Thursday, 7/23
This morning started off really blah. I got out of bed and made some toast. I then did my morning reading and braided my hair with the hope that it will be crimpy tomorrow. After that, I headed downtown to try to go to the Lenguas Vivas. This is an institute, which includes a college and a younger people school, but it’s supposed to have a really great public library. I was hoping to get some data for my thesis, which I feel like I’m failing miserably at. Granted, the odds are not in my favor, but I seriously have to get SOMETHING.
Well, I successfully navigated the switching subtes…..after 2 weeks of daily subte transport, I’m quite comfortable with all of the lines. I also was playing my Pirates of the Caribbean soundtrack while travelling, which made the trip much more entertaining as I felt like I was in a movie. But then I messed up and got off a stop early. So instead of making it one block away from the place, I ended up at some random stop. When I realized my mistake, I thought about waiting for the next train, but then I just decided to walk. Well, I was completely disoriented when I got outside, and once I get into the street I prefer to keep walking and figure it out through trial and error rather than pulling out my map, so I just walked and looked for a familiar street. Pues, I ended up walking backwards and ended up back at the subte stop where I could’ve gotten off if I hadn’t switched stations. So yea. Fail on trying to make things easier. At this point I just decided to walk, and I was on the biggest street in BA so I thought it would be good to see the street as well.
The walk went by quickly, although it was cold (several Argentines have told me that this is the coldest it has ever been in BA), and then I happened upon the school! I almost walked right past it because I thought it was further, but the interesting color stopped me. I made it inside the gate and the door and then encountered a guard. She kindly informed me that nothing was open to the public until August 3rd. Cool. That’s when the schools start too. It simply means I will have to plan my time to a tee for those last two weeks. I did have one teacher email me back, from the Lincoln school too, which is a really presitigious American-modeled school in Buenos Aires. So I think interviewing her will provide an interesting perspective…..i’ll be curious to see if it mirrors more of the research I will obtain from the States.
After that, I walked back to the subte station I was SUPPOSED to get off at, and I successfully made it back home. Once back, I went by the ATM and pulled out some moolah which will hopefully last me until I depart. Since I don’t get paid by either company I work for until right before I leave, I can’t rely on that. Although, I averaged it out and excluding my trips, the money I make should be just enough to cover my living expenses for the last 6 weeks, which is duh, not a lot, but still pretty cool.
After that, I stopped by the Road Office and got information about a tour I was going on later. They sent an email, but Maria Laura’s computer has basically completely crashed. No idea why, but it probably doesn’t help that it uses a ghetto version of Word.
After obtaining the address, I went to Disco to get some foooood. I picked up some new food to try different brands, some more dulce de leche cream b/c surprise surprise I have just devoured that stuff, some strawberry jam, because we ran out and Maria Laura hasn’t gotten any more. I was going to wait for her to get it b/c it’s part of breakfast, but this way I can use it on sandwiches for lunch as well. I also got crackers and a different brand of alfajores. Oh, and pudding – chocolate and dulce de leche….yummmm. And bread for sandwiches for lunch!
All in all, I had about 15 items in my little canasta. I got in line, which sucks. Even though it was the middle of the day, there weren’t too many people, but there were only two lines open. And each transaction takes a long time for some reason. Halfway through my line, I noticed that I was in the line for 10 items. I momentarily considered switching, but then I thought the lady in front of me had more too, so I decided to just go through with it. I didn’t want to go to the end of another line. No thanks. A sweet old lady behind me asked me the date, which I told her Thursday, because there was an ad for certain discounts on certain days. We briefly talked about the freezing weather, but the conversation quickly died.
I finally made it to check out, and homeboy couldn’t have been more than 18, looks at me and says something I didn’t catch. I had a feeling it had to do with my number of items, so I attempted to put on my sweetest gringa face, and I was like, no entiendo? And he proceeds to count my items and says I can only have 10. Oh, it was mildly frustrating because it seriously wouldn’t have taken much to swipe those extra five items. So there went my coke, my 3 bags of M&Ms, and something else I don’t remember. I think I had another box of crackers because I munch on those things like crazy. As I handed him my credit card, I didn’t even have to worry about giving myself away this time. See, my lovely credit card has an American flag and the bald eagle on it….let’s make no mistake of where I’m from. Also, in these stores, I bag my own groceries. And I HAVE to show another form of i.d. with my credit card (I use my driver’s license)….it’s the law.
I made it home without incident, where Maria Laura kindly asked me to pick up my room. Fair enough, as I had washed some clothes in the sink earlier and they were laid out. I still don’t think she knows I do that. So I tidied things up, then heated up some of the soup from last night and had a yummy lunch.
After that, I headed to the tour of the day – Manzana de Las Luces. The Block of Enlightenment (it’s not literal, but that’s the intended meaning). I was about 15 minutes late, but guess what……still got there 10 minutes before the tour started. Even though she was talking in English, I missed a lot. What I did get was that this is the oldest building in Buenos Aires. Before the Casa Rosada, it housed the governmental affairs in a room below ground level, which we got to go into. It also houses some of the excavated tunnels used by the Jesuits back in the day. There are two theories as to the tunnels, which once connected churches throughout the city. Either they were used as a hidden defense, or they were used to smuggle because lots of empty bottles, etc. were found there. Either way, to get to them, you had to go down a rope about 6 meters. They’re all caved in now, but a guy excavated part of a couple. Buenos Aires currently doesn’t have the funds to excavate more. Just being down there made me feel like a pirate though; it was cool.
