This past week has been a bit stressful b/c I am trying to figure out which classes I actually want to take and which to drop or switch. I am keeping my general spanish and writing workshop classes b/c I want to get better at my spanish. I am also keeping my theater class b/c it fulfills an arts 1 gen ed. I think that I am dropping sculpture and picking up either digital photography or tango. And I am trying to switch my poetry class for a human rights internship which sounds really intersting. I just need to get permission, but like I said about organization, I havent been emailed back with a response yet. If I dont get permission I am dropping poetry anyway b/c I dont like it and have no interest. I sat in on the human rights internship class and was on the edge of my seat so I hope they let me take it! The internship includes a 2 hour lecture once a week and 6 hours of interning. I think it would be a great experience.
I also attended my first bible study here. We didnt actually study the bible but we will in the future. Instead, we had dinner together and just hung out. It was great. I am so thankful to have met these campus crusade girls. They are tons of fun and we laugh a lot. Their spanish is impressive as well. The bible study as well as the friday night meetigns will help me get to know local Argentines too which is an added bonus!
I also went to Tigre again. Tuesday was a national holiday so we had no school. However, no one told us why it was a national holiday so I didnt think much of it. I went back with a differnt group of people and we got to swim! It was great except the water is brown...no worries, its not poop, its mineral water. We also ate a nice lunch again but I didnt like my asado (some kinda meat). I think that we are going to go back b/c they also have an amusement park you can go to and we want to check it out!
One of my biggest annoyances here is the blatant stares from men. It doesnt matter what you are wearing either. They will look at you. Maybe even comment. Whenever I see a man and I'm alone I just stare straight ahead like I dont even see him and I have a glare on my face. I feel like a grinch or something and its no fun.
Another annoyance: Dogs poop on the sidewalk and people may or may not clean it up. It is so gross. I see smooshed dog poop on the sidewalk all the time! GROSS.
Interesting fact of the day: At many of the drug stores around here they ring up your purchase in one line then you have to get in another line to actually pay for it!
~Lizzie
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Sunday, March 22, 2009
Exploring the Outdoors
Yesterday I went on a day trip to El Tigre. I belive it is the name of the river...maybe not, it might just be the neighborhood. I never got a guide book so I dont know too much about what is around me. It was a fun and exhuasting day. I went with a group of 8 girls and we took two trains to get there. Then, we took a boat that was like a bus down the river to eat some lunch. I had a $7 steak that was really thick and really juicy and delicious. Afterwards, we walked around a bit and found a place where we could rent canoe's. At first I was hot and tired and all I wanted to do was swim in the river so i wasnt that excited about canoeing. However, it really made the trip and I'm very glad we did it. It only cost $5 per person for an hour! What a deal.
Friday night I went to the Campus Crusade meeting. Here in Argentina it is called "La Vida Estudill" which I think means student life. It was a lot of fun. They gave a talk about time management in spanish and I understood the general idea, there were powerpoints too which helped a lot. Then, we just hung out and met the students who went. It was very informal after the meeting ended. I got "besos" -kissed- by people I didnt even know. This was my first experience being with more Argentine's than Americans. A few people came and introduced themselves and we spoke in english and spanish. Right before the Vida meetings they have an english club where students can practice english if they wnt so alot of the students can speak pretty well. I think that I will contnue to attend as long as I am not traveling.
I have a place here. It sells pizza by the slize and empanadas. Both are less than $4 pesos each which is like a dollar. It is ridiculous. I've gone a couple times a week so far. Every time but one I've had the same waiter. he is great. Now he greets us as soon as we walk in.
I went shopping again. I got 4 shirts and a dress for I think $30 dollars total. it is crazy. I wanted to get shoes too but it seems like they dont go past size 40 and I'm like a 43! It is so not fair b/c right now with their sales you can get 3 pairs of shoes for $40 dollars!
Since being here I really miss little kids. I think it is because I see them everywhere but I cant hold them or play with them b/c I dont know them! Basically, I miss babysitting. It was never that bad at Hope but I think that is because I only saw other college students!
INTERESTING FACT OF THE DAy: I have seen Amish people here in Argentina...I did not see that coming!
Friday night I went to the Campus Crusade meeting. Here in Argentina it is called "La Vida Estudill" which I think means student life. It was a lot of fun. They gave a talk about time management in spanish and I understood the general idea, there were powerpoints too which helped a lot. Then, we just hung out and met the students who went. It was very informal after the meeting ended. I got "besos" -kissed- by people I didnt even know. This was my first experience being with more Argentine's than Americans. A few people came and introduced themselves and we spoke in english and spanish. Right before the Vida meetings they have an english club where students can practice english if they wnt so alot of the students can speak pretty well. I think that I will contnue to attend as long as I am not traveling.
I have a place here. It sells pizza by the slize and empanadas. Both are less than $4 pesos each which is like a dollar. It is ridiculous. I've gone a couple times a week so far. Every time but one I've had the same waiter. he is great. Now he greets us as soon as we walk in.
I went shopping again. I got 4 shirts and a dress for I think $30 dollars total. it is crazy. I wanted to get shoes too but it seems like they dont go past size 40 and I'm like a 43! It is so not fair b/c right now with their sales you can get 3 pairs of shoes for $40 dollars!
Since being here I really miss little kids. I think it is because I see them everywhere but I cant hold them or play with them b/c I dont know them! Basically, I miss babysitting. It was never that bad at Hope but I think that is because I only saw other college students!
INTERESTING FACT OF THE DAy: I have seen Amish people here in Argentina...I did not see that coming!
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
School is for fools :)
Today was my second day of classes. and let me tell you it felt LONG. Tuesday I had class from 11-1 HOWEVER that was the day I had to go to immigrations to get my visa. Long story short, it didnt happen. The good news is that I can write my own "F my life."
"So I waited in line for 3 hours at immigrations only to find out they had no more numbers for the day and couldnt get my visa. Little did I know that I had a group appointment and got to cut the line. If I had done that I'd have my visa right now. F MY LIFE." It sounded better when I made it up yesterday but oh well!
That basically sums up the story. I got up at 6:30 am to go to immigrations. Then waited in a line with a million people for about 3 hours. Apparently there was a miscommunication about where to meet. There are ALOT of those with this program that I am with. Now my weekend plans to leave the country are ruined b/c I am in the process of getting my student visa. And now I have to go back to immigrations and who knows how long that will take.
