The title of this blog is day 10 as most keen readers can ascertain. But to me this is strange indeed, I feel like I have been here for much more than 10 simple days. My schedule and routine has lulled me into a sense of things always being this way. It is a strange sensation to say the least.
Well as is apparent from my comfortable attitude towards life here, the last week has gone very smoothly, and I have adjusted well to life in a foreign country. (It is quite surprising how quickly one can become adjusted to not understanding anything being said around them.)
My first weekend in Argentina was a full one. After school Friday, my host brother Christian and I went and played some tennis, and boy did it feel good to get some of the rust off. Then, the whole family went into Buenos Aires for dinner around 10 (things run on a different clock here). Saturday I woke up, played some video games with my host brother Alex and then went horseback riding with him on some horses from the farm just down the road. That night, Christian and I went over to a friend's house from school and relaxed there for a while. Then, the group was going dancing, but Christian and I called it an early night around 1 because we had the good fortune of going to Buenos Aires again on Sunday.
Sunday consisted of waking up to the smell of meat on the grill. Here in Argentina it is very typical for families to have an "asado" for lunch on Sundays. A barbecue essentially, it consists of chorizos (sausages), lomo (tenderloin), and asado (a sort of ribs). It was all very tasty, and soon after lunch, Christian and I departed for a Rotarian's home here in Pilar.
Well as is apparent from my comfortable attitude towards life here, the last week has gone very smoothly, and I have adjusted well to life in a foreign country. (It is quite surprising how quickly one can become adjusted to not understanding anything being said around them.)
My first weekend in Argentina was a full one. After school Friday, my host brother Christian and I went and played some tennis, and boy did it feel good to get some of the rust off. Then, the whole family went into Buenos Aires for dinner around 10 (things run on a different clock here). Saturday I woke up, played some video games with my host brother Alex and then went horseback riding with him on some horses from the farm just down the road. That night, Christian and I went over to a friend's house from school and relaxed there for a while. Then, the group was going dancing, but Christian and I called it an early night around 1 because we had the good fortune of going to Buenos Aires again on Sunday.
Sunday consisted of waking up to the smell of meat on the grill. Here in Argentina it is very typical for families to have an "asado" for lunch on Sundays. A barbecue essentially, it consists of chorizos (sausages), lomo (tenderloin), and asado (a sort of ribs). It was all very tasty, and soon after lunch, Christian and I departed for a Rotarian's home here in Pilar.
The Rotarian lived in perhaps the nicest home I´ve yet to see in Pilar, and to my good fortune, it turns out that they are my next family here in Argentina. The father then took us on a drive to Buenos Aires and ended up in a suburb called La Boca. For those Spanish knowers out there, it is called La Boca because it was the first major port to the city due to its access to Rio del Plata. La Boca is a rich historical neighborhood, the originator of the tango, and the home to the country´s most popular club soccer team - Boca Juniors. The game had all the crazy fans dressed head to toe in blue and yellow, and a decent game. Sadly, Boca lost 2-1 but is still in contention in the league.
That was the highlight of my weekend for sure, and other than that, I have spent most of this week getting even more comfortable with my routine here, going to school, etc. Another event worth noting was my first Rotary function. The Pilar Norte Rotary club hosted a golf tournament Tuesday, but sadly I couldn´t showcase the amazing Swanson athleticism that is innate to all that bear that name as I was in school. But afterwards, I joined the Rotarians and participants for a nice dinner in the clubhouse and I got some great practice with my Spanish.
Life goes on here in Pilar as I´m sure it does elsewhere, and tonight there is a fiesta honoring the graduating class at my school. It will be a bit of a late night, but there is no school Friday or Monday so I should be able to catch up just fine.(On Monday our grade at school has a soccer match against the male staff members followed by an asado. It should be a great time.)
I hope this finds everyone well, and thanks for reading.
That was the highlight of my weekend for sure, and other than that, I have spent most of this week getting even more comfortable with my routine here, going to school, etc. Another event worth noting was my first Rotary function. The Pilar Norte Rotary club hosted a golf tournament Tuesday, but sadly I couldn´t showcase the amazing Swanson athleticism that is innate to all that bear that name as I was in school. But afterwards, I joined the Rotarians and participants for a nice dinner in the clubhouse and I got some great practice with my Spanish.