After that, I went next-door to the shop for a minute and checked out the antique stuff. Nothing super caught my attention though. I was supposed to meet Rebe downtown at 3:30, but I still had some time to kill. So I popped into the National Cathedral and checked it out. I had gone in with John, but I didn’t remember much, so I went back in. The Church is very dignified. There are also two guards there in front of one of the side chapels, where one of the exPresidents is. I walked to the other side, and knelt down to pray while contemplating one of the Jesus statues. What I really liked about it was that this Jesus was on the cross and really dirty. I always hear the motto to be like Christ, but sometimes I think I forget that He ended up dirty, bloody, and painfully, on a cross. Internally, he was completely clean, but from this cross, if I hadn’t known better, I would’ve just passed by Him thinking He was another beggar. I need to take better notice of things.
After that, I headed to the Plaza, where I met up with Rebe. We were there at 3:30 to see the Mothers of the Desaparecidos march. Back during the dictator time in Argentina history, the military deposed of certain peoples, and these mothers want retribution for their son’s bodies…the disappeared. They march every Thursday at 3:30, peacefully reminding the Casa Rosada that the government has yet to account for the “disappearance” of their sons.
What I interestingly learned upon arriving was that there are about three groups of the mothers. As I was looking, this older man approached myself and Rebe and began to randomly explain to us that the group of mothers in the van (yes, they have a madres de los desaparecidos van) were the mothers to watch. The other ones had accepted a payment from the government. The van mothers had not. When I asked another lady about the two separate groups who were walking (the mothers in the van never got out), all I got in response was that they had split due to political differences. They both still walked around the mini obelisk, just in two separate groups. And then there was the van.
We left before they did, but it was really cold. We were going to find this famous white bridge….something about the oldest one in BA, but we gave up. So subte’d back, had a great laugh right when we made it back due to Rebe’s shell-stepping-on story, and then I came back home. I packed up my stuff and headed next door to this restaurant, where I asked the waiter if they indeed had wifi.
Now, in Spanish, you pronounce the “I” as “e”, like in “feet”. Apply that concept to how you say “wifi”. Yes, it sounds a little ridiculous, but it was how I have learned to say it. Well, I ask this guy, and he has no idea what I’m saying. K, I motioned to my computer, and he proceeds to say oh, wifi, in the English pronunciation. Feeling a little foolish, I nod, and he confirms that they have it. Thanks to my internet woes, I have some computer vocabulary, and I was able to ask him if there was a place for me to plug in my computer. He motions to the side or upstairs. Thinking that upstairs is safer, I head up and make my way to a booth. The waiter had to give me a password, and then I gloriously had fast Internet on MY computer!!
The waiter came by, and I ordered café con leche y 3 medialunas. They weren’t amazing, but for 9 pesos (less than 3 dollars), I got 2 hours of GOOD internet, during which I talked to my mom, and some snacks. Sweet. I also sent out some desperate emails to teachers, etc. I then sent some emails to some Aggies I looked up using the Aggie network system. If I can’t have one of those cool “oh I see you have an Aggie ring” experiences, I’ll create my own. Well, 3 emails immediately bounced (people need to update their profiles) but others didn’t, so fingers crossed.
I paid my bill and got ready to go to my class, when Monica (my boss) called and said Julian had to cancel because something happened with his foot and he was at the doctors. I was more than ok with this, and I stayed on the internet a little longer (talked to Allyson) before reluctantly heading back. But now that I know, I’m going to be going there a lot. And all the waiters (oddly all male-staffed) are really nice.
At home I read some more. I’ve been in a ready mood. Maria Laura went to a concert one of her friends was putting on, and she left me some chicken. I ate that, plus heated up the rest of the awesome soup I really like. And made a warm cup of coffee, although I burned my tongue. Then I read some more.
We were going to go salsa dancing tonight, but it turns out they give lessons tonight and the dancing freely night is tomorrow. So postponed until tomorrow. Which, since I have class at 8:30 in the morning, I’m ok with going to bed early. I know I’m not taking advantage of the stay out all night part of Buenos Aires (I can count my “went out” nights on my hand), but at the same time, that’s not me. Every once in a while, yes, it’s fun, but I seriously can’t handle going out like that all the time. I commend those who can, kudos if it’s for you, but it wears me out and the effects last several days as I recover from lack of sleep. So yea, I was worried that I’m not taking advantage of all of BA, and maybe I’m not, but I’m ok with that.
Monday, August 10, 2009
another day
Wednesday, 7/22
Sometimes I worry that I’m “wasting time” here. By that, I mean that I could be going to more museums or shows or whatever, but I just want to rest. I guess that means I’m home if I’m ok with just being chill!
I had a morning lesson with Betty, for which I was a few minutes late because I didn’t want to get out of bed. The wind was KILLER. It’s rarely that cold here, but the wind just slices through your clothes.
I had a fun lesson talking to her about her book and then talking about much/many. It blows my mind the subtleties of the English language which we don’t even think twice about. We know so much subconsciously. For instance, you would never say – there’s too many water. Because water is an uncountable noun, so you use much. You use many with countable nouns. If I was given a test, I would probably get all the answers right, but to understand it all! It’s wonderfully simple!
I headed home, forgetting that the subte would be horribly crowded. Oh well, I survived. When I made it back, Lu and Maria Laura were playing music. ULTIMATE from Freaky Friday came on, and I sang it, impressing them both with my vocal exertions into my fake mike. It felt kind of homey, as we all sang and danced together.
