Day 14-Final school visit and Calle Florida

Today Andrea took me to meet Margarita at the school where we would have our final visit. I was interested to see this school because up until now, all of our visits had been to private schools. This school, on the other hand, was a public school, and it was supposed to be one of the best in the city.

We arrived at the building, and I thought that it must have been a mistake, and that this could not possibly be a school...The building itself was enormous...It looked more like a museum or a train station, and it took up several city blocks!!!

We went inside to wait for Margarita, and at this point we didn't really notice the impressiveness of the building, but once she arrived and we moved out into the hall toward the elevator, it was becoming apparent to us that this school was a work of art in itself. We were told that the building was over 100 years old, and that a man who had sold shoes in Argentina many years ago had donated the money to build the school. He was Italian, and so he had imported Italian marble to build the school. We got in the elevator, and saw that the wooden floor and details on the green iron rod door were very impressive. The elevator definitely looked like it was 100 years old, and I held my breathe as it started to climb up to the second floor.

Exiting the elevator, I saw more columns, pillars and a floor made completely from Italian marble. The doors that lead into the different rooms and offices were very large and ornate. The "Director of Psychologists" greeted us and told us more about the school. She explained that this building actually housed four public schools and that even though these schools were separate , they functioned somewhat as one big institution.

We spent the morning touring the school. This visit really "blew me away"! We went up and down spiral staircases and passed by the doctor's office, the swimming pool area (complete with 2 swimming pools), the theater where students were actually performing a play. There were also two patios for PE and recess, a real working museum and a library filled with very old books which actually served as the setting for part of the movie "Evita" with Madonna (I will rent it as soon as I get back to see it)!!!

After touring the facility I had a chance to visit with the faculty and staff and to share information about teaching and working in public schools. It was a very insightful visit to say the least. Margarita took pictures because the battery to my camera had died, and I didn't have the charger with me. She assured me that she is going to send me the pictures from this visit when she can, and I will post them ASAP.

We finished our visit and then got on a bus and headed to the city center. We met up with Osvaldo, Margarita's husband, at Havanna, which is like an Argentine version of Starbucks with a lunch menu. I ordered a panini with meat and cheese and a pepsi light. We ate lunch and then spent the day touring the downtown area. It was really cold, and my hands were freezing...while walking down "Calle Florida", which is kind of like a pedestrian walking area with shops and restaurants, I spotted a McDonald's. What I wanted more than anything was a big-sized coffee "to go"...which is kind of considered "strange" here...I suggested we go in to use the bathroom and get coffee to take with us. Margarita and her husband looked at me with skepticism, but I told them that this is what I would do in the US if I was cold and wanted something to warm me up on my walk.

We went in, and I ordered three coffees to go. We stood at a table and prepared the coffees to take with us, and then we headed back out onto Calle Florida. To me, this was the perfect way to go...Osvaldo, who is somewhat more traditional, wasn't sure how to go at first, but then he took his coffee and started to drink it while he walked, and he actually seemed to like the new ritual. Maybe they will start doing this more often, now that they see how nice it can be to walk around with a warm drink.

This is actually just one of the little things I have found to be different about Americans and Argentinans...and I am pretty certain that this difference, along with others, mostly has to do with customs and traditions that have been practiced for years and years...Here in Argentina, getting coffee is an activity in itself...You take the time to savor your drink and to talk with friends at a table (much like it is in a lot of other places around the world). Taking coffee to go, and walking around with it seems "rushed" here and almost rude...I may be wrong, but this is my take on it, more or less. Margarita did explain to me that now, more and more, there are people who go into Starbucks (yes, they have them here too) and order coffee to go, but this is mostly the younger generation...so times are changing here too...but that is how life is in all of the world, I think. I am constantly fascinated by how people can be so different yet so much alike wherever I go!

The day ended with a trip to a famous cafe known as "Cafe Tortoni". It was over 150 years old!!! The building was in an older part of the city center, and when we arrived, we saw that a line had formed outside the door with people waiting to get a table and a glimpse of history and maybe lunch or coffee in this impressive place. We only waited about ten minutes, but because the line was outside, we had to stay bundled up. In line, it was apparent that most of the people waiting were tourists from other places, but the thing that struck me the most is that I didn't really hear any English being spoken. These visitors were mostly coming from Brazil, Europe and even Asia.

