Hi family and friends!
In class today I had a different teacher and I like her so much better. The way it works is I have one teacher (Yael) three days each week and my other one (Betina) two days. We met Betina today and even though she's really into literature, she is a lot more likable as a person. She earned a masters and doctorate in the US too so she knows her stuff. We are going to have to present stories and write for her, but at least she is understanding and knows about our culture.
Yesterday I got really sick with a cold and couldn't breathe. I woke up a million times over the night to blow my nose and have been sniffling all day. I think it has helped though because I do feel a lot better and I even went for another run today around my lake. It's really nice to get some exercise in, it makes me feel a lot better.
Tonight I am going to see a movie with some Argentine friends that don't speak much english and I am quite excited about it. I seriously miss seeing movies, especially with my Andrew. I'm sure I'll be home soon enough though and we'll get back into our movie watching routine. I talk about home a lot here, but I think that's normal. The other day we had to say 3 things we'd take with us on a desert island and I said I only need my family (Andrew of course is included with family) and nothing else. Being here really makes me appreciate my life back home but I know I'm going to miss it here when I get back.
Posting pictures isn't going very well. My camera has been dead (like always) and I keep forgetting to charge it so I've been using my phone..somehow transferring pictures from my phone to my computer isn't working very well. I keep losing videos that I've taken? I'll try to get some up soon though!
Enjoy the hot weather and eat lots of popsicles for me! Oh and in case I don't blog again in the next few days, Happy 4th of July!!! It's going to be super weird not to see fireworks this year, but I know you will all think of me when you write your names in the air with sparklers (which you have to do since I won't be there to do it myself).
Sending my love from Buenos!
xoxoxo
Allie
Friday, June 29, 2012
Wednesday, June 27, 2012
Avanzado...
My new class, the advanced one, is insane. I have a ridiculous amount of homework and it's only the first day. Also, we began the class by saying why we chose BsAs and I said because I don't like the accent in Spain. As it turns out, my teacher speaks like she's from Spain. I am forever embarrassing myself here.
On the up side, the weather was actually somewhat nice today and I went for a run around a lake near my apartment. I feel pretty good about it because it took like 25 minutes and I'm used to only running about 10. Maybe soon I'll be able to go around the lake more than once :)
I made some new friends today. I feel bad for the people just now coming here because they look super lost and uncomfortable. I definitely remember feeling that way, and sometimes I still do. Hopefully I can help them out and teach them the ways of Buenos. I also found a new Samantha, although their names are the only thing that is the same about them. The new Samantha is in my class and I don't know if we'll do everything together like I did with Sam, but I think whatever we do will be almost as good anyway and it's nice to have someone to talk to again. (I still miss you Sam!)
Unfortunately my program doesn't have much planned for the month. I got the schedule and I've already done the two things they have planned for us..so it looks like I'll have to have more adventures on my own and/or with my newfound friends!
As always, I'm missing everyone dearly, but I am still making it and growing etc etc. :)
Much love!
xoxoxo
allie
On the up side, the weather was actually somewhat nice today and I went for a run around a lake near my apartment. I feel pretty good about it because it took like 25 minutes and I'm used to only running about 10. Maybe soon I'll be able to go around the lake more than once :)
I made some new friends today. I feel bad for the people just now coming here because they look super lost and uncomfortable. I definitely remember feeling that way, and sometimes I still do. Hopefully I can help them out and teach them the ways of Buenos. I also found a new Samantha, although their names are the only thing that is the same about them. The new Samantha is in my class and I don't know if we'll do everything together like I did with Sam, but I think whatever we do will be almost as good anyway and it's nice to have someone to talk to again. (I still miss you Sam!)
Unfortunately my program doesn't have much planned for the month. I got the schedule and I've already done the two things they have planned for us..so it looks like I'll have to have more adventures on my own and/or with my newfound friends!
As always, I'm missing everyone dearly, but I am still making it and growing etc etc. :)
Much love!
xoxoxo
allie
Sunday, June 24, 2012
Ferias y Regalos
Hello all!
This weekend has been full of trials, as usual, however there have been some very wonderful moments. On Friday, Samantha and I went out with friends and had a good time, although I don't care too much for the club scene here. It's just too loud and too crowded and you don't get to know anyone like you do in a bar or restaurant. My favorite thing when I go out here is meeting people and speaking to them (in Spanish) because it's interesting for everyone and good practice too.