Lunch consisted of lots of crackers and peanut butter, and then I headed to the Road office where I got on the Internet and got to talk to my parents. As I was heading home, my alarm went off. I had set it because I was supposed to have a new class with a student called Dario today. However, Monica had never confirmed, so I didn’t know if I actually did. I debated whether I would go or just feign forgetfulness, but I decided to head downtown. Monica told me a different teacher was taking over that class, which was fine with me. I hung out at the office, and listened to the phone conversation where Maricel called and tried to cancel our class – saying she was too cold to go out. Monica is so funny, because she was like your teacher is already here, and how old are you where you don’t know how to wear a coat in the winter. Oh yea, today was the coldest day of winter. Everyone kept saying that it NEVER gets this cold in BA. Lucky me.
While I waited another teacher came into the kitchen and I could tell she had an accent. I found out she’s from Brazil, here teaching Portuguese. It was difficult for me to understand her b/c on top of the accent she dropped the ends of her words. She speaks Portuguese, Spanish, English, and French. The coolest part was that we were talking in Spanish, which is neither of our first languages.
I had a good class with Maricel. I get so excited when she correctly achieves something. I’m getting so spoiled with these classes because I have so much fun with basically talking to my students for an hour once or twice a week. When I got home I was pretty much exhausted and freezing. Maria Laura made some kind of soup with meat, onions, carrots. It was delicious. I ate in Lu’s room, and we raced again. She beat me again with eating, but I’m ok with that because she started with less food ;) Maria Laura and I also talked a little bit. Even if my accent isn’t improving, my fluidity with words definitely is.
After dinner, just read for a bit and then went to sleep.
Sometimes I worry that I’m “wasting time” here. By that, I mean that I could be going to more museums or shows or whatever, but I just want to rest. I guess that means I’m home if I’m ok with just being chill!
I had a morning lesson with Betty, for which I was a few minutes late because I didn’t want to get out of bed. The wind was KILLER. It’s rarely that cold here, but the wind just slices through your clothes.
I had a fun lesson talking to her about her book and then talking about much/many. It blows my mind the subtleties of the English language which we don’t even think twice about. We know so much subconsciously. For instance, you would never say – there’s too many water. Because water is an uncountable noun, so you use much. You use many with countable nouns. If I was given a test, I would probably get all the answers right, but to understand it all! It’s wonderfully simple!
I headed home, forgetting that the subte would be horribly crowded. Oh well, I survived. When I made it back, Lu and Maria Laura were playing music. ULTIMATE from Freaky Friday came on, and I sang it, impressing them both with my vocal exertions into my fake mike. It felt kind of homey, as we all sang and danced together.
Lunch consisted of lots of crackers and peanut butter, and then I headed to the Road office where I got on the Internet and got to talk to my parents. As I was heading home, my alarm went off. I had set it because I was supposed to have a new class with a student called Dario today. However, Monica had never confirmed, so I didn’t know if I actually did. I debated whether I would go or just feign forgetfulness, but I decided to head downtown. Monica told me a different teacher was taking over that class, which was fine with me. I hung out at the office, and listened to the phone conversation where Maricel called and tried to cancel our class – saying she was too cold to go out. Monica is so funny, because she was like your teacher is already here, and how old are you where you don’t know how to wear a coat in the winter. Oh yea, today was the coldest day of winter. Everyone kept saying that it NEVER gets this cold in BA. Lucky me.
While I waited another teacher came into the kitchen and I could tell she had an accent. I found out she’s from Brazil, here teaching Portuguese. It was difficult for me to understand her b/c on top of the accent she dropped the ends of her words. She speaks Portuguese, Spanish, English, and French. The coolest part was that we were talking in Spanish, which is neither of our first languages.
I had a good class with Maricel. I get so excited when she correctly achieves something. I’m getting so spoiled with these classes because I have so much fun with basically talking to my students for an hour once or twice a week. When I got home I was pretty much exhausted and freezing. Maria Laura made some kind of soup with meat, onions, carrots. It was delicious. I ate in Lu’s room, and we raced again. She beat me again with eating, but I’m ok with that because she started with less food ;) Maria Laura and I also talked a little bit. Even if my accent isn’t improving, my fluidity with words definitely is.
After dinner, just read for a bit and then went to sleep.
Rain, rain ....
Tuesday, July 21st
Obviously the bus survived the night of rain, and the next morning we got a yummy bus breakfast with an alfajor! A great last breakfast too. When we pulled into the BA station, it was still raining. We walked quickly to the subte station, and I got inside without getting to soaked. In my room, I noticed I didn’t have a mattress on my bed. Odd.
Turns out one of Lulu’s friends had stayed over, but it was actually good because I got stuff done instead of sleeping. I showered, made some coffee, cleaned my room, dropped off laundry, and got my stuff together for Quilmes. Maria Laura gave me a slice of pizza for lunch, which was nice. I left for Quilmes, and it was raining, but I didn’t think I would spend that much time outside. The subte was no problem.
The train was SOAKING. The rain seeped through the windows, and water sloshed along the floor. When the train would stop, the water would run forward like a wave. I kept a brave face, thinking that it was all part of the experience and at least I understand what it’s like. A kind lady informed me when I needed to exit.
I was staying positive until I had to walk 8 blocks in the rain. I showed up looking like a wet dog. I excused myself, went to the bathroom, and fixed myself up. I had a fun class with Pablo, Jorge, and Eduardo about emotions and sports. I feel weird giving them my opinion about things because I’m really young in comparison to them. They had a meeting, so class barely lasted an hour. I’m getting spoiled by this not having to stay the whole time business.
