Dealing with the Argentine Health Care System...

3-31-10

Unfortunately, I am on a losing streak in terms of missing breakfast. I woke up and relaxed. I watched Lost and talked to Abbey for a bit. Then I headed out. After getting some money, I then headed to the bookstore on campus and picked up one of my books for class. I then ate lunch with some friends. After, I headed to class. In my economics class, it was again really all over the place. But it was talking about Globalization and stuff, which was nice since I knew about the topic. After class, I met up with friends. We talked about Semana Santa plans. Some are going away (to Cordoba, Patagonia or others), others are having their parents visit which is cool. I am thinking of relaxing, maybe doing a day trip or two. I am pretty happy with this plan. I then talked to my Spanish teacher and explained why I wouldn't be in class.

I then headed out and toward the doctor's office. Her office was in an apartment complex. I waited for her to come back from lunch/siesta. She was really nice. She is real versed in Crohn's and speaks English really well. The system here is very interesting. I have to go and order the Remicade from a Pharmacy and have it delivered to the hospital or something of the sorts. It will be interesting. She teased me about not really looking into reading much about Crohn's in Argentina. It is a lot more rare than I thought. I went home after and rested. I ate dinner and skyped with my dad. Now going to a friend's apartment while I hope more of my photos upload. They are taking FOREVER

Beautiful Bookstores and Tattoos...

3-30-10
Due to a class being pushed back a week and half, I could sleep in. I did and then I relaxed for most of the morning. I caught up on stuff and uploaded photos to Facebook of people and tried to continue uploading pictures to my Flickr. It is taking a long time due to the mass amount and the internet connection. I grabbed lunch and talked to people. After lunch, I chilled more before walking around for a bit. Back at home, I caught up on some shows and did my Spanish homework.

I then headed to a bookstore called El Ateneo here that is the largest in South America, with people from my group. It used to be a theater that got turned into a bookstore. I didn't take any photos this time, but I plan to next time I go. It was really cool. Saw a lot of possible reads despite the language barrier. I even saw a copy of Harry Potter put in the bindings upside down. From there, Nahuel, the leader for the day's excursion should us a place called Bond Street that was full of Tattoo parlors, skate shops and places of the sort. It was quite interesting. Then we moved onto a pizza place. There we ate a couple types of pizza. We then moved onto other places around the city. This is why I love CEA. They take us to all these places that many people don't necessarily see on their tours of the city. We went to a place that has a lot of cool places to eat and see live shows. I plan to hit up that area sometime. Then we reached an ice cream place and delicious ice cream. Then we headed home. Good day.

Tomorrow: Relax, Class at 1, Doctor's Appointment at 4, No se que mas.

Neo-Colonialism

Devil's Throat

3-29-10
After a very nice night of sleeping, I woke up and hung out most of the morning. I did some homework but pretty much just relaxed. I then went to get lunch. After lunch, I quickly grabbed my stuff and headed over to school with Chelsey and Joe. At school, I talked to some friends before history class started. In class, we talked about neocolonalism in Latin America. It was pretty interesting. I volunteered to help present one of the readings for next class on the Mexican Revolution.

In between classes, I talked to friends about stuff. In Spanish class, we talked about our weekends, as well as learned how certain adjectives change meanings depending on ser and estar. After class, my roommate and I walked home together. I chilled back at the residencia. I finished editing photos. I talked to Abbey and told her about my weekend. Eventually, I grabbed some dinner.

After dinner, I titled most of my photos and put tags on them. I am in the process of uploading them. There are over 350 of them so be patient please.

Weekend of Water, Buffets, and Fun Times

3-25-10
I made it for breakfast. Already a good day. I started to get my stuff together before heading to campus. After some struggle, I finally found the classroom (it has been in a different room every week). My teacher is completely scattered brain. A lot of us were confused about what was happening. I miss the US system. I headed home after class. I packed and hung out at the residencia. I then watched Boca Juniors vs. River game. Boca won 2-0. I then headed to school.

At school, I met up with friends and chatted before heading onto the bus. I sat with my friend Alana. We watched Up and the Ladykillers along with some bad 80's music. We chatted about random stuff before heading to bed.

