La cultura

(The culture)

Note: Many of the things which I will be mentioning will include many cultural aspects. To some degree, this is a bit of a culture gram, but at the same time, it is what I see, what I feel, what I do or don´t understand, what I think is funny, what drives me up the wall, what causes me to think, and any other feeling or emotion that has been evoked in me.

Humo (smoke:)

Please pray for rain. Argentina is in desparite need of rain now. There are serious fires that are occurring in the campos (country/fields) and due to these fires, there is a lot of smoke. Buenos Aires is probably the most affected. I saw on the T.V. last night almost everyone wearing dusk masks to try to breathe okay. It is very hard to breathe for them. There is smoke here now in Rosario, but no fire. I am safe and sound as always, but the smoke from the flames are spreading. The only thing that can stop the fires now is rain, but it doesn´t look as if there will be rain any time soon. The bomberos (firefighters) are doing their best, but cannot contain the burnings. If this continues, there is a good chance that our weekend trip to Buenos Aires might be canceled, which would be a shame, for, the plan was to see several important sites in Buenos Aires. As for me, I just want the fires and the smoke to stop so that everyone can breathe and be safe.

¿De dónde sos? (Where are you from?)

Even though I have talked with cab drivers, had a local ask me for directions, and have been asked the time, I am almost always asked in a restaurant or in a negocios (like a store or some business) ¿de dónde sos? and it drives me crazy, ´cause as well as the other students, we all just want to ¨blend in" and to just talk with and befriend the locals. Although, one time when I was asked this by a lady at a farmacia, or something similar to it, I told her I was from the states and am here in Rosario as a student to study, she just got excited and started telling me about the different plazas I could visit, the streets I should walk down to look at the architechture of the buildings, the statues that I should go see. It was so cool to me, and yet it was strange, for nobody (outside the program) has ever done that.

La comida (food:)

Everyone loves food, and I have tried montones (vast amount) of foods. As many of you know, I don´t eat pizza, red meat, rarely eat ice cream, and stay away from sweets. Just to tease you as to what I´ve tried most of which I like, minus a select few, are: pizza (such as fugaza and muzzurela,) ice cream (some of which include: cheesecake, limón, frutilla, white chocolate, dulce de leche, and orange [of water],) about a half dozen different kinds of flavoured chocolates, panceta (baccon,) jamón (ham,) an insaine variety of cheeses (they serve just about everything with cheese, and thos things that contain cheese, they put more cheese on,) lomito (a certain cut of beef,) hamburgers, Oreos filled with dulce de leche, and countless flavours and brands of cereal bars. Now how is that for venturing out and trying new things? (This is just a short list by the way.) :o]

Productos (products:)

Colgate, Suave, M&Ms, addidas/nike/puma, fruit loops, and nerds....sound familiar? They all should, ´cause these are just a few of the many products that are both sold down here and in the states. I find it interesting how many products are the same or similar. I never realized how much influence the U.S. has had on other nations, especially in music. When I go to the gym, or when I was at a weekend program activity, much of the music played is that from the U.S. Even in the internet cafés and the supermercados (supermarkets.) I don´t know how much American music is sold, solely because I have´t been inside a music store yet, but I´m sure there is a fair number.)

Tango Show

It was what it says. This past Thursday, after classes, there was a tango show that we went to see, as part of the program. Upon arrival, it was just shocking to everyone. There was a "mini-bar" where there was someone to serve drinks, there were two balconys on either side of the room that were outside; one gave a veiw of the river and the island, and the other of the city of which the flag memorial is easily seen. Before dinner, there was time for chatting and eating appetizers. Once everyone was present, those who chose participated in a mini tango lesson. After this, we watched the couple who gave the lesson dance about three or four dances for us. It was incredible! Dinner followed and then we, our professors included, started dancing. It was the strangest thing to watch the professors dance and then to see them drag the students. I, too, danced. I know: it´s hard to believe, but many of the students afterwards came up to me and said, ´Oh my gosh Joanna! I didn´t know you could dance. You were really good out there. You were just breaking it out. I never knew you danced.´and other comments such as these. I do remember, though that there were photographers and I am sure they got pictures of me dancing. So if any of you have any doubts, ask the students/professors in the program and they all will testify that I was dancing, and dancing hard. I had a blast (and I wasn´t even intoxicated.....some students were.)