I just read Agatha Christie, who I love, on the train ride back. At home I made a coffee and read some more. I then took the subte to Julian’s office, got a little turned around and went one block in the wrong direction. It was dark, rainy and cold, but the hotdog man on the corner told me which way to go.
We had a good lesson talking about Argentina. Absolutely love it because I learn when I’m talking to these people. In the south, as I learned this weekend, the only thing that works is sheep farming. Along the mountain range in the south, they also grow berries. Around the Mendoza area you have the wineries. In the North, there used to be a rainforest, but they chopped it down about 10 years ago and now alternate growing soybeans and corn (U.S. ethanol effects in Argentina) Around the Buenos Aires province (larger than the city), you have all of the cattle, etc. The city of BA is the central hub for all of the business in BA. A few years ago, they tried to move the government down around near where Puerto Madryn is, but the effort failed. They felt that the government is too compromised in Buenos Aires with all the businesses. I also learned that BA does not, at least not yet, import oil. They have some reserves off the coast and in Patagonia. Also, there’s an ice wall that bursts every four years in south Patagonia. It’s an awesome sight to see, but lately it has been unpredictable, which Julian attributed to global warming.
Anyways, the hour and a half passed by really quickly. I learned a lot, oh, as well as got a “fatherly” reminder to be careful when I go out, and a tip on how I can sneak into an Argentine wedding! Yeaya! Also, I asked Julian where I might buy a mate cup in town. He said that natives just buy them off the streets, but then he actually gave me one! It has the insignia from his first company, which is just so cool! He didn’t have a straw though, so I’ll have to get one, but still, I now have a mate cup with a cool story!
He gave me a ride home in his car, which was really nice. When I got into the house, I just missed getting to share some meat with the family and brother. However, the locro-soup-esque stuff I ate was really good. Her brother was over making mousse for some people he works for, and man it looked good! As I ate, I raced Lu to see who could finish the quickest. It made me miss my siblings, although she plays fairer then they do! I was tired after that, and I crashed.
Obviously the bus survived the night of rain, and the next morning we got a yummy bus breakfast with an alfajor! A great last breakfast too. When we pulled into the BA station, it was still raining. We walked quickly to the subte station, and I got inside without getting to soaked. In my room, I noticed I didn’t have a mattress on my bed. Odd.
Turns out one of Lulu’s friends had stayed over, but it was actually good because I got stuff done instead of sleeping. I showered, made some coffee, cleaned my room, dropped off laundry, and got my stuff together for Quilmes. Maria Laura gave me a slice of pizza for lunch, which was nice. I left for Quilmes, and it was raining, but I didn’t think I would spend that much time outside. The subte was no problem.
The train was SOAKING. The rain seeped through the windows, and water sloshed along the floor. When the train would stop, the water would run forward like a wave. I kept a brave face, thinking that it was all part of the experience and at least I understand what it’s like. A kind lady informed me when I needed to exit.
I was staying positive until I had to walk 8 blocks in the rain. I showed up looking like a wet dog. I excused myself, went to the bathroom, and fixed myself up. I had a fun class with Pablo, Jorge, and Eduardo about emotions and sports. I feel weird giving them my opinion about things because I’m really young in comparison to them. They had a meeting, so class barely lasted an hour. I’m getting spoiled by this not having to stay the whole time business.
I just read Agatha Christie, who I love, on the train ride back. At home I made a coffee and read some more. I then took the subte to Julian’s office, got a little turned around and went one block in the wrong direction. It was dark, rainy and cold, but the hotdog man on the corner told me which way to go.
We had a good lesson talking about Argentina. Absolutely love it because I learn when I’m talking to these people. In the south, as I learned this weekend, the only thing that works is sheep farming. Along the mountain range in the south, they also grow berries. Around the Mendoza area you have the wineries. In the North, there used to be a rainforest, but they chopped it down about 10 years ago and now alternate growing soybeans and corn (U.S. ethanol effects in Argentina) Around the Buenos Aires province (larger than the city), you have all of the cattle, etc. The city of BA is the central hub for all of the business in BA. A few years ago, they tried to move the government down around near where Puerto Madryn is, but the effort failed. They felt that the government is too compromised in Buenos Aires with all the businesses. I also learned that BA does not, at least not yet, import oil. They have some reserves off the coast and in Patagonia. Also, there’s an ice wall that bursts every four years in south Patagonia. It’s an awesome sight to see, but lately it has been unpredictable, which Julian attributed to global warming.
Anyways, the hour and a half passed by really quickly. I learned a lot, oh, as well as got a “fatherly” reminder to be careful when I go out, and a tip on how I can sneak into an Argentine wedding! Yeaya! Also, I asked Julian where I might buy a mate cup in town. He said that natives just buy them off the streets, but then he actually gave me one! It has the insignia from his first company, which is just so cool! He didn’t have a straw though, so I’ll have to get one, but still, I now have a mate cup with a cool story!
He gave me a ride home in his car, which was really nice. When I got into the house, I just missed getting to share some meat with the family and brother. However, the locro-soup-esque stuff I ate was really good. Her brother was over making mousse for some people he works for, and man it looked good! As I ate, I raced Lu to see who could finish the quickest. It made me miss my siblings, although she plays fairer then they do! I was tired after that, and I crashed.