On Saturday, Samantha and I went to Uruguay by boat and spent the day wandering and sightseeing and being tourists. The weather was absolutely beautiful during the day and got a little chilly at night. We were tired from going out and not getting much rest the night before, so we pretty much went to bed when we got home around 10.
Today was the best day of the weekend. We went to a feria where people hand make almost everything and then sell it in little booths. It is a great place to talk to local people and buy amazing and unique things...aka gifts :) So some of you should be expecting a few little surprises when I return. If there is anything specific that anyone wants from here, though go ahead and tell me. There is amazing Dulce de Leche..basically my new addiction..that I will be bringing back for everyone to try. If you have a chance, go to the store and see if you can find it. My heart is going to break if I can't buy it in the states after I get back. Seriously, it's that good.
Andrew and I are going to Skype now..unfortunately we don't get to talk near as much as I'd like. As for this week, tomorrow I don't have school so Sam and I are spending one last day together before she goes back to the US on Tuesday. Also on Tuesday, I start my advanced spanish course promptly at 9:30am and have it every day until 2:30 pm. I'm not sure if the program has anything planned for July yet since I don't have a schedule but I'll keep you updated!
I'm very happy here, but I miss everyone so much too. I hope you're all staying cool and enjoying the pool and getting tan in the sun. It doesn't feel anything like July here, being around 50 degrees and all. Nonetheless, have fun and think of me when you're poolside :)
besos!
xoxox
allie
This weekend has been full of trials, as usual, however there have been some very wonderful moments. On Friday, Samantha and I went out with friends and had a good time, although I don't care too much for the club scene here. It's just too loud and too crowded and you don't get to know anyone like you do in a bar or restaurant. My favorite thing when I go out here is meeting people and speaking to them (in Spanish) because it's interesting for everyone and good practice too.
On Saturday, Samantha and I went to Uruguay by boat and spent the day wandering and sightseeing and being tourists. The weather was absolutely beautiful during the day and got a little chilly at night. We were tired from going out and not getting much rest the night before, so we pretty much went to bed when we got home around 10.
Today was the best day of the weekend. We went to a feria where people hand make almost everything and then sell it in little booths. It is a great place to talk to local people and buy amazing and unique things...aka gifts :) So some of you should be expecting a few little surprises when I return. If there is anything specific that anyone wants from here, though go ahead and tell me. There is amazing Dulce de Leche..basically my new addiction..that I will be bringing back for everyone to try. If you have a chance, go to the store and see if you can find it. My heart is going to break if I can't buy it in the states after I get back. Seriously, it's that good.
Andrew and I are going to Skype now..unfortunately we don't get to talk near as much as I'd like. As for this week, tomorrow I don't have school so Sam and I are spending one last day together before she goes back to the US on Tuesday. Also on Tuesday, I start my advanced spanish course promptly at 9:30am and have it every day until 2:30 pm. I'm not sure if the program has anything planned for July yet since I don't have a schedule but I'll keep you updated!
I'm very happy here, but I miss everyone so much too. I hope you're all staying cool and enjoying the pool and getting tan in the sun. It doesn't feel anything like July here, being around 50 degrees and all. Nonetheless, have fun and think of me when you're poolside :)
besos!
xoxox
allie
Friday, June 22, 2012
Class #1
Yesterday and today were my last 2 days of Intermedio II Spanish here...which means I have officially completed one month of school here! It's extremely crazy to think it has been that long because it is flying by so quickly with so many emotions at once.
Luckily, the weather was absolutely gorgeous today..like 60 degrees and super sunny..aka my favorite. The sun was shining and the leaves were falling off the trees and it was a fantastic day. I ventured out to the Botanical Gardens here for the sole purpose of playing with the kitties that live there. I spent several hours there wandering and looking for and finding kitties to play with. They were kind of shy, but they were kitties and once they knew I wouldn't hurt them, of course they were my best friends.
