Getting Settled

The view from my bedroom window

January 16, 2011

I am here now at my new home unpacked and well fed. I have met my host family, but unfortunately will have to ask their names again. Graciela and Christian I think? Anyhow, a couple of cool things have happened today. One, I have starting subconsciously thinking of worship songs in Spanish! I often have songs in my head but today I have been thinking of Spanish songs!!! Two, there is an amazing view of the city from my high rise window. I am on the 7^th floor! WOW!!!! I am excited to breathe it all in… The city sounds and smells so amazing and I am ecstatic to be here! Is this really happening to me? Yes, I just slapped myself and I am really here. It is not just a dream. Argentina, I love you already!

Wow, so it is nearly 11pm (I am still on Texas time where it is only 8pm). The city is still hustling and bustling, but I must prepare for my first day of classes tomorrow morning. I think I’ll read a little more of Narnia’s tales and drift off to sleep eventually.

January 17, 2011

After much fighting with the toilet, I finally got it to cut off. It is amazing what one can miss when given instructions in a foreign language on how to use an appliance. However, I began Kindergarten again today. After more than 15 years being out of school, I started in the 2^nd week of Spanish classes. (With all my Spanish background I somehow managed to only test out of one week… eek!) My host mom walked me to school today and even went inside with me to be sure I got there. It was so great to have someone looking out for me in this big city. I only went to 1 ½ hrs of class because of the placement exam, but I was still exhausted. We studied, played Pictionary in Spanish – muy dificil and then were served lunch and given a list of the do’s and don’ts of school. After class, I walked back to my neighborhood with my new friend Julie of Germany and David of Switzerland. We stopped along the way and ate ice cream. Wow, was that a big ice cream cone! I came home, rested, finished reading one of Narnia’s tales and now need to study!!! After all, that’s what I am here for (I think).

Much later… Wow, I am so tired. I have done some homework and just finished with dinner. It is now about 11pm. Dinner is so much later here! But, I guess my schedule is similar to that at home… Awaken at 730 here, which is 430 back home. Go to bed at midnight here which is 9 back home. … Well, I shall study a bit more then prepare for bed and class tomorrow.