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"!!!

Day 7-More schools, More fun!!!

Last night Mercedes and I stayed up until after 1:00 am in the morning working on our computers, so it was very nice to be able to sleep in today. I woke up around 10:00 am and had some breakfast which consisted of bread and cheese and piece of dulce de leche cake that was left over from Mercedes' son's birthday party. YUM!!!

Mercedes and I left to go to the print shop, and Margarita was waiting to take me across town to visit another school. We got on the bus and rode for a while and then got off and walked a few blocks. We arrived at the school and met with the director who explained to me that I would be visiting two different classes of sixth graders.

I went into the first class and was greeted by the teacher. Everyone was so friendly, and it was nice to speak in English for a while. I told the students about myself and my life in Texas...by now I kind of had a little lesson prepared because I had done this in the other schools. I love talking in English to the students and explaining the them about my school and the ESL program. I also like showing the picture album I made of pictures from my home, my neighborhood and my classroom. After showing the album and talking about myself a little bit, I gave the students time to ask questions. They were all so interested in knowing about the US, and they asked questions like, "Do the kids really have lockers in their schools like they did in 'High School Musical?'" and "Do the kids in the United States like the Jonas Brothers?". It was funny and so cute...and they had fun using their English with me. I left that class and then went into another 6th grade class to present the same lesson, and these students were just as eager to hear about me and to ask me questions about the US.

When the second class was over Margarita and I left to go eat lunch. We stopped in a "confiteria" which is like a cafe. We ordered another flat grilled ham and cheese sandwich like I'd had the other day, and I also had a "Coke Light". We sat and ate, and I was able to get on the internet for awhile.

After lunch we left to visit another school. We had to ride the metro, which is called the "subte" here. We bought tickets to ride and then hopped on the train. I love riding the metro...Again, it reminds me of when I lived in Mexico City. There, I had to ride it everyday to get to work. Of course, there were times back then when I hated riding it, usually when I was so tired after work, and there were so many people trying to squeeze into the train car that I could hardly fit, but still there was always something exciting about riding it, and now it was no different. Of course, I had to take a picture at the metro station as a souvenir of our trip, and the local people all thought I was crazy...pero bueno.

From the metro stop we had to take another bus and then walk to the school. It was almost 6:00 pm by now, and Margarita explained to me that this was an after-school program where students could come after their regular school day to learn English. This was also the school where Margarita had been the principal just a few years ago, before she retired, so when we arrived she was excited to see all of her former colleagues and to introduce me.

I presented the same information to two different groups, and again I had a great time getting to know the students and hearing them speak English and sharing with them my experiences from the US.

After finishing the classes, Margarita's husband was in the school waiting to escort us to a cafe. There, we would meet Mercedes for dinner. The cafe was only a few blocks from the school, and so we went walking. We arrived around 9:30 pm and waited for Mercedes, who came just a few minutes later. We ordered a large pizza with four different kinds of toppings and waters because I was dying of thirst. We split the pizza and had a great time talking about our day and catching up. When we finished eating, we had coffee and continued to hang out for a while, chatting. I've definitely noticed that people here like to "hang out"...no one is ever in a hurry to "eat and run" like we tend to do in the US. Also, there are always a lot of tables in the restaurant and a lot of different places to go, so the waiters don't rush you out the door. They don't bring you the bill until you ask for it.

Now Mercedes and I are both sitting with all of our empty cups and plates on the table, using our computers and the free wi-fi...We just checked the time, and it's 12:15 am! The restaurant has at least 7 tables full of people eating dinner...I can't think of very many places that are open in Frisco at this time at night with people eating dinner...It's definitely a cultural difference that I have noticed, but one that I am beginning to get used to more and more...I used to be a "night owl", but for the last few years I have been more accustomed to going to bed early, probably because after working and then taking care of 3 kids, the only thing I wanted to do was go to bed. But it has been nice, going out at night and enjoying the city and being able to see and do things.

I talked to some of the exchange teachers from Argentina who have come to visit the US about this. I wondered how it was for them to be staying in a house where dinner was served at 6:00 pm and where people went to bed around 10:00 during the week. I am sure that they were probably lying in their beds wondering why they weren't out at dinner.

Oh well, I think we are about to leave the cafe, so I better close up and get ready to go...so much for getting to bed early tonight. It's after midnight!

Day 6-Ir De Compras!!!

Today is Sunday, and so again I had the day free to see more sights. Mercedes and I left early in the morning and headed for an area of town called "El Tigre". This area was about 30 to 45 minutes away, but it was not a bad drive.