I sat down on one of the benches at the gardens and this elderly woman started cleaning off the bench I was sitting on so she and her husband could sit without getting dirty. After a few minutes they sat down and began to talk to me. They were absolutely adorable, although fairly difficult to understand. This is what I gathered: he was 84 and she was 75. They had been married for 53 years and had a son that was 43. The man was somewhat out of it because the women told me he was always confused but she loved to take care of him. I asked them if I could take a picture of them and they agreed very willingly. She told him to take his hat off, and a second later to take his glasses off as well. He was very obedient...obviously why they had been married so long ;)
Between the kitties, the elderly lovers, and successfully finding my way to the gardens and back by myself..today was extremely successful. Tonight Samantha and I are going out to dinner and then out to dance with new Ecuadorian and Dutch friends that we met last weekend. It's going to be a blast! I'm definitely ready to celebrate being done with my class :)
I hope everyone isn't burning up at home, although you should be thankful to be tan since SOME of us are paler than pale right now...
xoxo!
allie
Thursday, June 14, 2012
La Plaza de Mayo..y otras cosas
Hola familia y amigos!
Todo bien acá! En realidad..very very good. Today was such a wonderful day and it put me in the best mood. I could probably tackle the world right now..well maybe not the entire world but my little portion of it here in BsAs. I have now learned exactly what it is to "acostumbrarse"..which very simply means to become accustomed to the area or adapt. It is reflexive, which means it reflects back on the subject, like I accommodate myself, or I become myself. I love the verb because it makes me think of putting on a costume and becoming a very real part of the play that is life. I am an actor and I am very literally becoming myself into this city and this culture and this new world. I could not be more grateful for the opportunity to be here and I am so glad that I made it through the first few weeks to find out how amazing Buenos Aires is.
I met some Argentines last week and got to speak with them again today. They are students that attend the same university in the classroom across the hall from me. Incredibly sweet and not very good at english at all. It is wonderful for me to practice so much, although it does require more attention than I've ever given to anything in my life and makes me very mentally drained. BUT! SO worth it.
We also visited La Plaza del Mayo today, which is basically the center of everything: the government, the church, and the bank of Argentina. It is the place where people go to protest because many others are sure to see it there. Every Thursday "las madres del mayo" march around the square to raise awareness and knowledge of los desaparecidos..the disappeared. Long story short, around 1970, the Argentine government decided that it was not going to allow anyone to protest anything or allow the citizens to say a single word against it. They also took between 8,000 and 30,000 people (no one agrees on the number but you know what? even ONE person is too many people) and made them "disappear", later to be found in the nearby river with traces of drugs and evidence of torture. In 2002, a man finally came forward and testified against the government officials, only to "disappear" hours later. This was HUGE. Not only was this evidence that these horrible people continued to stay in power, but also that they were still able and willing to murder innocent citizens. I know this is a HUGE explanation, but it is a very minuscule amount of the history that happened with these people. I hope Argentina never forgets because I know I won't.
While at the plaza, this completely adorable group of children came up to us and started asking us questions in spanish. I could not believe how cute they were. One very brave little girl asked me what is my favorite color. A boy asked me what the colors of the US flag mean..which I couldn't really remember so I made up something about red for blood, white for purity, and the stars for the 50 states. I'm a terrible American! Yet another boy asked me how I was doing and how old I was :)
So it is customary here when you say hello or goodbye to someone, even upon first meeting them, to do kind of a half hug and grab the other person's shoulders, press your cheeks together, and kiss the air. I decided that the girl that asked me about my favorite color definitely deserved an authentic Argentine goodbye from an American (they made me feel like a celebrity) so I gave her a little hug and kiss and said goodbye. I could have put her in my pocket and take her home with me..she smiled so big!
What a GREAT day!!! Now it's around midnight and I probably should finish this blog since it has turned more into a novel now. I just had to tell everyone about this amazing and fantastic place I'm in. I almost don't want to leave...almost ;)
goodnight lovelies!
xoxoxo
Allie
Todo bien acá! En realidad..very very good. Today was such a wonderful day and it put me in the best mood. I could probably tackle the world right now..well maybe not the entire world but my little portion of it here in BsAs. I have now learned exactly what it is to "acostumbrarse"..which very simply means to become accustomed to the area or adapt. It is reflexive, which means it reflects back on the subject, like I accommodate myself, or I become myself. I love the verb because it makes me think of putting on a costume and becoming a very real part of the play that is life. I am an actor and I am very literally becoming myself into this city and this culture and this new world. I could not be more grateful for the opportunity to be here and I am so glad that I made it through the first few weeks to find out how amazing Buenos Aires is.
