So, its been a while since I have updated and I have a lot of topics! I just got back from a weekend in Mendoza, Argentina, a city known for its wine, that is very close to the Andes Mountains. At first I wasnt very excited to go because I do not like wine but I had an amazing time. Thursday was a national holiday which meant no school so we left wednesday night at 8. I had to skip school friday but it was worth it. We took a 14 hour bus ride in a semi-cama (semi bed) bus overnight and therefore did not get much sleep! So we got to our hostel thursday morning and waited while they cleaned our room. After a quick lunch we went on a wine tour. I learned how they make wine as well as sampled a few but it just reinforced my dislike for wine so I bought a grape juice in a bottle--no I havent changed at all! haha.
Then friday we went canopying AND rafting. I was terrified to go canopying but everyone else wanted to. For those who dont know what canopying is ( I had no idea) it is like zip lining over mountains and water. When we arrived I was relieved b/c we weren't literally on the top of a huge mountain but we were very very high up. We thought we'd maybe get to do it once but no- it was a six part course. After the first one though I was just flying high! It was so great and I never thought I'd do it. I went canopying over mini mountains and a lake! Afterwards, we had a 3 hour break for lunch and relaxation and I got some more color (mostly red. haha). Then we went white water river rafting. We had to put on like full body suits, a jacket, shoes, life vest, and helmet before we were ready to go. I had a blast, it was about an hour ride down the river while getting very wet. Our guide was the leader and the best and he let us jump in too. Well he actually made us because he said if we didnt get in he would push us in .haha.
Saturday was active as well. We woke up and went horseback riding in the foothills of the Andes Mountains for two hours. At the beginning of our trek I was the last horse but that was boring and we were going slowly so our guide helped me get the horse going faster. I moved up to the front and my horse and my friend Jaclyn's were like competing to be first in line. haha. It was great. I loved trotting on my horse. I've gone on horse rides before but never that fast so it was a new experience.
Finally, we took the bus home saturday night to sunday morning completing our trip to mendoza :) It has been my best weekend here so far in my one month and 6 days.
Other than that I have continued to go to bible study and vida (CRU). I am very grateful for this connection because they are very welcoming and supportive. Through my bible study I have made a pretty good friend, Agos, who is from argentina. She only speaks spanish so I get to practice with her which is very nice. Last last saturday I went to an orphanage with vida as well. It was a bit frustrating because I couldnt communicate with the kids too well but I'm very glad I went. They go once a month so hopefully I'll get to go back soon. We made necklaces with the kids and gave them a snack of cookies and juice. The kids were about 4-6 years old and super cute but very dirty. I was told they all probably had lice as well so to be careful.
Then saturday night we went bowling for one of the stinters, Turner, (american CRU staff) birthdays. It was fun. I didnt even arrive till 11 and thats when we started. I have never bowled that late. We were probably there until about 2! The first game I didnt do so well but I got 2nd place in the 2nd game and only lost by 4 points!
I also have decided to drop my tango class. It is tuesday nights from 6-10 but adding transportation times its like 5-11 so its a hassle. I'll still have 15 credits without it but only 12 might count towards my major/minor but I'm willing to do that. I'd rather enjoy the time I have here and not be stressed out. Plus, now I can go to the Vida taco nights at a place like chipotle b/c those are tuesday too.
Finally, this past wednesday/tuesday night was the first time i was very sick. I dont know what I ate but something gave me terrible stomach cramps and tuesday night I went to the bathroom like 6 times. My host mom called the doctor wednesday morning and he came by to check me out. I was so nervous that I wouldnt be able to go to Mendoza that night but I got increasingly better so I went. :)
Interesting fact of the day: Many argentines have the same names as americans. Example: Elizabeth, Kevin, ect however its funny b/c when we say those names they have no idea what we are saying and same when they say it b/c we all say them differently!
~lizzie
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