Back to BA
Monday, July 20th
I was going to wake up for the sunrise, but I didn’t quite make it. Also got confused by high tide and low tide, and we almost tried to get up at 5 a.m. because we thought the ocean would be receded. Turns out that would’ve been high tide, so I’m glad we asked. Low tide was at 12, so we were going to go out then.
I consumed massive quantities of dulce de leche bread again, as well as my café con leche. After that, I just went out the beach and enjoyed the morning, giving thanks to God for just how wonderful everything has been. One of my favorite moments from the trip.
Right before we went to check out, Rebe noticed something rather important from our tickets. I had thought our bus left at 3:15. Turns out it said “13:15”, which means it leaves at 1:15. Whew, I’m SO glad she caught that. Big difference.
After checking out, but leaving our backpacks at the hostel, we walked around and checked out souvenirs. Lots of places took credit cards, but only if you bought a lot of pesos. Also stopped into an interesting store – Cuba Libre. Then, we headed to the beach, where I collected a lot of shells, as well as parts of crabs, and made Rebe scream when I chunked them her way. Haha. On our way back, we stopped by the chocolate shop and I got 5 little bars. Sooo good. Oh, then I wanted a picture outside of the restaurant where we ate last night. So I stopped and was going to do a self-potrait, when one of the waiters came out and offered to take it for us. Not wanting to seem like a creeper, I said that we had eaten here last night, and before I finished, he was like I know, you sat over there (with a gesture). Well, after that I wasn’t worried about me sounding like the creeper.
We went back to the hostel, made lunch of pb sandwiches while watching Buscando Nemo, and then began our walk to the bus station. This is really a cute town, and I would like to come back sometime. I really enjoyed my stay.
We waited at the station for a while, and then our bus arrived. It was only about 20 minutes late, which isn’t bad. Someone was in my seat, but he moved and we settled in. This time Rebeca had the window seat. It took us an hour or so, but we finally figured out we were on the same bus we had come in on. What gave it away you ask? Well, at first we thought it was different because it kind of smelled. But then we noticed a crack in the t.v. and a MAJOR SMUDGE on the middle of the t.v., which apparently hadn’t been wiped in the past 4 days. Cool. Plus, they started playing the music videos again. Like Pavlov’s dogs, music mix equals food! It was a wonderful lunch of chicken, potatoes, and an alfajor. I read, listened to music, and just watched the perpetual Patagonian road that never changed. The movie played was Como Si Fuera la Primera Vez, or 50 First Dates. It was cute.
When we made our night stop, everyone had to get off the bus so it could be sanitized. I sometimes sing around Rebe because it really embarrasses her. I gave her the option of English or Spanish, but we actually enjoyed rocking out to my Argentine reggaeton mix. I bought a coke bottle, which is notable because it was glass but the lid was plastic. Back on the buss, we danced in our seats to our music. When they turned on the music video, our food came, and to my joy it was milanesa! Booya! Great ending to bus odyssey.
They then put on a weird movie, so I went to sleep. However, it started raining. And kept raining. There was a lot of rain. I was kind of nervous about the sheets of rain that were pouring down onto the bus and the road. We were in the front seats, so we had the window in front of us, just revealing rain and more rain.
I was going to wake up for the sunrise, but I didn’t quite make it. Also got confused by high tide and low tide, and we almost tried to get up at 5 a.m. because we thought the ocean would be receded. Turns out that would’ve been high tide, so I’m glad we asked. Low tide was at 12, so we were going to go out then.
I consumed massive quantities of dulce de leche bread again, as well as my café con leche. After that, I just went out the beach and enjoyed the morning, giving thanks to God for just how wonderful everything has been. One of my favorite moments from the trip.
Right before we went to check out, Rebe noticed something rather important from our tickets. I had thought our bus left at 3:15. Turns out it said “13:15”, which means it leaves at 1:15. Whew, I’m SO glad she caught that. Big difference.
After checking out, but leaving our backpacks at the hostel, we walked around and checked out souvenirs. Lots of places took credit cards, but only if you bought a lot of pesos. Also stopped into an interesting store – Cuba Libre. Then, we headed to the beach, where I collected a lot of shells, as well as parts of crabs, and made Rebe scream when I chunked them her way. Haha. On our way back, we stopped by the chocolate shop and I got 5 little bars. Sooo good. Oh, then I wanted a picture outside of the restaurant where we ate last night. So I stopped and was going to do a self-potrait, when one of the waiters came out and offered to take it for us. Not wanting to seem like a creeper, I said that we had eaten here last night, and before I finished, he was like I know, you sat over there (with a gesture). Well, after that I wasn’t worried about me sounding like the creeper.
We went back to the hostel, made lunch of pb sandwiches while watching Buscando Nemo, and then began our walk to the bus station. This is really a cute town, and I would like to come back sometime. I really enjoyed my stay.
We waited at the station for a while, and then our bus arrived. It was only about 20 minutes late, which isn’t bad. Someone was in my seat, but he moved and we settled in. This time Rebeca had the window seat. It took us an hour or so, but we finally figured out we were on the same bus we had come in on. What gave it away you ask? Well, at first we thought it was different because it kind of smelled. But then we noticed a crack in the t.v. and a MAJOR SMUDGE on the middle of the t.v., which apparently hadn’t been wiped in the past 4 days. Cool. Plus, they started playing the music videos again. Like Pavlov’s dogs, music mix equals food! It was a wonderful lunch of chicken, potatoes, and an alfajor. I read, listened to music, and just watched the perpetual Patagonian road that never changed. The movie played was Como Si Fuera la Primera Vez, or 50 First Dates. It was cute.
