Home two weeks!

What a lovely time to be home in the States.

The winter weather (albeit we’re short a few inches of snow, to my liking), the cozy car rides, the mistletoe, the Christmas trees, the annual neighborhood Christmas party, the sleepovers with best friends and cousins, the overeating at every turn...even the dryness of skin from dry winters and washing dishes after meals with extended family. All of it puts me in mind of the countless blessings I’ve encountered in the past months--with special emphasis on the past few weeks.

Adjustment has not been a simple process. I drink coffee now, here, which I did not do before; now, though, I miss the strength and fantasticness of the coffee in Argentina. I do not eat red meat now, and, with the choices available to me here, do not even miss it. I will not have opportunities to sunbathe or swim or go for a beach day, not for a while. And the countryside as I whiz through Western Pennsylvania on my way home from family Christmas today assaults me with the color grey, rather than the verde of Argentine summer.

All the same, it is lovely to be living with my family again. I realized that although it was a cool, growing, learning experience to manage and wrap my mind around my own apartment, I tired of the loneliness rapidly. I welcome life with sisters and parents again, and look forward to living with a family on my next leg of the journey, and with roommates in college. It will be good for me to have people around.

That’s another thing I love about this year--it’s still going. That was only three of my twelve-ish plus months of freedom to globe-trot, experience, broaden my mind, be stretched, face fears, make strides, and grow up. People often ask if the time in Argentina was a success; if I had something to compare it to, I would have a better answer. The value of this Gap Year will truly set in once I have all three internships laid out in front of me, with the quintessential 20-20 hindsight glasses of retrospection, and can make a complex mental Venn diagram of the ins and outs of each discrete experience. Until then, I am processing and pondering as well as I can. And savoring the memories.

Firsts on landing on US soil (/tarmac)

First touch: hyper-air-conditioned airport

First smell: uber-sanitized, chlorine-squeaky-clean airport floor

First sound: Spanish sans-Argentine accent; George Winston's "Winter" album on the PA system

First sight: the mega size of the airport in Miami

First thought: CHRISTMAS!

First thing that made me smile: God giving me lost-suitcase complications to fill the four-hour layover, then having the suitcase show up on its own in Chicago when I arrived, four hours later

Nutrition Information

Serving size: One Anna Shalom's enough for poor Latin America

Calories (or, in England, Energy): What remains after late night Argentine life :)
Calories from alfajores and dulce de leche: innumerable

Total fat: From ice creams, pizzas, and fruit smoothies; dang I will miss the Argentine versions of all those things

Sodium: Not as much as can be expected in Colombia, where they hyper-salt everything, but more than I am accustomed to--empanadas, meat, pasta...

Total carbohydrates: 80% white sugar, 20% fresh baked breads.

Protein: I ate much meat here, but the minute I step on the plane I will eat no more. I do not eat US meat. It's all wrong, from flavor to industry. Can't stand it. Here it sure was tasty--not sure I'll miss it exactly, but it tasted good while I had it, the real stuff. :)

Vitamins and minerals: Whatever happened to make it into my food through fruits and veggies. Mmm.




As you can see, I'm rather tasty, and content with my time in Buenos Aires--especially from a dietary perspective. :)

Packing everything but the sunburn

I cannot believe it is my last night in the apartment. WOW.

I have emptied cupboatds and drawers, the fridge mostly, and the pantry. Food left over goes to friends, roller blades to my big bro F, and some clothes that will do others more good go to said others. I love giving gifts.

I am starting to truly look forward to/ desire to be at home, with the cold, with White Christmas, and with you all. Mmm Christmas!

I am bursting at the seams to share with you all that I have been learning here, all the while by His grace steadied by His hand.

shalom to you all in these ultimate few days. See you soon! :)

Beautiful

My friends are beautiful. The most recent time I had this realization was at approximately 8:42 this morning.

After arriving at V's house last night (we were making up for lost time--had been apart the whole week and weekend!), sharing a scrumptious V-original dinner, and chit-chatting until bedtime for the kids and ourselves, I went to sleep very content. In the morning, amongst the whirlwind process of prepping the boys for preschool and elementary school, I found it equally enjoyable to tag along and be part of their family for a little bit longer.
After we dropped off the two boys, V and I walked leisurely towards the Subte to get downtown; she to work, I to my apartment. We walked arm in arm to the panaderia (bakery), and bought ourselves some incredible facturas (sweeeeeeet breads) for breakfast, regardless of the astounding calorie count they most definitely contained. The crunchy, flaky outside; the softer, dulce-de-leche moistened interior...nothing like it. Nothing like it.
Off in search of chocolate milk, we enjoyed our facturas ("like Ratatouille" she says, the movie in which the character Ratatouille enjoys every bite as he savors it and sees fireworks). Arm in arm again, singing worship songs in the glory of this sunny, not-too-hot morning with facturas and the gorgeous company of a really good friend.

That's beautiful.

One week remains: Or, Things I have not learned

As my time in Buenos Aires draws to a close, I often find myself just sitting on a bench in various places; people watching peacefully, pensively recapping the past three months of Argentine life.

On Wednesday, I sat in Plaza San Martin and pulled out my notebook and pencil. It was a chilly evening--good for thought--full of the freshness of the day after an incredible heat and humidity. There I came up with the idea of writing what I have learned here. Shortly thereafter, I came up with a better approach: what I have not learned here. It expresses a different set of hints about my life here, so I hope you understand it. Out of the box thinking :)

Things I Have Not Learned, Here In Buenos Aires
-how to spend an afternoon alone; there is always a friend available
-how to wear high heels in the city
-how to prevent myself from eating all the ice cream in Bs As
-how to read my body when it's saying it can absolutely take no more and must sleep
-how to cook complete meals; generous friends and eating out
-how to avoid the allure and beauty of the flowers sold on practically every street corner



This shall be a week of mix-n-match events, trying to fill it to the brim with people time. Hope your wintery Decembers are going pleasantly!

Lost count of day number...

Jeepers. It's definitely been a while since I blogged. I suppose that's a sign that I have basically adjusted to my life here--in the sense that I don't see daily activities as bloggable, blog-meriting, or blog-demanding. Just awesome to know for myself and whoever happens to ask. BUT, the opportunities I've been blessed to encounter are well worth sharing.

Monday, I worked in the office, continuing my translating and revising tasks. Little J was sick, so we again missed out on English lesson time.

Tuesday, I worked as well. Fun lunchtime conversations with the coworkers about the psychology behind characters in books, and the differences in reading into them/associating yourself with them and in just observing. Or something of that nature. After work, I went shopping with a colleague, M, and she and I found a marvelous summer dress for me, as well as some really fantastic ice cream. Mmmm.

Wednesday, again, began with work. Then I headed out towards the area of the church for the weekly visit to the villas for the music class. I'm going to miss that. How often is it that one has an in with some of the most dangerous places in Argentina, and that one can be a blessing there? Lovely. We really had to practice, for the performance of two worship songs at the Anniversary fiesta of La Mision (yesterday) was coming up.

Thursday, work came first. How rare to have Thanksgiving not be a major national holiday in one's current place of residence. But, I did have a very diverting, fascinating experience that day at work: I got to attend a sort of kick-off meeting for one of the Globant "Corporate Social Responsibility" department's programs, which  consists of Globant representatives visiting high schools in some of the most vulnerable neighborhoods in Buenos Aires (the villas) to offer to tech- or math-passionate students the opportunity for English, technology, software, and other related classes. After graduating the program, the students can either pursue further studies at the university, or are offered a position in Globant. What fascinates me currently is the new career of CSR, and how it pretty much neatly ties up all my possible career trails with a neat little bow. Like a mix of advocating, office job, bilingualness, educating, and making improvement through change. We shall see if I continue to think this way as time passes!
Also Thursday, I went out for Thanksgiving dinner to an American restaurant with the Zs and a few more fellow US friends here. It was delicious; not the same as at home in Philly, though. Then, I went towards the church to spend the night at Vero's house. We talked, had an English lesson, and she made my sides split with laughter. I enjoy her very, very much.

Friday I woke up with the kids and V, and watched the younger boy while V took the elder to school. Fun to have some quality time with a Hotwheels puzzle and a 4-year-old who has a glorious way of speaking. :) Then I went to work, and savored it. Then there was a jazz concert at the church, and so I went, and brought a colleague who I had recently discovered was one of the students from the program discussed above. After that, a group of us went to get something to eat, and we chilled, laughed, and thoroughly enjoyed ourselves...the entire night. :) We returned to V's house, and laughed more, continued to have fun and took advantage of the great friendships. I faded a bit and slept a few hours, but, hey, I am from the States--where people actually sleep.

Saturday was LAZY, and grand. I spent the day with Vero and the kids, I watching them while she slept a bit, and then all of us going to spend some time in the park. We played soccer (teams Colombia and Paraguay...I, Paraguay, lost), played alphabet games, and played some tic-tac-toe with sticks and leaves and stones for the playing board. Then we all had magnificent naptime, back at home. After that, there was an asado dinner (like a mega-awesome barbeque) at the church, and it was scrumptious and the chat was wholesome and thought-provoking.

Sunday, the service for church was in the evening, so I finally had the opportunity to go to the Feria de Mataderos. It's an outdoor market, brimming with cultural activities--singing, food, dance, artisan crafts and things. I went with A, especially because it happens to be really near to a baaaad villa. Then we returned to the church, he went to work helping for the Anniversary party, I went to hang out with V and boys, and then pretty soon I had to return to the church for practicing with the Sonidos de Esperanza kids.
How fun it was to be with them and help them sing their songs. I'll never forget that time.
Then I helped with the children during the sermon, and later enjoyed the food, drink, and always-inevitable (with-Colombians-around) dancing that comes with fiestas! Later we went for ice cream, and J (a Colombian friend; met her a few weeks ago) and I went back to V's house, and spent the night on her balcony. Lovely night!

And, here I am, late Monday night...okay, more honestly Tuesday morning, blogging. Today was a holiday, so nobody worked. V, J, the boys, Ari and I spent the day bumming around, enjoying fruit salad, lively conversation, the park, popcorn, and various other things. All in all, a great weekend.

This is the beginning of nostalgia.

I only have two more weeks plus a day here in Buenos Aires. Needless to say, the time will fly. That's why I had to make a list; I won't let any moment go to waste, even if not-wasting manifests itself in a rather outwardly-looking wasteful way. Take Saturday, for example.

Last day of work is tomorrow, and that won't be fun to say goodbye. It's truly been a wonderful experience. But we'll see what tomorrow brings later--now, off to sleep!

