Ok, so traveling around the city in itself is an experience. The subway trains have their windows open for air to pass through and it is very easy to get motion sickness in the buses above ground. They never come to a complete stop when you have to get on and you are still hanging off the front if there are a lot of people getting on when they start up again! Luckily if you are traveling to Buenos Aires you can buy the Guia T that tells you how to get to anywhere inthe city you want to go by train or bus with every street and number elaborated. It is like my bible here!
Last night I took the subte A from El Plaza de Mayo and I sware it was as if I stepped backinto the 1920s. The train conductor whisteld for everyone to board. Everything was made of wood, the benchs, the doors, the exterior of the windows that rattles as it went along and there were even mirrors throughout. The pols had a certain details that were so beatiful especially the part that connected them to the ceiling. I tried to take pictures but it was hard to do without anyone noticing. It was seriously like a train you would find going around disneyland, a repulica of the old ones but still in use. It was so beautiful and amazing that it is still being used? Why did we get rid of the old and replace it with "new and modern" but in no way replicates the beaty of the craft from before? That I will never understand... My ride in the subte last night was quite memorable and to that placeslike that still exist, unbelievable.
On my way back by bus, it finally happened... it was only a matter of time in a country without stop signs and very little traffic lights that an accident would occur. We were going along in the bus and there came the taxi from the side street slowing down but not stopping totally and rammed right into our bus. Luckily no one was hurt nor was the taxi driver and a policeman happened to be at the corner. They exchanged info, nothing really happened to the bus or us as it is huge and within 10 minutes we were on our way...as if nothing had happened. Interesting. That was around 1 in themorning...when I got off thebus everything was bustling as usual at that hour of the night on a saturday, people eating and moving about the city- who sleeps on a saturday ngiht? The dance clubs were just getting started and the portenos were out and about!
Sunday, June 27, 2010
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
Elisa - Dia del Padre 20-6-10
This last weekend I went to Santa Fe to spend time and see friends since the weekend before I had little time to see everyone! I arrived Thursday night after the six hour bus ride and Marina was waiting for me in the terminal. I thought Friday I would get some work done but she didn´t have class so we walked to the facultad, we had to cross the bridge ove the Parana River but it is such a cool walk and that is the university where I studied before so it brought back good memories! In the afternoon I went and drank some mates with la Caro and Walter (my oldest host sister) and saw Valeria (my youngest host sister)...it was so nicw to see them after 2 years and of course lots to talk about. When I got back home all the chicas were coming over for dinner...Gilda, Yanina, Marcela, Marina y yo! We have all been friends for so long it was so nice to get together, we ordered some empanadas and pizzas and talked the night away! Sometimes it is hard to believe that you are back in certain moments that have brought you so much happiness! Marina got to show off her new house too so it was very fun!
Saturday at one we took the bus to Elisa, another 2 hour ride but the buses were full for the long weekend and Marina and I didn´t get to sit next to each other but lucky me got to sit next to a law student so we chatted all the way back! When we fgot to Elisa Marina{s mom was waiting for us with tons of food- ah soooo good! Seriously, there aren{t words to describe how amazing a cook she is. She even made me a cake without milk, butter or creme, yum! Seriously, with oranges and sugar frosting :)! I went to see my host mom and hung out there for awhile with la Vale then we drove around in a few vueltas. Seriously, it is amazing how your perspective changes in different environments! Driving around the town (which consists of 6 blocks and 3 cross streets) and just checking things out and talking is really tons of fun. After dinner I had to take a nap because they were having Play Disco, the new dance club in Elisa who I know people that organize it...it is on Facebook, very advanced :) BTW I think facebook is more popular down here than the US. But since it was going to start at 1 a.m. and I am old I had to take a nap especially in winter because it is cold (well really not that cold but yes cold!)- especially when you have your hot water bottle in bed and it is so warm and cozy! Marina and I still share the room we shared before and we set the alarm awoke, got dressed and headed to the YPF. About a year ago they added a resto bar there so we went for a pre drink before the boliche. By the time we got to the boliche it was like 3 a.m. I saw my law student friend from the other town that came...lots of people from surrounding towns come to dance and hang out and it was La Fiesta de Frizze. Lala was working the entrance and I went and helped her out for awhile since people were coming in big groups. Marina ended up working bar because they were short handed. It was so packed it was hard to dance but lots of people were there, home for the long weekend and it was so so so good to see everyone! We got to bed at 7 a.m. When we woke up Marina{s mom brought up breakfast in our beds maltas and cake and there are really no words to describe how amazing it feels to not have to worry about anything for a little bit of time!
