Hey all,
So I have been terrible about keeping up with this thing. Life moves too quickly! I can't even remember the last thing I posted on here!
I know that there have been plenty of ups and downs while I have been down here but I just thought I would share this reality check with you all:
I am currently in this very chic cafe called "tea break" sipping on my blended "summer" tea infusion with a croissant and these awesome little cookies that they always give with tea/coffee. I am here frantically cramming for my midterms this upcoming week, I guess there really is a reason they call it "STUDY abroad" and my world has become 100% engrossed with school and potentially passing these stupid midterms that are in spanish. I just spoke to my friend from freshman year at Santa Clara who dropped out to join the Marines. Turns out he is studying abroad, too...but he is studying that art of war in Afghanistan. He just got there this past week and he will be there for the next 7 months. I thought living in a VERY urban foreign country was challenging, but after thinking about his reality...I can't help but feel humbled. I am in Argentina. Taking some silly classes about the urban history of the city, ethics for professionals, poetry, literature, etc. and dont get me wrong, they are challenging, but HOW LUCKY AM I?!!?!?! In a week, I will be heading to MENDOZA AND THEN TO CHILE. I mean, boo-hoo, annette, you dont get to have the comfort of your home, people speak a different language here, and you have to learn, read, write, and take a test in that language. Life is rough. NOT. For reals, though. It was a reality check that my friend is stationed in Afghanistan and yet, I can feel like I am in over my head down here? No way. My life down here rules. I have everything and anything I could every want or need. I am quickly becoming fluent and have the world at my fingertips. Literally. Both Latin America AND Europe are represented here. I am so blessed and I appreciate everyone's support. Particularly my mothers.
On a less selfish note, please keep Jeff in mind and in your prayers for the next 7 months. It is a scary thing that he is over there, but he is very brave and intelligent and I know he will be just fine. But still. pray for him. I know I will.
love you all,
annette
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
Dalai lama and a day of joy!
Buenos tardes!
So today I went and saw the Dalai Lama during his training on the 7 points of the mind. He spoke in English and tibetan (?) and had a translator who spoke both of those, plus spanish (he was definitely a Porteño, too, I would say that is very impressive knowing those 3 languages fluently!). They gave everyone an outline that was in spanish, but apparently it was out of order! The D.L. was so cute, he said "Apparently, I didn't do my homework and I am very lazy! My apologies to you all!" hahah so funny. It didn't matter that the notes were out of order, though, they're in spanish and very abstract so I had a difficult time interpreting what they meant. He also ran out of time and had to squeeze in the 7 points because he spent about an hour and 15 mins talking about happiness and how to overcome negativity. That was truly awesome to hear that because that is the essence of Buddhism, is conquering negativity and reaching enlightenment/nirvana. It is funny, because I had been talking to my mom on the phone the night before and she said "remember, just do not take on the negativity that they are throwing out there. If you let it pass over you, it remains their problem, not yours." Wise words, mother. So wise that the Dalai Lama said almost the same thing. He quoted an american scientist: 90% of negativity is in part our own projections. Negativity and "hate" do not happen by themselves, it is dependent on us to drive it along with our own "self". The last part was my twist on what he said, but how incredibly true is that? There is only a very small fraction of true negativity that is unavoidable, but even then, they can be overcome. It is a matter of us just not accepting the negativity.
He said many incredible things today, but that one factor is what stuck with me the most. It is something that EVERYONE struggles with, I know I do. It is the struggle to not let people project their negativity on to you, it is the struggle to not soak up that negativity and to embody it yourself, and then project it on to some other poor innocent victim. I don't know. Happiness is such a wonderful challenge.
haha particularly coming from me right now, who has used this silly blog as a rant session. Sorry to all of you!
Anyways, I am going to eat a chocolate pudding that is supposedly made out of some tree bark (i have absolutely no idea what that means. I tried a brownie at this health food restaurant made of the same thing and I wasn't that impressed...I mean, if you're going to go for the chocolate, GO FOR THE CHOCOLATE!) haha but I need to at least try the pudding, maybe I will love it!
tah-tah for now!