Bonus Blog: The Nightmare

For some reason--either (in hindsight) forgotten or never explained--I am kneeling on the sidewalk in a sketchy region of the city at night. The street I am on is no main thoroughfare, therefore is ill-lit. I am on my knees, rooting through my backpack.

Approaching me are two boys under the age of thirteen--hair buzzed short, the face of one clearly distinguishable but, even in waking, unfamiliar. They come nearer as I'm now no longer rifling through the backpack, just watching them and doing nothing.

When they are standing in front of me--all this time full only of silence--I make eye contact with the one, and give a little smile. He does not return the smile.

Swiftly reaching into a pocket, he withdraws a knife. My strangely realistic adrenaline rush gets my heart pumping. I am vividly experiencing this, as if awake. I keep eye contact, but make no move to surrender my backpack. After a few moments he sees I am not surrendering, just searching his eyes as he is searching mine.

Silently, deftly lunging towards my right upper arm, he plunges the knife in, to its handle. I cannot, in the dream, exactly feel the pain; what I experience is a strange swimming of the sight, deep and sharp inhalation, and the awareness of pain that I would feel were this real life.

I pull the knife from my arm, as the boys stand still there, not having made a move for my backpack yet. With a second's thought, I throw the knife back in their direction, instantly regretting it.

Too late.

The knife hits the boy's head, on his pate, near the back. It doesn't plunge in deeply, but sticks. Never before have I heard such an unholy, unearthly scream. He throws his head back and twists it around as though the joints in his neck are jelly. His eyes are flaming with rage, and rolling around as involuntarily and frighteningly slowly as his head. I am instantly put to mind of the Devil himself, and am struck with a rather real fear. Still, I don't move.


I wake up.

Sensory Summary: Day 69

Sight:
Light purple Jacaranda tree flowers strewn over the ground everywhere, lending a soft, beautiful, fairyland-like feel to the city. The occasional stunningly architectured building that proudly shows its age. The interior of the houses of many new friends--particular favorite view is from the dinnertable all together. School children on their way home from classes, still in their uniforms. The now-familiar Kioscos on every corner. Street signs. The Obelisco. The open doors of La Misión. The sidewalk bricks, even the broken ones that keep themselves well disguised and could either trip or soak your feet depending on recent weather patterns. The office building, and the view of the estuary/river from my desk. Faces of friends. Powerpoint slides of worship songs in Spanish--rather, the light of said powerpoint's projector as it shines into your eyes as you are up front singing with the worship team. Little green dots next to friends' names that signify I currently have the opportunity to virtually speak to them. The smiles of your friends when they realize your Spanish proficiency is finally letting you understand the (hilarious/occasionally naughty) double-meanings in their sentences or your very own. The little bit of red nail polish that remains on my toes from before I left, because I am too cheap to buy polish remover for one time, and can't bring myself to take [this remnant of home] off when I am at the house of any friend undoubtedly willing to spare a bit. The faces of my family over an especially impressive video chat tonight.

Smell:
Flower stands every other block (walking extra slowly to catch a whiff every time I pass one). Marijuana's decidedly peppery tone, along with some sickeningly sweet odors--in a word, nauseating. The laundry detergent they use at my laundromat (where they know my name now). The smell of hot, people-filled air in the subway. Globant's 9th floor office's excellent choice of air freshener. Bakeries. Empanadas. Pizza. Coffee.

Touch:
Caresses from friends, greeting kisses and embraces, prayer hugs. Babies in my arms. Strong Argentine/Southern Hemisphere sun on my gleaming white skin. The feel of my backpack worn across my front, which means I'm in the subway being wise, headed someplace marvelous. The awful, ancient keyboard of the chunky little Argentine cell phone that helps me share wonderful experiences with friends. My comfy bed. Taking my shoes off at the end of a long day on my feet. Sitting in a swivel chair at work, or the hammock chair for lunch hour. The hands of little children of the villa in mine. My fingers on the guitar strings, adding music to my singing.

Sound:
Always buses or garbage trucks somewhere. A child complaining or wailing. Dogs. Sirens. Punchi punchi music; translated essentially as clubbing-worthy music with a beat (punchi punchi = onomatopoeia). Motorcycles. Arguments. The sound the broken sidewalk bricks make. The (now memorized) rotation of commercials in the subway stations as I await trains--I can identify the product without seeing the TVs now. Sermons all in Spanish that I fully understand. Laughter. The sound my skates make when I use them right, the way F taught me. The sound the apartment ground floor door makes when I close it at the end of a good night with friends. The ringtone of a colleague's cell phone that reminds me of Maddi (Hey Soul Sister).

Taste:
Dulce de leche. Alfajor ice creams. Alfajors. Milanesa de pollo. Fruit salad. Coffee. Fruit juice and smoothies. Fresh bread, the baguette variety of which has the price of $1 for a family-size quantity. Empanadas. Sandwiches. Tartas (quiches, more or less). Birthday cakes. Yerba mate.

Photos!

The park in Palermo--a glimpse of the skaters: https://www.evernote.com/shard/s125/sh/68eb5d3d-0e48-4e3c-9675-ce497456fc52/c6205fbea29e3240298097debd51c835

Lunch in the ballpit that's 30 feet from my desk at work: https://www.evernote.com/shard/s125/sh/682cfcde-619e-4cbd-97b2-e9bf49b7c9b2/04db627d7191cb92fc9e3f01464fe057      :)

The poor, lumpy, fail empanada I made: https://www.evernote.com/shard/s125/sh/839107fd-34ac-4acb-90e9-14ee4631d8dc/2c0ead8856c63559ebe368b8e8e6eb72

The successful, handsome empanada I made: https://www.evernote.com/shard/s125/sh/a886c324-ab96-45f0-8d32-07d4a223a038/becebe99f3507d6471a7f8f6c48950e8

Small group/party for Mr. Z. last Friday night: https://www.evernote.com/shard/s125/sh/f824ffc3-5e21-4e16-9f22-99c9201cfb40/787c37bf4bf22b4e5e6ed016b70e015e

Fun with a lollipop wrapper decoration in the subway: https://www.evernote.com/shard/s125/sh/a3a57da8-6cb6-4f2e-bedc-32a5d09207a5/f3683be94b102db9f8ce0e2ad6ea53f7

The beautiful Jacaranda trees, and their purple splendor, and I: https://www.evernote.com/shard/s125/sh/9b3da38a-b55f-48db-a481-b079f95b4a9f/268e65020230cc7aed4f2abae3ff5270

My office building: https://www.evernote.com/shard/s125/sh/dc958b68-d48d-4b1f-a119-da1e567a0002/8f8a7161daa7344704d726c781c7bfb2

The stunning Galeria Pacifica (museum-converted-to-mall) at night: https://www.evernote.com/shard/s125/sh/8f99dc89-7cc2-4d4e-82e8-bc65b5ed4ae9/9ab0015959f12d3489f303e1a1931973

Amen. :)--https://www.evernote.com/shard/s125/sh/720a6d12-7453-4cf7-9c16-c47a4bf37e98/11fca2cfae634ce32053fce7331592f7

Cook the gnocchi first; or, Humility: Day 64

WORK: I continue to enjoy the company of my workmates, and the adventures we have together. Last week--on Thursday--we went to a town outside of the city to a beautiful golf club for a meeting to plan their moves in 2012, as Globant Communications. It was a lovely day, and all five of us from the BsAs office squeezed into W's car and got lost for an hour or so, eventually ending up in the parking lot of the golf club. The bread and jam, coffee, and fresh OJ for breakfast were very welcome. So was the opportunity to see exactly how communications for a corporation must work, and all that the umbrella of "communications" covers: the year-end party, fundraisers, raising awareness for causes. Cool to hear the propositions of each member there. Then a yummy lunch--veggie crepes with cheese for myself and two other veggie-heads, and ojo de bife (a certain cut of beef) for the others. Then we walked around on the golf course until they yelled at us, and we took some photos with an old man's golf clubs he lent us. Globant golfs. Hahaaaa. :)  Since then, work as usual. Awesome, that is. I'm hoping to have their powerpoints revised and ready for approved use by the time I finish at Globant way too soon.

CHURCH: What a privilege it is to sing with the worship team! I did it again this Sunday, and it continues to be an honor that even though I flub the lyrics or melody at times, even though I am human and fail in ways that blotch the cleanliness of my conduct or behavior, I am given the mercy and grace of staying on as a part of the team. I am extremely grateful for that.
This Sunday, I also received the blessing of prayer from F, an older woman who is truly a bulwark of the church and has a truly incredible gift for prayer and hugs. Sometimes God just knows exactly when to bless you with people like that.

Just kidding. He always knows.


FOOD: Right now I am very much enjoying a morning mate, and I am addicted. I might have to set up an importation system of my own for certain things from here--alfajores, yerba mate, fruit, veggies, empanadas, friends... :) I did make empanadas (kind of like mini calzones, but not cheesy--meat and red peppers) with A last week, and that was a really cool experience. I'm hoping I will be able to bring the basic idea back with me, although the struggle will be finding the equivalent of the pastry part that holds it all together. I think I'll have to ask how to make it myself. What else...mmm fruit salad never gets old. Nor does dulce de leche. I cannot believe I am still the same relative size as when I got here. It's a feat of nature. :) On the other hand, all food here is real, without any artificial ingredients, so that might have a lot to do with it. Plus the meat is all what we would call organic. When I get back, I will probably refuse to eat any meat out of disgust for the American system, now that I've seen it done right here. (Now is not the time for a rant, Anna...) Anywho...plus I walk everywhere, and that helps keep off the pounds. Thumbs up!

SPEAKING SPANISH: I am understanding even the little blips of conversation to be heard as you pass by a customer at one of the flower stands, or a couple discussing something at an outside table at a cafe. I love it. Now there's no conscious pause of thought before lunging into sentences in Spanish. I respond in whatever language comes my way. THAT I will miss intensely when I get home. I guess it just means I will have to have regular Skype dates with my Spanish-speaking friends. :)

SOCIAL LIFE: It's quasi-ridiculous how quickly the week fills up and escapes me. But I am persevering and trying to spend equal time working and hanging out with friends. I love the possibilities of going shopping with colleagues--so I want to follow through on that and make it happen. Maybe today. I love the possibility of going out into the province to Campana or other places where friends are living. We'll see what comes.

Thanks for patience with the slow-forthcoming blog posts, and for the prayers and thoughts which I am fully aware surround me wherever I go.

Life as usual--busy: Day 57

I feel like a new strategy is in order.