Anyway, back to classes. Tuesday I went to my general spanish and it was alright. Mostly review right now. I also had my sculpture class. I think that I will be dropping that. It was 4 hours. We talked in spanish for about 2 about boring thigns. Then we had about an hour to design and I quickly learned that I do not like to design thigns creatively and sculpture is not my thing. haha. Then today I had a spansih writing workshop which is ok too and my spanish class again. Plus a poetry class. ew i hate poetry in english let alone spanish but i need an english class for my cultural heritage credit. Tomorrow will be poetry again. and my theater class. I'll keep you posted.
On a lighter note, the other day on the bus some older woman sat down to me and her pants had somehow gotten unzipped. It then took her about 10 minutes to zip them back up. It was a side zip and they almost fell off. I couldnt keep from giggling so I turned away so she couldnt see.
My host mom is so great. She is just super sweet. Last week I had a few long days and when I got home from orientation activities all I wanted was a shower and a pepsi. Luckily for me there is a little store underneath our building so after I got clean I'd go get a pepsi to relax. After a few days of this Christina started buying pepsi for us to drink with dinner. I love her!
I am a bit nervous that I am going to get fat. I feel like I eat a lot here. Some kids are complaining about losing weight. I dont know how that is happening. I eat 3-4 meals a day if you add up all the snacks I eat. it is ridiculous. And my last meal is around 8-9 and I go to bed only a couple hours after that so it just sits in my tummy! ahhh.
On a positive note I met a girl today from campus crusade, alexis, who is on a stint here in Bs. As. It was great to meet another christian here in argentina b/c my program seems to have few if any, that stand out anyway. I'm hoping to get involved with what she is doing around here. They have meetings every friday night and a few other events as well! It sounds like a lot of fun. They also volunteer at an orphanage once a month and I'd love to do that. As long as I am in town this weekend I think that I'll go to their friday meeting and see where that leads. I think that this is my opportunity to meet locals and maybe get involved in the community around me. :)
Interesting fact of the day: Alexis told me that some homless people "rent" out their kids to others b/c kids can make more money begging. It is so sad. There are a lot of homeless people around and even families
~Lizzie
"So I waited in line for 3 hours at immigrations only to find out they had no more numbers for the day and couldnt get my visa. Little did I know that I had a group appointment and got to cut the line. If I had done that I'd have my visa right now. F MY LIFE." It sounded better when I made it up yesterday but oh well!
That basically sums up the story. I got up at 6:30 am to go to immigrations. Then waited in a line with a million people for about 3 hours. Apparently there was a miscommunication about where to meet. There are ALOT of those with this program that I am with. Now my weekend plans to leave the country are ruined b/c I am in the process of getting my student visa. And now I have to go back to immigrations and who knows how long that will take.
Anyway, back to classes. Tuesday I went to my general spanish and it was alright. Mostly review right now. I also had my sculpture class. I think that I will be dropping that. It was 4 hours. We talked in spanish for about 2 about boring thigns. Then we had about an hour to design and I quickly learned that I do not like to design thigns creatively and sculpture is not my thing. haha. Then today I had a spansih writing workshop which is ok too and my spanish class again. Plus a poetry class. ew i hate poetry in english let alone spanish but i need an english class for my cultural heritage credit. Tomorrow will be poetry again. and my theater class. I'll keep you posted.
On a lighter note, the other day on the bus some older woman sat down to me and her pants had somehow gotten unzipped. It then took her about 10 minutes to zip them back up. It was a side zip and they almost fell off. I couldnt keep from giggling so I turned away so she couldnt see.
My host mom is so great. She is just super sweet. Last week I had a few long days and when I got home from orientation activities all I wanted was a shower and a pepsi. Luckily for me there is a little store underneath our building so after I got clean I'd go get a pepsi to relax. After a few days of this Christina started buying pepsi for us to drink with dinner. I love her!
I am a bit nervous that I am going to get fat. I feel like I eat a lot here. Some kids are complaining about losing weight. I dont know how that is happening. I eat 3-4 meals a day if you add up all the snacks I eat. it is ridiculous. And my last meal is around 8-9 and I go to bed only a couple hours after that so it just sits in my tummy! ahhh.
On a positive note I met a girl today from campus crusade, alexis, who is on a stint here in Bs. As. It was great to meet another christian here in argentina b/c my program seems to have few if any, that stand out anyway. I'm hoping to get involved with what she is doing around here. They have meetings every friday night and a few other events as well! It sounds like a lot of fun. They also volunteer at an orphanage once a month and I'd love to do that. As long as I am in town this weekend I think that I'll go to their friday meeting and see where that leads. I think that this is my opportunity to meet locals and maybe get involved in the community around me. :)
Interesting fact of the day: Alexis told me that some homless people "rent" out their kids to others b/c kids can make more money begging. It is so sad. There are a lot of homeless people around and even families
~Lizzie
Sunday, March 15, 2009
Dancing in Chinatown
The system here for doing laundry is great. All you have to do is separate your lights and darks into two different hampers. Then you walk it over to the lavanderia where you leave it with the chinese inhabitants of buenos aires and its clean AND folded by the next day, sometimes even the same day! I love it. Plus it only costs about 8-10 pesos per load which is less than 3 dollars! At Hope I had to pay about half of that but I also had to fold my own clothes and wait for the machines to be available. This is much more convienent.
One thing here that really grosses me out is that while walking around you get dripped on by water. And no its not rain water, it could be water from anything. gross. But I think it mostly comes from air conditioners and watered plants on balconys. Who really knows. It just makes me feel dirty and germy!
Speaking of which, yesterday I ate my a burrito that I bought in the street from a man. This goes against everything that I am. I hate germs and dirtiness but I was hungry and thats what everyone else ate. It tasted good but I'm just hoping there are no side effects from this decision.
I love how cheap desserts can be here. I have previously mentioned media lunas which I still adore. And then there are cookies. I was able to buy 5 small but bakery made cookies for 3 pesos which is less than a dollar. I was shocked. In the US they'd be like a dollar each!
