Touristy Night with Argentines!

Niall's friend recommended this program called "Spanglish" that takes the format of speed dating for the purpose of practicing Ingles y Castellano/Español. Each pair (or in our case trio) speaks for 5 minutes in English and then 5 in Spanish. Some of the people we talked to have been 3 and 4 times! Its great practice and good to get some tips from the locals. For them its awesome because there really aren't places to practice speaking English other than touristy bars with crazy drunk Americans. They seemed really appreciative of the opportunity! Even though we are forced to speak Spanish with everyone in public, this was different because it was forced mingling with Argentines. We loved it and we're going back the next time.

After Spanglish, we met up with our Argentine friend Romina that we met in Mendoza. Sometimes she is hard to make plans with and our cultural differences keep us away from her for a while. But tonight she was super fun and we had a great time. We ate dinner at La Cabrera a pretty famous, although touristy, parilla (argentine grill). I had been waiting for a moment to go, because our group of friends are half vegetarian, so they would have never wanted to go...

It was really yummy, and we got a crepe with dulce de leche and ice cream after. It was expensive but it crossed something MAJOR off my list of things to do before I come home. We got done with dinner at 2AM and then I went home to sleep so I can keep studying today.

Its. almost. over.

After Tuesday my life will be consumed with getting ready to go to Patagonia--which tights and sweaters to bring! My after midterm present will be Sex and the City, which I have to admit I'm pretty excited for.

I'm so happy I had a fun night in between this studying---it makes the studying worth it!

Bicentenario

Above is the McDonalds that marks the corner between the 2 biggest streets, Corrientes y Avenida 9 de julio. When I see the "Mac donal" as they say here, I know to get of the bus when en route to the IFSA office.

Monday night of the Bicentenario festivities, we tried to see the opening of the Teatro Colon, the opera house that's been closed for 3 and a half years, but I think everyone in Buenos Aires had the same idea. The amount of people that came out to these events was astounding. It was like the most crowded subte ever, but it didn't end for blocks. People were literally on top of each other. It was really interesting to see how many people were interested in coming to celebrate their country and see these performances.

I was trying to compare these performances and parades with similar things that we have in the US, like the Rose Parade or the Macy's Thanksgiving day parade. Those are so specific and I guess people do come out for them in crowds. But this felt more unifying, maybe because its the capital of a country and it was celebrating a national holiday. I guess it would've been something like 4th of july in D.C.? I can't really compare it to anything I've ever been to!

Above you can sort of see the Flamenco dancers on the stage. Because of the crowd, and because I'm kind of short, I couldn't see much, but with the vibe of the crowd and standing on my tippy toes, it was worth it!

Tuesday night was the 25 de mayo, which is the actual date of the Bicentenario. The biggest parade took place in between Plaza de Mayo (where the Casa Rosada is, and all the important political buildings) and the obelisco (the center of the city). The parade retold Argentine history, especially the story of the revolution that the 25 de mayo celebrates. There were people dressed in colonial clothing, fake snow to remember the winters and mountains they had to travel during the revolution.

The "Nave de los imigrantes" above, was supposed to represent (I think) immigrants coming to Argentina. This was the most exciting part, because the theatre company, De La Guarda, who is most famous for their shows Villa Villa and Fuerza Bruta, did some performances on the ship. The big sheet of tin-foil fabric around the boat is straight from Fuerza Bruta and it had the women walking sideways running and dancing on it, just like the show. On the top there was a big sail-type thing that also had flying people walking on the sides. The next day my theatre professor commented on how this part of the parade combined different genres of theatre and performance by including things from different points of history. I loved that I went to the parade and saw what my teacher was talking about! I felt cultured and realized that I love my theatre theory class more and more each day! Too bad the midterm is ruining that love...

People were everywhere and sitting on top of everything.

Awesome view of the obelisco!

Here, many argentines stop to watch the parade on TVs in the window of an electronics store. Little did they know the actual parade was taking place about 3 blocks away. I guess its always a better view on TV, but it was just hilarious to see people stopped and watching when the real thing was so close.This one's for you mom. Me and the obelisco!

Plea for inspiration

How can I study when...

1. I still have a week left before the exam.
2. Its so sunny and beautiful outside.
3. Today's the Bicentenario (not marking 200 years of independence, but the start of the revolution on 25 of mayo)
4. My bed is so comfy.
5. My friends are so fun.

