs and lows. Ups include my youngest host brother's birthday! He's 14 now and going on 30. Wise beyond his young years. lol Happy B-Day Fer!!! A low, you know that internship I was telling everyone about? I didn't get it. Its a friggin volunteer facility!!! How the HECK do you not get a position at a VOLUNTEER place!? How rude can you get? Boy that just sets my fire a'blazin! But, hey like The Beatles said, "Let It Be." JERKS!

Another high, first week of classes! My classes are very interesting, fun, and challenging. Professors are also pretty chill! It can be a bit exhausting at times though listening to a professor speaking Español the ENTIRE TIME, in a hot room, when you have had little sleep, and you're hungry as the dickens. Did I mention it being really hot? I guess I don't really have any other lows though, thank God! Oh and I have another interesting class that is going to be so out of this world that I can't tell you, well at least not until I know its firmly established.

Also fun this week was my trip San Isidro. Scholars maintain that the true meaning of "San Isidro" was lost centuries ago. (Anchorman reference, did you catch it?) ¡San Isidro fue muy divertido! We saw a lot of cool stuff, like crazy huge mansions, and did a lot of cool stuff, like went inside of those crazy huge mansions...yup other stuff too. Another highlight, Saturday night. My host brother and a few friends took me to a dance club. It was absolutely insane! We got there about 3amish and when I left to go home it was daylight outside. Everyone told me they were leaving, but of course I wanted to keep dancing so I told them I'd catch up later. One problem with that was I had no idea where I was when I came out. (Don't be alarmed, I was not inebriated, just really lost.)

Naturally I did what I think is the best strategy one can implement when lost, walk one block straight and make a right or left, whichever suits you, and repeat. Eventually you'll see something you recognize. (Keeta don't judge me) If you haven't yet guessed what happened as a result of this strategy, I went in a few circles. But its ok because at least I began to recognize where I was. I caught a cab home. Moral of the story, stay with the people who actually know stuff! Yes, even if you want to dance.

Overall, another fun filled, adventurous, lesson filled week in the books. Again, I really can't get over your posts Pops. You're a lot funnier online. Keep up the good work ;) KEeta, don't go cuttin people again!

WEEK 2!? Already?

Hey Keeta! What you been up to? ;)

Wow! Time is flying! It is simultaneously as if I've just arrived and been here an eternity. Thanks everyone for commenting and checking out my posts here and on FB. I hope these blogs are both informative and entertaining.

Thanks be to God for another week He has kept me through. I must say at times its seemed to be a bit much and other times I wonder why the heck I didn't do this sooner!? This past week has been quite eventful. I met with my friend Jeronímo who is from BsAs. He studied abroad in DC while I was in high school and we've kept in touch. Now its my turn and he's been a pretty chill tour guide, but most importantly he is a Redskins fan, as evidenced by the photo.

The highlight of the week by far was the best beach trip of my life! Mar de Plata! Pics can't convey the insane beauty of this place. A bunch of IES students (IES = study abroad program) planned this bus trip. It was a 5.5 hr bus ride and we stayed in a hostel (my first time ever).
We took all types of crazy pics, went tubing, ate good food, saw a Mariachi band, which I wasn't aware was present in Argentina, some of us worked on our tan while others worked on their burn, swam, and I met a bunch of "friendly" locals. (take that as you will lol)

Oh yea, we also had our close out orientation dinner. This leads me to reflections from today, our first day of class. My sentiments can be best summed up in this posed question, "What the HECK!?" I think these people have me severely mistaken for some one who understands anything that they say! lol I know I'm in a Spanish speaking country, but can they speak Spanish a little less than normal just for me? I mean really? Everywhere I go people are speaking Spanish! Is this really what I signed up for? All kidding aside though, it is challenging but I am definitely game and within these two weeks can already see much improvement in my Spanish.

"Rrrrrrrrrr, el rrrrrr, la rrrrrrrr...," this is how everyone sounds to me! And this is in class! Chakana, you should see me. However, I have mastered the fine art of the head nod. It is beautiful because no matter what happens if I say "Si!" and nod my head, everything is all of the sudden ok.

Aside from the first day of classes I've had since December 09, today is also special because I have my interview for my internship which will be conducted in...you guessed it, Spanish UGH!!!
Again I'll keep everyone up to date with that. I'm hoping for an incredible experience.

In closing this second week has been great, I'm feeling more adjusted, have made many new friends, both American and Porteño, and the good times keep rollin!

P.S. Pops, you on a blog is beyond hilarious! lol Luv ya much!

First Week Reflections

¡Qué Tal!

Having wrapped up my first week abroad here in Buenos Aires (BsAs), I am first grateful to God for this opportunity and for all of the special people that He has placed in my life to be a blessing to me. This entire experience has been one of the most humbling I have ever experienced.

This week has been absolutely CRAZY! My traveling begin with visa issues, broken down planes, thankfully on the ground, unplanned long layovers, stomach viruses, and finally lost luggage, which was recovered. However, once I finally arrived all was well. I began to feel much better and my luggage was fully recovered only to unleash a swarm of crazy flying bugs that took over my room for a night, but its all good ;)

This week has been intense. It finally set in that I am actually a foreigner here and this is REALLY South America. I've had my share of market experiences, with shopping for food, a local mobile phone, recovering my luggage, and many other times I've been forced to use the Spanish that I know or resolve to my skills in charades.

My host family is THE BEST!! An older couple with 7 children that live here all from ages 14 to 26, so generally all are in my age group. We have a lot of fun making jokes, usually about my Spanish, and chillaxin. One of my host brothers, Ignacio aka Nacho, invited me for a weekend to "el campo" (the country) on the outskirts of BsAs. We had a fun authentic BBQ with the works...WOW! Food there was great. As it also was when we visited "la estáncia" (the ranch) where we tried a whole slew of meats, maté (an Argentine drink), swam, saw a lot of animals and rode horses. We seriously rode horses though! It wasn't the average walk a trail with the horse. They ranchers let us go for it if we wanted, naturally of course I did. I almost fell off a few times, but it was well worth it!

It is still orientation until March 15, so we haven't yet started classes. However, I have already started searching for a human rights internship here, which I will be sure to keep everyone abreast to. But so far so good!

I will be keeping this blog pretty regularly updated so please keep checking me out. Hopefully I won't disappoint ;)

¡Nos Vemos!