WORK: Todo bien. I love the daily translation, or editing of English with a native speaker's eye, that I am given. I am slowly chewing my way through their "Sales Kit"--all the powerpoint presentations and word documents that are on hand to promote Globant or make a sale. I hadn't realized until I started translating stuff for them, but Globant has a really community-service minded approach to corporate business. They have a program to teach the youth (teens-early twenties) of vulnerable neighborhoods about technology and informatics, to give them better employment possibilities and nourish their expressed passion for the techno-world as noted in high school. Currently, the class of the pilot program is half employed by Globant for real, and half in university furthering their studies. Also, it participates in Random Hacks of Kindness--a movement to help with social problems of many varieties through the development of software and coding. On top of that...it's just a freaky cool place to work. :) I adore my lunch hours with colleagues. I like getting to know the office building and things like which microwave runs best, which coffee selection on the vending machine I like the most. I love having a work email, and having a meeting in the office in another city on Thursday. I love it.

CHURCH: La Misión just had a retreat this weekend, out in the province a little ways, in a town called Maximo Paz. What an amazing nook of God's creation! The landscape is laid out flat and open, with trees, tall grasses, and--at night--stars from end to end. So refreshing to spend time outside the city, where stars and grass and quiet are rarities. I hadn't realized how much I missed open spaces.
Anyhow, the reason I was blessed enough to go on this retreat was that I was asked to care for the kids of a couple families. SURE, I told them! It was a wonderful time. All of Saturday was spent with the 6 children, between 1 and 8 ish, and E (one of the youth girls who was my teammate in caretaking). We did facepaints, coloring books, runs to the playground, games on the bridges, played Octopus (like Sharks and Minnows, only I created an octopus dance for laughter enhancement), and generally gaining acceptance into the hearts of these precious children. I will never forget them.
It was also a huge joy to be a part of the community of the church at lunch and at night, when sessions were paused. We went for walks, had conversations, drank mate, played with the kids, and generally enjoyed one another. A lovely, blessed time for all.
Other than that, Sundays at La Misión continue to be most truly fulfilling and worshipful. This past week we sang "I Am Free" by the Newsboys (in Spanish), and I realized anew how true that really is. Free to run, dance, and live for Him. Pastor M gave a whopper awesome sermon about Psalm 23, emphasizing the fact that we shall never want for anything; that our Sheperd is always at our side; that our cup is overflowing. Beautiful truth.

FOOD: Yes. Let's go ahead and make it a category. Hey, it takes up a major portion of my day! Plus I genuinely love it.
Today I had the following: avocado, salad (lettuce, tomatoes, cheese, zucchini), a veggie empanada (basically their version of spanikopita), pasta with red peppers, and strawberry-banana fruit salad I made myself. MM MM MMMM. Fruit and veg. :) Must say, however, that I do have a request in for one of A's homemade asados. We are working to schedule that.

SPEAKING SPANISH: Enchants me. I love seeing improvement in the areas that were hard for me when I first got here. I spent the vast majority of my day communicating in all Spanish. The hard parts at the beginning (perhaps you remember a weekend post distressed at not understanding any conversation one Sunday) were group conversations. So hard to pick out without context or vocabulary. I am steadily improving! Spanish is a gorgeous language, and I am enthralled.

SOCIAL LIFE: The church is such a blessing! It provides more opportunities for spending time with people than anything else has. And they're fantastic people.
There's my Sundays group, with which I go skating. We went this weekend--although the group was diminished due to exhaustion from the retreat and such. We still had cookies and mate and roller bladed. There's M and Sonidos de Esperanza, where I get to spend time with niños and pervasively share the love God's given me. There's the Bible study, where I am learning to really take ownership of the dynamic relationship with God I have access to. There's V and her boys, with whom I hang out rather regularly, for some reason or another; I really get a kick out of them. Then there's my guitar teacher, C, with whom I practice/have lessons Friday afternoons at 7.
Apart from church friends, I find other ways to spend my time. Lunch hours with work mates, meeting random folks on the subway for a conversation (like the Canadian couple I met today, taking a 5-month "break from corporate life" after quitting their jobs, to explore Peru, Ecuador, and Argentina. Yeah. I wanna be them!).
There's the gym, the guitar, the devos, the Facebook... yes, I am not wanting for ways to fill time. And in there somewhere is just enough sleep to get by.


I am well-contented, learning much, and loving all around me.

Busy, busy, busy: Day 51

Bests: dulce de leche, projects at work, having a fulllllll agenda, a laptop to take home, getting my boots repaired. :)

Worsts: the fact that the warmth of Spring brings HOT, SWEATY subte rides, exhaustion, missing out on Halloween candy and Thanksgiving.
_______________________
In the past few days, I have been working for the afternoons, and having various activities before and after.

Monday I took a slow morning to practice guitar and enjoy a mate or three before going to work. Work was basically a big party--due to fans of Halloween in the office. :) After work, I felt like trying out skating alone at the park in Palermo. This was fine, but not an experience I'll repeat. It's no fun alone when you're not really safe and you have a messenger style bag (side-hanging) throwing off balance.

Tuesday I think I pulled a lazy day again. Went to work, where I translated (my favorite!), and then met up with a colleague's son for an English session. This little boy, J, is absolutely angelicly adorable, and he shares my zeal for language--at age 5! Woohoo! It'll be an absolute joy to work with him these next few weeks. After English with J, I went home and made dinner.

Today I awoke and thought I would chill out. Then I remembered I had to try to pick up a package this morning. So I prepared for the day quickly and headed out the door. Like basically everything else here, however, you take a number and wait in line for HOURS. I had to give my number to somebody else and leave, so as not to lose the day. I'll get it at some point. Who cares about a fifty-cent fee. My time here is so much more valuable than that. ;) At work, I proceeded to translate. Beautiful view. I left work a little early today so that I could rush home to drop stuff off (laptop, converse, tupperware from lunch) and pick up stuff (guitar books and pick), then rushed to M's house for Sonidos de Esperanza, then rushed to Bible study, then rushed to get a guitar lesson in today instead of Friday. I didn't eat any more than a teeny granola bar between 1:30 and 10:30. Now, I'm rather wiped.  :)

The rest of the week looks to be a blast! Also, busy. But I bet I'll be able to blog on Sunday, letting you all know what's up. Chao!
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Dad, in response to your question.

I have had the tremendous blessing of a decidedly well-balanced sampling of Buenos Aires life. I have spent time in the city center, which is really a rare zone, distinct from all others in its vibe and attractions; in ritzy, posh Palermo; in Flores, a lovely, average, much less pretentious zone; in barrio Ramon Carrillo, where the extremely admirable families work hard to maintain ahead of poverty in an economy and area that doesn't really do anything to encourage improvement; and in trash-heaped, dog-infested, still-somehow-beautiful (hint: the people) villas.

Surprisingly for me, experiencing all of these--many times all within a day--does not cause social class/protocol/nuiance whiplash, nor does it cost me much to acclamate to the varying surroundings. It's like being in whichever place I happen to find myself at a given time allows me to get to know better and better the culture, people, food, buildings, parks, customs, and landscape that is Buenos Aires.

Therefore, I love it all.




Next question?

Flowers in your hair: Day 47

The house is empty--Z kids to music school, Mrs. Z. with them, Mr. Z. to a conference. I'm listening to the worship songs I'll be singing with the worship team tomorrow morning. I've washed the dishes, kept out of the cleaning lady's way, and now it's time to face the blog. Also, the fact that it's been three days since I blogged.

Bah. Unintended, sorry.

Highlights of the week:

• roller blading after work Thursday night--first time on the new SPIFFY blades, and F came with me. He patiently played the role of older brother while teaching me a new way to skate. I have to practice more... But the blades roll like a dream. I'm rather chuffed. :)
• lunch and ensuing discussions with my colleagues. Also, the fact alone that I have colleagues. Wednesday we talked about cultural differences, in particular pertaining to food/diet. Yesterday it was existentialism and nihilism, and other personal beliefs. Other times it is all about picking on someone, in affection. Love it.
• receiving an "urgent" project from "Pancho" (his nickname)--translating a document that he was going to fashion into a powerpoint for a presentation the next day or something. Yessir, you've got it. Stayed until I finished. It wasn't late.
• going back to help with Sonidos de Esperanza (music class in the villas) with M. We are practicing a song that will be the main feature of the presentation on a coming Sunday when the kids come to the church to celebrate the anniversary of Sonidos. Forever--Chris Tomlin--pero en castellano. :)
• small group discussion and ice cream outing last night. I love these guys. Please pray for their various struggles in the faith arena...so many situations and states of belief, and they are such fantastic people. Life is really tough in this neck of the woods. My hope is that they just grasp onto the hope and light God sheds over us in those times.
• wearing a shirt today that I have not yet worn. Seems so trivial, but really, it is lovely to finally be able to wear one article of clothing as of yet unworn these past weeks. I am certainly getting to know my wardrobe intimately. And, along with that, having to grow in the fashion creativity department.
• gorgeous cool, sunny weather. Rock on, Spring. Keep it comin'.

Any questions? I think it would be neat to know if there are any particular things you (few) followers are wondering about my time here.

Consider the floor open. Enjoy your Saturday, all!

Mundane doesn't exist: Day 43

Nothing should ever be allowed to be called "mundane", I have decided. Never let wherever you are, however long you have been there, permit you to ignore life's chiefest joys as they peer out from around street corners, or from behind the chocolate bar you purchase at the kiosco, or from behind the waving hand of a familiar local--whom you now call friend--as you head towards another friend's apartment. Notice the tourists throughout the day in the central downtown area, and appreciate along with them the novelty of the subte and of Plaza San Martin. Never let the bagpiper of the Plaza escape your ears' notice as you pass. Savor the first time in a long time you get to ride your favorite subte line--the one with the sublime warm wood smell. Never forget the fact that you have ice cream in the freezer left over from last night. The newness of the project at work. The fact that you know, and no longer fear, public transport at night. The knowledge of where is best to go for certain groceries. The giving of directions to someone, and moreover in Spanish. Having locals tell you they assumed you were just from another region of Argentina until you told them you're 100% US made. Your know roller skates.

Life is absolutely a treasure. And if you don't take care to choose to notice how God fills each day with joys, it almost imperceptibly zips away into history. Much like the "dientes de leon" seeds that fly through the Spring breeze in Buenos Aires--those that don't get caught in your braid and become a Spring pixie-like accessory, that is.

Content. :)

Treasures: Day 41

Worst part: the Sunday-night lonelies.

Best part: Ema's goodnight, after I sang him my Fernando Ortega lullabye: a little peck of a kiss on my cheek, followed by, "Hasta mañana."--"See you in the morning." That, my friends, is the definition of precious.




Good day. Marvelous day.