We arrived and immediately I knew that I was going to like this place. I could see outdoor market-type shops everywhere, and stores were selling items very typical of Argentina like bamboo baskets, furniture, wooden blocks for carving meat and much more.

This area is also by a river, and there is a boat that cruises around the banks. We went to check on departure times and ticket prices, and we found out that the boat ride would take about an hour and a half. We decided that we would rather look around and shop a bit, so we decided not to buy a ticket for the boat.

We headed to a big tent filled with shops and started to look at different things to buy. This place was great! It kind of reminded me of "Canton" near Dallas, the way the vendors and stalls were set up, and I was really kind of going crazy, looking at all of the things there were to buy...I knew I would have to calm down and focus on buying just a few little things for friends and family. I needed to "put on the brakes" because if I wasn't careful I would spend all my pesos...and even worse have no way to get all my stuff home!!!

I ended up finding a few really neat souvenirs to buy, and after about two hours we had seen most of the market. We decided to head to another place that also had an outdoor market, called "the Mataderos". We stopped by to pick up Mercedes' friend Claudia, and then we headed to the market.

This was also a really nice place to visit. There were little tents set up outside with things to buy, and there was also a stage with musicians playing music typical to the area. Mercedes and Claudia explained that this area was known for its "gauchos", which are kind of like Argentinan cowboys.

In front of the stage there was room for people to dance. The dancing they did was very authentic to the area, and while people danced, they waved little handkerchiefs in the air. It was so much fun watching the older people from the village come out dressed in traditional costumes and dance for everyone.

We watched the dancing for a while and then decided to buy something to eat. We stopped at a stall and bought some empanadas and drinks. We took our food to a nearby table and ate and talked. The empanadas were awesome...again, just like all of the food has been so far!

Afterwards, we passed by all of the stalls and looked at the things to buy. We even got invited to sit up on a carriage pulled by a pone and get our picture taken. It was a great day!

Day 5-Que Lastima!

Today we woke up early to get to the print shop to watch the World Cup game between Argentina and Germany. When we arrived, Mercedes' son and the other shop employees were all sitting in front of the giant TV with their jerseys on, ready to cheer for their team. I could tell that they all took this very seriously, and that it was going to be exciting to be a part of this Argentinan tradition.

The first minutes of the game did not go well for Argentina. Germany scored right away...but we were all holding out hope that Argentina would come back and score and eventually win. At the end of the first half, the score was still 1-0 in favor of Germany. The second half started and Argentina was playing really well...It was very tense for everyone because there were many close shots, but no goals for Argentina.

Then Germany scored again...and then again...and then again!!! It was terrible! After the second goal, you could tell that everyone watching was frustrated, but after the third and then the fourth goal, everyone was completely at a loss for words...Well, there were a few words said...and one of them was "Ciao" (in the direction of the TV), meaning "bye" (probably mispelled, sorry)...At this point everyone was saying "goodbye" to the hope of becoming World Cup champions.

The game ended with Argentina losing, and it was a huge dissipointment for everyone! I know that I had been hoping that I would be able to party in the street and get to take pictures of the big celebration...but that's not how it went, and so there was not much left to do except watch camera footage on the news of Argentinan fans with blue and white afro wigs, sitting in the stands crying. Oh well, the only good thought I had was that maybe now I could buy a soccer jersey off the street cheaper than I could yesterday.

After the game, I went with Mercedes to a meeting in another part of town. During her meeting I was able to walk around the neighborhood and window shop. I found a cafe and had coffee and watched the end of the Spain/Paraguay game and then met back up with Mercedes.

That evening we went to another part of town and stopped at a mall to walk around. We left the mall and went out into a nearby neighborhood to see a tango school where people can take lessons. There weren't any classes going on so we went back into the mall. At this point we were both getting hungry, so we headed to an authentic Argentinan "parrilla" which is like a grill where different kinds of meat are served. This restaurant was actually in the mall, and in the front, there was a little bar where we could sit and have dinner. It was really great, because we actually got to sit right by the grill and see how the meat was prepared. We ordered french fries and steak. It was probably the best food I've had so far on the trip (but then I keep saying that, and each meal keeps getting better and better)!

