First day of school

Well its official.  Summer has come to a screeching stop and classes have begun.  Yesterday started out with a lot of frustration and panic.  All of the international students were told to log on to their University of Belgrano accounts to register for their classes at 8 AM sharp.  Well...just like how Argentineans handle everything else in their life, this process was laid back and let's just say the ability to register for classes was not opened until later that afternoon.  Around 8:10 was when the panic started to set in among the students in my program.  People were calling and messaging on Facebook wondering if anyone else could register.  Well, all in all, I was able to register by yesterday evening. However, I still went to my one class assigned for yesterday (U.S. and Latin America Relations).  After now attending all of my classes that I will take this semester, I would have to say that this class (the only class I am taking in English) was the MOST boring.  Although, I am nerdily and happy to say that I LOVE all my other classes! The teachers are very kind and patient.

Here were are few of my first observations from my first day of school! (EEEPERS!!)
1. Cliques do exist here among the natives.  I found this quite hilarious...
2. My university is a 20 story office building
3. There are elevators for the students to use that only stop at every 5 floors (then you walk the stairs) and there are elevators for the teachers to use. DO NOT use the teacher ones or you will incur serious consequences...the evil eye and often a talking to.
4. It is cold...bring a jacket.  Unless you are in the library and you like sweating.
5. I forgot how much work there is to do in school.  Bummer, theres homework. and tests. and projects.

Yesterday afternoon, 3 friends and I went to the Ronald McDonald House for our first day of volunteering.  It was INCREDIBLE! The Ronald McDonald House is a place where families are able to stay free of charge while they have a child who is extremely sick in the hospital 2 blocks away.  The motive behind this is that the Ronald McDonald House gives families the opportunity to sleep in a real bed, wash their clothes and have access to many other home-like amenities.  The kids that are often at the Ronald McDonald House have cancer, a terminal illness, severe burns, and the list goes on.  The mission of the House is to provide the children and their families with a place that is joyful (not scary like the hospitals and doctors) and that makes them feel like home.  My friends and I were able to stay for 3 hours yesterday playing board games, coloring, tossing balls, and playing dress up with the kids.  No matter what my work load or schedule is like, I will always make time to go to the Ronald McDonald House because the feeling is indescribable when you are able to connect with a child in their own language and encourage them! My friends and I are going to go every Monday afternoon.

This is just a lil' cultural fact for all of you...did you know that it is customary to take your dirty clothes down the block and have them washed and dried for you at the local lavanderia?  Let me assure you that it is true! I carried my little sack of clothes there this morning and picked up the freshly scented and folded array of clothes on my way back from school today.  It costs less than $5 and all I have to say is thats a mighty fine deal.

Wild Goose Chase

Yesterday some friends and I went back to La Boca.  This is where all of the houses are painted different colors.  Some of you may remember me talking about this in a previous blog.  We had tons of fun walking around, talking to the locals, and even checking out a creepy wax museum.  I even bought my first soccer jersey for one of the hottest teams here in Buenos Aires, RIVER PLATA! Check out some of the pictures below because I literally almost fell over and died when I saw these precious little pups! As I was taking a few pics of their sagging jeans and precious little boots, a lady came over to me and was holding out a basket for money.  She was saying, "Give money so that we can buy food for these dogs."  I mean, you would have to be out of your mind to refuse to give any sort of donation! Look at those precious little faces!

After leaving La Boca (you can't be there at night because it is dangerous), we hopped on a bus and went to Recoletta.  I have added a pic for all of you to see what the bus ride is like here.  Can you say party mobile!! Im not sure some of the locals appreciated my dance moves while he was playing some Flo Rida and Rihanna.  Whoops! Anyways, we got to Recoletta and tried to meet up with some other friends for about 2 hours. It was a serious wild goose chase.  Finally we were successful and we ventured into one of the top best kept bookstores IN THE ENTIRE WORLD! It is over 100 years old and use to be an old theater in Buenos Aires.  The pictures do not even give this place justice.