<3
Annette
So today I went and saw the Dalai Lama during his training on the 7 points of the mind. He spoke in English and tibetan (?) and had a translator who spoke both of those, plus spanish (he was definitely a Porteño, too, I would say that is very impressive knowing those 3 languages fluently!). They gave everyone an outline that was in spanish, but apparently it was out of order! The D.L. was so cute, he said "Apparently, I didn't do my homework and I am very lazy! My apologies to you all!" hahah so funny. It didn't matter that the notes were out of order, though, they're in spanish and very abstract so I had a difficult time interpreting what they meant. He also ran out of time and had to squeeze in the 7 points because he spent about an hour and 15 mins talking about happiness and how to overcome negativity. That was truly awesome to hear that because that is the essence of Buddhism, is conquering negativity and reaching enlightenment/nirvana. It is funny, because I had been talking to my mom on the phone the night before and she said "remember, just do not take on the negativity that they are throwing out there. If you let it pass over you, it remains their problem, not yours." Wise words, mother. So wise that the Dalai Lama said almost the same thing. He quoted an american scientist: 90% of negativity is in part our own projections. Negativity and "hate" do not happen by themselves, it is dependent on us to drive it along with our own "self". The last part was my twist on what he said, but how incredibly true is that? There is only a very small fraction of true negativity that is unavoidable, but even then, they can be overcome. It is a matter of us just not accepting the negativity.
He said many incredible things today, but that one factor is what stuck with me the most. It is something that EVERYONE struggles with, I know I do. It is the struggle to not let people project their negativity on to you, it is the struggle to not soak up that negativity and to embody it yourself, and then project it on to some other poor innocent victim. I don't know. Happiness is such a wonderful challenge.
haha particularly coming from me right now, who has used this silly blog as a rant session. Sorry to all of you!
Anyways, I am going to eat a chocolate pudding that is supposedly made out of some tree bark (i have absolutely no idea what that means. I tried a brownie at this health food restaurant made of the same thing and I wasn't that impressed...I mean, if you're going to go for the chocolate, GO FOR THE CHOCOLATE!) haha but I need to at least try the pudding, maybe I will love it!
tah-tah for now!
<3
Annette
DALAI LAMA!!!!!
AHHHHHHHHHH
I AM GOING TO SEE THE DALAI LAMA TODAY AFTER CLASS!!!!
You can stream what I see, live:
http://www.facebook.com/DalaiLamaArg?sk=app_196506863720166&ref=nf
and here is background:
http://www.dalailamaargentina.com/wp/
ps...apparently the dalai lama speaks spanish...?
awesome.
I AM GOING TO SEE THE DALAI LAMA TODAY AFTER CLASS!!!!
You can stream what I see, live:
http://www.facebook.com/DalaiLamaArg?sk=app_196506863720166&ref=nf
and here is background:
http://www.dalailamaargentina.com/wp/
ps...apparently the dalai lama speaks spanish...?
awesome.
Saturday, September 10, 2011
Never enough Dulce...
HI!
So, I just had a piece of toast with Dulce de Leche for dessert and it was amazing. We went to this adorable wood fire pizza place first and I obviously needed something sweet for afterwards. I may have put an excessive amount in the eyes of most people, but personally, it was perfect.
Anywhoooo, I am REALLY excited because I am going to see the DALAI LAMA on Wednesday at 2pm (Arg time!)!!! I will be attending his "training the 7 points of the mind" session and I could not have been more excited! I am extremely fortunate because I came back this afternoon from the rugby game with the intention to purchase my ticket and they were all sold out! I was so sad because I have been trying to figure out this god damn ticketportal website all week long and then I thought it was too late! I even wrote to my mother saying it was too late! Then I decided to click refresh and see if perhaps a seat would open up and miraculously ONE SEAT OPENED UP!!! Both my mother and I think Dick would be extremely happy about this :)
All I know is I am SOOO excited that my words do not do my excitement justice!
That is really all I wanted to report back. That and the rugby game today was odd...or maybe I just think Rugby is odd...I don't know. It was a bunch of very heavy men hurling themselves at other very heavy men and then randomly throwing and kicking an odd shaped ball. Mix in some grunts and that is how I now define as Rugby after today...
anyways, tomorrow I am learning the choreography of a Zumba class. My friend is an instructor and is living here for a while after the program, so she has been applying for Zumba instructor positions. She was very recently hired by a couple different places but they said she needs an assistant for the first couple of times. So I will be up there shakin' my thang, helping her out, for a few classes and getting paid half of her commission! I don't expect it to be much, but hey, there is the cutest dress in a store right next to my house that is CALLING my name, so I am sure the extra money will not be put to waste! haha
Alright, well I will be heading out now, but hope everyone is doing well!
Ciao!
Annette
So, I just had a piece of toast with Dulce de Leche for dessert and it was amazing. We went to this adorable wood fire pizza place first and I obviously needed something sweet for afterwards. I may have put an excessive amount in the eyes of most people, but personally, it was perfect.