3-26-10
I woke up right as breakfast was being passed out. We eventually got out and swapped buses to one that would take us around the area. We then headed to the Jesuit ruins. They were pretty cool. They reminded me of the missions in California but more destroyed. We walked around and took photos.

After, we headed to a house where we had so much delicious food. We hung by the pool, played games and pretty much relaxed. How this is study abroad, I have no idea. Some of us did a small excursion to a yerba factory where they make the yerba for mate. It was cool to learn how it is made. Then on the way back, some people went into a river while the rest watched. Then we chilled and drank ice tea which was amazing. Then we headed to the hotel. I slept part of the way and watched Sherlock Holmes for part of the rest of the way. We got to the hotel and checked into our respected rooms. I showered and shaved before going down for the buffet in our hotel. It was delicious. The rest of the evening, I relaxed before heading to bed.

3-27-10
While the 7 am wake up call was hell and a half, the day would prove worth it. I ate some breakfast before putting on much needed sunscreen and bug spray. We then boarded the bus to head to the falls. I was eager with anticipation. We walked to some of the waterfalls that were near the entrance. They were amazing. So much power and beauty. I loved it. Yet another reason why I came to South America. I am so glad that I have. This part of the world is so incredibly beautiful. Eventually, we took a train to the Devil's Throat. This is the big one here. It was so crazy incredible. I took as many pictures as I could before getting drenched. The sound and water everywhere. So crazy.

We eventually got lunch. After hanging out for a bit, we then moved down to another part where we could stand at the bottom of a waterfall. It was so incredible. SO WORTH COMING DOWN HERE. We then took a boat to the bases of some of the massive ones including Devil's throat. You are suppose to show "Mas Agua, Mas Agua" and boy did we ever. We got drenched and it felt like we were going to get hit by the waterfall. After, we headed home. I crashed on the bus ride back to the hotel.

At the hotel, a lot of us went swimming in the pool which was a lot of fun. After, I showered and changed. Then grabbed dinner at the restaurant in the hotel. After dinner, a lot of hung out and drank wine and watched War of the Worlds. Eventually, we headed to the hostel across the street and listened to live music. A little later, I headed to bed.

3-28-10
Another early morning. I grabbed my stuff together and put it in my bag. I then headed downstairs and ate breakfast. After, we boarded a bus type thing. After heading down a muddy road, we ended up in the jungle. There, we learned about some of the local indigenous cultures. It was really interesting. We learned about how they hunted and their customs. For example, if you killed an animal with a certain trap but it bleeds too much, it can not be eaten and you would no longer be allowed to be a hunter. We then heard a song by some of the local children. After I bought some items.

We headed to the hotel, where we grabbed lunch at a local resturant. It was fun. I ate pizza and had fun conversations. Then we headed to where Argentina's border (separated by rivers) meets Brazil and Paraguay. It was pretty cool to see. We then headed to the airport. There, we checked our bags and waited for our plane. We boarded with no problem. I listened to music, read and wrote for the ride. After, I grabbed my bags and rode in a cab with a few others home. On the way, our cab driver spent some serious time on the other side of the road. But I survived.

At home, I talked to people about the weekend. I unpacked and went out for some food with people. After, I came home, did some homework and edited my photos from the weekend (stand by for them to be uploaded). I got an email about shooting a wedding in North Carolina in September!!!!!!!! Need to figure out this possibility out. :)

Such a great weekend.

A nice day to relax

3-24-10
Due to the day off, I could sleep mucho and boy did I. After waking up, I read the rest of El Facundo. I am not sure how I feel about it. It was interesting but its not your typical book hence the uncertainty. I sat around and talked to some friends for a while. Then I went out and got some food. I was going to go downtown but I decided to just hang since it was going to be chaotic down there. I watched Whip It, which was a really funny movie and made me want to go to a Roller Derby sometime. Luckily there is a team in Greensboro.

After, I finished up my homework. I then watched Lost before having a Skype date with Abbey. Afterward, I think I finalized up my schedule for the Fall (though depending on some requirements, it is scheduled to change). I am planning on signing up for Colonial Latin American History, English Capstone, 2D Design and an Independent Study (for photography in which I would need to come up with a theme for 20 pictures). I am happy with this current schedule and also the possibilities that the changes might have to endure. I had some delicious empanadas for dinner. I then relaxed and talked to friends before bed.


