Obama and politics/being a (north) American abroad

3.76!! Wowza, just keeps going. Things get cheaper and cheaper all the time.

I just watched Obama's live press conference with my host mom and her sister. It is interesting to see the US relationship with other countries. It seems like everyone likes Obama here. My host mom is so impressed with his confidence, honestly, manner of speaking (and so am I). My host mom always says that the US is going ot pave the way, and the less powerful or developed countries are going to follow in its footsteps. I felt really proud to have him as the president of the US when he ended his speech on a global note. He said that we would get out of this crisis, and so would the world. The fact that he concluded on a global note shows that he has a global perspective. Everything is so tied together these days and to have a president that can't see past texas for example would be an embarrasment. I can sit next to other citizens of the world and listen to him and nod my head. That's a cool feeling.

I have been interested to see while I'm abroad (in Madrid and here) how much people know about the US. It feels strange sometimes that they would know so much about US singers, presidents, culture, tv shows, politics etc while I know so much less about them. At times they know more about the US than I do even. My friends in Madrid watched way more US tv shows that I did, my host mom here knows way more US singers and celebrities than I do. My host mom here watches way more CNN than I do as well. It sort of puts in perspective the fact that right now, US actions are very important. I'm talking now about politics, so I don't know how tv shows and culture fits into all of this, but the politics of the US are of interest to citizens of many countries around the world it seems. I'm not sure what else I think about this. I feel bad sometimes that I don't know even the basic history of Argentina (although I'm learning) while they know such details about the US. But I think that's the situation that many Americans will experience outside of the states. Because to know about another country, that isn't one of the super powers lets say, is to be quite specialized. In contrast, for a non-US citizen to know about the US seems more common and the information is more general knowledge. The news about the US is so readily available in newspapers and tv here. Anyone who reads the newspaper here will probably know the major events of the US. It's an interesting unbalanced phenomenon. If I were from some other country, like Italy or something I would look at it more objectivaly and say of course its that way. But its not as easy to settle into since I'm a US citizen. I'm trying to figure out whats fact and not get caught in some cocky perspective about the US being so important. So just how important is it? I guess that's what I need to figure out. So that I can have more facts and be able to see the difference between patriotism and objectivity. I'll probably touch more on this later. I don't know if I wrote this very well, but that's because I haven't developed these ideas very much. Anyways, it's a start.

I went to the tiny town of San Isidro today. I went with my two friends Jesus and Caroline. It was nice to get out of the hubub of Buenos Aires and check otu a small town. We hung out by the coast of the river, watching the kite surfers, and then had a picnic. We also checked out the cathedral that was relatively new and nice looking. It was a nice day trip to a cobblestone street town.

Buenas Noches a todos.

Luego,
Kati

Polo/Host Family Drama/Religion

Hola a todos,

Today was a good day. I woke up, ate my breakfast of champions- yogurt, granola, cheerios- and then got some homework done. Next I went out to the terraza on the top floor of my building to check out the scene. My host mom encouraged me to go. She said I would be able to see the polo fields from up there. Check out the view:

Next I headed out to catch a polo game and then to check out the race track. I picked the winning horse, but then changed my mind right before the race (just betting between my friends and I, no money). Next we decided to go to the grocery store and get some fixings for a picnic in the park for dinner. We hung out in the park eating our salami cheese sandwiches and talking about stuff. It was a fun night and now I'm back in my room.

I also had an interesting conversation with my host mom today. For those who don't know, my host sister (I'll call her HS from now on) has been fighting with her boyfriend. Her boyfriend who lives in the south of argentina came to visit for a while. They have been going out for about 5 years now. A couple days into the visit, they got into a huge fight. I was trying really hard to unerstand what the arguement was about from my room. The whole family was involved in the living room. Ther was something about pictures on the internet and marijuana and some other stuff. I couldn't grasp the actual problem but they were upset. The parents would every so often offer up some wise advice with out getting upset as well. I really respect that about them, that they were there but not taking sides and getting involved.

