Footsteps in Argentina

I had a blast in Argentina meeting new people, experiencing new things, and learning about a different culture.  First, my classmates and I went to Conte Hotel and checked in. Afterwards, my friends and I encountered a problem with the check with the front desk where they charged us as a group. However, a little while later we were able to figure things out. Then, we visited La Boca which were very distinctive houses that were painted in vivid blue, yellow, and red colors. I was able to purchase a magnet and two Messi soccer jerseys. The history’s buildings structure was very captivating and interesting and a great way to end the night.

The next day, my classmates and I rode a boat on Tigre and the Delta del Prana which was a huge river. It was a very smooth and relaxing ride with great eye opening sites. A little while later, we all went into a restaurant and had lunch. We tried many different types of asado, which is Argentina barbecue. We were given a large amount of meat and desserts. Constantly, they kept bringing me more and more food. We also tried empanadas; however, the food in Argentina was bland.  One difference between Argentina and the United States is the dinners are much smaller than ours and they typically don’t include vegetables, but they’re a lot more filling.  In addition, they usually don’t eat dinner until 10:30.  Later that night we went to Senor Tango for dinner and then watched a show. The dinner was very good and the show lasted until midnight.

     The weather had been very cold and frigid because it was fall in Argentina but late spring in North Carolina.  Believe it or not, snow was predicted during my visit.  My hands and feet froze from the bitter cold and my eyes would water from the piercing cold.

     The first day of school with my exchange student and her sister was on my sixth day in Argentina.  Once we arrived to school, we were reacquainted with our classmates and friends.  It was fun getting to know the students and waving to them as they watched and stared at us in amazement from the window.  The younger kids treated us like rock stars by watching us in the halls as we walked by and saying hello back to them.  Consequently, they appeared star struck and amazed. In addition, as we talked to the younger kids they swarmed and surrounded us by listening to every word we said.  All of the younger kids knew English and Spanish because they started at the age of four at the school. They speak in both languages at the school because it was a bilingual school.

Then, we learned a popular Argentinian song called “Nosa, Nosa.” The dance to the song was quite interesting and hilarious as all the teachers laughed and recorded it on their cameras. We all laughed, danced, and enjoyed ourselves until school got out at 5. It was an amazing fantastic experience and I will never forget the Spring of 2012.

On the last day in Argentina, we all said our last goodbyes to the Argentinean students, our new friends we made during the two weeks of the trip and took a group picture.  There were tears shed and hugs exchanged as we all couldn’t wait to meet again next spring when they come to Cary Academy to experience the American life.  On the last day, I was undecided if I was ready to go back to America because I was ready to see my family again; but I was having so much fun.  I couldn’t believe all the fun I had within a short period of time and many of us wanted to stay in Argentina longer. 

Consequently, this trip has taught me a lot like responsibility, independence, Spanish, and Argentinean culture.  I really enjoyed my trip to Argentina and hope to return soon with my family, so they can experience the culture I experienced.  This trip was definitely beneficial allowing me to spend time with friends and classmates; therefore, we gained a stronger bond.  In addition, I learned more Spanish at the school and stores.  The most important thing I learned was even though the United States and Argentina are far away there were many similarities that pulled us closer together.  “…travel is more than the seeing of sights; it is a change that goes on, deep and permanent, in the ideas of living.” (Miriam Beard)  This was a trip of a lifetime filled with memories I will NEVER forget.