I met some Argentines last week and got to speak with them again today. They are students that attend the same university in the classroom across the hall from me. Incredibly sweet and not very good at english at all. It is wonderful for me to practice so much, although it does require more attention than I've ever given to anything in my life and makes me very mentally drained. BUT! SO worth it.
We also visited La Plaza del Mayo today, which is basically the center of everything: the government, the church, and the bank of Argentina. It is the place where people go to protest because many others are sure to see it there. Every Thursday "las madres del mayo" march around the square to raise awareness and knowledge of los desaparecidos..the disappeared. Long story short, around 1970, the Argentine government decided that it was not going to allow anyone to protest anything or allow the citizens to say a single word against it. They also took between 8,000 and 30,000 people (no one agrees on the number but you know what? even ONE person is too many people) and made them "disappear", later to be found in the nearby river with traces of drugs and evidence of torture. In 2002, a man finally came forward and testified against the government officials, only to "disappear" hours later. This was HUGE. Not only was this evidence that these horrible people continued to stay in power, but also that they were still able and willing to murder innocent citizens. I know this is a HUGE explanation, but it is a very minuscule amount of the history that happened with these people. I hope Argentina never forgets because I know I won't.
While at the plaza, this completely adorable group of children came up to us and started asking us questions in spanish. I could not believe how cute they were. One very brave little girl asked me what is my favorite color. A boy asked me what the colors of the US flag mean..which I couldn't really remember so I made up something about red for blood, white for purity, and the stars for the 50 states. I'm a terrible American! Yet another boy asked me how I was doing and how old I was :)
So it is customary here when you say hello or goodbye to someone, even upon first meeting them, to do kind of a half hug and grab the other person's shoulders, press your cheeks together, and kiss the air. I decided that the girl that asked me about my favorite color definitely deserved an authentic Argentine goodbye from an American (they made me feel like a celebrity) so I gave her a little hug and kiss and said goodbye. I could have put her in my pocket and take her home with me..she smiled so big!
What a GREAT day!!! Now it's around midnight and I probably should finish this blog since it has turned more into a novel now. I just had to tell everyone about this amazing and fantastic place I'm in. I almost don't want to leave...almost ;)
goodnight lovelies!
xoxoxo
Allie
Tuesday, June 12, 2012
Take 2
This is my second attempt at writing this particular blog...hopefully it works this time..
After this weekend in Iguazú, I feel so much better about everything. I have realized that it doesn't matter which country I'm in, traveling to another one is not going to magically make life perfect. You are still going to trip, get taken advantage of, and embarrass yourself. BUT! Once you learn to get back up, stand up for yourself, and laugh at your embarrassments, life gets a whole lot more comfortable..maybe not easier, but definitely more comfortable. Being in Argentina has put me in situations that I used to always avoid..especially by myself (navigating and using a map, public transportation, not knowing anyone, speaking up in class, etc.) I have officially accepted that things are hard, but I can do it because I am strong and I have amazing family, friends, and a wonderful boyfriend that believe in me.
I found out today that I got a 9 on my midterm...which is equivalent to an A in the US :D I was so happy! Tomorrow I have to tell a love story that is not well-known to the class for my project. Overall, this has been a really awesome class and I think I'm more comfortable in the language now that we've reviewed so much and practiced speaking intensively. My expectations were just so different from reality when I first got here I think I was in shock. Luckily that is gone now.
Today I went with Samantha for moral support while she got tattooed and decided to get a couple of piercings while I was there since piercings are so cheap here. I got my nose pierced and a piercing on part of my ear. I love them so much and I am so glad I did it..I can't wait to see what the fam thinks after I get back!
The first time I wrote this, it was all about the weekend..unfortunately this time I decided to write about random other things...sometimes I just start writing and the subject changes entirely. Maybe that's what blogging is all about? I don't know, I'm pretty much the most amateur blogger ever...like anything else, it takes some getting used to.
xoxoxoxo!