I was talking to my host mom today about this and everytime we talk about it I find out a little more of the problem. I found out that my HS is having trouble accepting her boyfriend. Something that I've thought about recently is that is important to accept people for who they are, the good and the bad. Because thats life, a mix of good and bad. If you accept the good and yell and fight the bad, you are going to make yourself miserable it seems. I think it's better just to acknowledge that that's how life is and accept it and respect it. So everytime the boyfriend does something thats "wrong" according to her, she fights with him about it. The otehr day they were in the kitchen arguing about the death penalty. There are conversations that are interesting, but you don't have to yell at someone everytime you discuss them. Anways, it's interesting to see this behavior and analyze it. I think I used to act the same way in the past, but now that I've been thinking and stuff I've been trying to be more respectful of both the good and the bad. The other thing my host mom added to the conversation is that if there is something bad, the only thing you have complete control over is how you act or view the bad. You can't go around forcing other people to change in order to make things better for yourself. Thats apparently what my HS is trying to do.

Another interesting side note here is the affect of religion in all this conversation. My host mother is very catholic and I am not religious in the least. Interestingly enough my host mother and I have a lot of deep converstations and we agree about a lot of things. So I'm sort of watching out for what types of differences the religion will bring into things. The other day, one of these such differences came up. She mentioned how she accepts everything because in the end it is for the better. Meaning, things might seem bad but they always work out. She asked me if I had experienced that before, where I thought something was bad but it ended up being good. And I said I had, but I don't agree with her here. I don't think bad things happen and that they are actually good in the end becuase someone is watching out for us. Although sometimes a bad thing turns out good, there are plenty of bad things that can be just bad. So my host mom and I are acting the same way about a phenomen but I think for different reasons. I'm trying to accept what is-the good and the bad in people, situations, life- because I don't see any better way. Why fight all the time when yo ucan just relax and accept that there will be bad things that happen to you and imperfections in relationships and people. (This might sound lazy and I don' mean not fight for what you believe in, but just not expect everything to go your way or be the way you want it). My host mom is accepting all these things becuase she has "faith" and she believes that someone is watching from above planning this out and giving justice. I don't think this further jump has much evidence or seems likely, but anyways... She just lets god do what he will do and doesn't get in a tiff when its not what she expects or wants. Interesting stuff.

Anways, here's some pictures of the polo game:

What makes me feel at "Home"

The exchange rate is almost at 3.75, things are getting so cheap. These days I have to buy things such as a student visa, shampoo, school supplies; start up materials if you will. But once I get done buying those expensive things, I think I will have enough money to travel. For example, on a normal day near the IES center I'll go to this panaderia to buy a "tarta" which is a quiche. Its a large slice with chicken, cheese, spinach and egg. It costs me 7.50 pesos which is equivalent to about $2.00. So I can eat lunch for a little more than $2! And its really good! I also eat a lot of empanadas, mmmmm.

By the way, something terrible happened: I found the argentinian food network. This could be the end of me. Its 24 hours, "el gourmet" (they pronounce the t for some reason). I'll have to excercise a lot of self restraint. Atleast I'm learning cooking terms though!

I was going to just mention some thoughts I've had about living abroad. I think this time, when I return to Lafayette, I will be able to see more good things about being there. I guess I'm just sorting out in my head the pro's and con's of living in different places. One thing I have noticed recently is the value of independence. That is something I never quite have when I'm abroad (well I've always been dependent financially for example but in terms of space I guess). Living in someone elses house is a great learning experience but interms of settling in somwhere, it is an impediment. It contrasts a lot with the experience I have living in a dorm with my own room. When I have a key to my door, it's easier for me to feel comfortable and at home. If I just had a bathroom and a kitchen I would be even more content with the personal space. So that's one fact that limits me from completely settling here.

