Most of the trees are like this one. They are so old and their roots show it.The later picture is of the bird that joined me for lunch and later finished it :)
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
The colors are distorted :( but you guys get the general picture
Most of the trees are like this one. They are so old and their roots show it.
Day 2/3
Ok so its officially been 2 days later and I’m sorry for neglecting to write but I’ve simply been exhausted from adjusting and of course the jetlag. After a good nights rest I woke up with a much better attitude towards Argentina and life in general. The sun was out, the birds were chirping and it was a beautiful morning. I woke up starving since I didn’t much the previous day. On my way to school, I stopped by a grocery store and bought what appeared to be a yogurt with corn flakes in a separate container on top. That and some orange juice was breakfast. I arrived to class 30 minutes early (yes I know, this doesn’t sound like me, but hey, I can be early sometimes ;) There I ate my breakfast and checked my email. A few minutes later the girl from Holland came in to the room. She seems so happy and fed off her energy. We began to take pictures from our classroom’s window and it seemed so perfect. Beautiful day, great attitude, felt as if we were unstoppable. After class the Holland girl (sorry for calling her that, but I truly don’t remember her name L) and I went to some deli and bought a squish and some potatoes and beef from a hot buffet. Both dishes were only 8 pesos each. That’s basically a full lunch for under 3 dollars. Gosh I wish NY were like that. The food was delicious (china buddies will get the reference ;) haha) So yes, we barely finished half of the meal since it was so filling. Later we proceeded to explore the city, and found very little stores of our interest. After about 20 minutes the Holland girl went home and I decided to continue to explore the streets. I always play it safe by walking in squares. Basically equal street turns so I end up where I started lol. I have no desire to get lost in foreign countries. Walking about, I grow fond of the architecture on the neighborhood. It’s absolutely breathtaking. The balconies of apartment buildings look like they are straight from the movies. A combination of France and Italian in one.
On my little adventure I stumbled into a telephone store. It is this little place where you can call from private booths for about .90 pesos per minute to the US and .10 peso to anywhere in Argentina. So I finally called my mother and she sounded like a weight has been lifted off of her shoulders. **Everyone should always call their loved ones, you never know how much they miss you and need to hear your voice to know your safe. So ye, she asked me how I was doing and then of course started ranting about my sister and how she got a ticket and how my mother attempted to take her keys away. Ugh poor mother, she never learns that she could never punish my sister. Irina doesn’t understand the word punished or grounded. But good for her, this “no one is going to stop me attitude” is extremely important in this world. It’s important not to get swallowed by it.
After speaking to my mother I called American Airlines to see if I could rebook my flight home. I was still home sick and wanted to get home sooner. My mother’s birthday is the 24th of January and I wanted to be home before that. At first the customer service people said they couldn’t do anything for me. They said they could change it but it would cost me a fee of 200$. Three customer service people later, I was put on the phone with Cindy the supervisor. Cindy sounded like she was from Texas or from some other southern state because she called me sweetheart the entire time. I was nearly in tears and basically said as much as I’m enjoying Argentina, I love my mother and want to be home for her birthday. So Cindy said no problem sweetheart J. At that moment I nearly burst into tears. It’s the never-ending story that as much as I want to leave home and need my freedom, home is where the heart is. Even if it involves 5 crazy individuals and screeching dog. Gosh how I miss them J But you know what, its ok, a little break never hurt anyone. Some peace and quiet will do me some good.
Leaving the telephone place, I saw a restaurant called Lola and I started singing (yes, I know, I’m a loser, but hey, how could you not sing that song). I continued my street adventure and stumbled upon a supermarket run by Chinese people (I felt like I was back on Avenue U). I stocked up on some yogurt and fruit (OMG, they were so bright and fresh, pics will be posted later)
Long story short, I came home, showered and passed out. Sadly I woke up at 1 am and couldn’t fall back asleep until 5am. It was deff not cool. My back hurt soooo much from this bed. It looks like little bear’s bed. I’m the black haired goldilocks looking for her right fit. So after finally falling asleep I woke up 2 hours later to go to school. Today was we were supposed to have some special group classes at 9 am instead of 2pm because the school was having a half-day. The classes were optional but I had signed up the day before. After forcing myself to get up and get ready, I was by the door when I realized I cant open the top lock. I struggled for about a minute and saw it as a sign to stay home and sleep lol Yes I know, it was a baby move, but hey, I was tired and I didn’t want to wake my roomie to open it.