Anywhoooo, I am REALLY excited because I am going to see the DALAI LAMA on Wednesday at 2pm (Arg time!)!!! I will be attending his "training the 7 points of the mind" session and I could not have been more excited! I am extremely fortunate because I came back this afternoon from the rugby game with the intention to purchase my ticket and they were all sold out! I was so sad because I have been trying to figure out this god damn ticketportal website all week long and then I thought it was too late! I even wrote to my mother saying it was too late! Then I decided to click refresh and see if perhaps a seat would open up and miraculously ONE SEAT OPENED UP!!! Both my mother and I think Dick would be extremely happy about this :)
All I know is I am SOOO excited that my words do not do my excitement justice!
That is really all I wanted to report back. That and the rugby game today was odd...or maybe I just think Rugby is odd...I don't know. It was a bunch of very heavy men hurling themselves at other very heavy men and then randomly throwing and kicking an odd shaped ball. Mix in some grunts and that is how I now define as Rugby after today...
anyways, tomorrow I am learning the choreography of a Zumba class. My friend is an instructor and is living here for a while after the program, so she has been applying for Zumba instructor positions. She was very recently hired by a couple different places but they said she needs an assistant for the first couple of times. So I will be up there shakin' my thang, helping her out, for a few classes and getting paid half of her commission! I don't expect it to be much, but hey, there is the cutest dress in a store right next to my house that is CALLING my name, so I am sure the extra money will not be put to waste! haha
Alright, well I will be heading out now, but hope everyone is doing well!
Ciao!
Annette
P.S.
I just read that last post...Sorry that some of it does not make grammatical sense...it was like 1 am here when I wrote it...sorry!!
besos!
Annette
besos!
Annette
Friday, September 9, 2011
MahB.
Hey all,
Sorry it has been quite some time since I last updated this blog. I have had quite an insane week--or two? Essentially, last weekend was the highlight of my trip, thus far.
I had previously felt like I hadnt been really taking full advantage of the culture. I had, but I had been doing it at a very slow pace. With an internship and school and a social life, being a tourist is difficult and slightly unappealing. Anyways, last weekend I planned an awesome culture enriched experience.
Friday I went out with a group of Porteños and americans.
Saturday during the day we went to a Polo match...we were with the elite of Argentina, it was very fun! There were a few older guys there that slightly made me think my father may have been like them. This one guy, dressed to the nines and dashingly handsome (for an older man), had a beautiful wife and a bunch of kids running around the stands as if it were a jungle gym (sound familiar, mom? haha) He smuggled in a couple of beers under his cashmere jacket and was the life of the party (well, the life of the group at least). For a polo match, they were rather rowdy. It was hysterical! Anyways, I had a ball!
That night me and three other girls went to the Ballet at Teatro Colón. We saw Oniguin, a russian play that was converted into a ballet. Teatro Colón was the first theatre built in Argentina and it was Gorgeous!!
Sunday I went on a very long run, met some guys from Uruguay, found some of the clubs I have been going to, and discovered the most SPECTACULAR gardens I have ever seen! They go on for miles, too! I had to stop at one point because I was so tired!
Anyways, that afternoon we went to the Día de inmigrantes (day of the immigrants) where essentially every culture had a little booth with trinkets and traditional FOOD of the country! SOOOOO BOMB!!! We found the Mexican tent and since I have been craving food with real flavor, we obviously indulged a little! We had some tacos and nachos...Definitely not super authentic (either of them...), but hey, beggers can't be choosers and I goobled it up like it was turkey on thanksgiving! We then went over to the Haitian tent and got these amazing smoothies with some crazy rum in them. It was crazy to chat with the guys in the tent, too! They lived through the earthquake and were here as refuges and studying spanish and english (their first language is french because Haiti was a french colony). It was a challenge to communicate with them, but man, were they fascinating!
Then we topped off the day with a late dinner at the most amazing vegetarian/vegan restaurant EVER. It's called Bio and it was AMAZING. we drank organic wine and ate the most succulent mushrooms I have ever, ever had. I am still amazed by them, they were out of this world!
Since then, it has been a glass case of emotion.
Drama has gone down at Santa Clara with the housing and it has been an absolute nightmare to take care of it. I still have yet to fully resolve it. In the end, though, I have dealt with it as best as I could and I know it will work out for the best. It has taken a serious toll on my energy and my mood, though. Such a bummer.