(See mom: I do go out in public dressed up!) ;o]

Un besito (a little kiss:)
A common cultural aspect is that of exchanging a little kiss. Adults do it, jovenes (young persons) do it, adolescence do it, and it doesn´t matter if you are male or female and you are greeting or saying good-bye to someone of the same or opposite sex. My dance instructor, the first time I met her, gave me a kiss. The gentleman who gave my class a tour of the city museum greeted my fellow (two) classmates and I with a kiss. The welcoming reception the first night we all arrived in Rosario, all of our professors introduced themselves and greeted us each with a kiss as we conversed amoungst ourselves. Even on the phone, I´ve heard people say, ´Un besito. Cao. Cao.´and then hang up. It doesn´t bother me, it is just strange to see that in no matter which position someone is in, and no matter who it is, it seems that the simple exchange of a kiss is done (relatively) everywhere. I do want to say, though that it is not done whenever nor everywhere. I am still learning when it is done. I also want to appologize to those of you of whom I might greet in this manner upon my arrival to the states. For, as quick as I feel I am adapting and absorbing the culture, I feel I will bring much of it back to the states.

Relajada (relaxed:)

As fast-paced as life can be down here, I somehow feel more relaxed. Maybe it is because I don´t have as many responsibilities as in the states, but I always seem to feel more relaxed and that there is no rush to go anywhere, do anything. I walk pretty much everywhere, and now, 9 blocks doesn´t seem far. In fact, 8/9/10 blocks is probably normal or average. Each block, from what I am guessing -haven´t asked yet, but I will- is 100 meters long, so one easily walks, taking into account how much they need to do that day, about 5 km easily each day....give or take. I hardly have ever felt rushed since I´ve been down here. It is such a nice feeling, and I will miss it greatly. Also, in all of my classes, the professors are not really much of professors...they are more of older ´students´it seems. We can ask them anything, we can talk about anything, and it is such a different atmosphere. The professors are just there to help us learn and grow and they adjust the course to meet the students´needs. I also take about an hour or hour and a half for lunch. I don´t take that long to eat, but just to sit and relax and chat afterwards is such a great feeling.

Trensas (braids:)

Apparently I look identical to María Luz´s friend or something, couldn´t quite catch who I looked like, but when I wear my hair in two braids and smile, I look like someone she knows. Every time I met a new member of the family, I was always asked to braid my hair and smile. It got bothersome, but I did it anyways ´cause who was it harming? Besides, it´s not every day that one sees an American who looks like an Argenine, no? Mariela and her siblings all think, now, that I have great ability with my hands because I can "braid my hair fast" and can make bracelets, which I have made about 6 or 7 for different members of the family combined. The other students in the program, too think I am amazing with my hands because I have made so many bracelets and have made them all so fast.

Extras (extras:)

It is the strangest concept for me to wrap my mind around: the more I think about what is being said, and the harder I try to "translate" what is said, the harder it is for me to understand. However, the more I just listen and not really think about what is being said, the easier it is for me to understand and converse. On a different note, there is a joke that goes around that the people of Argentina can´t live without three things: café (coffee,) dulce de leche (which is similar to caramel, but has its own distinct texture and flavour,) and mate (wich is similar to that of tea.) These three items are very popular and can be found pretty much anywhere and everywhere. Oh! And just a warning, once you buy something, there is no returning it. One can exchange it, but cannot return it. (I learned that the hard way.)

I´m pretty sure that is it for now. Thank you all for enduring this extra long expression of my past week. I could write a novel, I´m sure from just this one traveling experience, but I don´t have the time nor the energy right now. Ha ha ha ha! No: I wouldn´t do that. But I do have so many stories and memories to share. I pray this blog finds you all well. Oh! Here is a real view looking out of my window of my room.

Yo soy...

(I am...)

Author´s note: I appologize for the lengthyness of any and all of my blogs. There is so much that happens, even within a week, that at times it is hard for me to narrow it down. Even when I do narrow it down, there is SO much more that I have not even discussed, not to mention my thoughts/feelings/perspectives/and everything else that happens. But I will do my best to share a bit of my life. Oh! And for those that are curious, I am about 10º closer to the equater than you, so it reaches 15º w/95% humidity by 9 in the morning (I laugh at you who had snow!) I am also 4, not 5, hours ahead of you. Thus, even when I have dinner at 9, some of you may be dining as well.

Mi familia (my family:)

So, I have already mentioned some about my family. Well, I have meet all of the siblings, and the mother of my host mom. Luis, Gloria and Maria are the siblings of Mariela. Her mother, "mamita," is about all I hear of her name. (Mariela told me her name, but I have absolutely NO idea how to spell it, or make it sound anything like what it is...sorry about that.) Below is a photo of Mariela, Maria and I.

Buena vista (a good view:)
This is a look out from the window(s) of my room and that of the balcony.

Okay, so maybe this really isn´t the view from my window, but I wouldn´t have any objections if it were. This is actually looking out to Rosario from the top of the flag monmument. It is such a beautifl monument, with so much history behind it, and to go up to see the view is more than worth the time and energy. This was actually part of my class. For my literature and art class, one week we talk about literature, and the next about art. My "art" teacher is an arquitect, and he takes us around the city to show us important places, and we also get a mini history lesson as well to better understand what was going on at that time.