Life goes on here in Pilar as I´m sure it does elsewhere, and tonight there is a fiesta honoring the graduating class at my school. It will be a bit of a late night, but there is no school Friday or Monday so I should be able to catch up just fine.(On Monday our grade at school has a soccer match against the male staff members followed by an asado. It should be a great time.)
I hope this finds everyone well, and thanks for reading.
8 comments:
Neens,
In a few short weeks I sense you adapting to the ways of Argentina. Please know that the blogs of your daily activities are not mundane to us; rather interesting and amusing as we follow your life so far away in Pilar. Please keep writing. I hold you precious in my heart dear son and celebrate your adventurous spirit. Love, Mom
Greeting Andres,
I am enjoying reading your entries. They take me back to an international adventure that I had when I was just a bit older than you (21) when i spent 3 months in Indonesia. Unlike you, I really didn't have a goal of learning the local language; I was actually teaching English classes. But the cultural differences were amazing. That was the height of the Vietnam war, so the wartime atmospherics were pretty thick. But the remarkable thing that I experienced was that after the politics, the people were so friendly and welcoming. And the longer that I live, I've come to the conclusion that people to people we do pretty fine, but somehow politics gets in the way.
I'm curious how your Argentinean family and friends view the US election, as well as the impact of the worldwide financial crisis.
Back to daily life, we are doing well in Shreveport. John Wesley has been fully engaged in soccer; we have been traveling alot to tournaments. This is a learning year - haven't won any games yet, but each game we become more competitive. It's funny hearing parents cheering their children to be "more physical" - read, "push them back!"
John had his first guitar lesson this week. I felt bad for him. He had so built up his expectations going into the lesson, and then his teacher dissapointed him. We weren't able to get the teacher that we wanted (his a legend in Shreveport), so we started with another until the "legend" has an opening. You've heard of doctors not having a good "bedside manner", well his teacher doesn't have a good guitar side manner. Less than supportive, not taking a personal interest in where John is in his learning - which is beginner 101. But we have coached him that such is life sometimes; make lemonade from the lemons.
All for now. Looking forward to your continuing saga!
With love from your extended family,
Uncle Dionisio
Andy,
I have a few minutes while John is at soccer practice, so thought I would drop you a line. We just had a big weekend with Robyn's wedding. It was a beautiful outdoor wedding on the lake on a beautiful day. We had a good time and did lots of dancing--even John danced & did the worm for the group.
There are two boys on John's team that are from Argentina--I don't exactly know where--I'll try to have more conversations with his parents. I do know that on our trips they carry a cup of sorts around with them in the morning and drink mate. I don't know if I have the spelling correct. Cinzia let me try it--it tastes like tea. Have you had any? She said Argentinians drink it all the time.
Well, I hope all is well with you and that you are enjoying your adventure.
Love, Aunt Sharon
Andyman,
Glad to hear that adjustment in Argentina is proceeding well for you. I think of you often and check the blog frequently to see if you have updated it. You are an amazing young man and I know that this adventure will expand your life in many ways. Love, Dad
dear Andy,
I believe in many ways you have been there more than 10 simple days. This is your destiny... you are also a great writer, creating a vivid experience for your lucky readers. Keep it up!
Uncle Mike and I had your dad over on sunday for his birthday. We carved some pumpkins and ate some cake...I love you and think of you daily.
Love,franc
Uncle Mike reads your postings with rapt attention-don't interpret his silence as disinterest. He will respond when the "time is right". We bothlove you very much...A.F.
We LUUUUVE this blog!
Hola Andres,
So exciting to share, in this way, your life in "the south". We find ourselves just checking all the time for updates.....no pressure. We so appreciate the time you spend bringing us the news. Keep it coming...you're doing great!
Love you, Auntie M & Uncle Tim
Andy... how close are you to BA? I´ve been talking to a few friends about traveling down there, and it´s only about $100 for a bus ticket. It´d be sweet to get to see you while I´m down there!
Post a Comment