Just Wondering- Iguazu Falls

Well I can finally say that my first excursion was more than a success! It was refreshing to get out of the city and casually visit one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World.

While it was an 18 hour bus ride to actually get there, time passed quickly, and I was somehow able to sleep through most of the night! I came prepared with my blow-up neck pillow and eye mask, and considering how far the seats reclined, there wasn't really a reason I shouldn't sleep well! Although a blanket would have been nice. The next morning, we stopped at the ruins of San Ignacio Miní. In case you were wondering, "San Ignacio Miní was one of the many missions founded in 1632 by the Jesuits in what the Spanish called the Province of Paraguay in the Americas during the Spanish colonial period" (Wikipedia). They were pretty cool.

After some enjoying some empanadas for breakfast at about noon, we continued our journey to Iguazu. That night we just hung out at the hostel, playing some cards, enjoying a delicious buffet, and having pillow talk- something we have all missed about having roommates!

mis amigas

The next morning we were up and at it early to head to the falls! When we got there, we got a tour of the jungle on our way to the river for the boat ride! It was awesome!! There were some crazy rapids, awesome views of the falls, and we got SOAKED. Even though I was stuck wearing wet tennis shoes the rest of the day, it was so worth it!

pre-getting drenched

 The weather was typical tropical weather... one minute it's raining, the next the sun is out! That definitely made for some sweet rainbows.

We spent the day at the national park, walking around the falls, and ended at the infamous Garganta del Diablo ("Devil's Throat"). The amount of water is UNBELIEVABLE.

obligatory selfie with the falls

The next day while everyone who had their Brasilian visa's went to check out the falls from the other side, the rest of us were stuck at the hostel. We decided to venture out into the pouring rain to check out the town of Iguazu and enjoy some yummy burgers before our long journey back to the city. Unfortunately that journey didn't actually start until 8pm, once everyone from Brazil was back and they cleaned the bus. That gave us a few extra hours to chill at the hostel, play cards, eat snacks, and be bored. Luckily, the bus was comfortable enough for sleeping the whole way home- much needed!

Seeing Iguazu Falls was an incredible first trip and only makes me more excited for my adventures to come. Next stop: Oktoberfest in Cordoba!

Waiting on the Day

Well, I lied about blogging every Sunday, so I know the anticipation is probably killing you, but it was definitely for the best considering the lack of functionality of my brain that day. And now I can tell you about the John Mayer concert!!

But before I get there, let's start with last week. Monday, if I can remember that far back, was just an average day, including working out, going to class, having dinner, going to bed. Sounds exciting, I know. Tuesday was a little bit more eventful. It was 90 degrees, but for some reason people still think it's okay to dress for the winter. No joke, I was the only person in shorts (getting too many weird looks), while the porteños were in scarves and turtlenecks. That night I met up with a fellow DePauw Tiger, who is doing an internship here for the semester! We both agreed this city life is a bit of an adjustment from Greencastle. Wednesday I was awaken by the grandkids coming over the day, because they had the day off from school for "day of the students." I think that holiday should be brought back to the states. I then had to spend too much time at immigrations getting my student visa. We then made an effort to get to class for the last hour. Our professor decided to let the class out an hour early, so made it for five minutes instead. I don't hate it. That night, my host mom had her whole fam over for dinner, which was definitely a change from our usual dinner of two. I had also forgotten how much energy kids have. The two 3 year olds were literally running around the house the whole day and had fun coming in my room and jumping on my bed. I finally got a picture of my sweet host mom and her adorable grandson, who now more willingly gives me "un beso."

Thursday, Alex and I met for lunch at this awesome place called Green Eats- trying to be somewhat healthy. We then started planning our trip to Mendoza at the end of October- I can't wait!! I mean wine country and a hot springs spa- what's not to love?! That night a bar was having a beer pong tournament and Alex and I were able to show Argentina our dominating skills. Friday, I finally bought a new camera! Definitely frustrating how much more they cost here, but it will be worth it. AboveI was also able to skype with Elizabeth, Amelia, and Ella!! Crazy that we are all in different continents and able to talk at the same time! Technology rocks. That night, as always, I was a little too tired from my movie class, so ended up just going to The Oldest.

Switching up our drink selection

Saturday's highlight was definitely all of the delicious food. I met Alex and some of her roommates for brunch and bottomless mimosas. We spent most of the day there, went home to nap, and then met up again for sushi. It was probably my first time having to wait for a table here since we actually went out to eat at Argentine time! We ended up staying at the restaurant until like 2am, and from there the only place I could think of going was my bed. Sunday, I left my house once. It was perfect study weather- freezing and raining. I just had trouble actually being productive. Of course, when I actually have work to do, I just can't do it.

Magdalena's Party

Delicious Sushi- worth splurging on

Monday, the rain continued. It would have been an awful day, considering my soaking wet boots and socks and my umbrella being blown the other direction a countless number of times, if it weren't for the John Mayer concert! After class, Alex and I had an delicious dinner of empanadas, locra (a stew, perfect for the cold weather), and some (a lot?!) wine. The concert was AMAZING! We got there just in time to hear Phillip Phillips close with Home, and then John Mayer go on. I have now been reliving the night, watching my videos of the concert.

life is good :)

locra

JOHN MAYER

After going to two classes yesterday, I'm done for the week! Due to UCA Olympics, we don't have class today! Again, I don't hate it. And tomorrow I am off to Iguazu Falls! I'm excited to get out of the city for the weekend and see one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World! My new camera will definitely come in handy for that.

