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!