Mis amigos (my friends:)

Here is a photo of my new friends.

Ha ha ha ha ha! Okay....so they aren´t, but I think the mannequens here are quite interesting. These are actually very common and is something that one sees in almost every clothing shop. I really do have friends, just not these. :o) I have at least a few from the program, but not any, yet, from Rosario. It has only been two weeks, but I know that others have already made connections, (mainly from going out every night to drink.) I just need to find mine though other avenues.

Las calles (the streets:)
Speaking of avenues, or in this case, streets, one has to be very careful. Cars don´t stop. Pedestrians are not important. But a few good things that I have noticed are this: the city is more or less a quadrant of squares. Each street intersects with another to form blocks, which, look like squares, and this is relatively consistant throughout the city. On top of this, every other street goes the opposite direction, and the arrows with the street names, which are normally on the buildings, show which direction the traffic goes. (I figured that one out all on my own!) I am able to now navigate through the streets with little difficulty. If I come to a street, I can tell if I am headed in the wrong direction or not. At a corner, I can tell which way I need to turn in order to arrive where I need to, and thus, am able to look whichever way I need to when crossing the street due to the pattern of traffic. It is much easier to cross the streets now. I do have the nickname now, though, from my friend of "Juana la loca" because I am daring and fearless when I cross the streets. (My friend still doesn´t feel too comfortable crossing the street.)

Regresar (to return:)

I have already fallen in love with the city, it will be hard for me to return. I still can´t imagine what it will be like three months from now. I might have to call home to try to get someone to convince me to come back. Since we are on this subject, I ask that everyone be patient with me upon my arrival back. I have already changed so much and in so many ways already, I cannot imagine how much I will change in three monthns, not to mention experiencing reverse culture shock and adjusting to a totally opposite lifestyle. Returning will be an adventure in and of itself. Oh! And please nobody take offense if I don´t want to talk about anything or be around anyone. I experienced this when I went away to Australia and then came back. It isn´t as if I don´t want to talk, but it is more of adjusting to coming back, and then being emotionally ready to talk.

El tiempo (the weather:)

I have previously noted in my "Author´s note" that the weather is lovely here. Sunny all day, maybe some clouds at times, but overall great weather. I was walking home from somewhere some time once, and as soon as I stepped into the appartment, it started to downpour. This lasted about 20 minutes or so, but it was the most beautiful storm I had ever seen!

It was about 8 in the evening or so, and the rain just came down in sheets. I opened my window and smelt a smell I miss: the smell of rain, of the vegetation when it is wet out. On top of this all, there was lighting and thunder which added to the beauty of it all. I tried to take a picture of the lightning, but it didn´t work. A streak of white would light up the sky and turn it a beautiful purple, and a second or two later, a clap of thunder would follow. There was even a bit of hail mixed in. It was probably one of the most peaceful moments I have had here in Rosario.

Las clases de baile (dance classes:)

By no means am I a great dancer, but because I fell in love with tap and hula in the states, and to maybe make some connections, I sought out dance classes that of, or similar to tap. They didn´t have tap, but they do offer jazz classes. I have never taken jazz, but I thought it would be fun to try. So I went for a trial class and I loved it! Now, every Monday and Thursday night at 9:30 for an hour, I ride the colectivo (or city bus...one of them) to my class, then walk back. I am looking forward to this. It gives me someting fun and enjoyable to do that gets me exposed to Rosario and her people.

Closing thought: Thank you to those who have stuck it out until the end. I think that is about it for now. I will have heaps and heaps of stories to tell, and many thoughts and feelings to express. That which I don´t write here, I will write in my personal journal so that I can always look back to it as a reference. I hope this finds you all in good health. Until I blog again: ¡nos vemos!

Lo que quiero decir

(That which I want to say)

Hello all! I am so sorry it has taken me a while to write, but life has been crazy busy and everything is so new. Not only that, but I have had a difficult time adjusting to this new way of life, but all is well now, and I should be able to drop in every now and then. There is SO much that I could share, but I will try to sum it up as best as I can. If at any point you want to stop reading, feel free to do so at any time. :o)

El vuelo (plain ride):
I made all of my flights just fine and had no problem taveling. I selpt most of the way on each of my flights and every journey was safe. Upon landing in Buenos Aires, although my suitcase was still in the states, I was able to arrange to have it deliverd and proceeded to buy my bus ticket through Manuel Teinda Leon. After waiting about 20 minutes, we headed for Rosario. I could have slept all 4 hours of the bus ride, but I was too fascinated with the countryside, even if it was jsut feilds and farmland. In the dullness of it all, I found a beauty.