I'd have to say that the biggest fashion mishap here is parachute pants. These pants are hideous and have a dangerously low and loose fitting crotch. I do not understand the desire but I see them everywhere. The girls love them and they do not look attractive at all!
This past weekend I went to Buenos Aires own Chinatown. I dont know why but I figured that even in Buenos Aires would they call it Chinatown. Turns out they dont. Its called el barrio chinese (the chinese neighborhood). However, while trying to tell my host mom I was goign to chinatown and straight up using that word she thought I said the Sheraton, as in the hotel. and Asked me if I was going to get dinner and go dancing. I was like what? They dance in chintwon? eventuallywe figured it out but it was a funny misunderstanding. Now try to imagine ordering chinese food in spanish. haha. The food was great. I went with 8 other girls and we split a bunch of different things which I love to do!
On Sunday I had a bike tour. I was really excited for it becuse I love to bike plus I figured I could get tan at the same time. The day was great b/c it wasnt too hot and had some nice wind. However, an hour into the tour I began to regret my decision. I have not worked out actively ever really. This tour kicked my butt. It was 3 hours and the guide was like a speed demon on the bike. I thought I was going to pass out. I'm glad I did it but I dont think I could ever do it again. I also figured that I didnt need sunscreen b/c it seemed kinda cold out. BAD MOVE. I am now burned and sore. Its a great combination.
After the tour I had to get home. This meant that I had to find the same bus that I came on but going in the oppposite direction which is tricky. You just have to ask people where it is and surprisingly they usually know. I was able to find it but I didnt know where to get off. There was a stop a block from my house but I thought there was another one literally across the street so i decided to stay on teh bus since I had nothign to do and could wiat a bit longer. Another bad move. I took the bus for like another 20 blocks before I was like oops, I guess I should hvae just gotten off. It took me like an extra hour to get home.
I do not know what I did to deserve this but I wake up every morning around 8 am give or take an hour. I think that while I was adjusting to the jetlag I messed myself up and now I cannot sleep in. It doenst matter what time I go to bed I wake up around 8 am and cannot go back to sleep. This will not cut it with the argentine lifestyle of staying up till 6 in the morning. Given, I havent actually stayed out till 6 yet but 3:30 is pretty close!
INTERESTING FACT OF THE DAY: Argentina's Pizza is really really yummy. I eat it a few times a week for lunch!
~liz
One thing here that really grosses me out is that while walking around you get dripped on by water. And no its not rain water, it could be water from anything. gross. But I think it mostly comes from air conditioners and watered plants on balconys. Who really knows. It just makes me feel dirty and germy!
Speaking of which, yesterday I ate my a burrito that I bought in the street from a man. This goes against everything that I am. I hate germs and dirtiness but I was hungry and thats what everyone else ate. It tasted good but I'm just hoping there are no side effects from this decision.
I love how cheap desserts can be here. I have previously mentioned media lunas which I still adore. And then there are cookies. I was able to buy 5 small but bakery made cookies for 3 pesos which is less than a dollar. I was shocked. In the US they'd be like a dollar each!
I'd have to say that the biggest fashion mishap here is parachute pants. These pants are hideous and have a dangerously low and loose fitting crotch. I do not understand the desire but I see them everywhere. The girls love them and they do not look attractive at all!
This past weekend I went to Buenos Aires own Chinatown. I dont know why but I figured that even in Buenos Aires would they call it Chinatown. Turns out they dont. Its called el barrio chinese (the chinese neighborhood). However, while trying to tell my host mom I was goign to chinatown and straight up using that word she thought I said the Sheraton, as in the hotel. and Asked me if I was going to get dinner and go dancing. I was like what? They dance in chintwon? eventuallywe figured it out but it was a funny misunderstanding. Now try to imagine ordering chinese food in spanish. haha. The food was great. I went with 8 other girls and we split a bunch of different things which I love to do!
On Sunday I had a bike tour. I was really excited for it becuse I love to bike plus I figured I could get tan at the same time. The day was great b/c it wasnt too hot and had some nice wind. However, an hour into the tour I began to regret my decision. I have not worked out actively ever really. This tour kicked my butt. It was 3 hours and the guide was like a speed demon on the bike. I thought I was going to pass out. I'm glad I did it but I dont think I could ever do it again. I also figured that I didnt need sunscreen b/c it seemed kinda cold out. BAD MOVE. I am now burned and sore. Its a great combination.
After the tour I had to get home. This meant that I had to find the same bus that I came on but going in the oppposite direction which is tricky. You just have to ask people where it is and surprisingly they usually know. I was able to find it but I didnt know where to get off. There was a stop a block from my house but I thought there was another one literally across the street so i decided to stay on teh bus since I had nothign to do and could wiat a bit longer. Another bad move. I took the bus for like another 20 blocks before I was like oops, I guess I should hvae just gotten off. It took me like an extra hour to get home.
I do not know what I did to deserve this but I wake up every morning around 8 am give or take an hour. I think that while I was adjusting to the jetlag I messed myself up and now I cannot sleep in. It doenst matter what time I go to bed I wake up around 8 am and cannot go back to sleep. This will not cut it with the argentine lifestyle of staying up till 6 in the morning. Given, I havent actually stayed out till 6 yet but 3:30 is pretty close!
INTERESTING FACT OF THE DAY: Argentina's Pizza is really really yummy. I eat it a few times a week for lunch!
~liz
Saturday, March 14, 2009
Tomorrow will be my two week mark. That is crazy! 4 months to go! I got my class schedule yesterday. I will be taking spanish, spanish writing, a argentine poetry class, a sculpture class at a universtiy, possibly a tango class at a universtiy, and a theater class for 18/19 credits. As of now I do not have class on monday which sounds like it would be good to travel but a lot of people have friday off instead so unless I find a few more like me I wont really get 3 day weekend trips. I hope it wont be a bit deal but who knows. I am continuasly disapointed with the IES organization but so far I've been able to survive.
I got a cell phone yesterday which is super exciting! I really like it too. Everyone else got theirs like 2 weeks ago when we got here but I was going to unlock my phone from home and it just wasnt working so I finally just bought a new one! It is nice b/c I felt so isolated without a way to contact new friends.
