Week 3
Hello everyone!
I’m sorry for not posting in a while, I think I have finally gotten into the swing of things with classes and figuring out Buenos Aires (kinda). And… my first 2 weeks of classes are completed! I feel so accomplished after having finished the past couple of weeks not only because of school but also because of everything else that has happened here. A sense of independence that I have never felt before. Living on my own, having to manage my own money, time and resources. All the while not having my support system so accessible and not really knowing who I can (or can’t) trust, is a new completely new experience for me. This experience is so different than moving to Elizabethtown for school or traveling to Europe for a few weeks. I’ve learned a lot in the short time that I’ve been in Buenos Aires so far. I’ve learned a lot about Argentinian culture, history and all the other things that make Argentina so unique from the rest of Latin America. One of my favorite Argentinian colloquialisms is the lunfardo. Lunfardo is the term for slang specific to Argentina and each province has their own vocab that may not be used in other parts of the country. Walk down any street in Buenos Aires and you’ll hear “oye boludo!” or “que bondi tomas?” Both popular phrases in this city, but to any foreigner (even other Latinos) it sounds like another language. Despite the tiny language barrier, I love striking up a conversation with porteños as we wait for a collectivo or talking to the cashier at the grocery store.
In addition to learning about Argentina, I’ve learned a lot about myself and how capable I am on my own. I’ve learned that I would rather walk a mile in the rain to get to the bus stop then spend my next day’s lunch money on a taxi. I’ve learned that I love ordering cappuccinos in new cafés (even though they all taste the same to me). The importance for me to speak my mind and stand up for myself because no one else is going to do it for me. To say no and stick to it. To say yes and not be embarrassed. I’ve learned that it’s okay to be alone and to enjoy it, but it’s also okay to be alone and not. Traveling has given me an even greater appreciation for all my wonderful family and friends back home. I am truly thankful for all the love and support I’ve received.
As my one month mark quickly approaches I’m finally feeling comfortable in my new city (people ask ME for directions!!) In an effort to save money, I cooked lunch and dinner for myself all weekend (not very good but it’s the thought that counts, right?) I found an awesome park to go running, some great gluten free restaurants and I planned my first trip in Argentina to Mendoza (for this weekend!!!)
Hope you have a great week!