After dinner Mercedes took me to another area, called Palermo Soho, where there are lots of outdoor cafes and bars. The cobblestone streets were lined with fancy shops and restaurants, and there were a ton of people everywhere, having dinner and hanging out. Even though it is winter now, today I noticed that it was actually pretty warm outside. I would say it was about 70 degrees in the day and maybe 65 degrees at night. Because it was such a nice night, the outdoor cafes were packed!!! Everywhere we walked we saw people enjoying food and drinks. This was definitely one of my favorite places to visit so far, and it reminded me a lot of the neighborhood I lived in when I was in Mexico City (La Condesa).

We ended the evening at an ice cream shop. I had "dulce de leche" ice cream, which is definitely becoming my favorite thing to eat here. We sat and ate our ice cream outside. It was such a great place, and I really enjoyed the evening. The dinner, ice cream and cute area of town almost made up for the horrible soccer game we'd seen that morning...almost!

Day 4-¿Donde Esta El Wi-Fi?

Today I met Margarita late in the morning, and we headed to a McDonald's. I really needed to catch up on the blog, because up until now I had only been able to write about my 1st day in Buenos Aires, and if I didn't write about everything soon, I knew I would forget what had happened.

Before ordering a coffee at McDonald's I tried to get free wi-fi connection so that I could talk to my family on Facebook and catch up on the blog, but it would not work, so I knew we were going to have to find another place. I was able to catch Margarita before she ordered our coffee and let her know that the computer wasn't working there, so we left and went across the street to another place called "Havanna" which is a restaurant/cafe. We went to find a seat, and I got out my laptop and tried to connect it to the internet. The site that was free was not working, so the manager of Havanna came over and helped me get connected to a private site by giving me a password. Finally, I was able to get on the internet and check e-mail and go to Facebook and say "hi" to everyone.

First I wanted to check my school e-mail to see what was going on concerning work. I read one e-mail and then started to reply to it, but I realized that the internet connection had gone away or something. Of course the message I had been writing disappeared...so I tried to connect my computer back to the internet again. This same thing happened two more times, so we moved to the back of the restaurant, hoping that it would help make the wi-fi connections stronger, but the same thing happened again.

I was able to get onto Facebook, and for some reason on this site, my computer would stay connected. I tried to load some new photos into my FB photo album, but when I clicked "upload" it stopped half-way through and quit. Again, I tried this about 3 times...but after an hour of clicking "upload" and then crossing my fingers, only to have it quit on me, I told Margarita that we should just forget it, and that I would do it later in another place.

We came back to Mercedes' print shop to have a snack and to wish her son happy birthday. I got to see the family sing "Happy Birthday" to him in Spanish, which was really neat. We stayed at the shop for a while, and I was able to connect better to the internet (finally) and work a little bit on the blog.

Later Margarita and I left and took a bus near to where she had a private English lesson with a student. There were a lot of shops and cafes in the area so I told her that she could meet me after her lesson, and that I would find a good place to hang out. I headed to a nice cafe and ordered coffee and was able to see the end of the Uruguay/Ghana soccer game. Everyone seemed pretty excited about Uruguay winning because it was one more South American country moving toward the finals.

After awhile, Margarita met me back at the cafe and we went to her house to get ready for a Rotary Club event. The Rotarians of Buenos Aires were celebrating the newly elected "governor" of the area in the Rotary Club. Margarita, her husband, and I headed in a taxi to the event. It was a very elegant affair. We arrived to find everyone at a cocktail hour in the upstairs lobby.

Soon the doors to the ballroom were opened and we went to sit at our assigned table. I recognized a few rotarians from the meeting I had attended with Mercedes the first night I arrived, so I was able to greet them and talk a little bit with them. Also, Margarita was excited to introduce me to many other rotarians, so I met A LOT of people and kissed A LOT of cheeks!

We had a great time eating delicious food and watching the pinning ceremony of the new governor. There was wine and even dancing towards the end of the night. I was "persuaded" to head to the dance floor where everyone danced salsa and joined a "conga line". I'm so glad that I got to participate in this event.

Day 3-We All Smile in the Same Language :)

Day 3 started a little bit later in the morning, so I was able to get some much-needed sleep and then organize my things in my room at Mercedes' house. Once I got dressed and ready for the day, Mercedes took me to her graphic design store to wait for Margarita, who would take me around again to visit schools in the city.

Once Margarita and I were able to meet up, we hopped on a city bus and went to visit a bilingual high school. We were greeted by the teacher named Rodrigo, who led us to his classroom. There, I met his students and spent a little bit of time talking about myself and about Frisco and the US. This was a private bilingual high school, and Rodrigo told me that he was the teacher of biology and environmental science. I was very impressed with the program and with Rodrigo's class. Rodrigo is also the teacher who did the exchange program with the rotary club and visited Frisco this past winter.