It was actually kind of refreshing to not have mobs and mobs of American tourists around, and it was something that I hadn't expected. The truth is, that up until this point I had only run into one American couple...it was on the 4th of July, which was kind of funny...Being almost the only American around was very different for me. In my past travels to Europe, there have always been so many American backpackers and tourists, that it seemed almost hard to focus on the place I was visiting. What I've decided about Argentina is that it is an excellent place for people to come who want to learn and practice Spanish and not be bombarded by other Americans.

The cafe itself was impressive...It had all of the original decor, and it looked like an old Italian trattoria, but with an Argentine flair. It reminded me a little bit of a restaurant we have in Frisco called "Buca di Beppo"...If you've ever eaten there, you know that the floral print wallpaper is kind of old and drab, and that there are framed pictures, statues and different "antique-looking" objects everywhere. Cafe Tortoni was kind of like that...only this place was the "real deal"...Buca di Beppo is made to look old and Italian, it is also severely "overdone" to get across the point to visitors and to be somewhat of a "joke" (I remember my family eating there and seeing a framed picture of a seriously fat old mad eating spaghetti with his shirt off hanging on the wall). Again, I didn't get to take pictures of this place, which is kind of a shame, but Margarita came to the rescue with her camera and will send me the pics soon.

At the end of the day Andrea picked us up near the Congress building in the downtown area on her way home from work. She works some days as a "medica laboral" in a company, which I think means more or less, that she takes care of patients who work in certain companies. The ideas surrounding the Argentine healthcare system such as doctors being available in a person's office, are kind of hard for me to understand, but with our recent changes with the Obama administration, this might be the type of healthcare we are headed toward in the US...This, along with so many other issues I've discussed here with the Argentine people, is complicated and I still am not sure how I feel about it all.

Speaking of this...which is totally off subject of my day, many Argentine people whom I've met have asked me my opinion on many topics such as the Obama Administration, Mexican immigration, our recent fincancial crisis and health care (like I mentioned above) along with other issues. People here are interested in the US and how we have evolved, and they are watching our country and are curious about how we feel concerning the changes going on. One other side note that I thought was also very interesting here, is that in the paper in Buenos Aires on the front page one day there was a story about the legislation trying to pass a new law to acknowledge gay marriage as legal. I would have never guessed that this sort of law was being proposed and that the subject was being discussed here...It just goes to show you that places around the world are more similar than we think. Of course I've been "all ears" here, instead of "mouth", because I wanted to hear opinions rather than give them...Mostly, I've just explained that it's very complicated, and I know what my heart "says" about issues, but that I can also listen to what others have to say and think about it.

We finished the night at Andrea's house with dinner and an English lesson with the whole family around the table. Andrea is so excited about how her youngest son Gonzalo has taken to me and how he seems really motivated to speak English when we're together. He started in an English bilingual school when he was very young like his older brothers, but he moved to another school, so he did not continue learning English until just recently. I think, about a month ago he started taking English lessons again, and so he is very motivated to practice. I love his excitement and his effort despite his lack of words at times. This, I think more than anything is what my "intercambio", or exchange trip has been about...meeting people, and having the opportunity for us to encourage each other to be the best that we can be, and to know that we are all important, no matter who we are, or what language we speak. I know that the people of Argentina have taught me this, along with so many other things, and I will take these lessons and experiences with me now, somewhat changed "para siempre"!

Day 13-La Boca and El Tango

Today I met Margarita and some of her friends from her former school at a place near the city center called "La Boca". I had read about this area of town in my Buenos Aires travel book, and the author had talked about it being very touristy and hardly worth the time or trouble to visit...but I was curious, and because Margarita and her friends were excited about spending the day there, I was all for it!

We arrived at "La Boca", and the first thing I noticed was a building painted in bright colors off to the side of the street. At the top there was a rod-iron balcony with what appeared to be someone looking out...After a closer look, I realized that it was some sort of paper machier-type statue.

We met up with Margarita's friends and found the plaza where a special performance was supposed to take place. The show began (all in Spanish), and there were several actors dressed in old-fashioned clothes. The scenery behind was made to look like a ship, and the actors began to tell the story of how European immigrants made the journey to South America and to Argentina. This play really helped me to understand the history of Argentina and Buenos Aires and to have a more clear picture of why there is such a European influence (Spanish and Italian in particular) here.