Also, on thursday we went to a estancia which I think is like a ranch. Anyway, it had an outdoor pool so that is all that matters. I dont think that Argentina has outdoor pools. I am shocked b/c its so gosh darn hot here! We had another great lunch of every kind of meat possible and desserts and salad and fruit! It would have been a $50 per person meal back in the US but I dont know what we paid for it b/c it was covered by IES!
I went out again last night. First, I met up with a bunch of girls and we went to dinner. Then, w went to a kiosko which is just like a sketchy store that sells many things including my favorite, alcohol. lol. We eventually left and went to a bar and then tried to continue to a club but it just was not working so I just went home. And now only 6 hours later did I wake up on my own. Its crazy, some nights I sleep like 10+ hours and then others when I got to bed late I wake up early. Now I am 2 for 2 for almost going clubbing. I really want ot go to a club with american hip hop. :)
Today is a free day! I think that I will go shopping for that jean skirt I've been wanting.
INTERESTING FACT OF THE DAY: I'd say that I've seen about 2/3 of the women population in jean mini skirts.
~liz
I got a cell phone yesterday which is super exciting! I really like it too. Everyone else got theirs like 2 weeks ago when we got here but I was going to unlock my phone from home and it just wasnt working so I finally just bought a new one! It is nice b/c I felt so isolated without a way to contact new friends.
Also, on thursday we went to a estancia which I think is like a ranch. Anyway, it had an outdoor pool so that is all that matters. I dont think that Argentina has outdoor pools. I am shocked b/c its so gosh darn hot here! We had another great lunch of every kind of meat possible and desserts and salad and fruit! It would have been a $50 per person meal back in the US but I dont know what we paid for it b/c it was covered by IES!
I went out again last night. First, I met up with a bunch of girls and we went to dinner. Then, w went to a kiosko which is just like a sketchy store that sells many things including my favorite, alcohol. lol. We eventually left and went to a bar and then tried to continue to a club but it just was not working so I just went home. And now only 6 hours later did I wake up on my own. Its crazy, some nights I sleep like 10+ hours and then others when I got to bed late I wake up early. Now I am 2 for 2 for almost going clubbing. I really want ot go to a club with american hip hop. :)
Today is a free day! I think that I will go shopping for that jean skirt I've been wanting.
INTERESTING FACT OF THE DAY: I'd say that I've seen about 2/3 of the women population in jean mini skirts.
~liz
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Ready, GO!
So when I decided to come to Buenos Aires I was told that everything was slower here. People didnt rush and were more event oriented and not time oriented. Since I've been here I've found out that that is only partially true. All of the stop lights give a heads up before they turn. The red lights flash yellow as well as red right before the light will turn green. Alot of the cars, especially the cabs will go when the light turns yellow before its even green to go! When cars dont go right away they then get honked at by everyone until they speed off.
The weather here has been about 70;s and 80's during the day and cooling off to around 60's at night. Its been great for my skin! I am getting tanner by the day and I haven't even tried. I love it.
Also, I dont know what is wrong with me but I feel like my feet always smell. I shower twice a day but it is so dirty here and I really dont know what else could be causing it! The dirt is also getting to my computer. I have a white mac and I can only get internet if I sit by the window and I think that dirt just like flies in!
Interesting fact of the day: There are a lot of dogs and babies here in BA. I dont know if its a city thing and it just seems like there alot or if its a cultural thing. :)
~lizzie
The weather here has been about 70;s and 80's during the day and cooling off to around 60's at night. Its been great for my skin! I am getting tanner by the day and I haven't even tried. I love it.
Also, I dont know what is wrong with me but I feel like my feet always smell. I shower twice a day but it is so dirty here and I really dont know what else could be causing it! The dirt is also getting to my computer. I have a white mac and I can only get internet if I sit by the window and I think that dirt just like flies in!
Interesting fact of the day: There are a lot of dogs and babies here in BA. I dont know if its a city thing and it just seems like there alot or if its a cultural thing. :)
~lizzie
Monday, March 9, 2009
One tequilla, two tequilla, three tequilla... floor...or not. :)
So much to say today. Saturday night I did not go to the bar crawl. I'm mostly bummed b/c they supposedly had a "party bus" and I never got to go to a dance in one so it is one of my life goals to ride in one. Its a bit silly but oh well. Instead, I went out to dinner with a few girls at 11 pm. Yes, that was our dinnertime. I had a pizza, an empanada, and half a strawberry daqari (which unfortunately did not settle very well) Then we met up with another larger group at like 12:30 at another resturant. The waiter gave everyone 3 free shots. I have no idea why, even those of use who came late got them for free. I only had one though b/c I wasnt feeling that well. These shots were on top of the almost one bottle of wine each that had already been dranken. We definatley were the obnoxious and very loud Americans but we had been seated in the basement almost alone so it wasnt too bad. The dinner for 13 people including all the wine only cost $30 per person. Money here doesnt seem real. I've heard some Americans compare it to monopoly money, everything seems so cheap that you dont mind spending and spending. However, sooner or later it will add up! We then left the resturant around 2 and proceeded to a bar and eventually the group split up. Some went to a club but there was a cover charge and I was low on cash so I stayed behind with some others. We went to a local cafe (let me remind you of the time, 4:30 am) and I eventually made it home by 5 am.
I only got 6 hours of sleep because I went to a mall with my host mom and host sister. I also woke up feeling a bit nauscious even though I barely drank anything. That is just my luck! I guess the alcoholic genes dont run in me b/c if they did I'd have a very high tolerance which I dont believe I do! I just get sick and shakey not tipsy.
The mall sounded like a good idea but it was a bit of a bust. It was huge and had a lot of stores but a lot of it was expensive. If you were to walk around town you'd find stuff a lot cheaper. I still need to take the time to go shopping but I am very busy with orientation.
Once we got back from the mall at 6 pm I took a "nap" that lasted until the next morning. Haha. I am still adjusting to the culture and time differences.
This morning I took a placement test at a local universtiy to see if I could take a class there. I found out that I can and I placed a 3 whatever that means. After the test myself and another friend walked about 25 minutes in the wrong direction so it took us about an hour or so to get back to orientiation. It didnt matter that we were late but my legs got tired b/c I had also walked 45 minutes to the schools location too. I've been walking a lot around here which I enjoy but it tires me out.