Today I am going to the Ronald McDonald House to meet up with the manager there.  Hopefully I will get to start volunteering soon!

OLYMPIC UPDATE: If I thought that my host mother was crazy when watching her usual television shows, I clearly had not seen anything until the Olympics aired 2 days ago.  OH MY WORD. In the mornings I watch with her as she cheers for Djokovic and gasps when a gymnast makes a wrong move.  As we speak, I hear her screaming in the other room...Olympics.  As I was in a cafe last night with some of my American friends, I really wanted to get a lil U-S-A chant rolling, but I restrained myself.

ADIOS AMIGOS!

All the Haps

Hands down one of the coolest things I have done in Buenos Aires was seeing a movie in one of their movie theaters.  I saw Valiente (Brave) the other night and the whole movie was in Spanish.  This is what I was expecting until one of my friends told me that many of the movies here are shown in English, but have Spanish subtitles.  Anywhoo, I LOVED IT!! #1 it is a Disney movie which are always good #2 it is mainly for children which is a check plus for me because it was easier to understand #3 well I don't have a third reason...just go see it!

A couple days ago my friend, Brittany and I were stumbling across websites on the internet and we found this pilates studio 2 blocks down from our homes.  We decided to drop by yesterday and see what it was all about.  The told us that we could try out the class for free sometime to see if we would like it and then we could join if we wanted.  Well folks, today was that day! I tried out the pilates class. It caused quite a stir when my friend and I walked in because I could tell what everyone was thinking, "These girls are definitely not from Argentina." It might have been my hot pink work out top that gave it away.  Sidenote --> everyone wears darks clothes here in the winter! The only acceptable colors are black, navy, and gray.  Missed the memo on that one and stuffed my multicolored clothing in the back of my closet.  Ok back to the subject at hand...pilates.  This quite possibly might have been one of the funniest experiences I have had while in Buenos Aires.  My friend and I ended up being the only ones in the class which meant special attention...at let me tell ya that was definitely needed.  I don't know if any of you readers are avid pilates class attenders, but it is HARD! First of all all the technical vocabulary in spanish was a rough beginning and then to throw in the exercises.  Woah I needed a siesta after that one.  All in all, I totally recommend doing an exercise class while abroad because 1) I am eating so much food and sweets here and 2) It helps you get to know the local people.

This afternoon I met up with a guy named Alan who lives in Buenos Aires.  Alan stayed in the United States with my Uncle Scott and my Aunt Deanne a year and a half ago! My aunt messaged me on facebook and told me about Alan and how I should meet up with him.  Today we went to a cafe and it was so funny to hear him talk all about my family who lives what seems a world away.  Here are a few remarks he said:

1. Gosh I miss that Dr. Pepper nothing compares
2. I met your grandfather. (He immediately points to his chin as he forgot the word "beard") For those of you who do not know my grandfather, he looks very similar to Abraham Lincoln.
3. I gained 15 pounds in the U.S. because I always ate Sonic, McDonlads, Whatabuger and all the fast foods.
4. I miss it very much and your family was so kind! He wants to return so get ready Aunt Deanne and Uncle Scott!!!

What does wealthy mean?

Wealthy.  This is a term that I have been reflecting on for the past week I have been in Buenos Aires.  There is a great difference in the the definition of this word depending on the person you ask.  In the United States, I believe many people would say that wealthy is an exuberant amount of money and (unnecessary) items.  It has been so interesting to see a different meaning to the word here in Argentina.   There is a great difference between the people that are considered wealthy in the U.S. and the people here.  However, there are many families here that are wealthier than those in the United States and I am not talking money wise.  My host mom considers herself wealthy because she has a family and 2 grandchildren.  And let me tell ya...those grandchildren are her LIFE! She constantly is telling me about them saying, "Son divinos, que carinosos, perfectos!"  My host mom has lots of friends and is able to watch her nightly television show.  She is considered wealthy.  