Sang in church, despite all odds, and hearing the songs for the first time midnight last night. Enjoyed lunch at V's house with the boys, A, E (chica from the youth who often hangs out with the older age group due to her sweetness, maturity, and solid faith that differ so much from the younger youth), and a new friend and her dad (visiting from Colombia). Went to the park after lunch. Played with the boys and A. Enjoyed E's little Spiderman suit. Bought the boys cotton candy. Went back to Vero's house, enjoyed bedtime prep with the boys. Sang to them, kissed them, received kisses--treasure kisses. Made it home, felt intensely lonely, called family and chatted Joshua.


Going to bed soon. :) Chao.

Work, and Ensuing Busyness: Day 40

Best part: being seated at my desk tikkering away at the keyboard while conversations go on around me; I flicker in and out of those, listen to the Argentines who have learned all the English swear words and love to use them, hear the "ping" of the chat from my work email (I have more friends!), get up to get some water or a coffee and pass the ball pit (where someday I'll do my work) and the hammocks (where you can have meetings or chill). Yeah. :)

Worst part: I have to go grocery shopping again?
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Thursday I woke up ready for yoga. I went to the gym at the time of the class (8:30), but there had been complications with the trains that morning, so the teacher couldn't make it. There was another class at 9:30, so I decided to work out until then. A little bike, a little elliptical, and a little strength training easily fills an hour. The yoga class was really an experience--I'll be learning all sorts of terms in Spanish, and also it's not like the College yoga classes. Not "tree pose" and then "boat pose"...it's just like stretching and stuff in a planned manner. Still, it felt good after a workout! Didn't participate in the chant at the end. Jesus is always here--we don't need to chant to get him to fill us. ;)
Pretty soon I was on my way to work, looking forward to another day of translating the ethical code and such. I went out to lunch with three other ladies in Communications, to a place called BreadPoint with really scrumptious sandwiches. Then I plugged away, translating. Joy of all joys!

What I must here explain is how fun it is to translate and why. I love to type in English while reading Spanish, not looking at the keyboard. I love to find phrases or stylistic differences in the Spanish version and learning their equivalent in English. I love those moments where I know what a Spanish word is saying and it makes sense, but I am stuck on the most accurate English word to stick in its place. I love that.

After work, I headed out to V's house--she is a single mom from the church with two fantastic boys (4 and 7ish, I believe, guessing) and had expressed an interest in learning some English. So once at her house, I met L, a Brasilian friend of hers and of the group that I go roller blading with. He is so talented. Oh my goodness. Started as a graphic designer, learned Spanish and English, studied medicine, and now is studying international relations. But his real passion is music. What a dude! He also made two yummy appetizers that basically served as dinner for us--both were ricotta cheese with various spices/sauces. Not much English was taught that evening, as you may have guessed, but we did all get massages from V and C (the other two ladies) and stand on the balcony to enjoy the wonderful breeze and stars for a while.

Friday morning, I woke up to go meet F, because with the way the health care system works here, if you need surgery, you must get two people to donate blood (of your type) in order to restock the bank, I suppose. Interesting, and problematic.
So we met his other friend, and she didn't have an ID document. Then they told me that I can't donate until a month after I finished Accutane. Rats. Sorry!
I came back home, and prepped for work. Then I was off.
I worked earlier yesterday--starting at noon instead of one--in order to allow time to get to M's house for the music class in the villas (Sonidos de Esperanza). I went to lunch with some fellow newbies to Globant that I met in the induction meeting Monday. We had hotdogs at a place that has frillions of sauces to put on them. Nice conversations.
Back to work (after an alfajor--kind of a cake-y, dulce de leche, chocolate covered dream come true), and continued translating. At some point in the afternoon M called to say that due to all the preparations for her neice's birthday party (today--I leave not too long from now), we'd postpone Sonidos until next week. So I continued to work.
Then I got on the subte for my guitar lesson, and that was nice. I really need to practice more!
After guitar I met up with A, moto man, and we headed back to my neck of the woods to meet up with F and friends to hang out. We left our bags in my apartment, and made orange juice while we waited. That fresh fruit juice thing will NEVER get old.
When we met up with the group, I was the only girl. But whatever, I can handle that. ;) It was A, F, J (F's good friend, from posts before), and a new J. Fun group. We went to a place that had insanely tasty pizza (parmesan, mozzarella, arugula, red peppers, and prosciutto like ham) and chilled and laughed and played with candles. Sigh. Boys.

Then it was bedtime, and I slept till noon. And now I must get ready and find a gift for S, the birthday princess! Chao and besos and abrazos to all!

Learning to use one of something until it's gone: Days 36-37

Best part of the last two days: STARTING WORK!

Worst part of the last two days: finishing the last cube of my giant Tres Suenos chocolate bar. But, in reality, that just means it's time to break out the cookies. (:
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Yesterday I was able to sleep in and wake up at a leisurely pace before work began. I arrived at the office on time, and without problem, and entered into the office.
The area in which I work is on the 9th floor of an office building right by the port here in Buenos Aires that is called Puerto Madero. Cool location, very cool. And the view is pretty spiffy, even though it is only 9 floors.
I kind of share a desk with a really sweet young lady, and all the Communications department is already welcoming me with open arms. The project they gave me to start is writing descriptions for the promotional YouTube videos that they have for Globant (the company).
After work, I came home and made dinner, and shared about my day with my family, and also all the friends here who have taken me into their concern.

This morning I went back to the gym, cleaned up, and headed out the door to work. I went earlier today (at noon, until four) to allow time for the music class in the villa that I love to help with.
Today I continued with my video description work, received my Globant ID card, and turned in paperwork. It was soooooooo fun! At one point, a lady the desk in front of me waved me down and asked me how to say the opposite of worthless. Valoroso? Valuable, of course. :) Love it love it love it!
Directly from work I went to the neighborhood of the church to go to music class. Unfortunately, by a combination of factors (including M making homemade ravioli today!) we were a bit too late to allow sufficient time for the class. So, we'll go Friday.
Instead, we went to pick up M's BEAUTIFUL son at the apartment of V, another church friend--a fantastic single mom with two boys who I am slowly but surely converting to best friends. :) We had mate, and snacks (bread with cream cheese, peach jam, and dulce de leche in various combinations) and it was lovely.
Then it was time for Bible study, and what a great time that was, as always. I love Mrs. Z's style of teaching and her presence in the classroom. And also, tonight there was a bit more discussion than usual, and I liked that a lot.
I made it home by myself on the subte, and had warmups for dinner. Then chocolate and cookies. Mala, but oh well. There's yoga at 8:30 tomorrow morning, and I'm going. :)

Shalom! xoxo

Days 34-35

Best part of the past two days: starting at Globant!

Worst part of the past two days: next to no sleep.
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Yesterday was the Argentine Mother's Day, which was fun to observe. The whole city befogged itself from the smoke of everybody's asados (gorgeous--and this is a veggie-head saying this--arrays of grilled meats) rising heavenwards. Mmmm.
I spent the afternoon with a very lively, large group from the church at the park in Palermo again, roller blading, eating cookies, admiring cute puppies, hoping for no rain, enjoying the friends. In the evening, we headed back to the neighborhood of the church (where they live) for dinner. What a fun time getting to eat Colombian food, learn a little more salsa, and love on some little boys (E and F). I also got to share my Bogota mission trip experience with someone who knows what Barrio Egipto is! THAT was cool. :) Also, balconies at night are fantastic.

This morning I went to a different Globant office than normal. It was hard to get to, because it's in an area not well-reachable by public transport. Once there, however, it was very fun! The other new employees in the "intro-to-the-company" meeting were all rather more or less impressed at my Spanish (SCORE) and my guts for doing an internship thing. Plus they still have those awesome coffee machines with zillions of types of coffee. (:
The rest of the day was slow--napping, getting laundry to the laundromat, practicing guitar. I'm headed to bed very soon; hooray!

Love to all. :)

Creative Title: Days 32-33

Best part of the last two days: playing Just Dance 2 (a Wii dance game) with the youth group, and trying out salsa and merengue (I think) with the same crowd. Hysterically fun. :)

Worst part of the last two days: the exhaustion that is hitting me like a wall. May have something to do with the dozens of galletitas (cookies, like variety pack) I ate when I was dying of hunger this afternoon. Poor choice. See that now. Still learning. (;
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Yesterday I had the chance to make a call to my PA cousins--what fun! It still boggles my mind that it's possible to communicate in (nearly) real time due to technology. Fantastic.
Then, I met up with F, a chica from that youth group that I enjoy so much, and we did a bit of shopping. We found just the right top and scarf to complete a "going out" outfit. Now let's see if I ever actually need said outfit. :) Vamos a ver.
Last night was small group at the Zs' house--but it really was only "small" in name! Everyone from the group except one girl I know of came, plus myself and three other US girls from Pepperdine, studying here. What a crazy evening. Soooo fun! Each personality makes it a group into which it's that much more fun to integrate myself. We talked about doubts, and how we see them, how God sees them, how we struggle to get out of them, how we view them in light of our Christian responsibilities and liberties. One of the Pepperdine girls shared her testimony. We talked about reasons why we believe in God's existence. We ate (lots of) pizza. We played Just Dance 2. I shamelessly tried to weasel several stand-by-and-watch types to participate; to, sadly, no avail other than laughter and smiley eyes and, "no, you go." I washed dishes, which I love to do to help out. I owe the Zs so much. I was the butt of jokes, I doled out jokes. We had some dancing lessons, and I took a turn with F and D (chicos) and E (chica). Then our group, at like two in the morning or something, started to head towards home. We walked as a group through the streets towards a bus stop, and waited forty-five minutes or so--chatting contentedly--for a bus that never showed. F and I took a taxi (the more reliable version of a taxi service--called Remis--rey-MEES) to our area, and the others headed to their area by another Remis. I slept; it being four in the morning and all.

When I woke up, it was gorgeous outside. What a sun, what a temperature, what an intermittent breeze. Magnifico.
Joshua and I tried our darndest to have a Skype call, but technology is incessantly frustrating, so it didn't work. A bit peeved at the faults of manmade things, I decided to try the outdoors for some of the God-made things. Much more glorious, and much more beautiful even though flawed (our bad).
After a bit of a walk (F--I remembered the whole way without looking at my GuiaT even once! :) ), I made it to the park and met up with the Zs. We enjoyed elastic/bouncy tight-ropes, bikes, cookies, mate, the breeze, and ice creams between the group of us.
A while later, we made for the car.