Another factor is the language. I wanted to come here and be in the uncomfortable situation of always speaking my non-native tongue when I leave my room. So, I don't mean to complain here. I just am noting how much of a toll it takes on someone. It's just one other way that settling down is difficult here. Everytime I chat with the doorman, or someone on the street, or in a store, there might arise some sort of confusion or dificulty. That is a completely different experience from the US where all those interactions are relatively smooth.

The other factor is an established network. That is something I am building right now. In the US I can call certain people from anywhere in the country if I'm in a jam. Whether I'm at home or at school there are always people around that can answer questions if I have them, lend me money, give me a ride etc. That is because I have spent so much time building a network of support. Both with people and through my cell phone, computer, organizations... Here, I am establishing those things from the beginning. I have a cell phone, a computer, a "family," and a few good friends. But I can still feel that my network is pretty week and that makes this experience different. That makes it harder to settle down here. I know that this network is going to grow and grow while I'm here and probably be fairly good by the time I have to leave. I guess that's how studying abroad is, after about a semester, you are feelin pretty good, and then you go.

So en conjunto, I feel like I could live here or anywhere else comfortable if the climate is decent, the language is English or I'm willing to tackle the Spanish, and I give myself time to establish a support network. I'm not going to achieve that this time around, but its good to think about what would make me comfortable living in a certain place.

Here are some pictures, just to keep things interesting. These I took at the botanical gardens today and at a Polo game. Just another day in Buenos Aires... gotta love being abroad.

Demonstration about Insecurity in BA

The exchange rate is as high as its ever been over the last few weeks, 3.745, woop woop.

Here are some pictures from the demonstration Jesus (my friend, not the dude himself) and I went to. We heard there was a demonstration about insecurity in the city so we went to check it out. The plaza was completely filled. There were even poeple standing on top of the buses nearby just so that they could see. There was a lot of excitement in the air. People were selling flags and food everywhere. We waited for about 15 minutes until they started the speech.
Right in the middle of Plaza de Mayo, in front of the Casa Rosada, we heard 3 different people speak about the problem. The speeches basically talked about not using violence or hate to counter the murders that have occured to young people who were robbed. (not my neighborhood, the bad neighborhoods). The called for everyone regardless of religion or political views to come together behind this cause. They said the solution needed to come from government, a change in system. They also called for the young people to get involved and vote in the upcming election in order to create change in the policing system. When the speaker spoke out against Kischner, the presidente, everyone roared with applause. I guess she is pretty unanimously disliked... It was exciting to see this huge plaza of people cheering and clapping together in agreement of the need for change. It was very moving to see such passion among the people there. Jesus and I listened and cheered just like the natives around us. The only part we didn't participate in was singing the national anthem in the beginning, cause we didn't know the words. What an event.
Luego,
-Kati

Trip to the Farm - Asado!

The other day I went to an estancia, which is basically a farm outside of the city. It is such a cool culture out there. Instead of renting out a fancy hotel for a business party or family reunion, the people here head out to these resort-ish farms. The scenary is beautiful out there. When we got off the bus, we all loaded onto these wagons to get to the main part of the farm. We passed pastures of sheep, horses and cows and then we were greeted by some people holding baskets of empanadas. (soooooooooooooo good). Then we cruised around the area to check out what was there. There was a table of mate and thermoses so we tried some out. You fill the cup with the mate leaves, and then pour in the hot water from the thermos. After you drink it you refill it and pass it to something else. It's important that you share it, people usually only have one cup among a group.

After snacking on some olives and cheese we were welcomed into a room FULL of BEAUTIFUL food. It was honestly a dream come true. Everything was beautifully displayed and the options were endless. I think I saw tongue somewhere, which I didn't try... But there was fruit, salad, appetizers, and endless meat and desserts. We absolutely stuffed ourselves.

During the meal, my friends and sat with the asistentes del programa. So we got to speak in Spanish a lot and after the day at the farm they invited us to go out with them. We had a really fun night teaching each other new words in english and spanish at some bar in my neighborhood.