Going to Iguazu manana!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! So excited.

Another Broken Camera.

3-23-10
Three days in a row of waking up for breakfast. So delicious so good. I then grabbed my stuff and headed to school. At school, my class was again packed but my teacher was there. It was so scatter brain of a class. It was kind of hard to follow. After class, I ate with my friends Cassi and Alana and one of the people who run our program. She helped me schedule an appointment with a gastrologist here.

After lunch, Cassi and I headed toward downtown to deal with her broken camera. After we finished that business, we headed back to Palermo/Belgrano area where I headed home and her to school. At home, I did some of my homework. I relaxed most of the afternoon besides doing some homework. We don't have school on Wednesday due to a day of memory for all those who died during the Dirty War. We are suppose to have make up day for this on Friday but I will be in Iguazu so I have to take the absence. Eventually, I had dinner and ate with friends. I relaxed and chatted with friends. We then went out to celebrate someone's birthday. It was a lot of fun.

New Roommate

3-22-10
I woke up in time for breakfast. An amazing feat. I ate the food and then with so much time to spare, I read and relaxed for a good while. Andrew and I got a new roommate for the week from Argentina. It seems strange that he is only here for a week but whatever. Eventually I grabbed lunch and ate with some people before heading to school.

At school, I talked to some friends about their weekend at the beach. I am kind of jealous I didn't end up going but I shall live. In history, we discussed some of the early parts of post independence Argentina. It was pretty interesting. In Spanish, we discussed how Americans are perceived as well as Europeans (due to us also having some French and Italian students). It was rather amusing. I walked and talked to people after class. Eventually headed home.

At home, I emailed some professors about classes for the fall and my credits here and making sure that they will carry over since I don't want to drop the major. I relaxed most of the evening since I had done my homework for tomorrow previously. Eventually I went to dinner. After food, I hung with friends. Then I talked to my friend Desiree, and I went over to her place to watch Babel. I forgot how incredibly depressing that movie is. Then I came back home where I wrote this before bed.

Maybe its due to all the healthcare stuff going, but I have these scabs on me that I have had for several weeks now and maybe they are not healing because I itch like the Dickens but I really am thinking I should have them checked out either here or back in Seattle. But priority numero uno, is getting a Gasto doctor here.

Health Care Bill Day

3-21-10.
I woke up and relaxed for a bit of the morning. I then started some homework. When I stepped outside of my room. I heard the sound of pouring rain. Good thing I didn't have any plans that weren't flexible. I went out to get some lunch and ate it in my room. I talked to Abbey for a bit. While I did, I had the rest of the tango photos uploaded. After lunch, I continued on my History readings. I then took a break and started "O Brother, Where Art Thou." I enjoyed it. It was funny and a lot different than the previous Coen Brothers' movie I saw.

After, I moved onto my Spanish homework. After that, I chilled and watched an episode of the HBO show "OZ." While gritty in every way, it is well made and interesting. I also kept an eye on the news headlines about the vote for the Health Care bill. The people who went to Iguazu this weekend came back so a bunch of us talked to them about it since we are going next weekend and am extremely anxious. I can't wait. It looks AMAZING!!!!!!!!!!!!!! After, I wrote in my journal and listen to the peaceful sounds of Thievery Corporation. I then went to get dinner. When I came back food in hand, I saw that the Bill passed!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I am so excited. I am now insured until for four more years or until I have my own plan. I am pumped for 2014 (though I do wish it was sooner) because it means insurance companies can't reject preexisting conditions. Yes while this bill isn't perfect, I see it as a launching pad. I wrote a bit in my journal before heading to bed.

