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!