So there I was, all dressed up and in bed. I woke up at 2pm and decided to go out and explore some more. I took the bus to Florida Street, which is like a crazy shopping area. Luckily for me, it wasn’t very busy because most of the people were closing up because of New Years Eve. I looked for a leather jacket and found some nice things but didn’t buy anything just yet. Continuing down the street, I saw an amazing show by what appeared to be traditional Indians. After about an hour’s walk and being rained on, I decided it was time to head back. I found my way to the bus stop and got harassed by some weird dude. He was trying to sell me some magazine and dared to put his hand on my shoulder. I gave him the New York Stare of Death, at that moment he released his hand and walked away.
I went into my apartment to see if Marcella was home to invite her out for dinner, but she was nowhere to be found. I then went outside to eat by myself. Hey a girl has to eat sometime. On my way out I saw my favorite doorman Christian. Yes this is his name, not Ricardo lol. Is English is as bad as my Spanish but we still attempt to communicate. Its quite a sight, I’ll deff record him one day.
Sadly, I didn’t find any restaurants open L They were all getting ready for the evening New Years customers. After about 3 blocks of walking, I found a store called Aromaa. I got myself a wrap and a cappuccino. The rain had ceased so I sat outside and admired the sun. There was this little bird that almost attacked me while I was eating. He/she was like my lunch date. It was such a beautiful evening, the sun was coming out and I started reading my Argentina book again. I noticed that some of the landmarks described in the book were right behind me. So I got up and started yet another journey. Buenos Aires has some of the most beautiful parks and trees I have ever seen. The whole neighborhood just reminds me of the movies. It’s all too surreal.
After the sun went down, I went home and decided that Marcella and I would go for a walk before midnight. We strolled by the restaurants and eventually sat a bar close to the apartment. It was nice, sweet and calm. We had a drink and celebrated the New Year together. We also admired the fireworks and enjoyed the peacefulness of the city. May this year be filled with peace, love, health and spiritual growth for everyone.
Now I am home, and finally writing to update all of you about my journey. For now I’m off to bed, I shall return tomorrow. Ciao <33
Monday, December 29, 2008
Studying Spanish in Argentina turns into more of a life lesson/journey
So here is the beginning of yet another adventure in the life of Olga. I would like to give all of you a little preview of what I experienced in the past 48 hours.
As most of you know I was suppose to fly out the 27th and arrive on Sunday the 28th, however the universe had other plans in store for me. While sitting at my gate, I was told that the flight was delayed until the following morning at 9 am. So Irina picked me and we went home. At home I must have spent 2.5 hours on the phone with customer service representatives, all of who assured me that my flight would go out that following morning at 9am. The moment I hung up the phone, I received an automated system call advising me that my flight has been cancelled and that I have been placed the next day’s flight. Please press 1 to accept or 2 to reject was the automated message. At that moment I was on major freak-out mode. Not only can I not reach anyone from the school to advice them I will be one day late but I’m also worrying about the placement test that I will be missing.
Long story short…I arrived one day late with one bag lost (the irony is that it is my EZRA madricha backpack with my name stitched in it). You would think something with your name on it wouldn’t get misplaced but such is life.
After the 40 minutes taxi ride in which I complete passed out for, I was finally at my building. Sadly my roommate was not there. With my lack of Spanish, but amazing skills of using my fingers, I was able to get Ricardo (not sure if that was his name) to hold my luggage in a storage room. As soon as that was taken care of I proceeded to the school, which I knew was 3-4 blocks from the apartment.
Arriving at the school, one of the directors was like o0o perfecto, your class just started. At that point I wanted to be thrown into a hole, like wtf people, can’t you give the poor girl a break. Sadly, I proceeded to the class in which I found 3 other students and the cutest little Spanish teacher. She reminds me of younger Ms. Diaz (for those of you who took Spanish in LMG). Two of the students were from Swiss and another girl was from Holland. She’s sweet and understands English, which means she’s my new friend ☺ She also got incredibly burnt from just one day in Argentina.
Any who, just as I was about to step out of the school and finally go to the apartment, the front desk girl was like o0o stop and stay for the welcome class. So I was like fine, and yet got suckered into an hour of an introduction to Buenos Aires. Sadly it was all in Spanish ☹ I understood some of the basic things, but 70% of the time I was clueless as to what was being said.
During the lesson, the girl was talking about some drink called matta. Then she passed it around and said something like try it. I looked at her with a confused face and thought of how Valerie would react to that. I simply passed it right along and just about every person in that room, tried it. I wanted to scream out and be like GERMSSSSS PEOPLE, come on, don’t you have any understanding of hygiene.
After an hour, I had enough and simply walked out. I arrived at the apartment, met Marcella (30, works in a jewelry store and rents out her extra room to the school), she’s a sweet woman, but has no food in the fridge. I don’t understand what she eats. As soon my bag arrives, I’ll introduce her to oatmeal and tea ☺
So now I have napped, unpacked like 35% of my things and trying to cheer myself up. Everyone at home has and is so supportive of my stay here, but I can’t help but feel homesick. I haven’t felt well in over 3 weeks. My body aches and my heart hurts. When I planned this trip, I thought it would be like a dream coming true, but now I just cant think of anything but being with the people I love.