Now, I (the eldest Z kid, the only boy) has been trying for a while to ride a two-wheeler. For him, the ADHD inhibits balance in a very aggravating way, so it's been a real struggle. Today, on the way to the car, though, he did it.
Gracious me, the glory of that moment. Mama was tearing up, Dad was chuffed, I was trying to snap photos. What a conquest! "Lo hice! Lo hice! Lo HICE!" he shouted! ALELUYA. :)

Long car ride--as any is wont to be with tired, thirsty, hungry children--and a trip to McD's, and now we're nearly through the obstacle course of bedtime. I think I should try to sleep well tonight, for I have to be at church early tomorrow for singing rehearsal. Hopefully my memory serves me well for this--I heard these songs for the first time ever yesterday. All in Spanish. I'm a bit of an overachiever, don't ya know. (:

Well-contented. Full. Pleasantly tired. Quiet house. Twila Paris is playing for the kids as they fall asleep.
Lovin' life.
Chao!

Joy: Day 31

Best part of the day: YENGAAAAAAAAA. Also known as Jenga, with the crazies J and F and more friends tonight, and the moments where I lost and got buried beneath the falling blocks intermittently.
OR it was my first guitar lesson. OR it was news from the business. Just keep reading. :)

Worst part of the day: not making it to the gym. But what can you do. Hay viernes por eso.
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Since last night was a bit of a late night as well--though tonight is later--I slept in and missed out on my workout time. But it's kind of convenient to live in a city where if you have any sort of social life, you're getting your cardio by traveling to and fro. Perfecto.
I went to the church to help sort clothes again, and realized that we accomplished a lot in a shorter time. We have our system down, it seems. I like working with C, she's very similarly motivated and is a really funny person. We fit well.
Then I had my first guitar lesson through the music school a couple at church runs. Fantastically convenient for me, desirous of learning guitar not only in chords by themselves but in structure and WHY the chords are as they are.When I began to ask questions towards the end of technique learning versus just chords, he seemed very surprised and pleased. He said that's how he liked to learn, and prefers to teach, but that basically none of his students want to learn it that way. Que triste! But nice that we can help each other out now.


Did I mention he only speaks Spanish?  Yeah. I'm feeling like a total boss right now, learning all this in Espanol. It's two lessons in one, two passions in one. FANTASTICO. :)   <~~sonrisa muy muy grande


After that, I had to come home and chill a bit. And eat something, for I was hungry. Before long I was practicing my acordes, chords, on the guitar and enjoying every moment of it.
Then F came and we headed for the park. There are so many dogs here, everywhere! It's crazy, and really fun. Except for the poop part.
We met up with 3 other friends at the bar we went to last week, and had pizza and played Jenga several times. J and I returned to our usual antics of calling each other "anciano" (old man) and "niña" (little girl) respectively. Not respectfully, mind. However, I did give him the gift of a pack of Trident, which cannot be purchased here. I believe that is a more than ample apology. :)
Also in today's news (Anna news, that is): the company confirmed that I am STARTING MONDAY! I am still going to be paid, and they figured out how to do it without all the paperwork. I am so thrilled--praise God. He really is fiel, faithful. My hours after Monday will be 1 to 5, Monday through Friday. I have hours!! :D


So, that is pretty much it. Entonces, it's now time to sleep. I cannot wait for this weekend--call cousin, shop with a chica friend, and small group tomorrow; Saturday holds surprises yet unknown; singing for the first time in church Sunday, and more surprises. :) Barbaro. Chevere.    


Cool. 

Lemons Are Delicious: Day 29

Best part of the day: coffee, cookies, a blanket, and dulce de leche on the balcony tonight, in Joshua's sweatshirt, fresh from the laundromat.

Worst part of the day: really wasn't anything downer today. Worst I guess might be having an evening alone. I've been so blessed with company recently!
___________________
Woke up ready to take on the world this morning. I had an agenda.

LAUNDRY PICK UP. HUZZAH! Mmm, love how that place smells. Couldn't be more convenient, either. It's less than a block away, on my own street. Perfecto, they call that.
Next up, the gimnasio. Again, super-conveniente, six-block walk, and I gave them my card and found the bike. Of course, for less than a dollar a day, the equipment's not muy impresionante, impressive, but it works and sure makes you feel the burn. You know, that burn that I enjoy SO much! :) I was very happy. Half an hour on the bike, half an hour on the eliptical, checking out the other machines around the whole time to pick what to do tomorrow. After I was done, I had to stretch. I picked a spot with space enough in between two unoccupied machines. Definitely, I had an audience. The guy using the leg machine across the room (few meters away), plus other guys in the general vicinity. Thing was, as I stretched, the guy stopped doing anything at all. Literally, he just watched. ?  So I'm flexible and bend in half, so I happen to be wearing tightly-fitting workout pants. No me mires, dude.
That moment of hilarity/depravity of the males in the gym brought me to think once again on how incredible the young men here are that can control themselves and maintain purity of mind and body. Namely, those that I know. :) They are in all senses of the word surrounded, bombarded by soft porn--magazines, movies, flyers, posters, even billboards. It is incredible that they can have a regular friendship with any woman ever. I am extremely impressed, guys. Keep it up. You are treasures in this world--glory to God. :)
After all that sweat, stretching, and thought, I got ready to head to the church. I sent the business the hiring form that they asked for, and we are still hoping that I start work on Monday!
On the subte, I did some homework for Bible study. It doesn't seem like the best place or moment for introspection, but in reality, it is. Everyone's so intent on where they are headed, on guarding their bags or other possessions from everyone else, on their texts/phone calls/iPod, that they have no time to worry themselves with what you're doing. Oh, yeah, they are always looking at you, but not really to find out anything; just looking to look.
Once at the church, I sorted donated clothing with C. I love organizing things, so this was a treat. We had to root through, and take out and trash the clothes that were too far gone, then fold the nice ones and place them in suitcases and bags for easy portability. It was fun! And what made it better was the occasional visitor who would come into the office for conversation. Every day of the week, that church is a hopping place. I love that.
On the way back to the subte station from the church this evening, I had my eyes peeled for J, another of the youth here I know through the church. On Sunday he told me he'd seen me walk past his work last week; he works in a mattress store. Today I was determined to see him--and I did! It was fun to be assimilated and accustomed enough to be able to greet a local while on my way to the subte. No big deal. :D
Subte ride home was uneventful. So was the walk from station to apartment. I then stopped by the produce shop on my way, and bought soup veggies. These are generally butternut squash cubes, onion slices, celery chunks, and whatever else they felt like grabbing before it went bad, chopping up, and refrigerating to sell for soup. That + beans + quinoa + chicken broth = tasty, warm dinner. I like to cook, I have decided. I look forward to having a more regular schedule so that I can actually do it on a more regular basis. I kind of find myself with people or at their houses during mealtimes, so I am rarely home for dinner. Not that I mind the social time...
I spent a little while on my balcony this chilly evening, enjoying my post-dinner coffee, cookies and dulce. The laundry I finally got back included novio's sweatshirt, which I decided it was time to wear. I do like to just sit, listen, watch people's interactions, and watch the motorcycles pass. The city never sleeps, and I am used to that now. It'll be weird to return to Wheaton; moreover, Winter Wheaton, when it's all even more muffled and silent. But I'm nowhere near ready to leave yet, so I will continue to enjoy the city life.

Hope you liked the photos! Make sure you check them out if you missed them. Chao! Un gran abrazo!

Photo Gallery!

My favorite type of rose, as seen at the park in Palermo: https://www.evernote.com/shard/s125/sh/e80bbfc8-ea10-4a79-9145-9ada19186ce1/e80aa31f670d8746f57ad08c911d7732

Another rose photo, same--still my favorite: https://www.evernote.com/shard/s125/sh/52ee8a9b-f4a2-47a6-924e-e23ecbfc4db3/0072df1d7fb2e4598efd37cda20ec472

F (he's Colombian): https://www.evernote.com/shard/s125/sh/2a2a3d8e-dba9-45ee-9034-5d2029eab640/23261ad8139e5bc00ae4df914acd1eb9
The one of he and I together came out unflattering of me, unfortunately, so I don't want to post it!

View from the city-center bridge at Tigre: https://www.evernote.com/shard/s125/sh/0c14e69d-975b-4f3d-a44b-368b5f53bb64/10cc48bd512d7adda156acc132d0524d

A and I waiting for the boat back after lunch: https://www.evernote.com/shard/s125/sh/70435789-ab3f-4909-9bc2-8c5dbceb2e34/3488fce7a9eaccc6b4ed59f50c8346c7

Me this afternoon by the river in Tigre: https://www.evernote.com/shard/s125/sh/ab8cd05f-6f9a-4c98-9821-a465d1db043e/2550b5f7dd01cda8a108ec8e4b580e97

I love it here. Hope you enjoy seeing such a huge part of my life!

Shakira, crowds, trains, and a day off: Day 28

Best part of the day: a two-hour lunch right by the water in Tigre.

Worst part of the day: wishing really badly that I could have a slumber party with my sisters tonight.
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This morning A and I headed via subte and then train to Tigre. It was a holiday here, so there was a day off  work for everyone pretty much.
Tigre is a city to the north of Buenos Aires, about 45 minutes of travel, by train. The whole morning was cloudy with very rare moments of sunshine, and the whole day threatened rain. But it held off.
We arrived, found a boat tour, and got to see the area from the water for a while. It's kind of like Venice, in theory, because it is where the Rio de la Plata has its delta. But in appearance, it's much more verdant and rural. Lots of little houses on stilts, boats and jetskis and kayaks all around.
We were both quite hungry at this point, so when the boat stopped at Tres Bocas, a point on the island we'd been skirting, we got off and sat on the patio of the restaurant that overlooked and stood over the water. Spaghetti; red sauce for him, pesto for me. I do love pesto.
The thing with A is that he loves to talk. I am content to let him do so, and butt in pretty regularly with my own talkative inclination. It works out well! Except lunch becomes a two-hour affair! But that does not matter at all on a ferriado--a day off. :)
After lunch, we returned to the city center by boat. Once there, we sought out the Puerto de Frutos, a massive outdoor market of more or less everything. Very cool. Household decorations, jewelry, clothing, popcorn, fruit, furniture, pillows. All of it. Then, a bit tired, we sat down for a bit of a rest. Big plate of spaghetti leads to big post-lunch exhaustion! We proceeded to talk, about people, cultures, languages an goodness knows what else.
We headed back to the train station--there were so many people, I kept walking on them accidentally--and hopped on the train home. Our train car was one without seats, so people just sat on the floor. We had an interesting crowd, to be sure. Against the opposite wall from us sat a line of homosexual guys, dozing and resting heads on shoulders much as I was with A; for all of us, it was from exhaustion. What an odd sentiment it was to share that...but not exactly the same way.
We made the trip back safely, and took the subte to my area. Grabbed some coffee to refuel, and I came home. I keep eating dulce de leche. My gym days start tomorrow. No excuses. :)

I am going to attempt photo uploads! We shall see how this works...

