its been a while

Last weekend my OU professor was able to get all of us free tickets to a show at Teatro Colon.  Even though my attention span may be shorter than most when it comes to orchestra shows, this was not an opportunity that you could turn away.  We went to the 2 hour show and it was absolutely wonderful. Not only is the inside and outside of the building absolutely stunning, but the acoustics sounded perfect.

DID I MENTION THAT MY PARENTS ARE COMING TO VISIT IN A WEEK?!! I am so excited! Even though it feel like time has been flying here, the only aspect that makes it seem at times slow, is that I miss my family and friends a lot.  And how could I forget my lil pups Bella and Beau?

This past weekend, my roommate, Molly and I traveled to Cordoba, Argentina.  It was about a 12 hour bus ride.  We left Thursday night and we were so excited that we got to the terminal an hour early.  However, we were thinking that this would be just perfect because it would give us a little time in case we got lost.  We were thinking that this lil experience would be just like if you were going to the airport.  We arrived early and were ready to board 40 minutes before take off.  We could not have been more wrong...We began to get anxious when we did not see the bus 30 minutes before it was supposed to leave.  The anxiousness only amplified until we saw the bus pull up to the stop 5 minutes after the time that it was supposed to be leaving the station.  With a sigh of relief we then had to remind ourselves that we are on "Argentina time."

The bus ride was terrible to say the least. (too cold, couldn't sleep, mystery food, and screaming old men) Although, it was all worth it! Molly and I were going to Cordoba to see my friends who I had made when I was in Argentina this past December and January.  They gave a grand tour to Molly of the whole city just as they had done for me before.  Saturday we traveled to the country.  This is the mountain and valley area of Argentina.  It was absolutely beautiful.  We also traveled through a German town and tasted some new food.

I can not put into words the hospitality that my Argentine friends showed us while we were there.  They are some of the kindest people I have ever met and would literally do anything for Molly and I.  We arrived back in Buenos Aires early this morning so it has been a long but GREAT weekend!

world class

Today my group got and exclusive tour inside the world renown Theater Colon.  We started off the morning with a tour with all the other normal tourists, but the fun didn't stop there.  One of our instructors was able to show us all the inter-workings of the theater.  Theater Colon has been know to be "too perfect."  This is due to its acoustics.  It is said that if someone is playing an instrument in one of the concerts and plays the wrong note, it would be very obvious because the acoustics are so perfect.   In this theater there are 3 types of shows: Ballet, Opera, and Orchestra concerts.  Theater Colon is one of the top 2 theaters in the world.  People from all over come to this theater to see shows.  Our tour guide was telling us this is a place to see and be seen.  Lots of people from the upper class spend their nights conversing with the other elites before and after the shows.  Luckily my teacher got us all free tickets to a show on Sunday!

So after our regular tour, one of our instructors, Omar, showed us the exclusive tour.  Omar works at the Theater Colon and knows are the ins and outs.  We first went below the theater into an area called, "Obras de experimentacion."  This means experimental shows.  Its not as weird as it sounds...I promise!  This is where many ideas are made and practiced to see if they would be good for the real stage.  We continued through the whole theater and saw where they make all the costumes, storage rooms, film and video workshops and more!  The coolest part was when we were able to walk out on the main stage of the Theater Colon.  For a few moments we pretended like we were the main act for our audience of 20 people.  I think all of us really didn't realize what a one-in-a-lifetime opportunity that was because our directors of our program kept freaking out and saying how "divina" this experience was!  Here are some pics from it!

Lions, Tigers & Bears, OH MY!

I am continuing to add to my list of things that I have either seen or done in Argentina that I never thought possible.  Adding to that list is the Lujan Zoo.  This is a zoo that is located about a hour and a half outside of the city of Buenos Aires.  This is not your ordinary type of petting zoo because it actually allows you to enter into the cages with lions, tigers, and bears.  I was very hesitant to do so at first, but after watching several people walk into the cages before me and come out alive, I figured that I would be ok.  Clearly I survived my visit to the zoo, otherwise I would not be writing this post right now.  My day consisted of petting tigers, lions and llamas.  Don't forget the camel rides and feeding baby ducks.  Another few of the highlights were the baby lions, the goat that was born hours before we arrived, and my all time favorite (and my mom's), the BABY PIG!!! It's quite possible that I have never seen something so cute in my entire life.  While most of the tourists were fawning over the lions, you could find me playing with the little piglet.