It started to rain and the show ended, so we went into a shop to look around. After a while we decided to brave it and head out into the streets, even though it was still sprinkling a little bit. We walked down the cobblestone paths and looked at the brightly colored buildings. I was really enjoying this place, and even though it was kind of "touristy", like my travel book said, it was such a fun place to visit, and I'm so glad we came here.

We found a cafe with a covered tent to sit under and decided to have some lunch. There was a stage right by our table where dancers performed different types of dances like "foclorico" and "tango". We ate and watched the show, and we were even able to go on stage and have our pictures made with the dancers. It was kind of "cheesy"...but it was fun.

We spent about two or more hours there eating and watching the dancers perform. Finally we decided to get up and walk around some more. We saw more brightly colored buildings with balconies and statues placed in each...There was a statue of the Argentine soccer coach "Maradona" and one of Evita Peron.

We stayed there until late in the afternoon, and then we took a bus to another area of town known as "San Telmo". This was an outdoor market with stalls set up where people were selling antiques. We spent some time walking around the market, and because it was pretty late in the afternoon now, the vendors started to take down their stalls and close up for the night.

We walked down the street and found a cafe and had some coffee...We could hear cheers in the street as Spain scored the first and only goal against Holland in the finals of the World Cup. I think most Argentinans wanted Spain to win, but there were some who said that Spanish people tend to "pick on" the Argentine soccer team, and so for that reason, some Aregentinans were routing for Holland. From where we were sitting, it sounded like most people were happy with the outcome, as we continued to hear more screams and cheers as the game ended.

The sun was going down, and it was starting to get a lot colder. We headed towards the part of town where Margarita and her husband lived, and there we met up with Mercedes and Andrea and her husband. We ate dinner at a restaurant and had a good time. We were there until about 11:30 in the evening, and then finally it was time to go home and go to bed. The day was so much fun...but just like every other day so far, I was so tired and ready for bed!

Day 12-Vamos Al Campo!!!

Today I had plans to go with Andrea, her husband Jose and their youngest son Gonzalo to visit friends outside of the city. I was really excited to take a little side trip and to see what Argentina was like apart from Buenos Aires and the big city.

We left around 11:00 and headed west (I think). We stopped in a town called Lujan (I think...again) to see the Basilica de la Virgen de Lujan, which is considered the patron saint of Buenos Aires...It may actually be a little bit different than that, but that is the best I can explain it. We had a chance to get out of the car and go inside the basilica. It was amazing! The church itself was huge, and it looked very much like an old cathedral that you would see in Europe. Once inside, we were able to see all of the stained glass and artistic details. We walked around and took in everything there was to see, and even witnessed a baptism ceremony for babies.

After visiting the church we continued our journey out into the countryside. Traveling in the car on the highway and looking out the window, we could have been traveling almost anywhere in Texas...I could see pastures and fields beside the highway with cows and small farms. I told Andrea and her family that we are used to traveling in the car a lot in Texas, and that the countryside there looks alot like it does here in Argentina. I told everyone about the game that I used to play with my sister on long car trips, which involved picking a side of the car and looking out the window to count cows...Whoever counted the most cows before reaching the destination was the winner...but the one downfall of the game was that whoever passed a cemetery on their side of the car would lose all of their cows and have to start counting over from zero.

We drove about two and a half hours in all, and once we arrived to the town we proceeded to turn off the highway onto a side road. We drove on this bumpy dirt road for a while and then in a clearing, we pulled of the road and into the drive of a small brick home, or what actually appeared to be two small homes. We got out of the car and greeted the homeowners and their friends. The couple who owned the home and the other couple both had sons the same age as Gonzalo, so once out of the car, they all left to go hang out. The rest of us headed into the "party room" to get ready for lunch.