Have a wonderful evening. :)

Beautiful Day: Day 27

Worst parts of the weekend: moments where you realize you have to grow, re- and re-wearing the same socks because all the others are at the laundromat, nearing the end of my favorite boots' life.

Best parts of the weekend: the pastor has returned to La Mision!, making the Z kids laugh, joining the church worship team, hearing from Globant that I'll most likely start work a week from tomorrow, realizing I can roller blade, receiving a personal prayer of blessing, getting to know Chileans and Colombians and Paraguayans as well as Argentines.

Yo tengo tanto, tanto, tanto para agradecer. So goes the song. :)
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Saturday I slept in, then joined a gym and got clothes to the laundromat. I had a pile roughly the size of my bedroom floor to take care of--long weekend or no. It had to get out. Now, the creation of outfits will soon become...interesting :)
A comforting realization for me has been that Buenos Aires fashion is really whatever you want to wear. Generally, it takes the form of leggings or skinny jeans, a top, a sweater or denim or leather jacket, and most likely combat boots. BUT, floor length summer dresses, occasional boot-cut jeans, mini skirts and tights, and always scarves are also acceptable. So I have many options.
Saturday afternoon I went to the church for the first worship team practice/meeting. It is going to be fun helping the church in this capacity, for I dooooo love to sing. And the team is full of even more cool, marvelous people. Stoked!
Then with I made the bus journey to the Zs' to spend the night. Said goodnight to the kids, ate some pizza, stole some Sprite, joined Mr. and Mrs. Z. for the unveiling of Netflix in Argentina with the movie Bounce. Good stuff!
Not much sleep that night, but I'm never good with priorities when loved ones are on facebook. Such is life. Asi soy yo.

This morning I awoke the the pitter-pattering of little fairy-like feet around, quasi-quietly talking back and forth about many things. Love waking up to the Z girls. Anytime!
Church was really lovely today--singing in Spanish is always a joy, plus so many babies (GORGEOUS, all), friends, laughs, and blessings. The aforementioned pastor returned this past week from his conference in NY, and gave a sermon about the actions of the Holy Spirit that rocked domes. :)
After church, the typical, beautiful conversation/blessing/greeting time mingling with all ages. Then A (moto man) organized an outing for the afternoon for anybody who wanted to, and he and I went to grab lunch while the others were getting their act in gear. What a joy it is to converse with people in Spanish. Moreover, what a joy it is to LISTEN to people talk in Spanish. :)
We then headed towards the park at Palermo to meet up with the rest of the group, and I got to see the Costa Negra (I think it's called--anyway, the coast of the Rio de Plata). Tan lindo. When we found the group at the park, there were a few of them roller blading, some sitting, some of them (the two little boys) running, biking, smacking each other with sticks. I talked with R--she's so dear!--about Chilean and US foods. I talked with E--SHE's so dear, too!--about her studies in family law and my aspirations for the internship and life in general. Then, I donned the roller blades myself, and took a turn around the lake...and then again! Ahora me encanta patinar. :) Hallelujah that my ankle has progressed to this point.
Eventually the kids were getting tired and it was getting dark, so they headed home. I got coffee with A and then headed home as well.

I am well ready to sleep, as usual. But I do so, after washing my feet (see "socks" comment above) and with great expectations for a full, fun week. :)

Pizza and Alfajores, Gordita?: Day 25

Best part of the day: finally finding THE gym that's really and truly going to work out. ;) (pun fully intended)

Worst part of the day: being on the sidelines as some rough stuff comes up in the youth group. I feel for them and care for them, and wish them growth and strong faith. They need those prayers.
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Today I surprised myself and slept in yet again; it is surprising how tired one gets switching body clocks, even three weeks (plus) in. I made breakfast, in which the main feature was orange juice that I prepared myself with the juicer machine. Oh. If only you all could have been here to taste it. :) Then I did a lot of thinking, reading, journalling for the Bible study and for my own personal study. Pretty soon I had that nauseous-from-being-full-and-doing-nothing feeling, I get that often these days. It means it's time to take a walk. So, I did some research on gyms, and found one to check out. I walked the 5ish blocks, saw it, and was immediately sold. It's a smaller scale gym than the other ones I was looking at. It still has enough machines to keep me happy. AND it has yoga classes. AND it's a quarter of the price of the other places. What more do I need? Nothing. :) I will sign up tomorrow.
Also, with the weather recently being rainy, I have had two fabulous hair days in a row. The curl I love and miss is returning! Huzzah!
I took a little nap between seven and eight tonight, and then F picked me up for dinner. We had pizza and grapefruit soda. Mmmmm. :) Then we walked around and enjoyed the city by night.
Now, I'm super tired again. I'll sleep well tonight. That is, if the lovely, vocal, drunk man on the street outside moves along soon. :)

One Must Enjoy Life: Day 24

Best of the past few days: friends and adventures with them. :)

Worst part of the past few days: still in the doldrums on the work process. They are going to call me when they know what our options are.
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The past couple days have been a wonderfully fast-passing time. I spent Monday running around and having F over. We wrote a song, chatted, compared families, and I shared my Amazing Ankle Adventure.
Tuesday, I slept in, and then went to help Mr. Z. at the church. They are continuing construction on a nursery. I spackled with the best of them. Then I spent some time that evening at their house, pretending to be the girls' car, and then airplane, as they were headed to Hawaii for some hula and some cleaning up. Once there, I hula'd, and they cleaned up. No idea why they started to clean up, but, it works. What a sweet time.
Wednesday I practiced guitar, went grocery shopping, and then went out to Bajo Flores to help M with her music class again. I was encouraged to find that this week, even more of them have started recognizing me and desiring to hold my hand. They all love to ask how to say their names in English, and how I pronounce United States, and how did I make my bracelets. Easy, I say; I made friends. The friends took it from there. :) As we dropped off kids afterwards, I felt very happy to be a little part of their lives, for however long. It's a gift. A--a young boy with a charming smile--handed M and I a flower as we left. It's the craziest looking, most intricate flower I have ever seen, and M and I both marveled at it. Needless to say, he enjoyed the reception of his gift!  M told me on the way home that she is grateful for my help, my accompanying her. But what do I do? She knows all their names, she knows what they want to do and balances it with what they ought to do, and she can keep the peace. I just come, hold hands, laugh at English pronunciations, share smiles, and attempt to keep up with conversations. For now, I suppose, that's good enough. I sure as heck enjoy it!
After that, hungry, I bought facturas (SWEEEEEET BREEEEEAAAD) and then went to Bible study. What a wonderful time; I love the people, and the discussion, and the growth that come. As I was walking with Mrs. Z, her friend, and A (with the motorcycle), he asked if I had plans. Being only me and having nothing to do, I said so. So, we headed for Rivadavia (a pretty big avenue) and went to dinner. Via moto, of course. :D
The place he took me was incredible to me--like a buffet, but of all the best best best food selections available. Spanish, Mexican, Italian pasta, fish, asado, salads, cold cuts, and...desserts. What a lovely time, for food and conversation. By the time we had talked our way through a few rounds (salad, pumpkin ravioli, asado, and fish), we were too late to get panqueques (crepes). SO sad. But, as he noted, it only means there must be a next time. I like those kinds of promises--those that involve desserts.
Yet another fabulous (and safe--both behelmeted) moto ride home. That will never get old.
This morning, I woke up to meet F and head out to see the rose garden in Palermo. When we got there, we found a bench by the gorgeous little lake, and kind of dozed. We talked, listened to music, fended off ducks and geese. He brought us some fresh fruit--strawberries and bananas. They're so good here! Apparently, we spent about three hours there. Time flies...when you're basically napping and you're with a really good friend. :) Then we saw the roses--exquisite, enchanting--and they even had my favorite variety! The smell of that sweet, Spring-fresh air was delightful.
I returned to the apartment to eat, clean up, and get ready to head out the door again. I was heading back to Rivadavia to meet with another friend from church, J. We (and by that I mean "I") had a bit of confusion meeting up, but eventually we found each other and he could stop worrying.

Interruptive thought. I really do receive a rather princess-like treatment here. I feel incredibly spoiled. But that doesn't mean I'd like for it to change. Lovely friends. :)

Aha, yes. Well, we went to McDonald's, which here are quite classy. They have a dessert ordering counter, and one for coffees, and one for the food. We got frappes, and talked for hours. Again, I shared my Amazing Ankle Adventure, again in Spanish. Me encanta decirlo, y poder hacerlo en castellano. :) Eventually, I had to head back so I didn't get stranded by the closing of the subte. It was kind of raining, and that explains the little more-than-usual ankle pain I'd been having. Made it home safely, cooked beans and rice, and here I sit.

Contemplating: dulce de leche, or no dulce de leche? and I smell someone's asado...yum. :)

Me Encanta: Day 20

Best part of the day: the trip home from Bajo Flores to my apartment with A on his motorcycle. I feel as though I got a better view of the city from a quasi-local's point of view in that half hour than in all other days so far. Beats the subte (which is closing now anyway) and bus (a likely potentially traumatizing experience tonight, due to exhaustion). Plus, it is a gorgeous, cool, spring night in Buenos Aires.

Worst part of the day: the hour and a half I ceased to understand the group with whom I was hanging and touring the mall. I straight up could no longer comprehend. They were using lots of Colombian colloquialisms and word plays my innocent school-learned Spanish doesn't permit me to enjoy. I'll get there, I'll get there.

Safe and Sound, All Around: Day 19

This morning I slept. It was lovely. Then I awoke and had to get clothes from the laundromat. It smells like heaven in there...
You may find me crazy, but I made a friend in the Immigrations line, remember? We toured part of the city together this afternoon, and had a blast. Plus, I got free ice cream. Gentlemanliness lives! Outside of the family of my boyfriend. Wow. :)
My next adventure was heading to the church for a night with the middle school youth. And cake and dinner with the my-age-and-up youth. And then farewells as they headed out clubbing. I was too tired tonight. But I love the group very, very much. I get to start coming to their small group meetings now, too. (:
So theoretically I'm going to sleep soon. Church in the morning. Sorry for a deluge of blogs today. Guess I had much to say. Read or skim or skip, as you see fit.

Buenas noches y dulces sueños. Nos vemos!

Bonus Blog: the thoughts with which you were previously threatened

My recent thoughts on mortality, and humans in general. Do not be discouraged by the overall downer tone of this post! Be informed, be moved, be aware, be grateful for what we have.

In the Recoleta cemetery: As I walk through the rows and rows of grandiose sepulchers, I wonder. Why bother so much after you're dead? Money is for those living life, in my mind, not to be used for self-glorification (ever), especially not when you're gone. I pull out a granola bar, another sure reminder of mortality. :) Look, that grave's door has all the glass broken. Despite our best efforts, nothing lasts.