Any advice/motivational thoughts would be greatly appreciated.

Typical Tuesday

This picture was actually taken on a Monday, but I loved my tea spread so I wanted to show it! Look at the adorable hour glass that tells you how long to let your tea brew!

Tuesday Morning my alarms went off and were turned off immediately after at 7:45, 8:00 and 8:15. I finally woke up frantically at 8:30 got dressed, brushed my teeth in 5 minutes and was out the door. I watched the bus pass by me so I impulsively took a taxi and it was 8 pesos (around 2 dollars). Of course I was the first there at class (my "spanish maintenance" at the IFSA office) because all the other people in my class are slackers.

After that class I went home, ate my leftover dinner from the night before, finished my art homework for later and then left to go to class at UBA.

Here are pictures (above) of the Facultad de Filosofía y Letras of UBA! The whole building is covered with advertisements for huelgas/paros (strikes) and other political gatherings. The girls in the picture are my Argentine study buddies, Romina and Carla. Thank God I found them so I hopefully don't fail my parcial (midterm) in two weeks.

After my discussion section at UBA, I take the subte 6 stops to my USAL art class. This is my favorite graffiti that I pass on the way to class:

Art class is still really awesome, on Tuesday the model didn't show up and so we all took turns being the model for the rest of the class, including me! It was fun! I have a Japanese friend who is staying here until November, and when he got here he didn't speak ANY spanish. I really admire him because he has learned so much in these 3 months and every week busts out new grammar skills and vocab. Pretty soon he's gonna be better than me. :(

After art class I take 2 buses to get home. At one of the bus stops there is usually interesting things on the wall to look at. Ejemplo:

This stencil is all over the city and it says "Los Kirchners to jail already!" The current president is Cristina Kirchner (woman!) who is married to ex-president Nestor Kirchner. They are said to be pretty corrupt because they buy votes and bribe smaller provincias to vote for them. My host mother hates them.

I finally got home around 8pm and took a picture of this window, because its a perfect introduction to the weekend! This weekend there is ferias, concerts, performances and lots of other activities to celebrate the "200 years of history" of Argentina.

Tonight we're making chocolate chip cookies and trying to study for our various assignments. As a study break, we might watch "El Secreto de tus ojos", the Argentine movie that won the oscar! Next post will be bicentenario!

Saint Anthony is my homeboy

I had another blog post planned for today but that's gonna have to wait because the story of what happened to me last night is simply astounding.

I was on my way to my 4 hour lecture at UBA. It takes me about a hour to get there on the #67 bus and then on the subway. I ran out of my house a little later than normal and the bus was there as if it was waiting for me! I waved to the driver to open the door and he did. I graciously said thank you and was glad that this man let me on so that there still was a chance I would get to class on time.

The 67 went a different route than normal, because the center of the city is getting ready for the big celebrations for the Bicentenario, or the 200th anniversary of Argentina's independance next week. I had to get off the bus a good 6 blocks early than normal and walk to the subte stop. I had my little pouch/wallet type thing with my monedero (metro card) ready to use on the subte. I hopped out of the bus and frantically starting power walking to the subte stop.

After walking 5 out of the 6 blocks, I realized that I didn't have my pouch in my hand anymore and it wasn't in my purse. Great. Its getting dark, I have 15 minutes until class starts, I have no money, no monedero. I can't go to class without money, I can't go home unless I walk around 25 blocks home. The only thing I thought to do was immediately retrace my steps and send a message up to St. Anthony (Nana has luck with him, and named my dad after him, who named my brother after him--so he really is a family friend). Then I called my friend Sylvie who is so rational and calm in situations like this--she really helped a lot.

I walked back the path I had walked, then when I was about to give up and just walk home, I decided just so I could sleep that night, to walk the whole path once more. While I was searching for about 45 minutes, I saw many 67's pass. I thought that maybe if I told someone I lost my wallet they'd lend me some monedas to get home. Maybe I should give up and just walk home. I frantically stopped at a corner and checked through my purse one last time. Then I got up with dignity and started my walk home.

I passed by another #67 bus--why is it that when I'm waiting for them they take forever to come and now there are a million all around me? I noticed that the arrangement of the seats in the bus was the same as the one I had rode earlier that day, and the seat fabric looked familiar. The bus was at a red light so I motioned to the driver to let me on, and he graciously did. He looked oddly familiar. I had a feeling. I asked him if he remembered me riding this bus earlier and he said, "puede ser", which just means like "ya it could be", but obviously he didn't. Then I was like "porque perdí una cosa, mi billetera" (I lost something, my wallet) and he was like "is it this little square one?" and I was like "OMG THAT'S IT I CAN'T BELIEVE IT, ITS A MIRACLE". Literally I told him it was a milagro in spanish!