Feeling Accomplished

Looking back on this week, I am definitely feeling accomplished. I was able to do a lot of exploring and check more off from my "to do in Buenos Aires"bucket list. On Monday, I went to my radio class and had to record my autobiography on air, in front of my class of native speakers. A little bit intimidating, but was able to make some cool connections with people in my class! One of the students has a sister who goes to the U... random! I also have decided I like running again. Thanks to acupuncture this summer, my shin splints are finally gone... hopefully for good! No better way to start the week than a long run in the park, regardless of how many weird looks I get.

For my photo class our assignment is to make an autobiography through pictures aka selfies. My friend and I decided we might as well do it right so we met at the botanical gardens and had a little photo shoot. Good times. I'm sorry, but I will not be posting any of those pictures on this blog, I know you're disappointed. On Wednesday night I took advantage of the "free" activities offered by my program and went to see the play 33 Variaciones that starred "the best actress in the world" (according to our program director) Marilú Marini. I actually really enjoyed it, and understood it- always a plus! I then was fed some of my mom's birthday cake via Skype. Wish I could have been there to actually celebrate, but it was close enough! Thursday was my loner day because Alex ditched me for Iguazu Falls and my other friends have class. I enjoyed a nice long lunch and coffee at one of my favorite spots, Panera Rosa, and got some reading done for class! Friday I went to my cine class which really tires me out, so we ended up having a wine night at The Oldest. I was happy with the decision, especially when I heard it start down pouring as soon as I got into bed!

lunch for one

Because I went to sleep at a more reasonable hour on Friday, Saturday was a very productive day. While the rain made it tempting to stay in bed, we decided it also made for a good museum day. Sarah, Anna, and I checked out Museo Evita about Eva Perón. We then went to this super cool and swanky shopping mall where I will definitely be doing some damage in the near future (sorry dad!). Saturday night we finally figured out how to go out the right way! We went to dinner at this yummy restaurant at 9:30, which made for less awkward time before going out. We then went to McDonalds for a little in between time, and then to a boliche. It's crazy how much better my dance moves get when I recognize the songs (aka american music). Especially when it is Katy Perry's Firework- that seems to be a pretty popular one here.

Río de la Plata

Today was beautiful out- 75 and sunny! We spent it at the Ecological Reserve, and while we hoped to rent bikes and check it out that way, it wasn't an option today, so we walked to the river and enjoyed some snacks seaside and soaked up the sun! A great way to end the weekend. I'm just getting a little bit nervous about the 90 degree weather headed our way. I don't know how I'll feel about city living in the heat/don't know what I'll wear! I've also surprised myself by how much I love taking the subway, but my feelings might change with the increase in temp.

Until next week. (Blogging has now become a Sunday tradition).

Living that Porteña Life

I think the "honeymoon phase" is officially over. I'm starting to feel like I actually live here and no longer just on vacation. I can't believe it has been 6 weeks! Also, I can't believe Liza is moving into college right now. Where does time go?! ps. HB LYLAS.

Although I am feeling more like a porteña (Buenosairean) everyday, I'm still constantly being stared at- especially when I go running. No matter how accustomed I become to this culture, I don't think I will ever fit in. I can now say that my biggest achievement of the porteño lifestyle so far would be staying out until the sunrise last night (this morning?!). I went out with Alex and some of her friends and we can officially check off breakfast before bed. Although a McDonalds happy meal might not exactly count as breakfast. We started the night in my hood, and enjoyed an awesome dinner at my favorite spot, The Oldest. We then went to her friends apartment for the previa (pre-party) where we played categories, spanish-style, and then to a boliche where there was some great live music, as well as Diego Maradona- no big deal. Definitely worth staying up for.

Diego Maradona

Just had to document the sunrise

The weather has finally warmed up since spring is right around the corner. It makes being outside much more enjoyable, but also makes me wonder how bearable the summer will be. On Monday, I finally made it to and from my radio class at the University of Buenos Aires without any pit stops to the suburbs. On Tuesdays I've gotten into a lovely routine of going to my spanish class and then getting lunch at this awesome place with all-natural foods to-go, eating it in a nearby park, and then finding a nice cafe to get some of my reading done. Wednesdays, I go to my favorite class, Registrando Buenos Aires, which consists of everyone sharing photos they have taken here and we vote on our favorites. It will be hard to adjust to DePauw classes after this! On Thursday, Alex, Traea, and I explored some parks that are in Palermo and got a little sunburned enjoying lunch at an outdoor cafe. I think I also discovered  my favorite ice cream flavor here so far. It is called American Cookies, naturally, and is crema americana (similar to vanilla) with dulce de leche and chocolate cookie bites. YUM. After a fun Thursday night out, Friday just wasn't my day. I was directed somewhere that didn't exist and had to then run to the other side of town to pick up more pesos for the weekend, which made me a tad bit late for class. When I finally got to my film class, we watched an extremely violent movie that was super long. I didn't really want to push my luck and decided to stay in and watch the US Open Del Potro (an Argentine)-Hewitt match with my host mom instead.

Teatro Colón

Teatro Colón

I'm pretty much falling asleep writing this, so sorry if it doesn't make any sense. I also just got back from the ballet of Don Quijote at the breathtaking Teatro Colón. We were cheap and bought standing tickets, which made it kind of uncomfortable, but still a beautiful production and I was so glad I was able to finally see the theater. I know I am going to sleep well tonight!