We entered the smaller of the two brick houses, and I saw that there was a long table right in the middle of the room, set for lunch. I looked to the side of the room and saw a huge grill...The most impressive grill I had ever seen! I am not talking about the kind of grill that you see in some of the outdoor kitchens we have in the US. This was the size of half of the entire wall of the party room (actually built into the wall), and it was hanging over a huge fire of burning coals or wood. Under the grill there were ricks and ricks of extra wood stacked to add to the fire, and the wall above the grill was exposed brick. Although the grill, or "parilla" was very rustic, the home itself was beautifully built and decorated and appeared to be almost new. On the other side of the grill there was a center island, topped with a grantie countertop complete with a sink, and then on the other side there was a another counter with all of the amenities of a kitchen, including a dishwasher built into the cabinet.

The owner of the home Ruben explained to me that this eating and grilling area was a separate part of the house, and that it was built mainly for eating, having parties and entertaining, and that the main house also had a kitchen and dining area and large center island. This was more or less a "party room"...He also explained that this enclosed outdoor kitchen and eating area was considered somewhat of a luxury here in Argentina. Knowing that this was a weekend home away from the city, it was very impressive for me, to say the least, and it gave me a new perspective on the lives of the people of Argentina.

Once inside the party room, we all spent time talking, and I had the opportunity to get to know everyone and take pictures of the house and the garden...and the huge grill, and then it was time for lunch. Again, this meal was a grand event, starting with drinks and all types of sided dishes and salads. Next Ruben began coming by with a giant skewer filled with different types of meat. He passed by us and told us about each meat that he had and then proceeded to take a portion off for each of us. We ate and talked, and Ruben continued coming around with different types and cuts of meat on a skewer...all that he had grilled on his GIANT grill...It was like being at "Fogo de Chao" or "Texas de Brazil" in Dallas...(sorry Daniel that you missed out on this one :( ).

After lunch we took a tour of the grounds and the main house. It was a great place for this family to escape the busy, fast paced life of Buenos Aires. We had dessert of baked apples with fresh whipped cream and then headed out for a walk in the area. We walked down a small dirt road and did a "walk around the block"...but it was more like walking between fields. We could see the highway off in the distance, but this place still seemed very secluded and realaxing.

After our walk, we came back to the party room to have cake and coffee (more food)!!! We sat and talked another hour or two and then said our goodbyes and headed back to the city. It was about a 2 1/2 hour drive, so we knew we should probably get going so we could make it back to Buenos Aires at a decent hour.

We rode home listening to talk radio (in Spanish), which was great for me, because I got to keep practicing Spanish all the way back to Buenos Aires (and without having to talk, myself). We got back around 11:00 pm, and I headed straight to bed...I definitely didn't need any dinner that night!!!

PS: My camera batteries died...and although I got great pics of all of this, I no longer have a way to publish them here until I get home b/c I don't have the charger with me :(

Day 11-Cambio de Casas

Today I slept in late and then got my things ready to go. Mercedes was going to take me to Rodrigo's family's house where I would spend the rest of my trip. Rodrigo is one of the teachers who participated in the "intercambio" or exchange program last year, where he visited Frisco for about a month.

After getting my things packed up, Mercedes and I had a little bit of extra time, so we went to have coffee at the snack bar at her golf club. We sat and talked over coffee and croissants. It was a nice little breakfast, and I was happy to have some more time to hang out with her before we would say "goodbye".

After breakfast, she took me to Rodrigo's house, where I met his mother, father brothers and some of his friends. They were all so nice, and I knew right away that I was going to enjoy my stay in their home. I could tell that this experience would be different from my time spent with Mercedes, and I was excited to see another side of the "Porteno" life.

Even though I was looking forward to starting the second part of my adventure with new friends, it was sad to say goodbye to Mercedes. She had been such a wonderful hostess, and we had gotten along really well. Mercedes is a beautiful person, and I am lucky to have spent time with her and to have stayed in her home.

We said our goodbyes and Mercedes left. Andrea, Rodrigo's mother, and I visited for a while and then she showed me to my room. I was able to set my things down and get on Facebook for a quick minute (hurray for wi-fi here!). Just a little later, Andrea came up to my room to get me and tell me that we were going to walk down the street to Rodrigo's grandmother's house for lunch. The whole family went walking just a few blocks to the house, where we were greeted by other family members.

Andrea and the others explained to me that we would be having a typical meal of "locro" which is kind of like meat and vegetable stew. I went into the house and saw a large table set for lunch. After greeting everyone, we sat at the table, and Rodrigo's grandmother and aunts began to serve drinks and empanadas to start off the meal. Next they brought out bowls of "locro", and we continued eating and talking and getting to know each other. Of course, everything was delicious, and it was special to take part in a family dinner.