Then I ate some lunch with friends and we ewnt to a park. We bought magazines in spanish on the way and tried to read them without much luck. I tried to translate but itwas tricky. I think I need a sentence translator like you can get online. :) At the park a man tried to sell us some jewelry. We didnt want any but he wouldnt go away right away so we talked to him a bit. There were a lot of people around so I figured it was ok, plus it was nice to talk to a local a bit. I think he actually invited us to his house to watch movies but I pretended not to understand. haha.
Later on, I got to take a tango lesson as part of an optional orientation program which was the highlight of my day. I think I did pretty well too considering my dancing skills. There were more girls than guys but it worked out because just rotated. It was nice because I usually have to be the guy b/c of my height! We have another lesson on friday and I cannot wait!
Interesting fact of the day: In many public bathrooms they have a bar soap in the shape of an 3D oval attached to the wall. See my pictures for a visual.
~Lizzie
p.s. I guess I lied about the two way streets being non existent. However, they are definatly in the minority.
I only got 6 hours of sleep because I went to a mall with my host mom and host sister. I also woke up feeling a bit nauscious even though I barely drank anything. That is just my luck! I guess the alcoholic genes dont run in me b/c if they did I'd have a very high tolerance which I dont believe I do! I just get sick and shakey not tipsy.
The mall sounded like a good idea but it was a bit of a bust. It was huge and had a lot of stores but a lot of it was expensive. If you were to walk around town you'd find stuff a lot cheaper. I still need to take the time to go shopping but I am very busy with orientation.
Once we got back from the mall at 6 pm I took a "nap" that lasted until the next morning. Haha. I am still adjusting to the culture and time differences.
This morning I took a placement test at a local universtiy to see if I could take a class there. I found out that I can and I placed a 3 whatever that means. After the test myself and another friend walked about 25 minutes in the wrong direction so it took us about an hour or so to get back to orientiation. It didnt matter that we were late but my legs got tired b/c I had also walked 45 minutes to the schools location too. I've been walking a lot around here which I enjoy but it tires me out.
Then I ate some lunch with friends and we ewnt to a park. We bought magazines in spanish on the way and tried to read them without much luck. I tried to translate but itwas tricky. I think I need a sentence translator like you can get online. :) At the park a man tried to sell us some jewelry. We didnt want any but he wouldnt go away right away so we talked to him a bit. There were a lot of people around so I figured it was ok, plus it was nice to talk to a local a bit. I think he actually invited us to his house to watch movies but I pretended not to understand. haha.
Later on, I got to take a tango lesson as part of an optional orientation program which was the highlight of my day. I think I did pretty well too considering my dancing skills. There were more girls than guys but it worked out because just rotated. It was nice because I usually have to be the guy b/c of my height! We have another lesson on friday and I cannot wait!
Interesting fact of the day: In many public bathrooms they have a bar soap in the shape of an 3D oval attached to the wall. See my pictures for a visual.
~Lizzie
p.s. I guess I lied about the two way streets being non existent. However, they are definatly in the minority.
Saturday, March 7, 2009
Organization, or should I say lack thereof
Ever since I got here everything has been unorganized. My pickup, orientation, choosing classes, eating, sleeping, geting a cell phone. Being an organized person this is driving me nuts! For example, figuring out what to do tonight. It isnt like we all have a huge group of friends here it is more like you know somone who knows somone else and you all do something. It is very difficult to plan outings b/c we still dont know much. And I am especially disadvantaged because my cell phone isnt working. I need the unlock code from the US b4 I can use it and everyone else has a phone! This makes me unreachable and a hassle to get in touch with. Therefore, I have not gotten to do much yet. :(
The crazy thing here is that clubs dont even open until about 2. At home thats usually when I go home and go to bed! These people are party animals. However, I am yet to see that. And they dont eat dinner till like 10 or later. Sheesh. I havent eaten yet and it is 9. I am HUNGRY by like 6. It is intense. I dont know how they do it.
Today we had a lunch and tour of the city. Lunch was great and we had steak and pasta, and bread, and tuna, and desert, and veggie funnel cake, and more! One of my best meals so far. Then we toured the city and of course the tour was in spanish. I wish it was in english b/c I would have paid attention more because I could actually understand it. I get the idea of everything being in spanish so that we can practice but seriuosly, cant the tour-an important thing ot know the city- be in english!
Interesting Fact of the Day: All of the streets here are one way (almost positive but I could be lying).
~Lizzie
The crazy thing here is that clubs dont even open until about 2. At home thats usually when I go home and go to bed! These people are party animals. However, I am yet to see that. And they dont eat dinner till like 10 or later. Sheesh. I havent eaten yet and it is 9. I am HUNGRY by like 6. It is intense. I dont know how they do it.
Today we had a lunch and tour of the city. Lunch was great and we had steak and pasta, and bread, and tuna, and desert, and veggie funnel cake, and more! One of my best meals so far. Then we toured the city and of course the tour was in spanish. I wish it was in english b/c I would have paid attention more because I could actually understand it. I get the idea of everything being in spanish so that we can practice but seriuosly, cant the tour-an important thing ot know the city- be in english!
Interesting Fact of the Day: All of the streets here are one way (almost positive but I could be lying).
~Lizzie
Friday, March 6, 2009
Rude Awakenings
Today I was woken up at 5 am by loud music from across the street. When I looked out of the window I saw that it was some people standing in front of a store blasting some rap music. I was shocked because that would not be tolerated in the United States. I thought it was rude and when I asked my host mom about it in the morning she said she slept right though it! I guess it is overlooked here. I have heard a horror story though from another girl in the program. She lives next door to a hotel that rents rooms by the hour. Let's just say that she doenst get much sleep at night b/c of all the noise! ewwwwwwwwww.
Yesterday, we had to do a scavenger hunt for orientation. Part of the hunt was to ask locals a few questions about a monument. My friend and I asked two police men and they nicely answered our questions. However, they wanted something in return. As we turned to leave they were like "kiss me, kiss me." Needless to say, we just walked away laughing.
Another funny story is when Sarah and I were walking around the downtown area. Different resturants were passing out flyers and whatnot and being a rookie I took a lot of them. After taking a flyer yet walking by a resturant the guy started calling us beautiful to get us to come back. The select english words that are used are in halarious situations!