On the streets: People without any shelter. People who lie there, faces covered, in silence from people, in roaring volume of the city. No wonder they're often mumbling--who else do they have to talk to?

In the villas: Oh boy. The girls and one of their mothers are telling a story, I'll tune in. They say that this morning (Friday), a tiny baby was found in the garbage heaps. They say that it was covered all over in blood, with a misshapen face. M says, oh, an abortion. All these girls--ages 4-12--were there, and are now telling the details of the story. Also, as we walked around picking up the children for class, one young man spent a good amount of time just looking at me. One point, as he walked past, I'm pretty sure he mumbled "F me." In English. Life is short, for him in that villa even more so. He'll take enjoyment any way he can.

In the subte station: I swipe my card, and head down the steps after some man. He's really running, and I cannot figure out why; no one's chasing him, there's no train to make down there yet. I'm drawing a blank. He seats himself on one of the benches, I seat myself a bit later on the other bench, farther away. As I watch, he turns away and fiddles in his backpack. Soon he bends forward over the seat next to him and I can see him inhale deeply. Then he arranges something again with a credit card, and inhales again. Then he is back to sitting up, and sniffling.

How sad, hopeless, awful, scarring, and bitter does life have to get before you're sitting in wait for the subte, getting high as you wait for the train to come?

Señora: Day 18.5

Best part of yesterday: sitting F and his (now my) friend J on a park bench at midnight or so, laughing myself silly at them and their shenanigans. Or maybe it was the whole fact that I had friends with whom to spend Friday night, period. Saturday morning, too, if you're being technical... :)

Worst part of yesterday: there were a couple sights and stories yesterday that made my heart cry out, and they certainly composed the worst part of the day. Read on!
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Yesterday, my first item of the day was Immigrations. I get up extra early--not gonna miss it. I walk, took the subte, walk, and eventually found it. I hop in line.
The man in front of me is from Bolivia, I gather. He's really kind and helpful; I thank God for putting kind people everywhere. When the door guard asks if I have my photos,  I say yes. Pull them out--oooh, they meant 4x4 cm, not inches. Why wouldn't they clarify? Why didn't I--it's my fault--I'll go to the subte and get little ones.
"Anna!" I hear. "I'll wait for you!" L calls to me in Spanish. Sweet. :)
Got the photos, made photocopies, fastwalk it back to Migraciones. There is L's mom at the door to the building. She rushes me inside, and shows me that L is at the head of the line, next to go up to the windows. I have friends in high places, it seems; or at least, in all the right ones.
First window, okay, you're set. Wait for the next. L and I wait in different buildings. I strike up another conversation--it's a lawyer this time. He's interested in the company I'll be working for, the fact that I'm from Chicago. Eventually his client's done, and I wait for "24" to appear on the screen.
I arise, check back to make sure I've grabbed it all, and head to the little cabina. Pull out all my documents and hope for the best.

Right off the bat, she tells me, "This background check doesn't cut it."


Okay,then. Few more weeks you've added to the time I can't work. Thank you, Government.
All my other documents, except one quick-fix issue, are in order. I finally get to leave.
At this point, I want to approach the company I will work for, and try the simplest option: working as an unpaid intern. I remember the Zs told me you get three months of living in Argentina without any formal process. And my flights line up to have arrived 13 September, and be leaving 12 December. Three months minus one day. Seems perfect to me!

But I'm not despairing. I'm not even worried. I just want to talk it out logically with my friends at the copmany on Monday--I know the Argentines (at least in the company) pretty well, now, and know that nothing except the worst of tragedies gets remedied on a Friday. Fine by me; it's just as well. I'd much rather get home, shower, and eat.

After doing the above, it was about one in the afternoon. I deem it naptime, but I have to call everyone to let them know what has happened (parents, Z parents, L from Immigrations, big bro F). Then I should take my laundry to the laundromat. Alright, NOW I sleep.
You know me, I cannot nap.
Pretty soon I was headed out to the villas again to help M with "Sonidos de Esperanza" (Sounds of Hope), the music class. Always a time of extremes: poverty, pain, glee, love, brokenness. See Bonus Blog.
I grab some facturas (sweet breads!) for the subte ride home. I think my favorites are the ones filled with dulce de leche. One of those, and one sort of like a croissant. Then I head to the station. See Bonus Blog.
I got home to have enough time to check in with family a tiny bit, get some veggies, and discover the laundromat to be closed. Hmmm. What on earth shall I wear tonight? We'll have to see.
Finding an outfit took a while, scrounging around in what was left to me. But I eventually find it. Then F comes to my apartment with his buddy J--they're both crazy--and we head for the concert. I'm shocked at how easily and fluidly the Spanish is slipping off my tongue now, even with the few tongue-twisted moments that make us all laugh.
We end up being early for the concert--a friend told the boys it started at eleven, but that's SO early for anything to be starting here. But she had insisted. So there we are, waiting around on a park bench outside the bar. Hungry. Watching the lights on the planetarium. Laughing. Hungry.
Thank goodness for the equivalent of hot dog stands. I had a "bondiola" (some kind of meat--the boys kept barking and telling me it came from my sandwich to tease me), same as F. J was insanely hungry, so he had both a choripan and a hamburger.
Eventually we met up with some more of their friends at a bar/restaurant at a really hoppin' plaza. We hang out, laugh, and watch as F and J throw peanuts.
We start walking home, and that is really fun. One by one, though, we drop each other off at bus stops.
In the end, F and I walk back to my apartment, talking. I assure him I had fun tonight with all his friends, and yawn. I decide he's the substitute for the older brother I never got to have. Hopefully he continues to be okay with that. :) (He'll read this, too, because his English is fabulous.)

Home. Late, or rather, early. Make some tea, have a spoonful of dulce de leche, make sure everybody's safely in for the night, go to sleep.

Learning: Days 15-16

Darn, I totally meant to blog yesterday. I was having a day full of pensiveness on the prevalence and permanence of mortality...and didn't make it a priority to blog. Oh well. Next time I am so inspired, I shall endeavor to share my thoughts.

Best part of yesterday: walking into two completely different stores on two separate occasions just in time to hear my favorite Venezuelan man singing my favorite Spanish song. :)

Worst part of yesterday: staying up too late. Enough said.

Best part of today: being ready for the Migraciones interview tomorrow, with all of the documents--finally! After this I may begin working soon.

Worst part of today: realizing how I cannot handle over two weeks without a gym. It's killing me slowly.
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More good things that have happened lately: call with boyfriend last night, TWO functional (as in, no longer losing water out the faucets) sinks, clean apartment, wifi connection continues to work without any issues, safe ride home from Bajo Flores last night to my apartment after sunset. :)


Today I slept in, as a result of said late night, and then dawdled around for breakfast and more playing of the guitar.
Before long, it was two in the afternoon, and time to leave for Ingeniero Butty, the street on which Globant's office building resides. I got the last two necessary documents, and headed to Florida to spend some time browsing shops. I found the perfumey thing I had been wanting, and saw a street performer dressed (spitting image) as Captain Jack Sparrow. I still do not understand the store Falabella, by the way. It's like four or five floors of nothing I would ever need. Thoroughly confused by this...
Then I came back home, had some snacks, washed some clothes, and talked to some friends on facebook. Cannot wait for a daily routine that gives me people to talk to face to face so I can remove myself from a permanent state of being "online".
Today was really quite droll, I have to say. Tomorrow will make up for it, I hope. The meeting with Migraciones is in the morning, then in the afternoon (at about five) I'm going into one of the villas again to help with the music class, and then hanging out with friends tomorrow night. They may be coming to hang out at my apartment--how cool and grown-up is that. :)

So, here's to a better tomorrow. It's almost Friday, everyone! Whooopee! (:

I Have Skype Now: Day 14

Best part of the day: Getting an anticipated email update from a best friend, and other social networking communications. I love that technology is totally on my side here, permitting me to stay in touch with whosoever I desire.

Worst part of the day: Not making it to the cemetery here in Recoleta today. Why didn't I? Isn't it funny how with empty, agenda-less days it is so much harder to get anything done? I feel as though I already resign myself to underachieving when I awake past ten in the morning, and don't have set goals for the day. New goal: set more goals. :)
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I had the opportunity to sleep in today, which was very nice and much needed. Then I made breakfast, where I am working on remembering how long I like my boiled eggs cooked for; is it seven minutes after the water boils, or including boiling time? Do I keep the eggs in the water from the very start? Then there's the whole issue of moving the poor devils directly from fridge to boiling water, then they crack, then the water's all goopey... anyway. Not what you came to this site to read tonight. :)
After breakfeast, I began playing my guitar again. I think my fingers are callusing nicely. Guitar is a nice activity for many reasons, and one of them is the possibility of facebook chatting in between songs or verses. So I keep from being lonely between the two activities.

Then, all of a sudden, I had a realization while I was playing.

I am VERY done with what I'll call merely "subsistence cooking". Subsistence cooking: making a mix-n-match "meal" out of the fridge/pantry contents and expecting it to work long-term. SO, in efforts against enabling this laziness any longer, I hopped on epicurious.com to find some recipes, or at least ideas for possible food  combinations. I picked a dish to make each day for this week and next, and a shopping list that goes along with them. Today's masterpiece was a garbanzo bean (aka chickpea) salad, with parsley, garlic, lemon juice, and olive oil. I made rice to go with it, for I felt it was not substantial enough on its own. It was scrumptious! And more importantly, it tasted of success. Of taking a step towards managing things better. Of making the decision to grab this bull by the horns, and completely learn how to live independently. And of lemons whose equal I have never tasted.

Also, it continues to be a hige bonus that while the rice, pasta, meats that I don't buy/eat, and other meal ingredients cost the same or more as in the States, the best part--the fresh fruit and veg--remains cheap.

Before I made dinner, however, I had gone for a walk around town. I was tired of the apartment, and went to see if I could find a gym at which to get a membership, or maybe a cafe to scope out some afternoon. I found several of both. Now I just have to eenie-meenie-miney-moe it. That can be done.

After dinner, I was able to SKYPE my family. Huzzah! This has been our struggle, because the BlackBerry tablet that I have with me does not exactly support (software-wise) the Skype. It is the most common app used by friends and family of mine, though, so I was missing out. Now I am capable--woohoo! So, skype me. All you skypers. Yeah.