After lunch, we walked back to Rodrigo's house and got ready to go out for a while. Andrea and her husband Jose and their youngest son Gonzalo took me to the "Matadero Market". This is the place I visited last weekend with Mercedes and Claudia. The sun was shining, and even though it was a little bit cool, it was really a nice day. I was glad to come back here, because again, there was so much to see. Vendors had set up their stalls, and they were selling all kinds of things. I saw the traditional gauchos and artesanian crafts as well as food and even people taking tango lessons in the square (see video below).

We stayed for a while, and then headed back to the house. I spent some time on the computer, and then around 8:00 pm Rodrigo and his friend Julieta took me to eat at an Italian restaurant in "Recoleta". I had empanadas (again!) and cheese ravioli and a crepe with dulce de leche for dessert...Que rico! I enjoyed spending time with them, and it was interesting to share my perspective with Rodrigo concerning the exchange program as well as to hear his. We spoke in English most of the time, which was a nice little break for me, because I was exhausted from using only Spanish to communicate, and so now it was nice to talk and not have to think so much!

After a delicious dinner, we headed back to the house where I was able to relax a little bit and then go to bed somewhat "early". It was a nice day, and I enjoyed getting to know Rodrigo and his family!

Day 10-Turkey Tango and Rotary Events!!!

Today I took the bus again to meet Margarita over by where she lives because we were going back today the same school we went to on Tuesday which is in her neighborhood. First I stopped at McDonald's for an Egg McMuffin and coffee to go...I admit that it is becoming a habit, stopping at McDonald's...That is because it's the only place I've seen big-sized coffees to go, and so now I seem to be stopping there more and more...It is also one of the few places with a free public bathroom that is easy to access...I noticed that earlier on as well.

We headed to Belgrano Day School again, and I was able to observe a 1st grade class during an English lesson. The students were so cute, and I loved being able to watch the teacher with them. She was great! They read a book about a tiger and his big "roar". The kids loved it, and they followed along with the story. I also had the opportunity to talk to them a little bit, which was great for me because my favorite grades to teach are the lower grades with the little ones. So, I told the students about myself, and then I had a chance to teach them a song that we sing at my school in Frisco during morning assembly...It is called the "Turkey Tango", and since Argentina is famous for the tango, I thought it would be perfect for them to learn. I am attaching the video of us singing in class...excuse my horrible singing!

After that, Margarita and I left to go have lunch in a cafe. I had a grilled chicken sandwich and a diet coke. After lunch we still had some time to hang out before we had to be back at school, so we went to another place for coffee and a "conito", which is like a big cookie, shaped like a Hershey's kiss, covered in chocolate, but filled with dulce de leche (of course). By now I was feeling stuffed and it was time to head back to the school.

We arrived back at school, and we went to spend time in a 5th grade English class. I presented my information to them, and they had many questions for me. I was also able to visit a classroom and see the students reading "Magic Treehouse" books. The teacher was talking to them about the "thinking maps" they were using to analyze the text. This lesson was all done in English. I was very impressed with their class, and I told them that we read the same books in our school, and that we use "thinking maps" as well. I also commented about how smart they were and how great their English was. It was a lot of fun.

After the class was over, I went back to the bus stop with Margarita and said goodbye and jumped on the #80 bus to go back to the other side of town. This bus was completely packed, and I started to feel kind of "carsick". It was really hot on the bus, and I had my clothes on, a sweater, a jacket and a scarf, because it was a cold day. I started to feel dizzy, but luckily I made it back to Mercedes' print shop without getting sick...It's fun going to "work" again in busses like I used to when I lived in Mexico City, but at the same time, I am thankful that it is just a vacation for me this time, and that soon I'll be able to go to work in my car.

I arrived at the shop and got on my computer and wrote more e-mails and checked Facebook to see what my friends and family were up to. When the shop closed (around 7:00 pm) Mercedes and I went to a sports store and I was able to buy a few soccer jerseys, and then we went back to the house to get ready for the Rotary Club dinner for the changing of officer presentation of Margarita's group, the lady who had been leading me around everyday.