As you might have come to realize, this is not your typical zoo.  I read many articles before venturing to the Lujan Zoo about the treatment of the animals.  To say the least, this is a very controversial zoo.  The management of the zoo say that the animals are so tranquil because they are raised from birth with dogs so that they know how to be docile and interact with humans.  Many of the articles that I have read say that it is impossible just for the animals to have been raised by dogs and behave so calmly.  Therefore, many people believe that that animals are drugged so that they can be around humans.  From my reading from the internet, it was difficult to see what case seemed more plausible. Even after my adventure to the zoo, I am still not sure what to believe.  All I know is that these animals are not meant to be in a zoo and raised so that humans can take pictures with them everyday.  Don't get me wrong, it was one of the coolest experiences to pet a lion, but obviously this is not the ideal life for these animals. The living conditions were also very unimpressive.  All in all, it was definitely an experience I will never forget, but one time was enough for me!

Here are a few other snippets from my list of "never thought...in Argentina"

1. I never thought that I would be locked inside my own house.  This morning I accidentally left my keys with a friend and no one was at the house to let me out.  (you must unlock the door from the inside to get out)  Good thing I discovered this problem 25 minutes before my class started...NOT.  Did I mention I left my cell phone also with a friend.  No communication. Locked in.  Great start...

2. I never thought a dog walker would be such a popular job.  One day I saw a man walking 20.  Some of the dogs have mouth guards, which kinda scare me a little.

3.  I never thought that I would be able to be underneath a waterfall.  Iguazu was an indescribable experience.

4. I never thought that the black and white striped joker pants would be in here.  News flash!! They very much are! Don't worry, I can take orders for anyone who wants them back home!

5. I never thought I would get a tattoo! VIVE ARGENTINA!!!

*just kidding about the last one mom and dad!

full on emersion

So I have been having to do a lot of old, Spanish literature reading for many of my classes and I have finally stumbled across some that I like.  Here is a poem written by Jorge Manrique during the mid 1400's.

Este mundo es el camino

para el otro, que es morada

sin pesar;

mas cumple tener buen tino

para andar esta jornada

sin errar.

Partimos cuando nacemos, 

andamos mientras vivimos, 

y llegamos

al tiempo que fenecemos;

asi que cuando morimos 

descansamos.

Go ahead and look it up if you are so inclined! Yesterday we went to Casa Rosada and we got a tour of the inside.  Casa Rosada is the equivalent to the White House in the United States.  The President, Cristina Kirchner, does not live there, by comes to the house by helicopter every single day.  This is where all the important press conferences, bill passing, and ambassadors to other countries come to meet with the highest authorities in Argentina.  What I have concluded from my local friends here is that the majority of them are not in favor of Kirchner.  I have been told that all of the poor people love her, but the working class and upper class does not.  

On the balcony at Casa Rosada

Puerto Madero (Ship is in the background)

After the tour, my friends and I meet up with our local friend, Maia.  Maia is a law student here in Buenos Aires and has been such an amazing friend.  We all went to THE BEST PIZZA PLACE IN THE WORLD, Kentucky Pizza.  It is a chain here and it is honestly the best tasting pizza I have ever had.  We then took our sight-seeing to Puerto Madero where we toured an old war ship.  

keldeck, kesy

Growing Up Experience #238

Yesterday I continued to not feel very well so I decided to get some more meds.  In Argentina, you do not need a prescription from the doctor in order to get medicine at the local pharmacy.  Therefore, I hopped on my computer and decided to WebMD myself.  Even though I was pretty confident that I had a sinus infection, I just wanted to see what it said. Lo and behold...WebMD said that it was a sinus infection.  Then I decided to embrace the rain and go to the pharmacy to get some medicine.  This was only the beginning of the rough day.  The extremely rude pharmacist told me that she could give me some medicine (hesitantly), but she didn't know the quantity and how often I should take it.  After then telling her that I am also allergic to penicillin (the usual remedy for a sinus infection), she became fully confident in the fact I NEED to go to a doctor to find out more secure details.  Clearly my own diagnosis with the backup of WebMD was not enough for her.