When we made our night stop, everyone had to get off the bus so it could be sanitized. I sometimes sing around Rebe because it really embarrasses her. I gave her the option of English or Spanish, but we actually enjoyed rocking out to my Argentine reggaeton mix. I bought a coke bottle, which is notable because it was glass but the lid was plastic. Back on the buss, we danced in our seats to our music. When they turned on the music video, our food came, and to my joy it was milanesa! Booya! Great ending to bus odyssey.
They then put on a weird movie, so I went to sleep. However, it started raining. And kept raining. There was a lot of rain. I was kind of nervous about the sheets of rain that were pouring down onto the bus and the road. We were in the front seats, so we had the window in front of us, just revealing rain and more rain.
Whale Adventure
Sunday, July 19th
We had to wake up really early to make it to the bus adventure! After getting dressed, I sat down for some yummy bread slices with dulce de leche. That plus a cup of coffee, and I was rolling. I seriously can’t stuff my face that much with anything but dulce de leche. I just can’t say no to that stuff!
They announced that the bus had arrived (hostel pickup) and Rebe and I took our time getting down, officially solidifying our status as “those kids” who hold up the bus. Everyone was on, so we took the two seats at the very front. It was still dark outside, either 6:45 or 7:45, I don’t remember.
Mauricio the goofy was our guide and Eduardo the silent was our driver. Mauricio just kept talk talk talking, and while I’m sure I was getting my moneys worth, it was early and I wouldn’t have minded if he had just let us sleep. It was interesting picking up the vocabulary pertaining to the sea and the animals.
When we arrived at the park entrance, we of course had to pay the foreigner fee. Mauricio collected everyone’s money and went in. Then they came out to the van to doublecheck we hadn’t lied. When we were at the entrance, there was a little building to stop, use the restroom, and see some of the history. They had an awesome whale bone skeleton there as well. I vividly remember the blown-up picture of men back in the day massacring the sea lions – they’re just so helpless!
When we got back on the bus, it was about an hour ride until the whale site! We all got off and headed to the store where we were gifted with a pancho and life jacket. That, plus the massive layers and Patagonian jackets Martin had lent me, I was HUGE. Rebe and I got some funny pictures like sumo wrestlers as we chestbumped, etc.
After that, we headed to the boat. It was pretty large, holding about 20 people. We were on the beach, and a tractor hauled us into the ocean on a rig. It reminded me of a bigger contraption than the one we use to bale hay. Our boatguide seriously looked like a sailman, with the perpetually sunburnt skin, a little rough lookin, shaggy dirty brown hair tangled by the wind, and of course one earring. I was a little enamored by his look.
As we set out, it was basically a game of sitting, wishing, waiting. The boat steerer would see a whale from afar, and we would speed over. It was crazy to me that they weren’t frightened of the boats, but most of the time if they moved away it was just really slowly. We never got close enough to touch, but we were pretty close. The whales are actually kind of ugly on their heads – it looks like they have barnacles or something. But the sheer size was astonishing. I understood why the hostel guy told us we couldn’t get very close in kayaks – they could easily tip you over.
We hung out near the shallow waters a bit, and there we saw lots of mom’s with their kids. The kids were really cute – they would flop over their mom’s backs. We saw one who’s back was a little torn up, and he said that the birds pecked at the poor baby. There was also a pattern. When the mom would come up for air, the baby would surface a little bit later. We also saw some pinguinos…pues, they were very similar to penguins, and some of the sea lions that haven’t migrated. He also pointed out some birds to us, but everyone was trying to see the whales so no one really paid attention.
At one point, we saw a whale jumping from afar. It was so cool! By the time we zoomed over it had stopped, but I saw it from afar. Such a huge splash! After about an hour and half though, I was freezing, and I was fine when we started heading back.
Back at the site, we joyfully ate our peanut butter sandwiches and drank our water which we had packed. There was something lovely about our homemade lunches. Just can’t put a word to it. We also ate the free chocolate we had received from the chocolate shop last night.
After that, we walked around for a bit. This is on a peninsula, and the town is really not much. I don’t know what you would do for a weekend after seeing the whales. However, it was really natural, and I enjoyed my 30 minute walk. It was also interesting because I walked to the edge of this cliff to see the water, the whole time thinking that in the States the cliff would’ve been marked off with a fence or something. It was such a natural experience.
Back on our bus, Mauricio’s eyes were literally PEELED for animals. I’ve never seen someone stare that hard at his surroundings. Rebe and I marveled at some of his mannerisms which reminded us of John, my brother, especially the spastickness. He and Eduardo were really buddy buddy, and that also served to crack us up. It was also nice because they were actually playing Spanish music in the bus. Rebe kept getting childhood flashbacks.
Our next stop was a beautiful cliff which sometimes has sea lions. We didn’t see any, but the cliff view was still gorgeous. Next, we walked down and saw some sea lions just lazing around. I named them (oh, I named the whales I saw as well) and that made them a little more entertaining. However, in general they’re very stagnant animals. On the way back, we took a “nature walk” with Darwin, which was basically just a walk through a Patagonian hill. Nothing can be done with the land here – except raise sheep.
Back on the bus, I attempted to converse with Eduardo, pulling la gringa, but he was having none of it. So I gave up. After that, it was just pretty much dozing off as we returned back to town. In town, they dropped everyone off at their respective hostels. We almost wrecked, and I gasped, and Eduardo finally acknowledged me, laughing at my response. I got a picture with Mauricio when they dropped us off though.