Allie
After this weekend in Iguazú, I feel so much better about everything. I have realized that it doesn't matter which country I'm in, traveling to another one is not going to magically make life perfect. You are still going to trip, get taken advantage of, and embarrass yourself. BUT! Once you learn to get back up, stand up for yourself, and laugh at your embarrassments, life gets a whole lot more comfortable..maybe not easier, but definitely more comfortable. Being in Argentina has put me in situations that I used to always avoid..especially by myself (navigating and using a map, public transportation, not knowing anyone, speaking up in class, etc.) I have officially accepted that things are hard, but I can do it because I am strong and I have amazing family, friends, and a wonderful boyfriend that believe in me.
I found out today that I got a 9 on my midterm...which is equivalent to an A in the US :D I was so happy! Tomorrow I have to tell a love story that is not well-known to the class for my project. Overall, this has been a really awesome class and I think I'm more comfortable in the language now that we've reviewed so much and practiced speaking intensively. My expectations were just so different from reality when I first got here I think I was in shock. Luckily that is gone now.
Today I went with Samantha for moral support while she got tattooed and decided to get a couple of piercings while I was there since piercings are so cheap here. I got my nose pierced and a piercing on part of my ear. I love them so much and I am so glad I did it..I can't wait to see what the fam thinks after I get back!
The first time I wrote this, it was all about the weekend..unfortunately this time I decided to write about random other things...sometimes I just start writing and the subject changes entirely. Maybe that's what blogging is all about? I don't know, I'm pretty much the most amateur blogger ever...like anything else, it takes some getting used to.
xoxoxoxo!
Allie
Thursday, June 7, 2012
Iguazu weekend
Tonight we are leaving for Iguazu falls, which promises to be a very long but beautiful trip. We're traveling overnight and apparently the bus provides us with hot meals and wine with dinner so I'm all for that. The plan is to travel all of tonight and part of tomorrow, arrive at the hotel and swim and go hot tubbing and such, then Saturday take a tour of Iguazu and see how beautiful it is. Sunday we'll be visiting an Aborigine community called Aldea guaraní M'Borore. I'm really ready to go exploring since this week has been 80% schoolwork. Monday I have a midterm too so it's getting intense. This weekend will definitely be fun and I'll be posting pictures of course.
It's around 50 degrees here during the day now, which is nice when the sun's out. Everyone wraps their scarves around their faces and acts like it's -20 below, which is pretty funny. The dogs on the street are still making me very happy, although they also make me miss Dexter and the kitties back home. I'm still not sure if I should pet them or not, so I don't.
It's getting about time to do laundry, considering I have one shirt left after this weekend. I just really don't want to drag my bag of clothes all over the city for little Asian women to wash and dry and fold...I'm going to have to get over it though otherwise I'll start stinking and I definitely don't want that.
I hope everyone is enjoying the warmth back home and still thinking about me often! 6 more weeks :)
xoxoxo besos!
Allie
It's around 50 degrees here during the day now, which is nice when the sun's out. Everyone wraps their scarves around their faces and acts like it's -20 below, which is pretty funny. The dogs on the street are still making me very happy, although they also make me miss Dexter and the kitties back home. I'm still not sure if I should pet them or not, so I don't.
It's getting about time to do laundry, considering I have one shirt left after this weekend. I just really don't want to drag my bag of clothes all over the city for little Asian women to wash and dry and fold...I'm going to have to get over it though otherwise I'll start stinking and I definitely don't want that.
I hope everyone is enjoying the warmth back home and still thinking about me often! 6 more weeks :)
xoxoxo besos!
Allie
Sunday, June 3, 2012
weekend!
This weekend was absolutely wonderful. Of course I got lost a few times, but I had a lot of fun. Friday we went out to a club, the clubs here apparently don't open until 2:30 AM! We danced and took pictures and ordered drinks and stayed out way too late.
Saturday we were all so tired that we slept half the day and then went to el tigre, which is the delta named after the tigers that used to be there but are now extinct. It was a really beautiful day to be on the water even though we were all half asleep :)
After sleeping 15 hours last night and most of today, I woke up well-rested and ready to go. Samantha, Erin, Wambui, and I went to the San Telmo market today. I could not believe how HUGE it was! just the longest street completely full of vendor after vendor selling their handmade crafts. I made friends with Captain Jack Sparrow and gave him a kiss on the cheek. It was so much fun!
Things are looking up now, I've taken the bus several times mostly successfully and used the subte (subway) to get to the market today. The weather has become absolutely beautiful..the sun is out every day and it's just perfect fall weather. It's really funny though because people here think it's extremely cold when it's around 60-65 degrees. They bundle up with scarves and gloves and coats like it's closer to 20 degrees.