We arrived at the event after 9:00 and people were just starting to come in. I greeted everyone I had already met before (with kisses on the cheek), and then Margarita introduced me to some other people who were there. The program started and we found our seats. While the officers at the head table spoke, the waiters came around with drinks and then appetizers. There were empanadas, little quiche-type things, cheese and meat on a stick, and many more snacks to try. While the officers talked, the waiters kept coming around with more and more appetizers...It was like nothing I had ever seen!!!

Finally it was time for the main course, which again, was very good. It was like a pork cutlet with mustard sauce and potatoes. We ate and then the presidents participated in their official "changing of the presidency" ritual while we continued to eat. After the main course a historian spoke about the independence of Argentina and told a little bit about this important event in history. When he finished speaking it was midnight, so he asked us to all stand and sing the national anthem. I couldn't believe it was 12:00 am and we were barely half-way through with the presentation. After all of the speakers, they served us icecream, fruitcake and coffee. Margarita also received a very special award for her service in the rotary, and I was very proud of her and please to be part of the festivities. Toward the end of the evening the new president asked me to come up and exchange Rotary flags, and we took pictures.

We stayed talking for a while with the Rotarians, and then around 1:30 am it was time to head home. I went straight to sleep and slept in late!

Day 9-I "heart" the USA!

Today I went again in the bus to meet Margarita. I knew this time better where to go and how to get on the bus. I also did a better job of getting off at the right stop. Margarita was waiting for me at the corner, and she lead me to the apartment of Fernando, the English director of the school I would be visiting. From there, I said goodbye to Margarita and went with Fernando on another bus to his school.

We got there around 10:00 and I was able to put my things in his office. We went down to the first floor where the students would be coming to see me speak. This area was a lot like our cafeteria because it also had the stage for presentations, and the tables could be placed for lunch, or they could be removed so that the students could sit to see speakers, etc.

I presented my information to 2 different groups of highschoolers and then it was time for lunch. We got our food from the kitchen and went to sit down in the teacher's lounge. The food was delicious...It was called "milonesa", and it was like a cut of meat, fried and covered with cheese and sauce. There was also potato served with as well as an orange.

It was fun sitting in the teacher's lounge. One by one, more teachers came in to eat, and we all sat around one big round table. This school reminded me a lot of the school I used to teach at in Mexico City. The teachers were all really nice, and they sat eating and talking about everything. It is harder for me to understand Spanish when local people are talking to each other, but more or less, I could follow their conversations, and they also spoke with me in English too.

After lunch, we went back to the same place where I had given the morning presentations, and I presented information for two more groups. Around 3:00 pm, Margarita came back to get me and we said goodbye and she lead me to the bus stop to go back to Mercedes' print shop. I had to say goodbye to her really quickly, because the bus I needed to take was about to leave. So, I got on the bus and headed back to the other part of town.

Now that I am finding my way around the city better, I know more or less where to get off on the bus, and I knew that this stop was next to McDonald's, so when I got off I decided to go in and get a sundae with dulce de leche and a coffee to go. I walked to the print shop where Mercedes was waiting for me and I worked a little bit more on my computer.

There was another dinner for another Rotary Club tonight, and Mercedes was planning on going, and when she saw me, she noticed that I looked a little bit tired. I told her that it was true, that it was wearing on me a little bit to be running everywhere and to be staying up every night until after 12:00, but that I really liked it, because it's like a vacation for me, and that at home with my kids, I wasn't able to go out so much...But she could tell I was "running on fumes" so she asked me what I wanted to do, and I told her that I would be totally happy staying in her house that evening while she went to the dinner if it was OK. I didn't want to offend anyone, and I was more than ready to go, but an early night reading my book in bed sounded really good. Mercedes was more than happy to agree to let me stay home. She said it was no problem at all, and so she made plans to take me home. I walked really quickly to McDonald's (again) and ordered a "McNifica Meal" which was probably like a "Big and Tasty" meal or something like that, and then she took me home.

Oh and I forgot one other thing...Earlier that day, I had collected some of my dirty clothes and put them in a bag, and Mercedes had told me to leave them with her and she would take them to a laundry place. When I came back in the afternoon, I was able to go by the laundry place and pick up the bag of clean and pressed clothes...This service only cost me around $3.50!!! So, I headed home with my McNifica meal and my clean clothes, and was totally happy!