"Vivimos en un mundo donde lo real y lo imaginario, lo cruel y lo sublime, se confunden"

3-20-10
I enjoyed a beautiful slumber and woke up after 9 or 10 hours of sleep. What could be better. After I stirred. I read and enjoyed working internet. Today is going to be a good day. I relaxed for a good portion of the morning and early afternoon. I talked to Abbey, my friend Desiree among others. I then headed out to grab some food. Then I saw an amazing show at the Cultural center here. http://laberintodemiradas.net/ (if you go to the link, click on exposiciones and then the one called Fricciones y Conflictos en IberoAmerica, that is the show I saw). When I see shows like this, the fire and drive inside of me burns. To see what is possible from one side of the lens to the other. I hope to reach a level where I can get photos like that and be shown on a similar level. It was a great show and I kept some literature on it as a way to remember. While James Nachtwey is my favorite photographer and the one I look up to most, I saw some photographers who motivate me as well. The quote above is by one of them. It says "we live in a world where the real and the imagination, the cruel and the sublime are confused." Is that not truth?

After, I walked around the city about and took some photos. Like I said, I was inspired. I then headed home. At home, I viewed another depiction of the cruelty of our world in the form of the movie Traffic. It was intense but good. After, Joe and I headed out for some chicken sandwiches. They were quite delicious. I went for a walk later. Then chilled the rest of the night.

“There is only this - all else is unreal.”

3-19-10
I woke up and read a bit of El Facundo before I showered and had lunch. After lunch I relaxed for a bit and tried to talk to Abbey and edit some of the photos from Thursday's show. The internet was really bad so I had to go. I tried to go the doctor's offices but no one answered the doorbells when I went. I think on Monday, I will just call. As much as the health care system in the US is screwed up (lets pass the bill PLEASE), it is does have some benefits. After failing, I headed home.

I bought an adapter for my hard drive. I plugged it in and moved the music from one hard drive to another. After this finished, I finally loaded all my music onto iTunes. I had yet to put music on my computer since its crash so it was nice to finally have lots of music again. I watched the Terrence Malick movie, "The New World". It was simply beautiful. No wonder that some people call it one of the best movies of the 2000's. I read more and then headed to dinner.

After dinner, I chilled most of the evening due to no real plan panning out. Due to crappy internet, I didn't much in that way to. I went to bed at a relatively hour and enjoyed a good night sleep. Not a bad day.

The Tango

I woke up in time for breakfast (so hard to do). I ate with some friends. I had three plates of scrambled eggs and several glasses of orange juice. Yum yum. I then showered and got my stuff together and headed to school with my roommate and another friend. After some difficulty finding my class, I did. We discussed a book we are to read by next Thursday. It is Sarmiento's Facundo. It is one of the most famous Argentine pieces of literature. I am kind of excited.

After class, I picked up my copy of the book. Then I went to lunch with some people from my program. It was quite enjoyable. Then some of us headed to the Modern Art museum which was pretty cool despite my lack of understanding of how some things can be considered art and others not. It confuses me but whatever. After, we walked through a mall since the girls had to do some window shopping. I then said chau for a little bit. Back at the residencia, I relaxed for a little bit before getting ready to go out.

Eventually we all headed to and arrived at the Tango show that we went with our program. I ate delicious food and chatted with some friends. When the show finally started, it was amazing. Chelsey and I were in a photo duel. She might have won. I took more (nearly 700) but I am not sure if they are any better. I am now in the process of editing them (the one above is one of the few I have gotten to so far). I then took the bus home. On the walk back to the residencia, I met some Porteños who seem chill. But after I dropped off my stuff, they seemed to have vanished from our meeting spot. I was sad but that is life. Tomorrow I hope to find a doctor or so. Other than that. No idea. Maybe take photos.

"Sometimes I forget I am in South America, and then things like this happen"

3-17-10
I woke up a bit tired but got up. I watched Lost then got ready for the day. After getting my stuff together, I headed over and grabbed lunch. I ate with some friends from last night. It was enjoyable. I then headed over to school. Once on campus, I met up with some friends and one of my program heads. I had a question about my Spanish homework so I asked my program head. I then headed into my economics class.

While we waited for my professor, the power random went out. The quote up top is from one of my peers on the matter. Then my professor showed up. Like last week, he went off on many tangents. He tried to teach us some stuff. But then he went on like a 20 minute thing about "Charley" Marx and socialism, and Chavez. He is very interesting...somewhat not very PC which is unusual coming from Guilford. After making through the class, I headed to Spanish.

In Spanish, we went over the homework and talked about various subjects. I quite enjoy the teacher. She and I like to make jokes to each other. For example when we were talking about the bad weather here that she blamed on climate change courtesy of the First World, I said no problem.