Marina{s sister arrived int he afternoon and we went to wait for her. The funny thing it that no one wants to sleep in la abuela´s room because we all believe there are spirits in there! So Marina´s mom brought the matress into the bedroom on the floor and all three of us slept there! Just like old times! I was muerta Sunday from staying up all night Saturday!
Sunday night my host family invited me for dinner and it was Mama, Vale, her boyfriend Bayo, Nati and her boyfriend Pablo (they came from San Cristobal to see me a small town closeby). We had tarta and empanadas and it was so nice to hang out. After we met up with people at the YPF and stayed a bit but I was still so tired I only lasted till 2a.m. Monday we returned to Santa Fe and Monday night I took the bus to Buenos Aires that leaves at midnight and got here Tuesday at 6a.m. I then had class all day. A fun weekend nontheless.
You know how there are certain parts of your childhood that you will always remember with fondess and gives you that nastalgia? Well my childhood memories are torn between Philadephia and Elisa. Walking those streets brings back so memory memories of hanging out till all hours, playing guitar and singing in la plaza, the cold of winter and sitting in front of the electric heater- the nights filled with music and dancing and the afternoons with siestas and mates and cookies and cake. I´m a part of that town just as much as anyone else that grew up there. I don´t know why they took to me so much and me to them but it happened and they are a part of me as I am a part of them. Even they say it, I´m just part of Elisa. there was another American girl who did an excange program about 6 months after me, was int he same grade as my friends and even has been back to visit, but even my friends and the people in the town comment that our relationship is so different. I guess there are those places in world where you are meant to end up, and they will always be a part of you for one reason or another. I was lucky enough to have that happen to me...
Saturday at one we took the bus to Elisa, another 2 hour ride but the buses were full for the long weekend and Marina and I didn´t get to sit next to each other but lucky me got to sit next to a law student so we chatted all the way back! When we fgot to Elisa Marina{s mom was waiting for us with tons of food- ah soooo good! Seriously, there aren{t words to describe how amazing a cook she is. She even made me a cake without milk, butter or creme, yum! Seriously, with oranges and sugar frosting :)! I went to see my host mom and hung out there for awhile with la Vale then we drove around in a few vueltas. Seriously, it is amazing how your perspective changes in different environments! Driving around the town (which consists of 6 blocks and 3 cross streets) and just checking things out and talking is really tons of fun. After dinner I had to take a nap because they were having Play Disco, the new dance club in Elisa who I know people that organize it...it is on Facebook, very advanced :) BTW I think facebook is more popular down here than the US. But since it was going to start at 1 a.m. and I am old I had to take a nap especially in winter because it is cold (well really not that cold but yes cold!)- especially when you have your hot water bottle in bed and it is so warm and cozy! Marina and I still share the room we shared before and we set the alarm awoke, got dressed and headed to the YPF. About a year ago they added a resto bar there so we went for a pre drink before the boliche. By the time we got to the boliche it was like 3 a.m. I saw my law student friend from the other town that came...lots of people from surrounding towns come to dance and hang out and it was La Fiesta de Frizze. Lala was working the entrance and I went and helped her out for awhile since people were coming in big groups. Marina ended up working bar because they were short handed. It was so packed it was hard to dance but lots of people were there, home for the long weekend and it was so so so good to see everyone! We got to bed at 7 a.m. When we woke up Marina{s mom brought up breakfast in our beds maltas and cake and there are really no words to describe how amazing it feels to not have to worry about anything for a little bit of time!