After spending some time visiting with the students and answering questions, I was able to watch Rodrigo teach and see his students interact with him and participate in a class discussion concerning some very difficult subjects (all in English)...Rodrigo was great at explaining the information, and although he appeared to be pretty young, he was very knowledgeable in his subject, and it looked like he had been teaching (in English) for years and years. Margarita explained to me later that he is studying to be a doctor, which I think is great! All in all, I was very impressed with the school and with his class.

I also got to see the students interacting in class. It reminded me of when I was in high school, as a teenager...It helped me remember that people all over the world really are the same, and that there are similarities in our experiences, even though our countries are different. These students were very interested in asking me about the music we listen to in the US and what kind of sports we like to watch and play. It was really fun visiting his school, and I learned a lot from this experience.

After the lesson at the high school, Margarita and I had just enough time to grab a quick bite to eat. We went to a little cafe and had coffee and a grilled sandwich with ham and cheese. It was delicious...and again, it was already late in the day...for lunch (4:00 pm or so).

We finished our snack and then headed back to the university we had visited yesterday to meet Gabriel again for another visit to an adult English class. Gabriel had told me yesterday that this evening I would be speaking to a group of students who had just started learning English. I had been thinking about this during the day before we arrived, and I had been trying to decide what I could do to be able to make the lesson fun and interesting and comprehensible, even though these students were considered at the "beginning" level. I thought about what I would do in my classes in Frisco if I had a "newcomer" (a student new to the US who doesn't speak any English). Once we arrived at the class, I told Gabriel that I had an idea for talking with his students, but that I would need some chalk for the chalkboard.

We started the lesson, and I greeted the class. They looked a little nervous and confused, so I started to draw on the board, and from there I proceeded to tell about myself, Texas, Frisco, the US, and the typical life of an American, but all the way, drawing pictures, using body actions, and even singing to get my point across. It was hilarious, and the students loved it. They started to relax, and they realized that I was nice and that they could say anything with me and I would help them say it correctly and that I would help them understand the answer and learn some new words in the process. It was awesome!!! I really loved spending time with this group, and at the end of the lesson, we all felt like we had accomplished so much.

I was really impressed with Gabriel and his teaching when I found out after the class that they had only been studying English for four months. They had learned so much already, and I am sure that they will continue to progress very quickly in the future. This was probably my favorite experience so far, and Margarita came to the front of the room when the lesson was over with tears in her eyes! She was very "emocionada" and happy to see how well we all came together to know each other and to learn from each other. It was really a special experience that I will never forget, and it helped me remember that I do love helping others to learn and to feel good about themselves and to have confidence and not give up when something is hard to do (like learning English and talking with a native speaker).

Anyway, after the class we were able to walk around the university a little bit to see how beautiful this building was. The walls had ornate carvings of leaves and other things showcased, and the iron banisters curved down around the spiral staircas and was covered with gold ornamentation. It was really a beautiful building, like so many I've seen so far in this city.

Of course, the day was not over yet...as I was beginning to learn more and more, the fact that it was after 8:00 pm, only meant that the 2nd half of the "day" was beginning. Margarita took me to see Mercedes, and we met up at a convention that Mercedes was attending for graphic designers and for people who are involved in the printing business here in Buenos Aires. Mercedes gave me a "visitor pass" to wear around my neck and we went into the convention, only to stop right off at the bar for free appetizers and cokes. This was like a reception with cocktails and snacks, and it was really very elegant. There was even champagne...but like I told Mercedes...I had already seen more champagne in the 3 days that I have been in Buenos Aires than I have seen in my whole life...so that is kind of a joke with us now...that there is always a party here, and that there is always champagne wherever we go!

After snacking at the reception we went into the convention center and walked around to look at the different booths and vendors that were there. Most companies were trying to sell different kinds of printers and machines for making cards, pamphlets, etc. to the people attending the convention. We spent some time looking and then left to go drive around the town and see another part of Buenos Aires at night.

Mercedes took me to "Puerto Madero" which is the area near the Rio de la Plata, the river that borders the city. She showed me beautiful buildings there, restaurants, and boats that take people over to Uruguay. It was really a nice area, and I hope to get another chance to visit it again on foot.

Finally, we arrived back at Mercedes' house around 12:30 am. We worked on my computer for a while, trying to download my pictures onto my laptop. Once that was done, I was ready for bed. We said goodnight, and I was OUT!!!