Just a little side note about the nightly television shows...every single dinner we have the t.v. on to watch the nightly news, then after dinner comes the shows.  We have watched House, Law and Order, CSI, and many other shows in spanish.  Lets just say you have not experienced the full entertainment of a television show until you have watched it with my host mom.  There is constant shouts, squeals, and occasional spanish phrases.  This has been highly entertaining!

Something else that I have learned a lot about lately is SOCCER.  When I saw soccer is life here in Buenos Aires, that is an understatement.  There are 2 teams that I have grown to know a lot about: River Plata and La Boca.  They are famous teams here in Buenos Aires and their fan bases are enormous!  I really hope I can go to a game while I am here and experience the craziness! 

See for Yourself

This video was from the other day when we went to the Fair at Recoletta! Today We went to an industrial fair at Plaza Italiano.  There were many sheep, horses, cattle, and cows being shown.  Check out my facebook for more pictures!

This was a little excerpt of the tango presentation that I saw at the University of Belgrano yesterday.  Friends...how bout we be trying a lil of this at the next date party??!

Today I had a typical Argentine lunch of Corizpan! My Argentinian friends in Cordoba would be so proud of me because when I tried this with them last December, it was not my fav at all, but today it was FABULOUS! It is fresh bread with cow meat in the middle.  Add a little salt, throw on some of the mysterious pesto and pepper sauce and you are good to go!

Firsts

There have been a lot of new things that I have tried or learned lately.  I'll let you in on the good and the bad.
1. Some of my friends and I went to the Recoleta Fair yesterday.  It was amazing and was an explosion of culture in one single park.  There are tons of venders that set up shop in the park every sunday and it is an excellent place to buy artisan goods and souvenirs.  (maybe you will be one of the lucky ones who gets one!)  There was also lots of musicians and carts selling food from cakes to corizpan (it is like subway sandwiches but 1000 times better!).  Actually, get the subway image out of your head because you can not even compare it to that.  But you know what kind of sandwich I'm talking!!

2. I attended a Catholic mass last night with one of my friend's host mom.  I have never attended an actual mass service so it was very interesting.  The priest talked super fast so it was often difficult to understand what he was saying.  There was a lot of up and down movement of the congregation.  What I mean is that we sat and then we stood up many times as they recited prayers.  After the service everyone exits out the main door and gives the priest a hug and exchanges a few words.  I thought this was a pretty cool gesture because the priest was not just someone in the front of the church giving a message, but makes a conscious effort to know everyone that attends.  It is cool to reflect on the fact that God knows every single language in the world. GEEEZZ thats a lot of knowledge!  Here is one of the verses that I love.  (It is in Spanish, so LOOK IT UP! You won't be disappointed!)

"Siempre pido en mis oraciones que, si es la voluntad de Dios, por fin se me abra ahora el camino para ir a visitarlos." Romanos 1:10

