Riots and Protests...part of daily life in BA.

So, I don't know how much of this news is reaching the US, but for the past 14 days now, the farmers of Argentina have been on strike. The city is suffering from a huge lack of meat, dairy, vegetable, and grain products. They are saying that there doesn't seem to be an end in sight at this point because Christina, the president of Argentina, is refusing to give in to the demands of the very powerful farmers. Until a resolution has been reached, we all have to conserve on our meat and dairy intake here in the city and hope for some sort of end to this strike.

Last night, there was a major protest by the citizens of the city. They were marching from all corners of the downtown neighborhoods to the central plaza, Plaza de Mayo, to protest in front of the Casa Rosada (the government house). There were thousands of people thronging the streets with pots and pans and making a racket you wouldn't believe! I guess an all-out riot happened in the Plaza de Mayo and some people got hurt. As an American, this was quite the site to see because nothing of this sort would happen in the States. But in Buenos Aires, protests are not uncommon at all. In fact, they happen on a weekly basis in the Plaza de Mayo.

So, I'll keep you posted on the latest. At least, that which I can understand!

Ciao Ciao!

A few pictures from the past couple of weeks!

This is the view from the top of an apartment building where some guys from the IES program are living. There is nothing but buildings as far as the eye can see in every direction. This pictures is looking out towards the Rio de la Plata, the huge river on the North east side of the city.

A view from the ports at Punta del Este in Uruguay. This is where a lot of the bars and restaurants were and in the background are all apartment buildings on the beaches that surround the city.

A marvelous view of Casapueblo. This place is huge!! But it was built all by hand by Carlos Paez Vilaro, who you will se in the next picture standing right next to me!! He signed my poster that I bought and I talked to him briefly in his store at Casapueblo. If you ever get a chance to do some research about this man, he is something to behold. His life is full of interesting tales from all parts of the world and his artwork is quite amazing as well!

So, I've come to the conclusion I stink at Blogging!

Hello there all!

I have come to the conclusion, after almost three weeks without posting, that I really suck at blogging. But, I want to try and get better! So, for all of you that have been ripping out your hair in anticipation for my next post, please save your mane and enjoy!

Well, I have started my classes here in Buenos Aires, and I must say that they are not what I expected at all! Apart from being taught in Spanish, they are very difficult and time-consuming. Now, this is not what I signed up for at all. I didn't really want to spend a bunch of time working on homework and reading countless articles about "the gauchos". But, I have decided to embrace the challenge and try my hardest to experience this awesome culture as well as study my butt off for these classes.

So, as far as social life goes, things are quite a bit different down here than I am used to in lovely Minnesota. Basically, I don't leave the apartment on a weekend night until about midnight or after, and then don't get home until 7:00 or 8:00 in the morning!! By the time I crawl into my bed, the sun is starting to rise, and normal people are beginning another day. I'm not sure how I feel about this way of life, but I guess it is something to experience while I am down here.

Last week, we got to go on a bici-tour around the river area of the city. They have a huge ecological reserve that is open to the public for walks and recreation, so we went through that as well as through on of the most expensive neighborhoods (Puerto Madero) along the ports. Now, as a testament to how Argentine life is, I must tell you about this little bici-tour. First, I arrive with two other girls at the office of the bike-rental store about 5 minutes before we are scheduled to begin our tour. An hour and 15 minutes later, we start our tour. Then, in the states, if one has paid for a bike with a tour guide and a set route around the city, one can expect a little bike path or piece of road in which to ride safely. NOT HERE!! We were right on the main drags in the middle of traffic on these cute little orange bikes with taxis, buses, and other drivers zooming around us. I was just a little nervous!!

But, I am also adjusting to the Argentine lifestyle of being very laid-back and taking my time. I am always the fastest walker on the sidewalks, blowing past old couples and business people on their morning stroll, and have since tried to relax a little. And, I love to sit at a cafe and drink my "cafe cortado" in the afternoons with my homework and just watch the people go by.

This past weekend, we had a five-day break, so I went with some girlfriends to Punta del Este in Uruguay. It was a good time relaxing on the beach and taking in some sun. I also was able to visit Casapueblo, this amazing hotel/gallery/store built by the painter and sculpture Carlos Paez Vilaro. Also, I got to meet him in person!! He signed my poster that I bought and I got a pic with him!!

Ok, well, now that I have written a novel for you all to labor over, I will return shortly with more news and updates! Disfruta las fotos!!

Ciao Ciao!

First Impressions...

I arrived in Buenos Aires on Sunday, March 2 without any problems but very tired and ready to sleep. After my 8 hour layover in Washington D.C. and a 10 1/2 hour flight, I was definitely feeling the burn. The taxi strolled down a tree-lined street with shops and flower stands and said I had arrived at my apartment. Seriously? This is where I am going to live for the next four months? I really could not believe it. So, I lugged my things onto the sidewalk and rang the bell for number 2.

A couple of minutes later, a young girl (my house-sister Paz) opened the door and we proceeded to carry my heavy bags up the three flights of stairs to the entrance of the apartment. The apartment is very European and really nice! I have my own bedroom and bathroom with lots of space for my clothes and other things. My house mom's name is Matilde and she and her daughter live in the apartment with a brazilian model named Sara. Matilde has 6 daughters and Paz is the youngest (19). So there are plenty of extra rooms here for her to have students live with her. There is actually another American student who is in the same program with me. It's nice to have someone else here to talk to and hang out with!

OK, so breakdown of the most frequent questions:
The People: FABULOUS! All the women are skinny and gorgeous. I feel like a giant. And the men are very nice and good looking as well, most of them.

The Food: Lots of meat! Everyone eats steak and chicken here all the time! And there is a lot of bread! I really don't know how they stay so skinny with all the carbs and meat, but I like it a lot. My favorite are medialunas, which are like croissants with a sweet coating on them. Very good with coffee.

The Weather: It is really humid with very moderate temperatures. Yesterday and today were warm, but otherwise, it's very comfortable. There isn't a lot of sun and it rains almost everyday, but I'm happy not to be in below zero weather anymore!

Ok, well I have to go eat some dinner now, it's 10:00pm/the normal hour for dinner.
I will write more soon and load some pictures of my apartment and Buenos Aires!

Ciao!!