My mind and heart are in a different place right now, and it’s a struggle to have them united. I just remind myself, Olga, this is yet another adventure, another lesson in life. I always have some fear and feelings of being home sick during the first few days of a journey. With everything that has occurred in the past month and the fighting in Israel, my heart hurts. I begin to lose hope and faith in this world. However I must remember that in order to be great and truly understand life to a higher and deeper level one usually hits a stop in the road. Reminds me of the quote, “There is no success without failure”
Well I’m getting super tired and its already 3 am in Argentina. Must be up by 10/11. Have to get a sim card, make some phone calls and get to class by 2. Maybe I’ll finally have a real meal.
Well thank you for reading and hope you’ll enjoy the next few series of Olga’s life journey in Argentina ☺
As most of you know I was suppose to fly out the 27th and arrive on Sunday the 28th, however the universe had other plans in store for me. While sitting at my gate, I was told that the flight was delayed until the following morning at 9 am. So Irina picked me and we went home. At home I must have spent 2.5 hours on the phone with customer service representatives, all of who assured me that my flight would go out that following morning at 9am. The moment I hung up the phone, I received an automated system call advising me that my flight has been cancelled and that I have been placed the next day’s flight. Please press 1 to accept or 2 to reject was the automated message. At that moment I was on major freak-out mode. Not only can I not reach anyone from the school to advice them I will be one day late but I’m also worrying about the placement test that I will be missing.
Long story short…I arrived one day late with one bag lost (the irony is that it is my EZRA madricha backpack with my name stitched in it). You would think something with your name on it wouldn’t get misplaced but such is life.
After the 40 minutes taxi ride in which I complete passed out for, I was finally at my building. Sadly my roommate was not there. With my lack of Spanish, but amazing skills of using my fingers, I was able to get Ricardo (not sure if that was his name) to hold my luggage in a storage room. As soon as that was taken care of I proceeded to the school, which I knew was 3-4 blocks from the apartment.
Arriving at the school, one of the directors was like o0o perfecto, your class just started. At that point I wanted to be thrown into a hole, like wtf people, can’t you give the poor girl a break. Sadly, I proceeded to the class in which I found 3 other students and the cutest little Spanish teacher. She reminds me of younger Ms. Diaz (for those of you who took Spanish in LMG). Two of the students were from Swiss and another girl was from Holland. She’s sweet and understands English, which means she’s my new friend ☺ She also got incredibly burnt from just one day in Argentina.
Any who, just as I was about to step out of the school and finally go to the apartment, the front desk girl was like o0o stop and stay for the welcome class. So I was like fine, and yet got suckered into an hour of an introduction to Buenos Aires. Sadly it was all in Spanish ☹ I understood some of the basic things, but 70% of the time I was clueless as to what was being said.
During the lesson, the girl was talking about some drink called matta. Then she passed it around and said something like try it. I looked at her with a confused face and thought of how Valerie would react to that. I simply passed it right along and just about every person in that room, tried it. I wanted to scream out and be like GERMSSSSS PEOPLE, come on, don’t you have any understanding of hygiene.
After an hour, I had enough and simply walked out. I arrived at the apartment, met Marcella (30, works in a jewelry store and rents out her extra room to the school), she’s a sweet woman, but has no food in the fridge. I don’t understand what she eats. As soon my bag arrives, I’ll introduce her to oatmeal and tea ☺
So now I have napped, unpacked like 35% of my things and trying to cheer myself up. Everyone at home has and is so supportive of my stay here, but I can’t help but feel homesick. I haven’t felt well in over 3 weeks. My body aches and my heart hurts. When I planned this trip, I thought it would be like a dream coming true, but now I just cant think of anything but being with the people I love.
My mind and heart are in a different place right now, and it’s a struggle to have them united. I just remind myself, Olga, this is yet another adventure, another lesson in life. I always have some fear and feelings of being home sick during the first few days of a journey. With everything that has occurred in the past month and the fighting in Israel, my heart hurts. I begin to lose hope and faith in this world. However I must remember that in order to be great and truly understand life to a higher and deeper level one usually hits a stop in the road. Reminds me of the quote, “There is no success without failure”
Well I’m getting super tired and its already 3 am in Argentina. Must be up by 10/11. Have to get a sim card, make some phone calls and get to class by 2. Maybe I’ll finally have a real meal.
Well thank you for reading and hope you’ll enjoy the next few series of Olga’s life journey in Argentina ☺
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