I came back home frustrated that this little adventure was turning out to be more difficult than I thought.  My host mom was at the house and told me that she would take me to the local clinic.  Thrilled that I would have someone to help me with any technical vocabulary, we jumped in the car and drove to a private clinic.  Once we arrived, she told me that she had errands to do and that I will do great. UHHH...lets just say I was so nervous.  I had no idea how the system worked here and what if they couldn't understand me? I took a deep breath and walked up to the main check in counter.  I told the man why I was sick and that I needed an appointment.  Then he asked for my identification.  (Susana told me I didn't need to bring it) This is when the eye rolling began...on his part! After conversing with some of his colleagues, they collectively decide that they could make an exception.  He proceeded to ask me what my last name was.  I responded and he looked back at me with the biggest eye roll I have ever seen.  (due to the fact that Kehlbeck is not a common last name and he had no clue how to spell it) I told him how to spell it and he still got it wrong.  Then he asked for my first name.  I told him, "Kelsey."  This clearly did not suffice as I got another eye roll and was told to spell it.  After that whole process, he told me to wait while he went to go get my "factura."  In Argentina, "factura" is a type of croissant with filling.  I was thinking to myself, awww how sweet, finally this is turing around and he is getting me a little snack as a "welcome to the clinic."  I couldn't have been more disappointed when he returned with a long fax looking receipt, which is also called a factura.

I was shown the waiting room in which there were no chairs to sit in expect for this tiny middle spot on a couch.  I got a couple glares as I moved in the direction of the couch to sit down.  After waiting for about an hour, I heard my name called, "keldeck, kesy." Well...I guess thats me! Luckily, the doctor was very kind and I did not have any trouble understanding or communicating with her.  And in conclusion, she told me I had a SINUS INFECTION! She was able to write me a prescription with the quantity on it so now the pharmacist would understand.  So now that I have meds, I am hopefully on the up and up!

Today my group is taking a tour of Casa Rosada.  This is the equivalent to the White House here. I am very excited to see some of the inner-workings of the government.

my new career

So ladies and gentlemen, I am here announcing that I have changed my career path and now I have completely found a new passion for cutting hair.  Just kidding.  (But at least I have a fall back) So anyways, yesterday morning, I had just woken up and right outside my room was my host mom, Susana.  She started speaking super fast and the only work I caught was "hair."  I responded with, "ok."  Minutes later she showed up at my room telling me she was ready.  UMM FOR WHAT? (is what I was thinking)  She had gone to get her hair wet and was waiting at my room with a pair of scissors in her hand.  Now I was getting the picture.  She then told me she tried cutting her own hair but it ended up looking bad and now she wanted me to give it a whirl.  Well, with all my experience that I have had, I was fully confident in my abilities...NOT.  However, she just wanted me to cut off an inch and cut straight across.  Luckily, she was pleased with the outcome.  So once I come home, if anyone needs a hair cut, you know who to call!

What if...

So today I have decided to compile a list of "must knows" for those of you seeking to be a local here in Argentina.  Much of this also applies if you are wanting to travel to South America.

1. In Argentina, they use the word "vos" instead of the Tu form.  For example, you may be asked, "Que queres?" instead of "Que quieres."  It is a little difficult in the beginning to get used to, but with a little practice, it aint no big thang.

2. In the winter, EVERYONE wears dark clothing.  Pack blacks, grays, navy blue, and an occasional white shirt.  However, if you want to stick out, all you have to do is throw in some color.  The umbrella I have been using lately is multi-colored with flowers.  I have already been told from a local that it looks like a "little girl" umbrella.  Oh well, BE DIFFERENT! Also, for all the girls out there, the little booties that stop at your ankles are SUPER in fashion!

