Here I am, one week into my stay in Buenos Aires, and finally writing in my blog. Its hard to believe that I've only been here for a week, it feels more like a month already. Its been nonstop from the first day I got here. Already I have been to the the Villa (the slums of BA), where I played a pretty intense game of soccer with the ninos and other volunteers. I am volunteering with a group called L.I.F.E, and it seems really great. There were 10 other people at the orientation, which I somehow managed to go to only a few hours after I arrived in BA, that was a long day. A few of the other volunteers speak English, although I haven't met any other Americans yet. The villa that we went to was an eye opening experience for me. It was the first time that I have seen so much poverty: The kids playing the dirt roads without shoes on, perros sin duenos roaming around, little babies who are barely old enough to walk playing on their own outside. Although it is a tough place to live in the city the kids all seemed so happy, they loved playing soccer with us, and so far it has been the best experience that I've had in BA.
My living situation is pretty good too. I've got a nice mix of people in my cute little aunt inhabited apartment. One Argentine chico, a girl from Spain, one from Holland and my other flat mate is a 57 year old Australian woman who acts like a 22year old. We all get along pretty well, and have bonded over music, the chico plays the Uke and the chicas pretend to sing. I live on a very busy street called Santa Fe, and everyday I walk with crowds of people past the tempting tiendas and zapaterias. The lights have already gone out twice, as well as the water, and I know it wont be the last time, but thats all a part of the adventure.
Only a few days after arriving in BA I met up with my Argentine friend whom I met Europe over the summer. She lives outside of the city and I took a collectivo (a cheap air conditioned van) to her house. From there we went to Mar Del Plata, where the Argentines go to the beach. During my mini vacation from my vacation, I learned a LOT of Spanish. Well, who knows if I actually did, but I certainly heard a lot. Total immersion is without a doubt that is the best way to learn, although after a while of concentrating on the language and trying to figure out what the heck is going on, it does get a little tiring. Not only did we go to the beach but we went to a concert on the beach!! David Guetta! I saw David Guetta in Chicago before.....there is no comparison. Here, he played until the sun came up, and even after he was done everyone stayed and danced some more. They really like to party all night here, a bit of an adjustment for me, but I can't complain.
Today I decided that I should explore the city. I've been in BA for almost a week and have barely seen any of it. I ventured out a little and found the famous cemetery of Recoleta, where Evita is buried. There are so many pretty parks and buildings everywhere, its nice to just walk around. After my trip to Mar del Plata I was pretty tired, and it was nice to just cook dinner with my roommate, and after he taught me a song on the Ukulele. Good times in Buenos Aires. And more to come.
Tomorrow more volunteering....Hasta luego!