A semi scary story was when I was walking home from class in the rain. Some guy honked at me (even though I had on a ton of clothes! and looked like crap from the rain) and I just ignored him. Then he did it again, and I blocked my view of him with my umbrella and pretended I was going to cross the street the other way. Well, he kept being obnoxious and then pulled over to park! When I saw this I ran across the street and got out my rape whistle that my dad got me. haha. It's great. Anyway, I dont know where he went but I made it home ok. :)
One thing I have noticed about a lot of the other kids in the program from conversation is that I am definately out of Hope's bubble and now in the minority. lol. I think that this will be an interesting semester. There is a bar crawl tomorrow and it is study abroad night and I think that I will be attending. It will be quite an experience!
INTERESTING FACT OF THE DAY: You have to pay for water at resturants. I dont think they do tap water so if you'd like water you have to buy it in a bottle. KILLER. I usually try to be cheap and drink water back home.
Yesterday, we had to do a scavenger hunt for orientation. Part of the hunt was to ask locals a few questions about a monument. My friend and I asked two police men and they nicely answered our questions. However, they wanted something in return. As we turned to leave they were like "kiss me, kiss me." Needless to say, we just walked away laughing.
Another funny story is when Sarah and I were walking around the downtown area. Different resturants were passing out flyers and whatnot and being a rookie I took a lot of them. After taking a flyer yet walking by a resturant the guy started calling us beautiful to get us to come back. The select english words that are used are in halarious situations!
A semi scary story was when I was walking home from class in the rain. Some guy honked at me (even though I had on a ton of clothes! and looked like crap from the rain) and I just ignored him. Then he did it again, and I blocked my view of him with my umbrella and pretended I was going to cross the street the other way. Well, he kept being obnoxious and then pulled over to park! When I saw this I ran across the street and got out my rape whistle that my dad got me. haha. It's great. Anyway, I dont know where he went but I made it home ok. :)
One thing I have noticed about a lot of the other kids in the program from conversation is that I am definately out of Hope's bubble and now in the minority. lol. I think that this will be an interesting semester. There is a bar crawl tomorrow and it is study abroad night and I think that I will be attending. It will be quite an experience!
INTERESTING FACT OF THE DAY: You have to pay for water at resturants. I dont think they do tap water so if you'd like water you have to buy it in a bottle. KILLER. I usually try to be cheap and drink water back home.
Thursday, March 5, 2009
Money Money Money, Must be funny in a rich man's world
Today I joined a new orienation group and I am feeling much better about the whole situation. This group has kids of more diverse levels and the things we are doing are more my level. Plus, today we got one of our basic information talk in english so I actually understood it! Also, I've found about 4-5 girls who actually live near me now which is great. At first I thought I lived near no one.
Monedas (coins) are hard to get here in BA. However, they are necessary for the bus. Sometimes you can get them when you buy something but there is no gaurentee. Everyday I have to be resourceful to find coins so that I can take the bus home. It can be a struggle. Today, instead of taking the bus I took the subway with a new friend. I didnt have to but she was and I figured it would be best to learn with a buddy. We think she almost got pickpocked twice. lol. One little boy tried to grab her wallet right out of her hand and there was a "blind" girl who tried to trip her with her cane. I think that I'll stick to the bus from now on. It was fast though and you can use paper bills to ride it so who knows.
I forgot to mention that a couple of days ago I took the bus the wrong way. I knew it was going the wrong way when I got on but I figured it would eventually go the right way and I wanted to test that theory. Turns out it does but it takes more time and costs more money. Here in BA you pay different rates for different destinations-there is no flat fee. The bus driver had to help me out and gave me the extra fare for free and told me when to get off the bus at the end, so that was nice.
My favorite food so far would have to be "media lunas." In english that means "half moons." Basically media lunas are sweet crossoints and they are delicious! I've eaten at least one every day. They are cheap too! Only about 50 cents in US dollars. It is usually eaten with coffee and I have them for lunch dessert and an afterschool snack.
INTERESTING FACT OF THE DAY: No one here uses ice. That would probably have to be one of my bigger adjustments. I put a ton of ice in everything I drink so this is not ok. I've resorted to putting water bottles in the freezer which is good but I need to buy a lot of water bottles to keep up with the amount of water I drink!
~Lizzie
Monedas (coins) are hard to get here in BA. However, they are necessary for the bus. Sometimes you can get them when you buy something but there is no gaurentee. Everyday I have to be resourceful to find coins so that I can take the bus home. It can be a struggle. Today, instead of taking the bus I took the subway with a new friend. I didnt have to but she was and I figured it would be best to learn with a buddy. We think she almost got pickpocked twice. lol. One little boy tried to grab her wallet right out of her hand and there was a "blind" girl who tried to trip her with her cane. I think that I'll stick to the bus from now on. It was fast though and you can use paper bills to ride it so who knows.
I forgot to mention that a couple of days ago I took the bus the wrong way. I knew it was going the wrong way when I got on but I figured it would eventually go the right way and I wanted to test that theory. Turns out it does but it takes more time and costs more money. Here in BA you pay different rates for different destinations-there is no flat fee. The bus driver had to help me out and gave me the extra fare for free and told me when to get off the bus at the end, so that was nice.
My favorite food so far would have to be "media lunas." In english that means "half moons." Basically media lunas are sweet crossoints and they are delicious! I've eaten at least one every day. They are cheap too! Only about 50 cents in US dollars. It is usually eaten with coffee and I have them for lunch dessert and an afterschool snack.
INTERESTING FACT OF THE DAY: No one here uses ice. That would probably have to be one of my bigger adjustments. I put a ton of ice in everything I drink so this is not ok. I've resorted to putting water bottles in the freezer which is good but I need to buy a lot of water bottles to keep up with the amount of water I drink!
~Lizzie
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
When it rains it pours
It has rained all day today and part of last night. It is craaaazy. It's been very steady too. And today I decided that I would walk home from a half way point which was nuts in retrospect. I got soaked on my walk home and it took longer than expected. Plus in Buenos Aires their sidewalks have no friction and my flip flops that have no traction cannot hold on to the ground. Therefore, this morning while on my way to the bus I totally wiped out and fell on my knees. Pretty embaressing. Plus, the only thing worse than falling down is falling down all alone b/c you have no one to laugh with! Then, on my way home I slipped at least 10+ time in my hour walk. People steered clear of me when they saw that.