I spent the evening rearranging my things in my suitcases because in two days they told me that I would change homes and go to stay with Rodrigo and his mom. So, I took this opportunity to get all of my clothes and things together and to not have everything so scattered. I went to bed super early and read my Spanish copy of Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets that I had borrowed from the Frisco Library...I am understanding most of it, and it has been very good practice for me to read it. I went to sleep early, and for me, that was a perfect night!!!

Day 8-Ready or not, here I come!

Today, I left in the morning with Mercedes and she let me off at the bus stop. I took the bus, all by myself to meet Margarita in another part of town where we would visit a school. We arrived at the school right at 9:00 am and we were just in time to participate in an assembly where the students were celebrated the Independence Day of Argentina that will take place on Friday. We were able to see the students present the flags and then we stood for the National Hymn. After that there several speakers and then performances from students. There was a small group of drummers who performed and then classes of 6th graders sang traditional Argentine songs. Then they showed a power point that was created by the students that had pictures of the kids by famous landmarks and monuments. It was a great assembly, and I learned so much from watching the powerpoint and see the students perform.

When the assembly was over, I went with one of the teachers to her room to meet some students. This school was really a great place to visit, because in addition to it being an elementary school, it was also a place where many students come who are new to Argentina who might need help learning Spanish (as a 2nd language). I was very excited to see the program and visit with the students, because up until now, this was most like what I do in my school with my students who are learning English as a 2nd language.

I gave a presentation about myself and Texas like I had in the days before, but the one special thing about this presentation was that I actually gave most of it in Spanish. It was fun, and I think I did pretty good with my Spanish. The students understood me, and I think it was good for them to see what it is like for me, a teacher to use another language, and maybe not always speak perfectly, but to be able to communicate and get my point across. We also spoke English, and the kids had a lot of questions. We spent time talking until lunch, and then we all went downstairs to the lunchroom to eat.

One thing I have noticed about a lot of these schools is that they are all in older buildings (some of them that even look like museums), and that they all have a lot of floors and stairs. I understand this is because in Buenos Aires, like in most big cities, there is not a lot of room to grow "out" and so buildings tend to grow "up" or be taller.

In the lunchroom, we got our lunches and sat down at long tables with benches. The teachers all sat at the first three tables, and then the students sat in the tables behind the teachers. There were large bottles of water in the middle of the tables to share and in addition to the entree, there was a salad bar and dessert (something with dulce de leche...again :).

After lunch, we went back upstairs and I went to talk to another class. I also had some time to get on my laptop and work on the internet, because this school had internet access, something that many of the other schools didn't have.

Something else that was very special about this visit was that one of the teachers I spent time with is actually a published author. She has written many Spanish children's books, and has even had some of them published with the "Scholastics" company. She gave me a copy of her book " ", and even signed it with a little note. She showed me her blog which showed a bunch of books that she has published. I thought it was great that I had this opportunity to meet her and see her teach.

At the end of the school day (around 4:00 pm), Margarita came back to meet me and help me to get back on the bus that would take me back to Mercedes' print shop. We said goodbye and I got on the bus. The bus was totally packed with people...I could hardly fit in the door to pay the driver for my ticket. It was exciting, and it reminded me a lot of the time I spent living in Mexico City...I would always take the bus or the metro home from school, and many times the bus would be full like this too. I used to hate having to ride the bus like this, but today, since it was like a vacation for me, I smiled and thought that it was actually kind of fun.

I got off at the right stop and then walked to the print shop. I went back to Mercedes' house and got ready for the evening. We went to the Rotary Club event to celebrating the changing of officers for Mercedes club. It was really nice. There were 3 courses of food...all delicious, and then the new officers for the coming year were presented to everyone, and then there was a jazz band that performed. Everything was very elegant again...and just like there had already been so many times since I had gotten to Argentina...there was champagne!!!

I was also asked to present the flag of the Frisco club to this group, and I came to the table in front to give the president the flag and take pictures, and then they passed me the microphone to speak...in Spanish...and I was a little nervous, but it went OK...I guess. We arrived home around 12:30 am...another late night, but also another "noche muy bonita"!!!