So I've been here for just over a week, and already it feels like home. My house parents are incredible, and so willing to help me figure out how to get places, work on my Spanish, etc. I'm meeting so many new people and seeing new things everyday and I find this culture absolutely fascinating. Portenos (locals in Buenos Aires, literally meaning "people of the port") have found a way to slow down their pace of life in the midst of a huge city. While things are swirling around them at a rapid pace, it is normal for lunch to be a two hour affair because people take their time eating and then spend the rest of their time chatting with friends or reading the paper/a book. What a novel idea, appreciating the company and atmosphere around you, rather than rushing through everything to get back to whatever is perceived as "important."
Classes start tomorrow, and I am thoroughly excited to be in an environment with other people that want to learn about the same things as me. Oh, and I'm also taking a tango class...I can't even imagine what that is going to be like, but I await it with much anticipation. I'll update everybody once I have my class schedule nailed down for sure.
The only negative thing that's happened here was the unfortunate loss of my wallet a couple days ago, but that hasn't really done anything to dampen my spirits about being in Buenos Aires. I've taken the steps to get my debit card back and my parents are working on a Western Union transfer, I made the decision that I wouldn't let something insignificant freak me out too much, and it hasn't. I continuously count my blessings about how fortunate I am to have this opportunity and reminding myself to cherish every single day I have over here.
I guess that's it for now, today another girl from my program is coming back from vacation meaning that there will be seven people living in my house. I've never lived with more than four at once, except in the dorm, which I don't really count because I only interacted with about four people there. Dinner tonight should be muy interesante.
Te echo de menos Gainesville, hasta noviembre.
I am so happy that you are having a wonderful experience. I like your positive attitude and outlook on things. I miss you and love you so so much. <3
ReplyDeleteTu eres una portena! Aww, que linda. You are super missed but it sounds like you are also having a fabulous time. I'm happy to hear this. A lot of PC people in their blogs mention the "pace of life" in the Latin culture and how it'll get done when it's done and to sit down and enjoy food, enjoy company etc so I find it funny that you mentioned it. I can't wait for you to bring that attitude back here and rub off on some gringos.
ReplyDeleteLove you.
Buenos Aires has so many things to offer that at first, you will not even know how to start. Well, I would begin with the zoo, the museums in Recoleta, have lunch at those beautiful restaurants in Puerto Madero with the sight of the river, also the Obelisco and some shopping in the well-known stores in Palermo Viejo (fashion neighborhood)
ReplyDeleteLast year I rented a buenos aires apartment and I felt as if 2 weeks were not enough for this city. I will go back!
Kim