After class, I headed home to get away from the rain. I relaxed for most of the evening while the rain came down as did thunder and lighting. I considered going out to celebrate St. Patrick's but it was too rainy that I don't really want to risk it. So it is a nice evening in. I am trying to figure out classes for the Fall

Wine and Cheese

3-16-10
I woke up and quickly got my stuff together. I eventually headed to school. I met up with some friends before class started. My teacher was not there, due to sickness, so my history teacher played the role of sub. The two classes are pretty connected so it works. After the lecture, I talked to some friends before I went home. I then ate some food.

After food, I relaxed for a bit. Then I did some homework for my Spanish class. After, I did lots of reading for my political science class. It was pretty interesting. I then relaxed and read until dinner time. After dinner, I chilled for a bit. My roommate me and others went to a friend's apartment where we had a wine and cheese night. It was very chill.

Eventually, I went to a club where there was a special DJ. It was a lot of fun. I hung out with a lot friends from another program. Eventually I headed home. It was fine day.

Feeling the Music at La Bomba

3-15-10
I woke up and got my stuff ready for class. I then relaxed for a bit and read. Eventually, I got lunch which I quickly ate due to having class at 1. After lunch, Chelsey, Joe and I quickly dashed to school. I met up with some people before my history class started. We discussed the pre independence structure of South America. It was rather interesting. I love this history. I hope to learn more in the future. We got out early so I hung out with some people in the meantime. I picked up my book for my Political and Social Change class. I then met some people in other programs who seem chill.

In Spanish, we mostly just talked about random stuff. It reminds me a lot of my Spanish class back in Madrid. I prefer it than actually sticking to a text book. After, I walked home where I met up with people. We grabbed some stuff and headed to Leslie's. We hung out there for a while before heading to this place called La Bomba. It happens every Monday night. Its a big warehouse where professional drummers, play while hundreds if not more just dance and have a good time. It was a lot of fun. I ran into some friends, including one of the girls who works at the hostel I stayed at here, and my friend Elysa from Guilford. After, I walked some girls home and then pretty much crashed since I have a class at 10 on Tuesdays.

Weekend Recap (13-14)

3-13-10
I woke up and relaxed most of the morning. I then grabbed some food and ate. Then a bunch of us headed to the subte station. We got off and walked to a train station. We met up with people from the group. Then we headed onto the local train to Tigre. Tigre is a major delta here. It was pretty. We got on a boat and explored the delta. It was pretty but we didn't do much. After a while, it was more of the same. We finally got off the boat.

We then walked around and explored the area which was chill. There was a lot of stores. I took some photos (which are on my Flickr). Eventually, we headed home. I chilled and relaxed. Then eventually some of us headed to my favorite Mexican place here. Despite the long wait, the food made up for it. I quite enjoyed it. Then headed home. I went out and met up with Desiree and Leslie and their Argentine friends. Then we headed to a cool electronic club. It was nice to not to hear hip hop, as much as I like to dance to it. Eventually, we went home.

3-14-10
I woke up and relaxed. I then got my stuff together and met up some of the people in my program. They are going to Mar de Plata next weekend. I went because I wanted to hear prices. I decided against it. I am now trying to figure out what to do about Semana Santa. I eventually headed home. There I did some homework and talked to friends. I am starting to think about my life off campus and I get more and more excited. I then had a Skype date with Abbey. After, more homework before grabbing dinner. Then I chilled.

No More Living on Campus

I woke up and hung out for a while during the morning. I read, watched shows etc. Then I ate lunch with some people. After, I uploaded photos and chilled with people. I then got the magical news that I GOT ACCEPTED FOR OFF CAMPUS HOUSING next year!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I am so glad. I will be living with Kelsey and Alex which makes me sooooooooo happy. :). I can not wait. I will probably leave Seattle or wherever like 4-5 days early so I can meet up with them and we can get our apartment together. After this good news, I headed out to see where some of the doctor's offices were. Some are by my school so I am hoping to go there on Tuesday. I then ordered one of my books for a class before home.