El primer dia (the first day):
After arriving at the hotel, I had some time to relax a bit before the reception for the students. We met our professors and just chatted amongst ourselves. The following day (26 march) we took the placement exams, took a quick tour of el centro (the center part of Rosario where we would be staying) and then had lunch. We then returned to the hotel where we were introduced to our host families and then went home with them.

Mi familia (my family):
I live with a single female. She is not married and has no kids, but she is the sweetest thing since sliced bread. She is so caring and compassionate. I live in an apartment on the 8th floor. (The elevators are very interesting here.) Her name is Mariela, and already I have met her youngest sister Maria Luz. She, too, is a very lovely person. Maria is married and has three sons. I will be meeting other members of the family as time passes.

Las listas (lists):
For those that might be interested, I have been making a list of foods I am trying, things I have noticed that are different than that which is in the states, and other observations and thoughts.

Huelga (strike):
Some of you may or may not have heard, but there is a nation-wide farmers strike here in Argentina. Basically what is happening is that the government thinks that the farmers are pocketing money from their produce (milk, meat, grain, etc.) So the government decided to raise the impuestos, or taxes, by 10%- the biggest raise at one point in time. Instead of 35% the government wants the farmers to pay 45%. There are NUMEROUS shortages of food in places, and the government refuses to budge. As of today, it will be 21 days that the farmers have decided to strike. In some areas, they have blocked the streets, and there have been several arrests and fights in the street. I am safe and sound, away from all of it, but Rosario, like everywhere else, has been affected by it all. Everyone is hoping that the government will actually be smart, stop thinking about how much more money they can demand from the farmers, and decrease the taxes. Not too many people are happy with the way in which the la presidenta Cristina is handling it.

Las clases (classes):
I am taking three classes: Grammer & Conversation IV and Literature & Art. Each will be a challenge in some way, but I feel that these are the best for me, and I enjoy them. Most of my classes are in the afternoon and last about an hour an a half each.

Las excrusiones (excursions):
Every month we will be going on about 2 excursions. From what Marila tells me, I will be going to the southern most city in the world (el fin del mundo.) AND, for those to whom I´ve disclosed my desires, I will get to see the penguins!!!!! I believe our next excursion is in another week, and we get to go see a tango show. I´m not too entirely positive, but I know we will see it in April sometime. Our first excursion was last week. We toured northern Rosario and saw many parks, monuments, plazas, and even walked through the flag monument, the only flag monument in the world. I had the opportunity to see it at night, and it was SO beautiful!

Perdida (lost):
So, after my first day of classes last week, on Thursday (yes: I only have classes Mondays thru Thursdays) I tried to find my way home. My probelm was that I thought that they would take us back to the meeting point, at the university site, but they didn´t. I then proceeded to stumble my way around el centro to find Italia y Urquiza (the two streets in which my home is located.) After about an hour and a half, and looking at the two maps I had, one given by the program, and the other my host mom drew, I finally made it back. By then, I was SO exhausted, that I laid down on my bed and fell asleep. Looking back, though, I am glad I got lost, for I recognize so many more things. I am more familiar whith the streets and neighborhood than I was before. Granted, I sometimes get turned around and head the wrong way, but at least when I do, I know I am headed in the wrong way and know (relatively) which way to turn.

5 cuadras lejos (five blocks away):
Where my house is located, where the gym is, where we eat lunch, and the program site, too, is within five blocks. Also within five blocks is Cordoba, one of the main streets in Rosario, heladarias (ice cream shops,) pharmacies, small shops that sell crackers, cookies, and ceral bars (can´t think of what to call them,) and many other things. Some things are farther away, but it doesn´t take long to walk. I walk, pretty much, everywhere, and have grown accustomed to the fact that cars don´t stop in Rosario. Pedestrians have to watch out for cars, and one as to be very careful whcn crossing, ´cause no matter on which corner one stands, there are about 8 different combinations in which the cars can be coming.

Otras cosas (other things):
So, I have met SO many people, and they are so nice. The man who does my laundry is friendly and patient with me. All of the clerks and shopkeepers that I have ineracted with have been very lovely, and I am loving Rosario more and more each day. It will be very hard for me to leave. You (those who are still reading this) may not see me again......ha ha ha ha ha. Just kidding. Yes: you will see me again, but if I already don´t want to leave, what will it be like in 3 months from now? I think that is it for now. I will do my best to come by once a week and give some more details as to what is happening. I forgot my camera back in my room at home, so I can´t show any pictures, but I will try to remember the next time so you can see a veiw or two of where I live, and of Rosario, el Rio Parana, my host mom, and whatever else. I hope this blog finds all of you at home well. Until I blog again, un besito. ¡Cao!