Anyway, yesterday and today have been orientation days. I am in group five and apparently we are grouped by level. However, just b/c my transcript says I have 6 semesters worth of college spanish it doenst mean that I am actually very good at speaking or understanding somone else speaking. I think that I am going to get moved to a lower orientation group and I cannot wait. I feel like the dumb kid in class. :(
I cant tell if I am jetlagged or not. I dont think that it really effected me. I mean when you get like 3 hours of sleep in 24 hours and you are sitting on a plane for like 12 you really dont know what day it is let alone what time it is. Plus, I'm in orientation stuff all day from like 8:30 when I leave my house till like 7 when I"m home and showered. Then I eat dinner and there just isnt much time to think about even being jet lagged.
same with the whole late dinner thing. I didnt know if I could handle eating at like 7 or 8 but so far so good. I havent had to wait past 8ish yet though so the weekends might be ruff b/c everything is even later!
I realized that I havent described my house yet. I live on a busy street and that makes things LOUD. Even late at night its intense. It sounds like airplanes are taking off, not even kidding. The cars here speed like crazy as I've already mentioned and honk at everything and do not slowly increase speed but like blast off when the light turns green! Then, there are two bedrooms: mine and the girls from hungary. Christina (my host mom) sleeps on a couch in the living room. I guess she has a divider she puts up to give herself some privacy but I'm never awake when she is sleeping so I havent seen it yet. I'm guessing that she hosts exchange students for part of her income since she is sleeping in the living room. We also have a dining room table which is in the "living room/Christina's bedroom/the tv room" haha. The tv is usually on during dinner which is interesting b/c at the Kovic's this would NEVER happen. haha. We also have one bathroom and a kitchen. The bathroom has a bo-day? I dont know how to spell that or use the thing for that matter and I dont plan on using it. Christina never said anything about it so I just ignore it.
INTERESTING FACT OF THE DAY: To take a shower, instead of pulling the little nob on the facet up you push it down! crazy huh? it keeps messing me up!
~Lizzie
Anyway, yesterday and today have been orientation days. I am in group five and apparently we are grouped by level. However, just b/c my transcript says I have 6 semesters worth of college spanish it doenst mean that I am actually very good at speaking or understanding somone else speaking. I think that I am going to get moved to a lower orientation group and I cannot wait. I feel like the dumb kid in class. :(
I cant tell if I am jetlagged or not. I dont think that it really effected me. I mean when you get like 3 hours of sleep in 24 hours and you are sitting on a plane for like 12 you really dont know what day it is let alone what time it is. Plus, I'm in orientation stuff all day from like 8:30 when I leave my house till like 7 when I"m home and showered. Then I eat dinner and there just isnt much time to think about even being jet lagged.
same with the whole late dinner thing. I didnt know if I could handle eating at like 7 or 8 but so far so good. I havent had to wait past 8ish yet though so the weekends might be ruff b/c everything is even later!
I realized that I havent described my house yet. I live on a busy street and that makes things LOUD. Even late at night its intense. It sounds like airplanes are taking off, not even kidding. The cars here speed like crazy as I've already mentioned and honk at everything and do not slowly increase speed but like blast off when the light turns green! Then, there are two bedrooms: mine and the girls from hungary. Christina (my host mom) sleeps on a couch in the living room. I guess she has a divider she puts up to give herself some privacy but I'm never awake when she is sleeping so I havent seen it yet. I'm guessing that she hosts exchange students for part of her income since she is sleeping in the living room. We also have a dining room table which is in the "living room/Christina's bedroom/the tv room" haha. The tv is usually on during dinner which is interesting b/c at the Kovic's this would NEVER happen. haha. We also have one bathroom and a kitchen. The bathroom has a bo-day? I dont know how to spell that or use the thing for that matter and I dont plan on using it. Christina never said anything about it so I just ignore it.
INTERESTING FACT OF THE DAY: To take a shower, instead of pulling the little nob on the facet up you push it down! crazy huh? it keeps messing me up!
~Lizzie
Monday, March 2, 2009
More from Day 2...see previous post as well
I forgot a few important things:
1.) while i was at lunch today i witnessed a fight between two young men b/c the guy on a motorcycle cut off the guy walking. it was crazy. they just like started hitting each other in front of the resturant. it was funny b/c people around me were laughing and everyone was watching. i think one of the waiters broke it up.
2.) EVERYONE here drives like a maniac. the bus drivers literally have about 2 feet betwen them and the next car. its crazy, i dont know how they dont have more car accidents.
3.) not only do i have a time change here but they use the 24 hour clock system! its killing me. i always have to do the math to figure it out. i'm going to try and use it but i doubt it will really stick.
4.) my senora showed me a light on my bed table and said that was for my room. i then assumed that my room had no lights. so i've been sitting in the dark b/c i cant have hte light plugged in while my computer is plugged in so i've gone without light. however, i just realized that i have a real light as well. it makes things a lot easier!
5.) IES gave us these pretty sweet messenger bags BUT they plastered IES abroad all over it so that it basically screams "I'm a forienger--ROB ME!" yet they want us to blend in....????
INTERESTING FACT OF THE DAY: argentine toilets are shaped different. its like they are inverted or something. also they dont have water in the bowl like we do...well maybe they have a little but you cant really see in the toilet after you've gone to the bathroom.
1.) while i was at lunch today i witnessed a fight between two young men b/c the guy on a motorcycle cut off the guy walking. it was crazy. they just like started hitting each other in front of the resturant. it was funny b/c people around me were laughing and everyone was watching. i think one of the waiters broke it up.
2.) EVERYONE here drives like a maniac. the bus drivers literally have about 2 feet betwen them and the next car. its crazy, i dont know how they dont have more car accidents.
3.) not only do i have a time change here but they use the 24 hour clock system! its killing me. i always have to do the math to figure it out. i'm going to try and use it but i doubt it will really stick.
4.) my senora showed me a light on my bed table and said that was for my room. i then assumed that my room had no lights. so i've been sitting in the dark b/c i cant have hte light plugged in while my computer is plugged in so i've gone without light. however, i just realized that i have a real light as well. it makes things a lot easier!
