Hello Argentina!

I still can't believe I am in Argentina. The hustle and bustle of it all, along with concentrating so hard on what everyone is saying, is keeping me fully engaged...and wearing me out! I'm in love with it all. The city, the people, the language, the culture...I could stay here.

Still no tears though. I remember the days when I'd go off to Girl Scout Camp- or even my neighbor's house- and I'd start to cry before I fell asleep. What has happened to that scared little girl? I've definitely grown up, acquired goals, begun to pursue them, and only to find myself looking back to rediscover my vulnerability.

My host mom here, Georgette, is absolutely wonderful. She is patient with my choppy, pieced together Spanish. It comes plum-full of 'umms' and 'ahhs.' No matter how difficult it is, she only converses with me in Spanish-and I love it! I will learn 100% faster that way. She is super accommodating too. She has had a few other exchange students before me. She's a very gentle woman and really loves caring for others. From what I've gathered she used to be a psychologist in a public hospital here in Buenos Aires. She has five children; Luce, Magdalena, Dolores, and two younger boys whose names have escaped me already. :/

Georgette was telling me about Argentine history today. She was around when people (some she knew, coworkers and friends) were simply disappearing. It's crazy to think that kind of past is still so close by. The economy crash of 2001 was a hard time for her too. She said her divorce came at about the same time...I'm guessing that there were significant financial strains on the entire population. She didn't use a word of English, even though I know she could use English if she wanted to. She is a very well-educated, intellegent woman. Reminds me a lot of my own mother actually.

Anyways, I am well accommodated. I have a room and closet space to myself. It's a modest apartment, well-decorated, and it is everything that I wanted out of a living space in such a great city. I can't wait to be here for five months!

Tomorrow starts orientation. I don't know what is in store for me but I am excited! Lastly, but not least of course, is how much I miss everyone. I miss my parents and sisters. I am sooo far away and I have not been able to talk to my mom yet. :( All of my friends too. Miss you all!

Chao xoxo

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