We also went bike riding on the farm and swimming. I got ot play soccer for about an hour which was a good time. First time in a while and my entire body was sore the next day. It's amazing how many different muscles playing soccer uses.

Last night I met up with some friend of one of the asistentes of the IES program. We had a great time hanging out at a bar. Now I'm going to check out this plaza called Plaza Mafalda. Its commemorating the comic book writer Quino who wrote the comics that my host sister shared with me. I'm learning a lot of argentian culture from these comics. For example, one comic had the mom telling little Mafalda not to answer the door unless is was her mother. Mafalda responded "but what if its happiness?" I deduced from that there this is some saying such as "happiness is at your door" or something. I asked my host sister about it and she told me that's exactly true. So I'm hoping to learn more cultural things like that from reading the comic book. And what better place to read it that in Plaza Mafalda!

Luego,
Kati

Less waste/My Spanish/Difficulties here

I just wanted to jot down a few ideas before I forget them.

It's really interesting to me how small of a footprint (waste-wise) my host family leaves compared to what I'm used to at home and school. My host mother in Madrid was the same way. For example, the trash cans. I don't even have a trash can in my room (I've started using a plastic bag because I often have to throw something away). There is one small trashcan in the bathroom, and one small trash can in the kitchen. They're both about1.5 feet tall. In the kitchen, we eat all the food except for bones (My host mom doesn't like to throw food away because she can see people starving on the streets). Other than food, there aren't many packages and things from food because people buy more fresh ingredients that aren't wrapped in boxes and bags etc. The milk comes in a bag so that doesn't take much space to dispose of. (Apparently milk came in a bag in lithiania too, back in the day). In the bathroom I throw away the hair that falls out in the shower and a tissue now and then, but that's it. Everything just seems more simplified. And it also doesn't seem like this family is constantly buying new things and having to throw out the packaging.

Also, the kitchen shows this minimalism. For example, there are 4 poeple living in this house and we have 4 glasses, 4 wine glasses, and 4 mugs. That's it. It makes sense, one per person. In these small apartments, it's not like my host mom is throwing dinner parties or anything. The kitchen is full of just the things they need and nothing more.

The other, completely different topic I was thinking about yesterday was what makes my spanish better or wise. "What" meaning, what conditions. Besides learning the language and such, in some situations I can speak faster and more accurately and in others I feel like I'm just running into a wall over and over again. Of course, whenever I'm tired, it gets much harder to get the words out and think quickly. I also notice that I sometimes speak better when I'm forced to. For example when I speak to younger people who talk faster. Sometimes I don't think so much, I just try to get the idea out at their pace and it works. Although sometimes they just speak to fast and I have to say "what" after everything they say. Of course then there are accents. When people have accents that I'm not used to it is very difficult to have a conversation with them. Some people say that when they drink, they speak better because they're more relaxed. I found that after I drink I had more trouble speaking. Maybe I was tired that night though, it's hard to separate all the variables. Sometimes I also have trouble forming sentences after I've been speaking spanish for a long time. Since it is exhausting for me to speak, after a day of struggle my spanish usually worsens. I guess that's related to being mentally exhausted (agotada=exhausted).

One third random thing: The other day my host sister gave me a comic book that she read as a young girl. It's called Mafalda, by Quino, a famous argentinian comic book author. Apparently there is Plaza Mafalda nearby with statues of the characters. My host sister told me I could ask her any questions I had about the book and its content. She said it showed a lot about argentian culture. I thought that was sweet that she was reaching out to me. I learned a lot of new words from just the biografy of the author in the beginning.