At home, I relaxed and started another movie, "He Got Game." It is pretty good. I uploaded more photos and downloaded some music. I then ate dinner. After dinner, some of us went to Plaza Serrano to check out the market. I and two other guys bought hats. Then we headed home where i have relaxed. Not sure what is happening the rest of the night. Tomorrow voy a Tigre.

"Any life is made up of a single moment, the moment in which a man finds out, once and for all, who he is."

3-11-10
I had tried to wake up for breakfast but I couldn't find the will power to do it. I eventually dragged myself out of bed. I forced myself into a shower. I then got ready for class. Eventually, I headed out. I met up with some friends while waiting for class. After waiting for like 20 or 30 minutes, we found out that we were suppose to be in the other building. So we in a mass herd, headed over. There we finally learned about the class. Some of the texts and the authors seem interesting while others I am not sure.

After class, I met up with some people and headed to the residencia. I ate some lunch before hanging out for an hour or so. Then I headed to Plaza de Mayo. There on every Thursday for over 30 years, mothers and relatives of those who went missing during the "Dirty War" come in march for 20-30 minutes. It was kind of powerful. I can not wait to read and learn about this part of their history. It is this part of history among others that drew me to Latin America. This region interests me so much that I can not even explain. I will edit and post photos from today soon. Nahuel, one of those who run my program, gave us a history lesson on this piece of history. We then went into the city cathedral where San Martin is buried.

After, some of my friends and I headed to a cafe for food and drinks. It was chill. Then we got on the busy subte and headed home. At home, I relaxed until dinner. After dinner, I started to watch "Brief Interviews with Hideous Men." It is on my queue, so I am trying to eliminate it from it. Then some people suggested seeing "Shutter Island." So we did. It was a really good movie that messes with your head. I quite enjoyed. I give a 4 out of 5. After, we walked home. I then finished the other movie. It was good and I want to read the book. I also tried to start to figure out classes for the fall, well primarily since I haven't seen a finalized version of classes.

Tangents....

3-10-10
I woke up and slept in for a bit since I didn't have class till 1. When I did wake up. I showered and got ready but also watched Lost. It is ending soon. I have no idea what to expect. I eventually headed to school early because I was going to have lunch with Desiree. After meeting up with her, we went to a nice little Mexican place down the street from school and her apartment. I had three tacos. It was pretty delicious and relatively cheap. I will def hit that place up again. We then headed to school.

We hung out and talked to various people. Then class started. I went into my economics class. The class is called Latin America and Global Economy. The professor, a former worker in the World Bank is kind of crazy. He frequently tangents. He would make some comment based generally on where people were from when going over the attendance list. He talked also about Che Guevara and other random stuff. I really have no idea what to expect on this class but hopefully I learn something.

After, I then headed to my Spanish class. We went over the homework, and talked about various things. It was entertaining. I only have one more class till the weekend (no one has Friday classes, AMAZING). It is the Argentine literature course. I am interested to see how it is. After class, I walked with my friend Molly to a bank before saying chau. I then got on the subte home. When I got home, I pretty much chilled most of the evening till dinner time. Dinner was pasta and some cake that was delicious.

Post dinner, I watched a documentary called "More than A Game" about LeBron James and his high school teammates. I liked it a lot. I also read and caught on my journal.

Tomorrow's possible plan: Class, then lunch, then going to Plaza de Mayo (for some famous thing with the mothers who lost their children in the dirty war, then dinner. I think some of us might see Shutter Island tomorrow or Friday. I hope we do cause I really want to see it.

A Class Too Big for a Classroom Too Small

3-9-10
I woke up in time for breakfast for the first time. I then got ready for school. I got there relatively early. So I hung out. I then headed to the classroom. Luckily I got there early because my class was overly crowded. There was around 35 people for 20-25 seats. It was crazy. Finally it started. It is a a class about Political and Social Change in Latin America. I am excited for the subject.

After class, I headed home to enjoy a nice free meal at the residencia. I hung out most of the afternoon. I did some of my Spanish homework which was so weird to get back in that habit. Then around 4ish, I headed out. I went to my friend Stephanie's place. There we went to a somewhat abandoned meat market. There is an occasional butcher there and there were three guys playing cards but not used to its full purpose. I took some pictures I will post later. Then we walked around and talked photo. It was a lot of fun. Eventually I headed home.

