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.
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Monday, March 22, 2010
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!
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!
Monday, March 15, 2010
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!
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!
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
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!
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!
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)
