¡¡¡Vamos Argentina!!!

There is nothing quite like a soccer game in Argentina! But before I get to that...

This morning we had our placement test for levels of Intensive Month Spanish classes at the University of Belgrano, where I will be studying for the duration of my time here in BsAs. I got a little lost going to the University (what else is new!?), but I stopped and asked a nice lady for directions...eventually getting to where I needed to be.

All of the international students were then gathered into a large room, and we all took a 1 page test with fill-in-the-blanks for verb conjugations and other grammar points. I ended up placing into the highest level...yikes! On paper, I'm decent at Spanish, but when it comes to speaking...its a whole 'nother ball game. Anyhow, I do need the Advanced credit to transfer back to OSU, so it actually is a good thing I was placed there.

After our placement exam, we were basically left to go roam free. Number one on the list of things to accomplish was purchasing a cell phone! They are necessary for meeting up with other ISA-ers (and hopefully, new, non-ISAers that we meet) and making plans in general. I never knew how much I relied on my cell phone until I was placed in a foreign city without it.

With my new phone, I headed over to a small cafe to watch the Argentina-Greece game. Its amazing to be in a country so passionate about their team! The cafe was SILENT when the game was on, people almost holding their breath until Argentina scored near the end of the game. When they scored, everyone cheered, standing up and knocking their chairs over, hugging one another. Once Argentina had won, I walked into the previously deserted streets (no one goes out during the game) that quickly filled up with people once again. Confetti was thrown from balconies, and the subtes were so full, that I was practically unable to get off at the correct stop! What an experience! For the next game, vs. Mexico, I want to go to this big Plaza- Plaza San Martin- where there is a giant screen and hundreds of screaming fans :) I can't wait!

Anyhow, classes begin tomorrow- wish me luck!