Marina{s sister arrived int he afternoon and we went to wait for her. The funny thing it that no one wants to sleep in la abuela´s room because we all believe there are spirits in there! So Marina´s mom brought the matress into the bedroom on the floor and all three of us slept there! Just like old times! I was muerta Sunday from staying up all night Saturday!
Sunday night my host family invited me for dinner and it was Mama, Vale, her boyfriend Bayo, Nati and her boyfriend Pablo (they came from San Cristobal to see me a small town closeby). We had tarta and empanadas and it was so nice to hang out. After we met up with people at the YPF and stayed a bit but I was still so tired I only lasted till 2a.m. Monday we returned to Santa Fe and Monday night I took the bus to Buenos Aires that leaves at midnight and got here Tuesday at 6a.m. I then had class all day. A fun weekend nontheless.
You know how there are certain parts of your childhood that you will always remember with fondess and gives you that nastalgia? Well my childhood memories are torn between Philadephia and Elisa. Walking those streets brings back so memory memories of hanging out till all hours, playing guitar and singing in la plaza, the cold of winter and sitting in front of the electric heater- the nights filled with music and dancing and the afternoons with siestas and mates and cookies and cake. I´m a part of that town just as much as anyone else that grew up there. I don´t know why they took to me so much and me to them but it happened and they are a part of me as I am a part of them. Even they say it, I´m just part of Elisa. there was another American girl who did an excange program about 6 months after me, was int he same grade as my friends and even has been back to visit, but even my friends and the people in the town comment that our relationship is so different. I guess there are those places in world where you are meant to end up, and they will always be a part of you for one reason or another. I was lucky enough to have that happen to me...
Sunday, June 13, 2010
El comienzo del Mundial 2010
Being back in Argentina is unbelievable, but even more so that now it is FIFA 2010 and the Argentines´ hopes are higher than ever. With Diego Maradona as the coach, Messi playing with Maradona´s number and other great players return such as Tevez, it makes for an explosive combination. The other event that makes these Mundial even more memorial is that Argentina just celebrated its bicentenial, 200 years in existence as a country- May 25 1810-2010. Argentinean patriotism is everywhere!
For two weeks prior to the opening ceremonies, constant coverage was shown in the sports networks. The training times, the speculations about the line-up, if Messi would actually play to his potential for his patria, etc. Mundial mania hit the newsstands in special editions with magazines, posters, DVDs, CDs, etc. Argentine flags everywhere, vendors in the streets with everything even doggie Argentina coats!
Friday, the opening ceremonies finally arrived. News was reported of big screens that would be being installed in three plazas throughout Buenos Aires and people anxiously made plans for where they would watch the game. The game was set for 11:00am Saturday morning Argentina time against Nigeria. As of Friday night, Maradona still had not released the line-up and announced he would only just before the game.
Saturday morning was filled with a combination of nervousness and anxiousness in the air. The bakeries were full with people buying facturas (pastries) and other tasty treats to eat during the game. Everyone moved about the streets with food, beverages and a destination. I myself was going with Marina and Veronica to Sole´s house where Marina has tradition of always watching the game. Upon arriving, her two sons opened the building´s doors with while and celeste painted faces wearing hats and blowing horns. Lola, who just turned one, had her little jersey on. There was food and mate and we were all anxious for the game to start. The lineup was announced and everyone cheered to learn who was playing. They showed the players faces before coming out and we all raved about the cute ones on the team! Maradona had on a suit that everyone raved about how professional he looked!
Oddly enough, at that point everything stopped. Not one car in the street or bus or person (well 1 that I will explain in a minute). The world was still with all eyes focused on the game. After some intense play and Argentina´s first goal there was some relief. At half time we went out on the balcony to wave the flag and for fresh air. Other people also stepped out to see what was going on, but there was nothing. Imagine, an entire country stopping for one game!