I was really tired, so showered and chilled. We also ate some of the leftover cheese and cookies the other girls from the hostel had left us. We held out for a bit, but didn’t make it until 9, before heading to the restaurant – El Nautico – which the hostel dude recommended to us. When we walked in, we asked for a table, and they were like, where can we put dos chicas sin reservacion. Welllll excuse me! but they did seat us. I wanted to try something new, so I asked the waiter what he recommended. I don’t remember the name of it right now, but it was good. The sauce was really lemony, which isn’t my favorite, but I had a coke to wash it down. The chocolate store was closed when we left, so we made a note to stop by tomorrow.
After that, I attempted to Skype, but my lame-o family wasn’t online. Haha, j/k, love you guys! Plus their internet can’t support a skype connection anyways. Then, I fell asleep to Michael Hanna.
We had to wake up really early to make it to the bus adventure! After getting dressed, I sat down for some yummy bread slices with dulce de leche. That plus a cup of coffee, and I was rolling. I seriously can’t stuff my face that much with anything but dulce de leche. I just can’t say no to that stuff!
They announced that the bus had arrived (hostel pickup) and Rebe and I took our time getting down, officially solidifying our status as “those kids” who hold up the bus. Everyone was on, so we took the two seats at the very front. It was still dark outside, either 6:45 or 7:45, I don’t remember.
Mauricio the goofy was our guide and Eduardo the silent was our driver. Mauricio just kept talk talk talking, and while I’m sure I was getting my moneys worth, it was early and I wouldn’t have minded if he had just let us sleep. It was interesting picking up the vocabulary pertaining to the sea and the animals.
When we arrived at the park entrance, we of course had to pay the foreigner fee. Mauricio collected everyone’s money and went in. Then they came out to the van to doublecheck we hadn’t lied. When we were at the entrance, there was a little building to stop, use the restroom, and see some of the history. They had an awesome whale bone skeleton there as well. I vividly remember the blown-up picture of men back in the day massacring the sea lions – they’re just so helpless!
When we got back on the bus, it was about an hour ride until the whale site! We all got off and headed to the store where we were gifted with a pancho and life jacket. That, plus the massive layers and Patagonian jackets Martin had lent me, I was HUGE. Rebe and I got some funny pictures like sumo wrestlers as we chestbumped, etc.
After that, we headed to the boat. It was pretty large, holding about 20 people. We were on the beach, and a tractor hauled us into the ocean on a rig. It reminded me of a bigger contraption than the one we use to bale hay. Our boatguide seriously looked like a sailman, with the perpetually sunburnt skin, a little rough lookin, shaggy dirty brown hair tangled by the wind, and of course one earring. I was a little enamored by his look.
As we set out, it was basically a game of sitting, wishing, waiting. The boat steerer would see a whale from afar, and we would speed over. It was crazy to me that they weren’t frightened of the boats, but most of the time if they moved away it was just really slowly. We never got close enough to touch, but we were pretty close. The whales are actually kind of ugly on their heads – it looks like they have barnacles or something. But the sheer size was astonishing. I understood why the hostel guy told us we couldn’t get very close in kayaks – they could easily tip you over.
We hung out near the shallow waters a bit, and there we saw lots of mom’s with their kids. The kids were really cute – they would flop over their mom’s backs. We saw one who’s back was a little torn up, and he said that the birds pecked at the poor baby. There was also a pattern. When the mom would come up for air, the baby would surface a little bit later. We also saw some pinguinos…pues, they were very similar to penguins, and some of the sea lions that haven’t migrated. He also pointed out some birds to us, but everyone was trying to see the whales so no one really paid attention.
At one point, we saw a whale jumping from afar. It was so cool! By the time we zoomed over it had stopped, but I saw it from afar. Such a huge splash! After about an hour and half though, I was freezing, and I was fine when we started heading back.
Back at the site, we joyfully ate our peanut butter sandwiches and drank our water which we had packed. There was something lovely about our homemade lunches. Just can’t put a word to it. We also ate the free chocolate we had received from the chocolate shop last night.
After that, we walked around for a bit. This is on a peninsula, and the town is really not much. I don’t know what you would do for a weekend after seeing the whales. However, it was really natural, and I enjoyed my 30 minute walk. It was also interesting because I walked to the edge of this cliff to see the water, the whole time thinking that in the States the cliff would’ve been marked off with a fence or something. It was such a natural experience.
Back on our bus, Mauricio’s eyes were literally PEELED for animals. I’ve never seen someone stare that hard at his surroundings. Rebe and I marveled at some of his mannerisms which reminded us of John, my brother, especially the spastickness. He and Eduardo were really buddy buddy, and that also served to crack us up. It was also nice because they were actually playing Spanish music in the bus. Rebe kept getting childhood flashbacks.
Our next stop was a beautiful cliff which sometimes has sea lions. We didn’t see any, but the cliff view was still gorgeous. Next, we walked down and saw some sea lions just lazing around. I named them (oh, I named the whales I saw as well) and that made them a little more entertaining. However, in general they’re very stagnant animals. On the way back, we took a “nature walk” with Darwin, which was basically just a walk through a Patagonian hill. Nothing can be done with the land here – except raise sheep.
Back on the bus, I attempted to converse with Eduardo, pulling la gringa, but he was having none of it. So I gave up. After that, it was just pretty much dozing off as we returned back to town. In town, they dropped everyone off at their respective hostels. We almost wrecked, and I gasped, and Eduardo finally acknowledged me, laughing at my response. I got a picture with Mauricio when they dropped us off though.
