Como se dice...?

I have arrived in Buenos Aires! Everything has gone smoothly; no getting lost in the airport, no late arrivals, no loss of luggage. Couldn't ask for a better trip down here. The flight from DC to Buenos Aires was full of IES students, which was nice once we got to the airport. It was pretty coincidental, a girl who's also an IES student that I was talking with while we were waiting to board the plane had the seat RIGHT next to mine. So I've already made a new friend! There were IES people in the airport waiting for us, and they helped us get a taxi to our homestays. I was verrrry nervous pushing the call button for my homestay, but my host mom came down and greeted me and is super nice. She is patient with me about my Spanish, even though I have to use the phrase "Como se dice..." quite often. But I feel comfortable making mistakes around her and asking questions. So far I have met her eldest son and daughter. We have already had cafe y medialunas, which are "half moons", little sweet pastries. Now there are two more sons to meet tonight, probably at dinner which is around nine.

My host mom took me on a test run of the bus system to show me how to get to the IES center tomorrow. We have orientation for two weeks before classes start, which will be helpful. The bus crosses that twelve lane street that's in the picture, Avenida 9 de Julio. It's not as scary as it looks, or as I pictured in my head. I guess most things that I'll encounter won't be as scary as I imagine. I'm looking forward to exploring the city. There are little parks scattered all throughout the city and lots of trees. I would never drive here, though. Even though there are lanes painted on the road, it's kind of a free for all.

The weather is very nice here, sunny and mid 70's. I guess it has been raining, so I'll have to go out and buy an umbrella, amongst other things, like a phone. The next couple weeks will be kind of hectic getting used to everything, but at least I don't have classes on top of that. I do have internet in my room (and a TV!) so I'm thankful for that.

I'm excited to begin orientation tomorrow! Bring on the adventures!




(some pictures of my room)

48 Hours

So I just realized I have less than 48 hours before my flight departs from Grand Rapids... and believe it or not I have zero items in my suitcase. In fact, I unpacked from last semester yesterday. I'm behind, I know. My trip to Argentina has always seemed like something that was soo far away, and now I am leaving on Saturday! Craziness.

I will be flying out of Grand Rapids on Saturday to Chicago, Chicago to DC, and DC to Buenos Aires. If all goes how it should I'll be arriving in Buenos Aires on Sunday the 28th around 11 in the morning. I have never flown by myself, so it will be a new experience. The first of countless new experiences that I will have for the next four months or so.

Of course I am nervous about several things... getting lost, not knowing enough Spanish, getting along with my host family, doing well in my classes, having enough time to travel... probably the same worries many kids in my program have. But even though I am nervous, I am more excited for this unique and amazing opportunity. There probably won't be another time in my life when I'll be able to do this; I'm so lucky that I can do it at all. I'm anticipating meeting many new people, eating too many empanadas, dancing tango, and speaking butchered Spanish (that will hopefully turn into decent Spanish by July).

Pray for safe travels for me and all the other kids on Saturday! I will attempt to update often and with pictures! Now I should probably stop procrastinating and go pack...