In addition, my host mom was a little passive aggressive with me. She is a sweet heart and I truly like her, in fact, she has helped me tremendously down here...however, she--along with every other argentine--does not know how to keep their mouths closed. She never said anything too harsh, but she was just rubbing the fact that my mother speaks flawless spanish and I do not, in my face. I dont think she intended to hurt me or anything, but it was just not the support I was looking to get after the stress of the housing stuff and constantly being put on the spot to speak spanish. Mind you, I am good. I am confident about my spanish and I can guarantee I have improved a lot. She is right that I am not flawless, but I mean, sorry my school suggested I stop speaking spanish at age 4 and have been expected to maintain fluency or risk a judgmental look by everyone who knows my family/my nationality. What does she think I am trying to do in this silly country of hers where they call fresas (strawberries) fruitilla and they use "vos" instead of "tú". Laugh at yourself, not me. Plus, she is trying to learn english and cannot ever remember a single word and I do not do anything but say words of encouragement towards her. Some people are just bitter. Or rather, argentine women are bitter. Young and old. they kind of suck. the men are great, though! haha
I can't decide whether it is a good idea to post this last part because it is personal and shows vulnerability, but what are we without our flaws? Screw it, you guys are here to experience my experiences and a huge part is the "Spanish Struggle," so welcome.
Anyways, it has been a long week, to say the least.
Now I have to figure out whether to do the bold adventure to Patagonia (which is obviously what I want most) or to do a less expensive trip to chile. When I say bold, I mean it will just be outdoorsy, lots of hiking and facing nature right in the face--but it will be totally safe and LEGAL (hahaha). For instance, I would go and see this:
http://www.kuriositas.com/2011/05/marble-cathedral-of-general-carrera.html
THAT sort of adventure! It would be with a fun group, too. I think 3 of them would actually be from Santa Clara, coincidentally.
The alternative would be a couch-potato trip that would involve wine, food, and pictures of some mountains in the distance. Sounds nice, but I mean...I can do that at home. What else would Napa or Santa Barbara be for? I think I must go on this trip.
I just need to figure out the logistics, but i mean, this is my dream come true.
I just dont think my friend and wing-woman down here, Lauren, would be as down for this adventure because it is a little more ballsy and a little more expensive. Plus, it involves less food, which is a huge no no in her book. hahaha she is hysterical.
anyways, that is where I am at now.
well actually i went to a Mac Store opening last night. Although it wasnt a full mac store, it was like a quick-stop store...if that makes sense? Anyways, open bar. It was grand. Lots of weird people. Great drinks and great hors d'oureves!
Tomorrow I am going to a rugby game...I am positively THRILLED!!! it is going to be soo much fun!
I am deeply upset, though. I was going to go to hear the Dalai Lama give a training session, but the last seat is 100 dollars (not pesos) and I dont think I should spend the money on that instead of patagonia. I can go to another speaking engagement of his, but i am really not interested in them...very sad :( oh well, thats life, i suppose :)
Oh and in 2013 I plan on returning to Brazil for the Carnaval. OH MY GOD, HOW FUN!!! I love south america. (check it out!)
ok im going to watch Pocahontas and get amped for patagonia and go to bed.
Sweet dreams world!
Every time I listen to this, I get butterflies:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4DE5a80I8EU
Oh and there are a bunch of pics up on facebook, if you want a visual aid to all of this nonsense!
besos!
Sorry it has been quite some time since I last updated this blog. I have had quite an insane week--or two? Essentially, last weekend was the highlight of my trip, thus far.
I had previously felt like I hadnt been really taking full advantage of the culture. I had, but I had been doing it at a very slow pace. With an internship and school and a social life, being a tourist is difficult and slightly unappealing. Anyways, last weekend I planned an awesome culture enriched experience.
Friday I went out with a group of Porteños and americans.
Saturday during the day we went to a Polo match...we were with the elite of Argentina, it was very fun! There were a few older guys there that slightly made me think my father may have been like them. This one guy, dressed to the nines and dashingly handsome (for an older man), had a beautiful wife and a bunch of kids running around the stands as if it were a jungle gym (sound familiar, mom? haha) He smuggled in a couple of beers under his cashmere jacket and was the life of the party (well, the life of the group at least). For a polo match, they were rather rowdy. It was hysterical! Anyways, I had a ball!
That night me and three other girls went to the Ballet at Teatro Colón. We saw Oniguin, a russian play that was converted into a ballet. Teatro Colón was the first theatre built in Argentina and it was Gorgeous!!
Sunday I went on a very long run, met some guys from Uruguay, found some of the clubs I have been going to, and discovered the most SPECTACULAR gardens I have ever seen! They go on for miles, too! I had to stop at one point because I was so tired!