I was really tired, so showered and chilled. We also ate some of the leftover cheese and cookies the other girls from the hostel had left us. We held out for a bit, but didn’t make it until 9, before heading to the restaurant – El Nautico – which the hostel dude recommended to us. When we walked in, we asked for a table, and they were like, where can we put dos chicas sin reservacion. Welllll excuse me! but they did seat us. I wanted to try something new, so I asked the waiter what he recommended. I don’t remember the name of it right now, but it was good. The sauce was really lemony, which isn’t my favorite, but I had a coke to wash it down. The chocolate store was closed when we left, so we made a note to stop by tomorrow.
After that, I attempted to Skype, but my lame-o family wasn’t online. Haha, j/k, love you guys! Plus their internet can’t support a skype connection anyways. Then, I fell asleep to Michael Hanna.
last full week
It´s weird to say that I´m going home soon! Spending almost a semester here hasn´t really felt that long, but then again it has felt like a different life! That limbo feeling involved with being out of normal reality.
I never made it to Internet with my computer, so the blogs still remain safely tucked away in my Word doc entitled: blog_lu
This weekend was fun. Friday I did the tango class with Jon, and it was cool. Saturday we went to Chinatown, which is really just like 2 blocks. But we ate there, poked around, and stopped at an artesanal market on the way back. I was really tempted by a few signs, but passed. We also went to a flea market, and it was just stalls of furniture, lots of furniture under these half-shelter buildings.
Saturday night we met up with some of Jon´s friends from Ecuador and we all went to a boliche. It was sweet bc one of the girls knew someone so we got in for cheaper than otherwise, but the music was ALL electronica, so after about an hour, I would´ve been fine with leaving. We stayed until 6 a.m. though, so I crawled into bed right as the world began to rise.
Sunday involved a lot of pottering around until mass at 5:30 - I went back to my church and not the convenient one, and it was much better. After, I spent the evening lining up things -- including sending emails to teachers about this week, most of which I was happy got really quick replies! This is the crunch week as I try to finish all the observations/interviews I can cram in.
K, this morning I´m meeting with Paz to discuss the lesson I´m teaching on Wednesday. I´m actually a bit nervous - I certainly don´t want to be lame in front of high schoolers! haha.
Chau!
I never made it to Internet with my computer, so the blogs still remain safely tucked away in my Word doc entitled: blog_lu
This weekend was fun. Friday I did the tango class with Jon, and it was cool. Saturday we went to Chinatown, which is really just like 2 blocks. But we ate there, poked around, and stopped at an artesanal market on the way back. I was really tempted by a few signs, but passed. We also went to a flea market, and it was just stalls of furniture, lots of furniture under these half-shelter buildings.
Saturday night we met up with some of Jon´s friends from Ecuador and we all went to a boliche. It was sweet bc one of the girls knew someone so we got in for cheaper than otherwise, but the music was ALL electronica, so after about an hour, I would´ve been fine with leaving. We stayed until 6 a.m. though, so I crawled into bed right as the world began to rise.
Sunday involved a lot of pottering around until mass at 5:30 - I went back to my church and not the convenient one, and it was much better. After, I spent the evening lining up things -- including sending emails to teachers about this week, most of which I was happy got really quick replies! This is the crunch week as I try to finish all the observations/interviews I can cram in.
K, this morning I´m meeting with Paz to discuss the lesson I´m teaching on Wednesday. I´m actually a bit nervous - I certainly don´t want to be lame in front of high schoolers! haha.
Chau!
Friday, August 7, 2009
Last Quilmes
This is for anyone who still checks my blog. I have updated, on my computer, all my posts until 2 days ago! So probably by the end of the weekend, they will all be uploaded...I just have to get internet with my computer.
There´s a mini'novel coming. And it´s filled mainly with stories with my students. They´re so awesome! Allof my classes are winding down, but I´ve been getting pictures with all of my students to procure an idea of the coolness of the people I´ve been working with.
Today is my last day in Quilmes. I already got a picture with them, as well as spent 10 minutes getting all of them to add me on Facebook. I won´t miss the trip out there, but I will miss the guys. After that, my class with Maricel got moved from Monday to Friday. She´ll be my only student left!
But I am in a high school English classroom 2 times a week now, so that is cool. And I figure next week I can get in all the final little things I´ve been meaning to do, as well as start some homework I´ve been putting off. Tomorrow afternoon - going to pay a visit to Chinatown!
K, I need to get ready for class, but this blog is about to EXPLODE with new entries before Monday. haha. oh, and my darker hair color has already really faded out, but i might have to get something more permanent when i get back home because i really liked it.
There´s a mini'novel coming. And it´s filled mainly with stories with my students. They´re so awesome! Allof my classes are winding down, but I´ve been getting pictures with all of my students to procure an idea of the coolness of the people I´ve been working with.
Today is my last day in Quilmes. I already got a picture with them, as well as spent 10 minutes getting all of them to add me on Facebook. I won´t miss the trip out there, but I will miss the guys. After that, my class with Maricel got moved from Monday to Friday. She´ll be my only student left!
But I am in a high school English classroom 2 times a week now, so that is cool. And I figure next week I can get in all the final little things I´ve been meaning to do, as well as start some homework I´ve been putting off. Tomorrow afternoon - going to pay a visit to Chinatown!
K, I need to get ready for class, but this blog is about to EXPLODE with new entries before Monday. haha. oh, and my darker hair color has already really faded out, but i might have to get something more permanent when i get back home because i really liked it.
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