3. IT IS A LOT COLDER HERE THAN I THOUGHT! holaaaa winter!

El sello de mi universidad nueva

4. Today I went to my orientation at the University of Belgrano.  This is where I will be taking half of my classes.  It was awesome and the orientation consisted of all the international students from all over  the worlds.  I talked to many people from Sweden, Germany, and France.  One of the neatest phrases the director told us is that, "we are not citizens from our specific country, rather, we are citizens of this world."  Once I got home today, I remembered him saying that and what a powerful phase that is.  There are no lines of division, but we are are here to be educated and learn from each other about different cultures and customs.
5. I saw a demonstration of Tango today! woah. oh. my. word. I do not think that will be possible in my book.  Especially thinking back to my time as a cheerleader (that lengthy time of 1 year in high school), I was off by either 1 or 2 beats for every dance and chant.  I'll let you know how it goes when I go to a Milonga (Tango dance bar).
6. I got a Subway card! Now I will be flying in the undergrounds!
7. The ravioli here is not your typical 3 cheese, but it had a meat and other ingredient mixture inside.  Not a fan.  
8. Ok so here is the history lesson for today. (Feel free to zone out if this is not your thing)  Buenos Aires is a very old city.  For instance, one of the churches I visited was built in the 1700s.  In the beginning many residents in Belgrano lived in La Boca (neighborhood).  However, when yellow fever hit Buenos Aires decades later and wiped out 1/3 of the population, the rich folks moved to a distinct neighborhood in Belgrano.  They did this because it was less population which created a smaller chance of them catching the disease.  Therefore, as you can imagine, this neighborhood is like the Beverly Hills of Buenos Aires.  The starting price for many of the smaller residences is 5 or 6 million dollars.  The majority of the houses have their own private security man that stands in front and many video cameras.

The city that does not sleep

So before I embarked upon this new journey, many people told me that I would expect to find Buenos Aires very similar to NYC.  As far as I can tell, this has proven to be completely true.  Some similarities: there are lots of dogs with sweaters, mass amounts of people walking everywhere, tons of restaurants, beautiful parks, and a huge night life!

Yesterday we had our orientation and meet many people in our group.  There are also other students from California and Michigan.  After lunch we took a wonderful city tour through many of the neighborhoods in Buenos Aires.  We went through Puerto Madera, Palermo, Belgrano, and La Boca.  La Boca was one of the first ports and all of the buildings are different colors and made from a wide variety of materials.  This is because when new inhabitants first got off the boat, they did not have many materials or a large quantity of paint, therefore all of there buildings are a mish-mash of items found on their boats and on land.

One of my favorite aspects of the trip has been getting to know the locals.  I was in a local coffee shop yesterday and some of my friends and I got to talk to some Argentine lawyers that were sitting next to us.  Not only does it help improve your spanish, but you get the real scoop on the best places to go in BA.

Today we all traveled to China Town (yes your read that correctly, there is a China Town in BA!) and bought some rinky dink cell phones.  This has been a problem since we have gotten here because we have not been able to contact each other in the program and therefore it has been a nightmare trying to meet up with friends because we hardly know our way around! Don't worry mom and dad, I'm getting the hang of it!

Check out this video! This is one of the craziest things I have seen in BA.  This was right outside the University of Belgrano and it is a tradition that has been carried on for decades here.  When someone graduates, their friends and family wait outside the university from them to come out and then they start throwing eggs, tomatos, mustard, ketchup, flour, and many other items at the newest graduate! IT WAS CRAZY! Apparently I ended up being right in the middle of the action and scurried out of the way fast! Not so sure I want to graduate in Argentina...plus the smell was absolutely horrendous!

Estoy aquí!

woah, golly geee that plane ride was a rough one! It was about 10 hours and anyone want to take a guess at how many hours Kelsey slept?? Ding Ding Ding, whoever said zero is correct! I was so lucky to be on a flight with 6 other members of the program I am in in Buenos Aires! A few of them I knew already, but the others instantly became my new best friends I would have for the next 4 months.  After we left the airport, I was taken to meet my new family.  I am living with a woman named Susana and she is, as they would say in Argentina, divina!! She loved the book about Texas landmarks that I brought her and when she saw a picture of some cowboy boots, she proceeds to tell me that I should have brought mine because they are totally in style here! (missed the boat on that one!)

After unpacking and taking a 1 hour nap, I went on a tour of the city with another girl in my program and her host mom, who live across the street.  Buenos Aires is beautiful, however, there is tons of trash on the streets and people are walking everywhere.  Don't expect to get anywhere in a car very quickly.  Anyways, we are having dinner in a few hours, of course around my American bedtime, but luckily Susana has lots of snacks!

Well folks...this is just about it for now.  My brain hurts from being so tired, but I promise to update you on all the haps soon! Adios!