Publish Post
5.) IES gave us these pretty sweet messenger bags BUT they plastered IES abroad all over it so that it basically screams "I'm a forienger--ROB ME!" yet they want us to blend in....????
INTERESTING FACT OF THE DAY: argentine toilets are shaped different. its like they are inverted or something. also they dont have water in the bowl like we do...well maybe they have a little but you cant really see in the toilet after you've gone to the bathroom.
Day two...and the confusion continues :)
This morning was very relaxing. I got out of bed at like 9:30 and watched some tv in english. its funny b/c here they have a lot of shows in english with spanish subtitles, including some of my favorites like MTV shows, or 90210, even the office. I had some toast with dulce de leche and cheese (aka cream cheese...she told me i had some cheese for breakfast and i was like what?!?!)
Then my host, christina, went with me to the bus stop and took the bus with me to the IES center. I really appreciated that because I would have had no idea what to do if I went alone. There, I met up with Sarah and we walked around a bit and got lunch at a cafe. I had a pizza and she had a salad and our nice waiter brought out some empanada's too. However, he negleted to inform us that he was charging us for them (i thought they were like free bread at a resturant) and we didnt find out until two servings and a bill later. haha. It was worth it though because they were yummy! One of the highlights of my day is that I am now sunburned and while that may not sound good to some of you I am very excited b/c it will turn tan!
Then we had an orientation meeting to meet people so that was good, everyone seems nice, but by the end I was so done mingling. Awkward silences make me cringe!
The weather here is HOTT (like 80's). However by night it cools down. It's also very windy which is great. I talked to my host mom and she said that its for me to shower as often as I want which I am greatful for. Dinner tonight was pretty good. I think I had steak (it tasted like it but looked more like pork. haha. who knows. its probably better not to!) and a vegetable and cheese concoction which was yummy.
Thats all for today,
~Lizzie
Then my host, christina, went with me to the bus stop and took the bus with me to the IES center. I really appreciated that because I would have had no idea what to do if I went alone. There, I met up with Sarah and we walked around a bit and got lunch at a cafe. I had a pizza and she had a salad and our nice waiter brought out some empanada's too. However, he negleted to inform us that he was charging us for them (i thought they were like free bread at a resturant) and we didnt find out until two servings and a bill later. haha. It was worth it though because they were yummy! One of the highlights of my day is that I am now sunburned and while that may not sound good to some of you I am very excited b/c it will turn tan!
Then we had an orientation meeting to meet people so that was good, everyone seems nice, but by the end I was so done mingling. Awkward silences make me cringe!
The weather here is HOTT (like 80's). However by night it cools down. It's also very windy which is great. I talked to my host mom and she said that its for me to shower as often as I want which I am greatful for. Dinner tonight was pretty good. I think I had steak (it tasted like it but looked more like pork. haha. who knows. its probably better not to!) and a vegetable and cheese concoction which was yummy.
Thats all for today,
~Lizzie
Sunday, March 1, 2009
Arrival to Buenos Aires
Well everyone, I made it to Argentina in one piece. I was able to navigate through the airports ok which I am proud of. I first flew to Canada alone and then flew from Canada to Buenos Aires with my sorority sister and fellow Buenos Aires traveler, Sarah. She likes to travel and has a lot of experience and I on the other hand am more of the “lets go to the beach” type of girl so I think she will be good for me. We originally had seats that were split up but there was an empty seat in a 3 person row that I was in and the man next to me said that if I would trade with his wife and son then they could all sit together and so could Sarah and I. So that is what we did. It was great except that I got like no sleep. And it was weird b/c they gave us dinner at like 1:30 in the morning…why even bother? I don’t know.
Once in Argentina we went through customs part one and found our luggage (after learning we were looking at the wrong area) and luckily got waived through customs part two which was nice. Then we split up in taxis to go to our host families homes. My taxis driver was insane. He drove very fast and did not stick to a lane. He sometimes drove in the middle as well as riding the butt of whichever car was in front of us. It was nerve wrecking. I believe that he also honked at a girl which I think is a bit inappropriate with me in the car. I was surprised to see a lot of girls/women in shorts b/c I was told that people in BA don’t wear shorts. Now, because I didn’t bring any, I’ll probably go buy some, but hey that isn’t tall bad.
My host family consists of a mom who is in her sixties. Another girl (or should I say woman…age 26) from Hungary is here too with a different program and she speaks both English and Spanish. They both seem nice. My host mom talks a lot and most of it I do not understand, I just do the smile and nod, which is just great. But I’m working on it. ☺ I think that at this point I am a bit shocked and homesick which is something I did not expect in myself. I’m hoping that once I get into the swing of things I start to feel better. So please pray for me if you get the chance.
Tomorrow, we start orientation. It should be interesting. My host mom is going to take the bus with me so I know how to do it which will be very helpful. Its wayyy overwhelming. I don’t know how I will learn all the different public transportation routes/rules. That’s all for now, but I’ll keep you updated.
Once in Argentina we went through customs part one and found our luggage (after learning we were looking at the wrong area) and luckily got waived through customs part two which was nice. Then we split up in taxis to go to our host families homes. My taxis driver was insane. He drove very fast and did not stick to a lane. He sometimes drove in the middle as well as riding the butt of whichever car was in front of us. It was nerve wrecking. I believe that he also honked at a girl which I think is a bit inappropriate with me in the car. I was surprised to see a lot of girls/women in shorts b/c I was told that people in BA don’t wear shorts. Now, because I didn’t bring any, I’ll probably go buy some, but hey that isn’t tall bad.
My host family consists of a mom who is in her sixties. Another girl (or should I say woman…age 26) from Hungary is here too with a different program and she speaks both English and Spanish. They both seem nice. My host mom talks a lot and most of it I do not understand, I just do the smile and nod, which is just great. But I’m working on it. ☺ I think that at this point I am a bit shocked and homesick which is something I did not expect in myself. I’m hoping that once I get into the swing of things I start to feel better. So please pray for me if you get the chance.
Tomorrow, we start orientation. It should be interesting. My host mom is going to take the bus with me so I know how to do it which will be very helpful. Its wayyy overwhelming. I don’t know how I will learn all the different public transportation routes/rules. That’s all for now, but I’ll keep you updated.
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