I then had a nice Skype date with Abbey. I then grabbed dinner. After I relaxed before Chelsey and I headed to a friend's apartment. There we chatted and listened to music. Then we headed to a club. It was a lot of fun. We eventually headed home.

On another note, my photos from the San Telmo Market have been uploaded. Check them up

First Day of Classes

3-8-10
I woke up but struggled to get out of bed. It was the first day of school in a while. Even though I had class at 1, this was going to get hard getting used to. I eventually got out of bed and zombied my way over to the shower. After, I got my stuff together. I edited some of my photos from San Telmo, including the photo above (if you click on it, you can see the whole thing). Then I headed out. I stopped at a store and bought a notebook. I then got on the subte and headed to school.

Once at school, I met up with my friend Alana (pronounced like Elena). We grabbed some food and talked. Then I headed to my first class in three months. It is History of Latin America in the 20th Century. This is a topic I enjoy and can't ready to take this class. It seems pretty easy but also rather enjoyable. It doesn't seem to hard. We got out early. I read for a bit and bought the booklet of photocopies of readings for my history class. Eventually three rolled around and it was time for another class. This time Spanish. Spanish seem chill. My teacher has a good sense of humor and will be fun. We discussed the differences in Argentine Spanish compared to others.

After class, I hung with some people from my program. Then I eventually headed back to the residencia. I hung out and finished editing photos and worked on uploading some (which is really difficult considering the internet connection here). I then grabbed a delicious dinner. I hung out and talked to people, grabbed some ice cream and chilled the rest of the evening.

Tomorrow I have a class at 10, Political and Social Change. Then I am going to relax. Then I am meeting up with my friend Stephanie who is showing me an off and on abandoned meat market near where she lives. She has taken some photos there and I want to do the same.

Piece of advice: On hot days like they have here, it is always smart to fill up your water bottle and leave it in the freezer. It is God send.

Weekend Recap

3-5-10
I woke up and headed to school for my adviser appointment. It was a really easy appointment. We mostly talked about the time that I wanted. Then I had to fill out some information to get my student id card. After I did that, I headed back to the residencia. I hung out for most of the day due to the fact that I had register for classes in the afternoon. It was nice to just sit and relax most of the afternoon. Eventually, 5 pm rolled around but in typical fashion, the website crashed. 2 hours later, I was able to sign up for classes. I have History of Argentina and Spanish Monday, Tuesday - Political and Social Change in Latin America, Wednesday - Latin America and the Global Economy and Spanish, and finally Thursday I have Argentine Literature. After signing up for classes, I grabbed dinner. I chilled for a while. I then met up with people from my program for srinks and walking around. It was a lot of fun. Eventually I went to bed.

3-6-10. I woke up and chilled for a bit. I was able to talk to Abbey for a bit which was wonderful since it was her 21st. After, a group of us tried going to look for a pool. We got to one, but apparently it was a hotel pool so they of course are not going to let us in. We eventually walked back to the subway station. After relaxing for an hour, Chelsey and I walked around and took photos, especially of a destroyed car (in the process of uploading them now). After meeting up with Desiree, we grabbed some food. Then we hung out for a while. Then some of us decided to see Alice in Wonderland. We ended up seeing 1 am showing. While I enjoyed what I saw, I fell asleep for the second half, which was expected because it was dark and 2 in the morning or so. After, I crashed upon bed.

3-7-10
I woke up and waited online for sign of my friend Alex online. Eventually he did show up, and I had a Skype date with him, Kelsey (21st Birthday), and Kasia. It was wonderful to see and hear them. I miss them so much. After, I headed to grab food. Then we all headed to San Telmo for the big market there. There we walked around. Some shopped, I took photos (200+, which will be edited and uploaded eventually, give me time). It was pretty cool and I will prob return there some time. Eventually, I headed back. I grabbed food and talked to Abbey I then went to Desiree's. We watched (500) Days of Summer and drank wine. Then we swapped music advice before I headed back. I then watched the finale of the Oscars. I failed at my predictions.

I start school tomorrow finally. So werid.

Oscar Predictions

I will do my blog recap of Friday-Sunday later.
Doing my predictions of the Oscars (but not all of them) now before it gets too late.