I get to see my andyroo tonight and I'm super excited that I'm getting better at navigating this giant city. What a great way to end the weekend :)
xoxo
allie
Saturday we were all so tired that we slept half the day and then went to el tigre, which is the delta named after the tigers that used to be there but are now extinct. It was a really beautiful day to be on the water even though we were all half asleep :)
After sleeping 15 hours last night and most of today, I woke up well-rested and ready to go. Samantha, Erin, Wambui, and I went to the San Telmo market today. I could not believe how HUGE it was! just the longest street completely full of vendor after vendor selling their handmade crafts. I made friends with Captain Jack Sparrow and gave him a kiss on the cheek. It was so much fun!
Things are looking up now, I've taken the bus several times mostly successfully and used the subte (subway) to get to the market today. The weather has become absolutely beautiful..the sun is out every day and it's just perfect fall weather. It's really funny though because people here think it's extremely cold when it's around 60-65 degrees. They bundle up with scarves and gloves and coats like it's closer to 20 degrees.
I get to see my andyroo tonight and I'm super excited that I'm getting better at navigating this giant city. What a great way to end the weekend :)
xoxo
allie
Friday, June 1, 2012
mistakes and challenges
Today was an extremely difficult day. I feel like as soon as I get the hang of this place, another challenge comes along and I fail. I'm constantly embarrassing myself and doing things wrong. Here's how today has gone so far:
I woke up 10 minutes after I was supposed to be at school. Which normally wouldn't be a big deal, but I'm only allowed 2 full days absence and more than 15 minutes late counts as half a day.
I was in such a hurry this morning that I didn't screw the lid to my protein shaker on all the way and luckily it only had water in it because it spilled all over my backpack and the desk at school. Which I didn't even realize had happened until my teacher pointed it out.
On my way home, my protein shaker fell out of my backpack as I was crossing an extremely busy road. While I was trying to get across the street safely, all these cars are honking at me and telling me that I dropped it. I knew I dropped it, but of course I wasn't going to risk my life for it. Drivers are insane here. The light turned green and I stood at the side of the road and watched my shaker get crunched in a million pieces.
Now I've locked myself up in my room because every time I go anywhere I mess things up. The problems and embarrassments that happened today only add to the long list I'm already accumulating including:
Putting yogurt in my tea because I thought it was milk.
Trying to open up two different women's apartments thinking they were mine, only to get scowled and cursed at when they opened the door.
Getting lost....more than once.
Giving the wrong amount of money because I've always struggled with spanish numbers...at least twice so far.
Tripping on the many cracks in the horrible sidewalks here.
Not to mention the 42 hours it took me to arrive since I missed my flight.
And the list is ever growing.
I really hope I get better at this soon. And that I can buy a new protein shaker :(
allie
I woke up 10 minutes after I was supposed to be at school. Which normally wouldn't be a big deal, but I'm only allowed 2 full days absence and more than 15 minutes late counts as half a day.
I was in such a hurry this morning that I didn't screw the lid to my protein shaker on all the way and luckily it only had water in it because it spilled all over my backpack and the desk at school. Which I didn't even realize had happened until my teacher pointed it out.
On my way home, my protein shaker fell out of my backpack as I was crossing an extremely busy road. While I was trying to get across the street safely, all these cars are honking at me and telling me that I dropped it. I knew I dropped it, but of course I wasn't going to risk my life for it. Drivers are insane here. The light turned green and I stood at the side of the road and watched my shaker get crunched in a million pieces.
Now I've locked myself up in my room because every time I go anywhere I mess things up. The problems and embarrassments that happened today only add to the long list I'm already accumulating including:
Putting yogurt in my tea because I thought it was milk.
Trying to open up two different women's apartments thinking they were mine, only to get scowled and cursed at when they opened the door.
Getting lost....more than once.
Giving the wrong amount of money because I've always struggled with spanish numbers...at least twice so far.
Tripping on the many cracks in the horrible sidewalks here.
Not to mention the 42 hours it took me to arrive since I missed my flight.
And the list is ever growing.
I really hope I get better at this soon. And that I can buy a new protein shaker :(
allie
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