I played my sister and dad songs on the guitar I've been learning. It was fun just to share that with them. And now, I'm at bedtime. Nothing tomorrow, again, so I think it's time to visit the cemetery, and maybe see if the roses have bloomed in the Palermo rose garden. Goals. :)

Sweet Breads, Music, and Friends: Day 13

Best part of the day: My new friend F.
        Tonight I hung out with F, one of the congregation at La Mision; one of the youth to whom the Zs minister. We walked around Recoleta, had ice cream, and then played some guitar and shared favorite musicians, bands, songs. His English is impeccable. His smile is stellarly friendly. And he's Colombian, from Bogota, so we had much to talk about!
Worst part of the day: Waiting at the doctor's office for my pre-occupational examination.
        This morning, really early, I had to go to ESMINSA to get a checkup that is (in Argentina) mandatory before obtaining a job. They really don't mess around--blood test, blood pressure, visual, am-I-pregnant scan...all of it. But I then got a whole day free, so I started by treating myself to sweetbreads from a panaderia I passed on the way home. The photo's up on Facebook.
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For those who would like the full version of the blog, keep reading. It's free. For those whose attention spans cannot muster strength for it, I am not at all offended. :)

So, after the appointment this morning, I came home at around eight thirty or nine o'clock with the sweetbread, and enjoyed myself thoroughly while eating it. Then I opened my guitar case, and then before I knew it it was one in the afternoon. How nice to have a day to chill after a fastpaced weekend. Don't get me wrong--I loved both sides of the coin. It's just that one offsets the other ideally. So I played guitar, and facebooked. Very relaxing. Then I decided I should eat something, and then I felt lazy. I'd been sedentary basically all day, so I deemed it time to make an excursion to discover the park in Palermo. I had heard much about it, and I had about two hours to spare, so I set off.
There was some sort of accident or fire today on the next street over, it seems. All day I kept hearing sirens, and I walked past, seeing a crowd and several fire engines and police cars. Hope people are okay; I still have no idea what happened.
When I got to the Plaza Alemania, I decided I wanted to keep walking. The marvelous sunlight, Spring breeze, and Spring smell were intoxicating. Eventually I found a big ol' tree stump--the kind perfect for just sitting--and just sat. I listened to my iPod, sent some emails, and relaxed.
Soon I headed home, to get showered and get the apartment tidied up before I hung out with F. I made myself some popcorn, and it tasted delectable.
When F came and rang the bell for my apartment, he said he couldn't recognize my voice, that it sounded like a child's. He's right; I really do have a purely childish voice sometimes. Anyway, the porter wished me well, and we were off. Then the "Best of the day" listed above occurred, and as I played guitar and sang, and listened to him play, and heard his stories and shared mine, I got a sense of how truly God does orchestrate each human relationship for our benefit. He is using F and I as encouragements to one another, as we are both far from family, on our own. Plus, we're both crazy, so that keeps life fun. (:

I'm off to bed soon. Can't forget to close the shutters. Goodnight!

Whirlwind Weekend: Days 10-12

I know. It's day twelve, and I seem to have skipped days ten and eleven. But I think that that really means I lived days ten and eleven to their saturation point, to the utmost they could be. I believe I did.

/  \  /  \  /  \  /  \  /  \  /  \  /  \  /  \  /  \  DAWN OF DAY TEN.  /  \  /  \  /  \  /  \  /  \  /  \  /  \  /  \  /  \  /  \  /  \  /  \  /
Friday was an early morning with an agenda. I got up, ate something, and got on the subte. There was some fuss and shouting and police about some man in the subway, and I saw him run away. No idea what happened. I had a train to catch. So I went to the Comisaria I needed to--a government office that had DMV vibes--and got my Argentine criminal record. Spoiler: it's blank. Cool. Then I realized, at about 8:15 that this had taken way less time than I had expected, so I had hours to kill before I went to meet with the people at the office to touch base and keep things rolling. So, I meandered, tried to find a subte charge card place, and then went home. There were still dishes that needed cleaning, and a guitar to be played. Before I knew it it was time for heading to the city center for the meeting at the office. I made it in time, and was soon in conversation with J, who is the main aid I have in the process of coming to work at the company. I got to see the job offer all written out--a salary, 20 hours per week expected, and such. What a sweet deal! I can actually pay off part of this trip! So, that was successful. Plus she helped walk me through the online "get your appointment with immigrations" process. Friday, 30 September. I'm going to rock domes. But, I'm distracting everyone. Ahem.
Next, I raced to meet the translator, for my passport and US criminal record to get translated and legalized. I met F right outside the translators' association, and we quickly realized I'd forgotten to send a scan of the apostille* to translate. OOPS.

*Note: for those who have never, or not yet at least, had to go through the process of preparing to live in a foreign country that has ratified the Hague Agreement, here's what an apostille is. It's a certificate that validates a document that has been notarized in your country of origin. So, my criminal record, or birth certificate, say, is only valid if it has the attached apostille of the state wherein the document was created.

So, he was very agreeable--and as his wife had informed me by email "he is very flexible...we are quite tolerant! We practice meditation a lot, striving to be calm at all times, and cheerful". I love Argentine openness and conversationalism. :) Anyhow, the document was soon finished, between spurts of chatter about Jane Eyre and the Victorian view of self-sacrifice, how the Queen in chess is the true position of Woman, and how the Argentine economy is quite possibly the fault of the rich. We got the documents all legalized, and headed out the door. We were both in need of fuel, and I had to get to an ATM to pay him, so we wound up having lunch at a pizza parlor. What a neat place it is: all gaudy red-and-white everything, including the tile walls, and the pizza is prepared in a kitchen with a large window, and the dextrous pizza cutter/server is a marvel to watch. Then we left the restaurant just in time to watch the parade of picketers, proceeding through the city. F informed me that the picketers in Argentina are quite unique; they never cause damage to and car or whatever in their path, because they understand that they are part of the city system, the same one in which these bus drivers find themselves. Like the Circle of Life, I suppose.
By this point in the day, I was utterly wiped. I had spent my so-far eight waking hours walking hither and thither, and not stopping to eat or drink or pee, and always headed on to the next thing.

I went back to the apartment and crashed. After, that is, spending half an hour social networking, trying to invite/convince a friend of a Mexican friend to come to the church with me. She's here in BA studying cosmetology. Neat!

Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz...

I woke up after a very brief doze, and went to the Z's, for tomorrow was the big concert I was headed to along with Mr. Z. and youth from the church. So, this way I could sleep over and leave at the crack of dawn with them to get in line (it being free). Met the Z children and Mr. Z. at their dance class/soccer practice pickup time, and went home for the evening. One of the church's youth, E, came over, and she, Mrs. Z. and I had dinner and a fascinating, long conversation about dating/marriage relationships and friendships, and the line between them. I enjoyed it very much.

Then, I went to bed. By that point it was post-midnight, and we were going to leave at six. Lovely.


\  /  \  /  \  /  \  /  \  /  \  /  \  /  \  /  \  /  \  /  DAWN OF DAY ELEVEN.  \  /  \  /  \  /  \  /  \  /  \  /  \  /  \  /  \  /  \  /
Yawn. It's still dark. Grab the coffee, grab the clothes. Guess the order should be reversed. Thought process vague at this hour. Get in the car, awakening now. driving with Mr. Z. to pick up E and R (parents of one of the youth) and J (one of the youth, he's closer to my age than most of them).
We were on our way to El Unico Estadio de La Plata: The Only Stadium of/in La Plata. Makes me laugh every time; and the thing is, it's not the only one. That made some people a bit angry, I'll bet.
Anywho, soon we were in the right area, and had to find the rest of the youth who'd gone the night before, and the seven of whom had spent Friday night in a tent for two. A chilly, cramped night of little sleep for all.
They had held a place in line for us all, starting when they woke up that morning, for they were staying for the second night of the Super Clasico as well because they could, and it was free, and they were with their friends. :)  And so began an excessively long day of waiting in line. This was about eight o'clock in the morning, and the show was in exactly twelve hours.
Amidst several feuds of who was cutting in line (very Argentine, I am told), conversations about English words for things or meanings of English words, and shared potty-runs, I really felt like I was making great strides to getting to know the youth. They are hilarious, and I thoroughly enjoy them and their group dynamic. There were nine of us there, altogether: two of them were boys, the remainder chicas. I had a "choripan" for lunch, and that is a very flavorful sausage on a bun-like bread. Yum. Somebody passed out cold in the line at one point--I'm beginning to realize how much stronger the sun beams here, especially in a crowded place where walking about and leaving to buy things is discouraged--but he revived and was carried off in an ambulance.
Eventually, we entered the stadium (at about 5 or 6; my phone was beyond dead battery-wise, so I could not tell time), and could SIT. I got to have a long, wonderfully amusing and delightful conversation with J about most everything. Then there were a couple bathroom breaks as well, which in and of themselves took up basically forty-five minutes each run. Lines for women's bathrooms...sigh.
Then, at eight o'clock, the show commenced. It was incredibly thrilling to see the entire--ENTIRE--stadium filled with teens and young adults, filling the ground level and the stadium seating, ready and waiting to worship God and hear the Word together. There were several bands, several short speeches, and Dante Gebel's speech/sermon at the end. Powerful night.
We left the stadium before it ended, so as to get out of there before the throng, so that we would be home before two in the morning. We all had church the next day. In the car, we got warm, drank mate, and dozed. Pretty soon we were back in Bajo Flores, dropping people off, and then Mr. Z. and I got out of the car, into the house, and to sleep.

/  \  /  \  /  \  /  \  /  \  /  \  /  \  /  \  /  \  /  DAWN OF DAY TWELVE.  \  /  \  /  \  /  \  /  \  /  \  /  \  /  \  /  \  /  \  /  \
I awoke to someone sitting on the couch on which I was sleeping. It was the oldest Z kid, I, who came down for his Sunday morning television.
After eating breakfast, getting dressed, and giving the elder Z daughter the desired french braids, I joined the family in the car for the drive to church. The service went very well, and even though the sermon ran long, everyone was in good spirits. I love the time Argentines dedicate to greeting one another, and conversing about how life is going. That's what always comes after the service is over. I love talking with the youth, children, and adults alike, and getting hugs and cheek-kisses from all.
By this point, I was pretty hungry, and A (he's from Paraguay, and in his late twenties) was not helping, talking about this Paraguayan yucca/egg/cheese/cumin dish that I now really want to try. The Zs suggested we go to lunch, and another girl here for a Pepperdine program in BA came along. McDonalds, as per the kids' request.
Then, the Pepperdine student and I rode the subte home together, for she lives in a neighborhood very nearby mine. Upon returning home, I finally had time to charge my phone, do some laundry by hand in the tub (hands are dry tonight!), and eat dinner. Now I sit here on my couch, soon to converse with family.

I'm really loving it here. I'm looking forward to a very productive week, maybe with some tourism on the side. I'll keep you up to date. I hope your week is off to a great start, dear reader! Chau.