Ok, so the exception to this (which I had never seen before) was this old man painting the corner store. As we were cheering for Argentina on the balcony he started yelling at us for celebrating! How dare we watch the game and cheer on a country that is in a drastic economic state. We are supporting the politicians and we have jobs and there are more serious problems at stake. In disbelief my friends started yelling back and then the neighbors joined in that were outside! Despite everything, it was the mundial! Fútbol is what unites the country en frente the other countries. Hard times yes, but everyone escapes them for a game that is more powerful that politics or economics. It is the symbol of life, of hope, of unity. It is the sign of hard work and patriotism. Everyone was shocked at this man´s reaction.
Turning back to the game, the almost goals on both sides were torturous. Learning there were 4 additional minutes at the end- worse! However, Argentina held strong and proved victorious! Throughout the game, Maradona had the rosary in his hand the entire time. Want to know what girls talk about the game? How cute the players are, if they are single or married or have kids, you know all the important stuff :) ! With the game over a sense of relief swept throughout the country that could be felt by everyone. Horns, flags and the satisfaction that the first game was won put everyone at ease. Suddenly cars started to appear on the streets, the buses were running again and people were walking. Until Thursday at 8:30 a.m., the time of the next game...
For two weeks prior to the opening ceremonies, constant coverage was shown in the sports networks. The training times, the speculations about the line-up, if Messi would actually play to his potential for his patria, etc. Mundial mania hit the newsstands in special editions with magazines, posters, DVDs, CDs, etc. Argentine flags everywhere, vendors in the streets with everything even doggie Argentina coats!
Friday, the opening ceremonies finally arrived. News was reported of big screens that would be being installed in three plazas throughout Buenos Aires and people anxiously made plans for where they would watch the game. The game was set for 11:00am Saturday morning Argentina time against Nigeria. As of Friday night, Maradona still had not released the line-up and announced he would only just before the game.
Saturday morning was filled with a combination of nervousness and anxiousness in the air. The bakeries were full with people buying facturas (pastries) and other tasty treats to eat during the game. Everyone moved about the streets with food, beverages and a destination. I myself was going with Marina and Veronica to Sole´s house where Marina has tradition of always watching the game. Upon arriving, her two sons opened the building´s doors with while and celeste painted faces wearing hats and blowing horns. Lola, who just turned one, had her little jersey on. There was food and mate and we were all anxious for the game to start. The lineup was announced and everyone cheered to learn who was playing. They showed the players faces before coming out and we all raved about the cute ones on the team! Maradona had on a suit that everyone raved about how professional he looked!
Oddly enough, at that point everything stopped. Not one car in the street or bus or person (well 1 that I will explain in a minute). The world was still with all eyes focused on the game. After some intense play and Argentina´s first goal there was some relief. At half time we went out on the balcony to wave the flag and for fresh air. Other people also stepped out to see what was going on, but there was nothing. Imagine, an entire country stopping for one game!
Ok, so the exception to this (which I had never seen before) was this old man painting the corner store. As we were cheering for Argentina on the balcony he started yelling at us for celebrating! How dare we watch the game and cheer on a country that is in a drastic economic state. We are supporting the politicians and we have jobs and there are more serious problems at stake. In disbelief my friends started yelling back and then the neighbors joined in that were outside! Despite everything, it was the mundial! Fútbol is what unites the country en frente the other countries. Hard times yes, but everyone escapes them for a game that is more powerful that politics or economics. It is the symbol of life, of hope, of unity. It is the sign of hard work and patriotism. Everyone was shocked at this man´s reaction.
Turning back to the game, the almost goals on both sides were torturous. Learning there were 4 additional minutes at the end- worse! However, Argentina held strong and proved victorious! Throughout the game, Maradona had the rosary in his hand the entire time. Want to know what girls talk about the game? How cute the players are, if they are single or married or have kids, you know all the important stuff :) ! With the game over a sense of relief swept throughout the country that could be felt by everyone. Horns, flags and the satisfaction that the first game was won put everyone at ease. Suddenly cars started to appear on the streets, the buses were running again and people were walking. Until Thursday at 8:30 a.m., the time of the next game...
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