Best Picture - Hurt Locker
Best Actor - Jeff Bridges
Best Actress - Sandra Bullock
Best Supporting Actor - Christoph Waltz
Best Supporting Actress - Mo'Nique
Best Director - Kathryn Bigelow
Animated Film - Up
Foreign Film - A Prophet
Best Song - Crazy Heart
Adapted Screenplay - Up in the Air
Original Screenplay - Inglorious Bastards

GOT MYSELF A CAMERA

3-4-10
I woke up and got my laundry together. Then I dropped it off and met up with Jake. We went into the downtown area where we exchanged some of his traveler's checks. Then we headed to block with the numerous camera stores. After making some final observations, I ended up buying the same model camera that I had before. The guy was super cool and we talked for like 10-15 minutes about stuff. Then I headed home.

I relaxed for a while. Eventually, it was time to get a drink for the dinner with my program. After, my group and I headed to the other residencia a whiles away. We had a nice time there. We drank, ate empanadas, which are amazing, drank mate, again amazing. Then we watched the goals of Diego Maradona, including the hand of god. After, we watched some of an Argentine movie but I was too busy talking to people to really pay attention so I guess I will add it to my queue.

After I left, Chelsey and I bonded over our love for photography. Eventually, we went to a bar and talked. Then headed to bed.

717 and some left to upload.

All my nice photos from South America so far are finally uploaded (more from Mendoza yet to come)
Check them out, let me know what you ones you like and what not. If you want to buy any. Let me know and we can work something out
http://www.flickr.com/photos/jsinclair88/collections/72157623292085454/

Mission Scanner

3-3-10

After getting up and showering and changing, I relaxed for a while. I talked some of my friends about how their night ended. After a while, I got lunch with several people before I help take Chelseay to the school. After we met up with the directors where she was getting orientation, I found a place to scan my housing applications. FINALLY!!!!!!!! Then I pulled out more money from the bank to buy my camera tomorrow! Woot. Eventually I got back to school where I had nice conversations with some of the program directors. After Chelseay was done, we headed back to the residencia.

There, I watched Lost and relaxed. I uploaded photos and talked to people. I hung out most of the day. It was really nice.

Choosing Classes

3-2-10
I woke up and got ready for the second day of orientation. As we headed out, we ran into Pamela and a new girl. Her name is Chelseay. She was suppose to study in Chile but couldn't so she has joined us. We then took her to school with us. We sat and listened to the descriptions of the classes I could take. They sounded interesting. They there was a pizza lunch where I ran into other random people I know. After we all got on various buses for a city tour. It was nice to see lots of the various places in the city. It is an amazing city that I can not wait to explore. La Boca for sure is beautiful. I can not wait to take photos and stuff of it. Eventually we got back and headed back to the residencia. I printed and filled out my off campus application for Guilford.

I hung out with people and relaxed. We grabbed dinner. Then we decided to go out. Turns out a friend of Desiree's is a friend of my friend Christina's so we hung out at their mutual friend for a good while. Listening to music and chilling. Then we went out to a club since we didn't have anything on Wednesday. After being there for a bit, I had to take Desiree home because she was feeling ill. After I made sure she was ok, I crashed.

Orientation

3-1-10

I woke up ten minutes before heading to orientation. The gang and I headed out to the university for the first time. I felt kind of excited. Eventually, we got there and met up with some other people in our program. Then, we and other people who are starting off at the university were shuttled off to the auditorium. They taught us all about our university and what not. It seems like it will be an interesting semester. Eventually, we finished minus our Spanish placement test. The test was okay. It was a bit vague in sections. After, I talked about one of the ladies in charge of it about my level and how I am better at understanding and speaking than I am on a test.

After, I headed out. I sat with one of the program heads and talked about various things. Then we met at as a group and started to head out. We learned about various stores and stuff in the area of our school. Then we grabbed food. I got to meet some other people in my program. We then got to know the area and some of the history of Argentina. I can't wait to start learning more. We eventually headed out. I had to run an errand but then I came back to the residencia. I hung out with the peeps. We had food and then relaxed, talking and listening music. We watched Gladiator. Love that movie. After I caught up in my journal.