Anyways, that afternoon we went to the Día de inmigrantes (day of the immigrants) where essentially every culture had a little booth with trinkets and traditional FOOD of the country! SOOOOO BOMB!!! We found the Mexican tent and since I have been craving food with real flavor, we obviously indulged a little! We had some tacos and nachos...Definitely not super authentic (either of them...), but hey, beggers can't be choosers and I goobled it up like it was turkey on thanksgiving! We then went over to the Haitian tent and got these amazing smoothies with some crazy rum in them. It was crazy to chat with the guys in the tent, too! They lived through the earthquake and were here as refuges and studying spanish and english (their first language is french because Haiti was a french colony). It was a challenge to communicate with them, but man, were they fascinating!
Then we topped off the day with a late dinner at the most amazing vegetarian/vegan restaurant EVER. It's called Bio and it was AMAZING. we drank organic wine and ate the most succulent mushrooms I have ever, ever had. I am still amazed by them, they were out of this world!
Since then, it has been a glass case of emotion.
Drama has gone down at Santa Clara with the housing and it has been an absolute nightmare to take care of it. I still have yet to fully resolve it. In the end, though, I have dealt with it as best as I could and I know it will work out for the best. It has taken a serious toll on my energy and my mood, though. Such a bummer.
In addition, my host mom was a little passive aggressive with me. She is a sweet heart and I truly like her, in fact, she has helped me tremendously down here...however, she--along with every other argentine--does not know how to keep their mouths closed. She never said anything too harsh, but she was just rubbing the fact that my mother speaks flawless spanish and I do not, in my face. I dont think she intended to hurt me or anything, but it was just not the support I was looking to get after the stress of the housing stuff and constantly being put on the spot to speak spanish. Mind you, I am good. I am confident about my spanish and I can guarantee I have improved a lot. She is right that I am not flawless, but I mean, sorry my school suggested I stop speaking spanish at age 4 and have been expected to maintain fluency or risk a judgmental look by everyone who knows my family/my nationality. What does she think I am trying to do in this silly country of hers where they call fresas (strawberries) fruitilla and they use "vos" instead of "tú". Laugh at yourself, not me. Plus, she is trying to learn english and cannot ever remember a single word and I do not do anything but say words of encouragement towards her. Some people are just bitter. Or rather, argentine women are bitter. Young and old. they kind of suck. the men are great, though! haha
I can't decide whether it is a good idea to post this last part because it is personal and shows vulnerability, but what are we without our flaws? Screw it, you guys are here to experience my experiences and a huge part is the "Spanish Struggle," so welcome.
Anyways, it has been a long week, to say the least.
Now I have to figure out whether to do the bold adventure to Patagonia (which is obviously what I want most) or to do a less expensive trip to chile. When I say bold, I mean it will just be outdoorsy, lots of hiking and facing nature right in the face--but it will be totally safe and LEGAL (hahaha). For instance, I would go and see this:
http://www.kuriositas.com/2011/05/marble-cathedral-of-general-carrera.html
THAT sort of adventure! It would be with a fun group, too. I think 3 of them would actually be from Santa Clara, coincidentally.
The alternative would be a couch-potato trip that would involve wine, food, and pictures of some mountains in the distance. Sounds nice, but I mean...I can do that at home. What else would Napa or Santa Barbara be for? I think I must go on this trip.
I just need to figure out the logistics, but i mean, this is my dream come true.
I just dont think my friend and wing-woman down here, Lauren, would be as down for this adventure because it is a little more ballsy and a little more expensive. Plus, it involves less food, which is a huge no no in her book. hahaha she is hysterical.
anyways, that is where I am at now.
well actually i went to a Mac Store opening last night. Although it wasnt a full mac store, it was like a quick-stop store...if that makes sense? Anyways, open bar. It was grand. Lots of weird people. Great drinks and great hors d'oureves!
Tomorrow I am going to a rugby game...I am positively THRILLED!!! it is going to be soo much fun!
I am deeply upset, though. I was going to go to hear the Dalai Lama give a training session, but the last seat is 100 dollars (not pesos) and I dont think I should spend the money on that instead of patagonia. I can go to another speaking engagement of his, but i am really not interested in them...very sad :( oh well, thats life, i suppose :)
Oh and in 2013 I plan on returning to Brazil for the Carnaval. OH MY GOD, HOW FUN!!! I love south america. (check it out!)
ok im going to watch Pocahontas and get amped for patagonia and go to bed.
Sweet dreams world!
Every time I listen to this, I get butterflies:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4DE5a80I8EU
Oh and there are a bunch of pics up on facebook, if you want a visual aid to all of this nonsense!
besos!
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