3. Do not believe everything you read on the internet.  This past friday it was rainy so I was researching fun things to do on the internet when I came across Tierra Santa.  This Jesus theme park was on a list of top things to do in Buenos Aires.  While it seemed very intriguing by saying, "The first religious theme park in the world," I felt as this was a MUST see.  However, I found it not to be all that it was cracked up to be.  As we walked into the park, there were maybe 2 other tourists in sight.  (And thats pushing it) It was bizarre to see many people dressed up as if they were in Jerusalem and I took it upon myself to get a picture with a centurion.  As we scoured the park looking for the so-called "roller coaster," in which we actually only found a carousel.  (all the figures on the carousel were camels and other biblical characters.  The weirdest experience of the day was when a 50 foot Jesus rose from a mountain every 30 minutes.  As he rose from the mountain, the Hallelujah chorus played throughout the park.  Jesus blinked his eyes a few times, did a circle and then, peacefully, returned inside the mountain.  I have to saw this was one of the craziest things I have seen thus far. (except for the replica of a man I saw in the park who was identical to Jack Sparrow from Pirates of the Caribbean.  Down to the braids and sword.  He had it all.)  DISCLAIMER: I LOVE JESUS, however, this park was a very weird and definitely an unforgettable experience.

4.  If you throw in the word, "Mira" a few times, people will begin to think you're more Argentine.  It means, "Wow, oh my or golly gee wilikers"  Well maybe not the last one, but you get the idea.

5. If you are here in August, like I am, DO NOT forget a rain jacket, rain boots, or an umbrella.  Trust me, you will regret it daily.

6. If you try the chocolate bar, Kinder Bueno or Mantecol, get ready for a severe addiction.

7.  If you like compliments, this is the place for you.  (Well this does not exactly apply to the male population out there) As you walk the street of the city men say quick phrases as women walk by.  Most of the time they are very nice things.  All you do is keep your head down and walk faster. Or, thats at least what I do.  The one I heard the other day was, "La reina del cielo." This means, "Queen of the heavens."  Niceeeee, I'm definitely going to respond to that one! So original...

8. Volunteer, get involved, meet new people! This is some of the best advice I could give to someone going to study or live abroad.  It gives you new insight to the culture and people.  No one knows the culture like the locals do, so do not be afraid to make new friends!

9. TRY NEW THINGS and be open minded.  There are many new foods here, some of which I would never touch back home.  However, it is rude to not try some of the foods that people prepare for you.  I have actually found that I like many of these new foods.  Adding to that list are: onions, red peppers, gourd and others that I'm not even sure of the name.

10.  Out smart them before they outsmart you.  It is beyond OBVIOUS who are the tourists when they come to visit Buenos Aires.  Therefore, know the tricks of the trade before you arrive.  Many of these are:
-never carry your passport with you
-carry only the amount of money you will need for that day
-keep your purse close to you
-do not be on your cell phone in a bus or crowed place (people will take it right out of your hand)
-walk with a purpose
-know the money.  Know what is a fair price and what is a "tourist price"
-do not let them cheat you.  If you know spanish this is SUPER helpful when it comes to paying.  If they know you don't know the language, they will often give you a less amount back if you are needing change.
-Try to appear as though you do not have much money at all.  Do not wear jewelry or fancy clothing.

While many of these things might portray Buenos Aires to be a scary place, it really is quite the contrary if you are aware of your surroundings and the tactics.  I AM HAVING THE TIME OF MY LIFE! The cheesy quote, "Do not let the fear of striking out keep you from playing the game" just popped into my head, but it is the perfect way to describe my thoughts.  If you are too worried about the "what ifs" in life, then you will miss out on a lot that life has to offer.  You only have one life, TRAVEL, DIVE INTO NEW CULTURES, DO SOMETHING YOU NEVER THOUGHT POSSIBLE!