Ok one last update. To follow up on the honeymoon period ending etc: This is still a strange time because I still dont' have a fixed schedule and I'm trying to figure out how best to spend my time. But it's still nice becuase I just feel like I'm on vacation. Something that really helps to make me feel comfortable is that my host parents completely respect my space here in this room. They never ever come in here or even knock on the door to say something. They really try to make it like my apartment or something. Having that personal space and privacy makes me feel a lot more comfortable. It's a place where I can relax or hide if I'm feel exhausted and feel comfortable that I won't have to jump up and intereact with other people. I feel like that is one of the difficult things about studying abroad. You aren't in your comfort zone at all and sometimes you don't have a space that is really yours. Some host mothers will come in whenever, clean your room and move your stuff around or what not. With out this personal space, one can feel like they always are exerting themselves or have to be presentable. It's already stressful enough that you always have to be thinking al ot when you speak in the foreign language to all the people. Anyways, I just wanted to note here the value of this personal space, I think it has helped me through the post honeymoon stage. But nothing was very difficult about this post honeymoon stage in general. I feel like things get better every day as I meet new people, spend time with friends I've made and see new places.

Yesterday night I took my argentinian friend Carito to get some icecream. Apparently there is an icecream place right next door and we went so that I could try argentian helado for the first time. AYY QUE RICO! I had dulce de leche flavor, it was so rich and creamy of that delicious caramel flavor. Then I had una bola de tirimisu, which ahd pieces of amaretti cookies soaked in coffee and a creamy mascarpone icecream. It was some of the most delicious icecream I've ever had. Plus I got to talk to Carito about places to travel. I think I'll go with Tomas to Cataratas, the big waterfalls, and she said we can stop by her uncle's yerba mate farm if we want. How argentinian!
Today I'm going to an estancia, which is a little farm in the provinces. We are going ot eat asado (steak), mayne ride horses, swim, play music, and hang out with the gauchos! I'll try to take lots of pictures.

Luego,
Kati

Talking with my Host Mom and the Park

Today I woke up as usual, got ready for orientation class, and went to eat my breakfast. These days I usually eat breakfast with my senora. We always end up having very deep conversation over breakfast. Today we talked about independence and relationships. Her father made this sculpture out of wood of two branches coming together in a swirl. It's called "Pareja" because couples have to be two independent individuals coming together in their commonalities. I agreed with her on this subject. Sometimes people get into relationships and define themselves by there partner, and that never seems to work out. Plus it can put someone in a situation where they have to act against the way they are (personality, values) and that is never pleasant. The interesting thing about having these conversations at breakfast is that I usually need to go fairly quickly to class but it is hard for my to smoothly end the conversation when they are so meaningful and deep. Anyways, don't worry mom, I always arrive on time in the end!

Today in class we had a practice exam for the one we will take tomorrow. We are getting placed into our spanish levels. The exam is very interesting becuase it doesn't just test how many words one knows or how many different grammatical forms one can make. It tests how much practical spanish one knows. For example, how to say "Hello, may I ask whose calling?" on the phone, or how to ask for directions. There are a lot of phrases that I wouldn't have known if I hadn't gone to Spain. I learned a lot of those practical phrases from living with my host mom, shopping in stores, going to classes at UAM, meeting spanish speakers etc. Things that you don't learn in an American classroom.

Afterwards I went with three friends to la Reserva ecologica. Apparently, the portenos tried to move the coast line and the land that was added to the edge of the cost just sprouted out with vegetation. Now the area is protected by the government and maintained. It is a beautiful park with paths, trees, coast line and sun. I went for a run around the park. Afterwards I sat with my friend in the shade of a tree just relaxing. I was thinking that I'll come to this park whenever I have class near by at IES. I can always come for a jog and then to read or something. It's really nice to sit in the grass and see the buildings of the city over the edge of the trees and feel the wind from the river blowing over you. Unfortunately I didn't take pictures, but I will post some in due time.

Here is a picture of the type of trees they have in many parks. The roots are tall thin fingers that curl around everywhere.

Also, here is a random picture of a crazy dressed woman I saw walking around in the cemetery. Yes, in the cemetery.
The exchange rate, mas of menos igual as before.

Luego,
Kati