I'm thinking about writing one of my final papers about the theatricality of Buenos Aires as a whole. I am convinced that would be a perfect idea. This episode was like a very well practiced dance or scene where I planned the amount of time I retraced my steps, looked in my purse again, talked to Sylvie and I ignored all the #67's until the one I knew was the right one came. And then I took my cue and got the goods. It was timed to the second because right as he gave it back to me, the lights changed, I got off and he went on his way.

I then went to class with 3 hours to spare and the night went back to normal. People must of thought I was crazy in the subte because I couldn't stop laughing.

Tierra Santa

We finally made it to Tierra Santa. It one of the only religious theme parks in the world. There are probably 40 different statues of Jesus, most with some type of animatronic movements. There are 4 shows: Creation, The Last Supper, The Nativity, and The Resurrection--all equipped with booming narration, laser shows and smoke machines.

Callie, Niall and Kara blended in very well in these fancy get-ups.

Just like Disneyland! The workers are all dressed up like Roman soldiers, monks or scarved women.

Tierra Santa with its fake palm trees and the real city of BA in the background.

The 18 meter Jesus with many animatronic movements who rose from the mountain during the Resurrection.

Us in the Creation scene/Garden of Eden and Adam.

The Nativity Scene.

Us modeling by the Rio de la Plata.

When we first got there I was worried that the park could be offensive or making fun of Jesus, but throughout the day I realized that the purpose of this place is probably to educate about the stories of Jesus. The performance aspect of the place was incredible. Everything was decorated and set back around the time of Jesus even down to the trash cans. There were some historically inaccurate things, such as people of that time praying at the model of the Wailing Wall, and there were memorials for Martin Luther and Gandhi--all didn't fit into the supposed "model of the Holy Land".

When we arrived the place was close to deserted at 3pm, but then the park slowly filled with old people admiring the chapel and the shows, people our age giggling at the weirdness of it all, families, and children with a priest probably on a field trip. I can understand that it serves as a place to teach the stories of Jesus. I just can't imagine someone getting the idea in their head to create a model of Jerusalem and put animatronic Jesus's all around the park telling his story.

Obvi it wasn't weird for me to see images of Jesus, but in this context--a place that sort of felt like Disneyland and a church at the same time, with restaurants, kids, souvenirs and fake statues of random people all over. Sin embargo, I'm glad I went, and think this place is just an interesting phenomenon. If you ever go to BA, check it out!

To travel or stay home, that is the question.

Reminders of the goodness of home make me think about the pros and cons of this study abroad experience and the conscious choice I made to leave the comforts of Southern California. How do I know it will all be worth it? Sure the immersion in a new culture, new language, new university system is a great lesson to experience diversity and learn that the American way is by no means the only way. But when is leaving home not worth the pain? Is all pain growth? I do not regret moving to New York or Buenos Aires, but when you miss the last few months (I pray to God not days) of a loved one's life is it worth it?These thoughts are taking over my mind! If anyone has an answer, send it my way!

Yesterday I bought a plane ticket to go to Patagonia (so glad that process of planning is over!) Will seeing epically majestic glaciers be better than chilling on Valencia? Definitely not better, just different and without so many attached heart-strings.

These things are clearly out of my hands, so I'm just gonna keep reading about the Argentine Revolution and hope someone above will take care of it all.

Argentine Observations...

Dog poop. I'm starting to not like the dog poop that lines every single street of Buenos Aires. You're not only trying to avoid the fresh dumps, but the skids of previously stepped in ones as well. The smell and the amazing quantity of dogs that all poop on the street is becoming somewhat shocking.

Fashion update: I can't make my mind up about the fashion of low crotch jeans/pants. Men, women, children all wear them, and with the right bod, shoes and accessories many pull them off quite well. Some people in my program have bought them, and for some reason they don't quite work on North Americans (gotta remember to say norte when referring to americans because everyone here is american too--south american!) Check this out...would you wear these?