Day 2-A walk around the city and visiting students learning English

Day 2 was very eventful to say the least. It started fairly early (for BA standards), around 8:00 am. I had the opportunity to wait for my tour guide, an Argentinan Rotarian named Margarita, in a school with full wi-fi connection (something that has posed to be at least somewhat of a challenge to get easily). I took advantage of this time to e-mail friends and family and to catch up on Facebook. I will also admit that I had to go on the ABC website to see who the cheater was on the Bachelorette...I can't believe it was Justin!!! What a bad thing to do. At least it wasn't Frank, b/c he is my favorite up until now (remember I haven't seen last Monday's episode, so if he did something bad also, I don't know it yet...I only know that Justin was the cheater from the message boards).

Margarita met me at the school, and then we began our walking tour of Buenos Aires. I love big cities where people walk everywhere they go. Buenos Aires is definitely one of these cities. Everywhere I looked I could see people, buildings, things to buy, things to eat, busses, and so much more. We headed to McDonald's because we had a little time to spare, and so I had coffee and a raspberry muffin...The coffee here is small and strong, more like an espresso. I do like coffee, and I do like it strong, but it was still a little much for me. I still enjoyed it, because it is something that is obviously authentic to Argentina and Buenos Aires...and even to McDonald's...at least here.

After McDonald's, we continued our walk along the city streets. There was so much excitement in the air, and a ton of Argentinan flags and soccer jerseys and other trinkets of light blue and white in honor of the team's continued winning streak in the World Cup, and also because July 9th is Independence Day here...Who would have thought that even though I will miss fireworks in the USA, I will still be celebrating the same type of day as 4th of July but a few days later...and in another country. I have no idea how we will celebrate this day, but I will write all about it in the blog.

Margarita and I had lunch at Uno's Pizza. I don't think it was the same Uno's we have in the USA, and the pizza was really different...ours had eggs, ham and mushrooms on it, and all the toppings were on top of the cheese instead of under it, like I'm used to seeing. Still, it was very good!!!

After lunch (which by the way, took place around 3:00 pm) we went walking some more and saw a lot of important buildings and other monuments in the city center. Later, we went to meet Gabriel, who is the teacher in the university. He took us to meet his class. He explained that these classes are free to any adults who want to take them, but that sometimes there is a waiting list if a lot of people want to enroll. The students were so great!!! They had been learning English for a while, and I was able to communicate with them very well. I showed them pictures of my family and of Texas and everything that represents my life there. They were very interested to learn all about me, and then they wanted to ask questions and they did a great job of using their English to talk with me and learn more about me and my life in Texas.

The class lasted around 80 minutes, and then another class came which also lasted about 80 minutes. These students were a little more advanced, and it was also a great experience for all of us. I also was able to show them football trading cards, magazines about Frisco, and at the end of the class I gave each student some "Pixie Sticks" to take with them.

We finished classes around 9:30 pm and then said goodbye to Gabriel...I was getting very hungry at that point, and Margarita said that we would meet her husband for dinner. I thought it was a little strange that we were headed to eat at such a late hour, but when we got to the cafe (around 10:15 pm) it was packed!!! Apparently, this is when most of the people go out and have dinner. The place was very cute, and I had a Spanish tortilla, made with potatoes and egg. I had eaten this before when I studied in Spain, so I knew it was going to be good...and it was!

We left the restaurant around 11:20, and there was still a wait to get a table for dinner! We headed in a taxi to meet Mercedes, the rotarian I am staying with. We met her at her son and daughter-in-law's apartment (around 11:45 pm) and then they served us all coffee at the table, while we sat and talked...It was really nice to see that families get together often and are very close here...but it was funny to be getting served coffee at 12:15 am, and that no one seemed ready for bed...except me.

Anyway, it was well worth me being a little tired to take part in all of these activities...because I was really able to experience a day in Buenos Aires the way the local people do. I have been so lucky so far to have wonderful people helping and taking care of me. They are all so kind and lovely!!! I am really enjoying my visit.

Finally, I was able to go to sleep around 1:30 am or so...What a great day it was!!!

Day 1-Hola Argentina!

Buenos Dias from Argentina!!! After a very long flight I am here! My plane left Houston around 9:45 pm last night, and I arrived here around 9:30 am. There is a 2 hour time difference between Buenos Aires and Frisco, TX (CST).

I was greeted at the gate by 2 lovely Argentinan women from the Rotary Club. They were holding up a big sign with my name on it so that I would know where to go. From there, we headed out to the home of Mercedes, the rotarian with whom I will be staying for the first part of the trip.

