I Fly South for (a second) Winter

Welcome to my travel blog!

I have the amazing opportunity to be based in Buenos Aires, Argentina for the next 6 months, and although the next few months will undoubtedly bring some incredible adventures, the only thing missing, of course, is my friends and family. So, if you can't be here with me, at least you can read about my travels through Buenos Aires, Argentina, and South America.

Today was my first day in Buenos Aires! Today...well, really, it all began yesterday. Saying goodbye to the fam, I departed Cle for Houston, where I spent a several hour layover. After meeting up with some other students who were also going to be studying abroad through ISA (International Studies Abroad), I slept through most of the 10-hour flight from Houston to Buenos Aires. Although I had slept during the flight, by the time we touched down, I was excited and anxious to get off the plane (I waited to see if anyone clapped when we landed, like when landing in Israel, but no one did...).

All of the students on ISA programs gathered in the airport lobby with one of our friendly program advisors, Paula, until everyone arrived. There were about 50 ISA students who arrived to BsAs (Buenos Aires) today!

We (in such a large, obviously American group) boarded a bus to take us to the Belgrano neighborhood (one of the 48 barrios surrounding BsAs, which is the 12th largest city in the world), where ISA headquarters and Universidad de Belgrano (where I will be taking classes) is located. There, we were called off the bus one-by-one to meet our host families. My name was called and I got off the bus, to meet Elina, the sole constituent of my host family. She was immediately incredibly friendly and welcoming, and concerned that I wasn't dressed warmly enough (it was 50 degrees and sunny). She drove me to her house in Palermo Viejo (a neighboring barrio), where I began unpacking and had a snack- toast with butter and jam and cheese, quesito.

Elina spoke slowly, and I could very much understand what she was saying. I'm not sure if she was speaking slowly for my benefit, or if she talks that way...I suppose time will tell. The Argentinians I have come in contact with so far have spoken in a slow, understandable manner, although the 'sh' pronunciation of 'll' accent will certainly take some getting used to. Elina told me all about her kids (in their late 20s by now, I think), who are at the World Cup in South Africa currently. Then she asked me when USA's next game was, and of course I didn't know. Then she asked me how old I was, and I replied I was ninety (meaning 19). Oops hahaha.

In the afternoon we had a short orientation at the ISA Office. I met 20 or so of the other students and the ISA staff told us a bit about the culture of Buenos Aires, and some practical safety tips. Elina had driven me to ISA, but gave me directions on how to use the subte (subway) to get back to her house. I am proud to say, I was able to follow these simple directions, and I did not get lost on the return trip to Palermo. The street that Elina (and I guess me as well) lives on is quite lively. The walk from the subte station to the house is 10 blocks, so I get a great survey of cafes, bars, shops, hair salons, really anything you can think of! I have a feeling I am going to be doing a lot of subte-riding, and a lot of walking, both of which are alright with me.

I spent the evening unpacking, and relaxing from the long day. Tomorrow is more orientation and a tour of Buenos Aires!

Chao (that is how they say goodbye here) :)