Speaking of hot Argentine bods--we've all been incredibly interested in discovering their secret to staying to crazy skinny and beautiful at all ages. We have learned the hard way that the secret is NOT in alfajores--these chocolate covered cookies with DDL (Dulce de Leche) in them that sort of rock my world--to our dismay. BUT...Niall learned that the drug in Mate, which is called "Mateina" instead of "cafeina", is an appetite suppressor. This weekend we are going to buy Mate gourds, yerba and bombillas (the special straw--see below) to start reaping the benefits of this Argentine ritual.

Knitting stores! I finally went to the city's "knitter's row" that is made up of about 10 huge knitting stores. They all have an incredible amount of inventory and were packed on a Thursday morning. Many of them had those number dispensers so that people could get help from an employee. Another thing that shocked me was that most of the employees were men! They were all incredibly attentive and knew everything. I bought 5 small balls of yarn for A$1.90 each which is less that 50 cents a pop. I also bought a larger skein to make myself a little purse and get my fingers moving in a productive way again, for A$15 = around 4 dollars. Sooo I bought 6 skeins of yarn for around 5 or 6 dollars. INCREDIBLE. I'm so excited to get really into my new project after my midterm!

Tomorrow we're going to buy tickets to visit El Calafate in the south of Argentina in the region of Patagonia! There is a large national park with glaciers and adventures to be had (see below). I figured, why not go to Patagonia and see the glaciers in one of the southern most parts of the world? I'm here right???

I want to be with you!

These last couple of days I have made contact with friends and family from both New York and Los Angeles homes more than usual.

Reason #1: Lainey's First Communion. My mom's cousin Ed is married to Lisa and has 2 magically awesome girlies, Lainey and Jessie. They have always been a big part of my life since they came into this world! It was really sad for me to not be there for this celebration! Anyway, missing things like this just remind me what is special and important in my life and that I have to live in the moment to soak up all the love and goodness when I get it!

Reason #2: Birthdays. Queen Auntie Cristina. Enough said. Rachel (my next door neighbor next year) and Freesia (my friend in Uganda) both turned 21 this last week! Here is me skyping with Uganda in the background. Technology blows my mind sometimes.

I realize while I'm away I use the words "I miss you" a lot, but I don't really know what that means. I know that I feel a longing to be with people that I'm not with and that longing comes from a deep connection and love! I guess I mean "I want to be with you".

This lovey-dovey stuff just makes me feel like my little insecurities about the Spanish language, myself, and my academic standing are slightly less terrible because I have so much love that the internet often reminds me of. Thank God for the internet, for mothers & fathers, for birthdays, for friends and for adventures.

Loco de Mayo

So I remembered what a taco is. It was glorious. Here are the different salsas: Pa' los Mexicanos, Pa' los Argentinos, Pa' los q' se atrevan (for those who are daring!) I'm so happy that I found a great Mexican food place! I've been there twice for the guac and the frijoles!

One of my friends, Callie, has a French roommate who has lots of French friends. One of their birthdays was like two weeks ago and last night had a costume party! We all love costuming and took it sort of seriously.

I was the Queen of Hearts (Reina de Corazones!) from Alicia en el país de maravillas and there was a Mad Hatter and a White Rabbit!

This was my fellow Queen of Hearts who had a beautiful trash bag heart dress!

The beautiful house the party was held in, and Marion (Callie's French roommate) who was an Avatar Navii person! Go big or go home!

My Argentine Besties!

Here are me and some of my girls--Mary Poppins, a Dalmation and the Mirror Mirror on the Wall from Blanca Nieves!

It's a jolly holiday with Mary, the Queen and Lucky the puppy!

I love costumes! Hopefully something else eventful will go on in the next week so that I post more often! We are currently planning a trip to Patagonia in the south of Argentina, just north of Antarctica!

Academic motivation is slowly growing but sometimes beautiful parks and street fairs get in its way. Its kind of silly when my homework is to read 3 plays and write a newspaper article in Spanish. I love being a Theatre major and to get to read what I love!

Happy Mother's day to all!

Disgust

I am disgusted by Arizona's new law.

I am disgusted by people who think that they are somehow better than others on grounds of identity, beliefs, religion, sexuality, beauty, etc.

I am delighted that people are speaking out against Arizona's violation of our constitution.

Desmond Tutu's take on this injustice is beautifully written with parallels drawn to South Africa's apartheid. Read it here.

I hope that someday our country's ideals of freedom are realized for EVERY citizen in every way. We are all equally living on this earth and we have to respect each other's dignity!