Stepping out of the airport, I immediately noticed the cool air. It is winter here, and it feels like it's about 55 degrees out, but the sun is shining, and so actually it's really nice...especially compared to the 100 degree day we had yesterday in Dallas. We rode through the busy streets of Buenos Aires to the house and I was able to get settled and change clothes. Mercedes made coffee and toast with dulce de leche (a caramel-type cream)...It was yummy! It's funny because I usually have toast with peanut butter for breakfast, so this was kind of like my "everyday breakfast", but with an Argentinan twist.

I immediately learned some important local Spanish lessons while talking with Mercedes and Margarita...First of all, Argentinans do not use the word "tu" for "you" (informal)...They use "vos", and so that will take some practice and getting used to. Also, "yo" is not "yo", it's "zshow"...There is a little zzzssshhh sound in place of the y and also in place of 2 Ls (like llama)...I've been practicing it when I talk, and it's making us all laugh.

Now I am at Mercedes' shop, hanging out with her and some of the people who work for her. We are watching the coverage of the World Cup on TV, and I am taking advantage of the free wi-fi and catching up on the blog. Mercedes has me at a table at the front of the shop, so every time someone comes in, they look at me and then start talking really fast in Spanish about wanting to buy something. I just smile and look dumb until Mercedes explains that I am the exchange teacher from the US and that my Spanish is limitado...It's kind of funny.

Mercedes also fed me a great lunch of empanadas...They are little pies filled with meat and cheese. They are sooooo good!!! I am posting some pictures of our lunch. If all the Argentinan food is this good, I am in trouble!!!

I am feeling tired, but I will try to stay up this whole day and get a really good night sleep tonight. I am so happy to be here, and I can't wait to explore this great city as well as meet more people and learn more about the Argentinan culture. I miss you all and hope everyone is OK back in the US. Until my next post...Nos vemos!

Lisa :)

Buenos Tardes Amigos!

I am here in Houston, waiting for my plane to Argentina. I love being at the airport, and especially walking to the international terminal...It always means that I am on my way to an exotic locale and that I'll be experiencing something new and different.

This will be my first time in South America! I am praying for a good flight and that my Tylenol PM will help my headache and my need for sleep. Tomorrow morning I will be in a new country!!! Until then, wish me luck in getting succesfully to my destination with luggage and finding the right people to meet when I get there.

Besos!

Lisa :)

Argentina VS Mexico

I am glued to the TV, watching the Argentina/Mexico game...Argentina just scored!!! We are watching the game on Univision b/c it is much more fun to watch on the Spanish channel...We love it when the announcer yells "GOOOOOOLLLL!!!!!"

Today is Sunday, June 27th, one day before I leave for Argentina. I am 1/2 way packed and just made a last-minute trip to Walmart to get a few more things I need for the trip. Yesterday we watched the US game and were sad to see our team eliminated by Ghana...Now, I am definitely routing for Argentina, and I am excited about the chance to cheer for them when I am in Buenos Aires.

My heart is also with Mexico in this game. I lived there for 2 years and was actually in Mexico City in 1999 teaching school during the World Cup. I remember bringing my tiny portable TV to my classroom in Bosque de las Lomas and watching the games with my 1st grade class. It was so exciting, being part of the celebration at La Fuente de Diana on Reforma when Mexico won one of their games in the first round.

It looks like Argentina is dominating so far...the score is now 2-0...but that could change at any minute. I am attaching a video of us watching the game, and I will post again before I leave for BA tomorrow.

Besos!

Lisa :)

3 Days Until Departure

This is a test run to see if the blog is working. I am sitting here on Thursday (6/24) in Frisco, Tx watching a rerun of the Brazil/Portugal World Cup game with my oldest son Ryan. It is exciting to think that in a few days I will be in Argentina, in the middle of the excitement of their quest for the World Cup...I will still be cheering for the USA though...In fact I bought an I "heart" USA button and red, white and blue mardi gras beads to wear on the trip when I visit the schools in Argentina and when (and if) I get the chance to watch the US play while I am abroad.

I will be experimenting with the laptop and attempting to post pictures and video on the blog. Wish me luck and keep your fingers crossed, b/c if you know me at all, you will also know that I am a bit of a "technophobe" and am not sure how all of this blogging/downloading picture stuff works.

Until my next post, this is Lisa Saldana, the FISD teacher going abroad to Argentina, signing off.