I appreciate everyones concern after reading my last post. I realize that you all love me and I feel fortunate to have you're love and care.
With that said, there are some things that I apparently have to filter from this blog. I don't care if you think I am delusional and foolhardy. I know you all love me and I should respect what you all have told me, but I don't and I am sorry if that offends you. I obviously did not embark on that journey without FULLY weighing all of the possible outcomes. I was not in harms way, chill. I do not regret what I did and furthermore, I would do it again if the opportunity presented itself.
Also, in regards to my fathers presence, I really don't care that you think he wasn't there, because he was. He was a dumbass in his own life, but at least he lived his life. I would imagine if his daughter is going to choose to make an OCCASIONAL risky decision, he is going to be pleased she is not living a boring, mundane existence and taking chances, but also HELP HER IN EVERY WAY POSSIBLE SO SHE DOESN'T GET FUCKED. He was there. I am not delusional and I am not foolhardy.
Anyways, I love you all and I appreciate your concern.
Annette
P.S. I am aware that I will most likely get reprimanded for having a rather blunt message, but I had to stand up for myself.
Thursday, August 25, 2011
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
I have found God...
and he comes in the form of a chocolate kinder bar "con leche y crema de avellanas"(aka it is a chocolate bar with a creamy hazelnut filling and some crispy wafer thing. WOW.
I always knew God and I would find each other, one day!
Anywhoooo, I unfortunately have to make this a quick post because I have a bunch of homework to do and it is already 11pm!
So, this weekend we went to Iguazu. It makes a border between Argentina and Brazil (with Paraguay right around the corner) and they are these SPECTACULAR falls that are MASSIVE! It had also been raining pretty hard before we got there (while also raining 2 of the 4 days...luckily they were the least important days, so it was all good), so water was gushing out with FURY! (see pictures below)
It was GORGEOUS, though! The first day we got there, it was too late to go to the falls, so me and three other people went into the cobble stone town and ate AMAZING pizza and empanadas and shared a couple bottles of red wine! Saturday we went to the Argentina side which was much more tranquil. It allowed for a more intimate experience with smaller falls. It was beautiful and you were instantly entranced with the falls. It was truly a majestic sight (one more thing on my bucket list crossed off!). After the falls, we went on a long hike to a smaller waterfall where a couple of the people in my group jumped in and went swimming! Not to sound like a snob, but I have already swam under waterfalls and the water was DAMN COLD so I wasn't about to fully immerse myself. I did wade around a little, though, and I climbed some rocks and trees and explored some crevices and caves, it was great! My type of adventure!! Sunday came around and we were unsure of what to do because everything fun was super expensive and there wasn't much more free/cheap stuff to do on the Argentina side. Soooo, we decided to sneak into the Brazilian side! I am going to give you a play by play of this because it was just that awesome.
1. We were told that americans cannot go to the Brazilian side because you need a visa to get into the country
1a. The visas take anywhere from 3-18 days to acquire
1b. They cost between 150-250 US dollars.
1c. Hell-to-the-NO.
2. There is nothing else to do and we keep hearing a few courageous people in the past have successfully attempted this mission.
3. We (lauren and I) make up our minds to go.
4. We ask around and are told to get on a bus that goes to Paraguay. Once on the bus, talk to the bus driver and ask if he will drop you off once in Brazil. This way, you only have to check out of Argentina but you do not stop at Brazilian customs. Which is exactly what we were looking to do.
5. We are on the Paraguay bus, nervous as hell. Strangest thing happens: I become calm because I just can feel the approval, support, and guidance of my father. He was all about having fun and doing whatever you had to do to actually have that fun, so I mean, it is only obvious that he would help me along every step of the way. I turn to Lauren and say "don't worry, my dad is guiding us. We will do this without any trouble"
6. Bus driver said No. BUST.
7. We sweet talk the bus driver (who is older 20s probably?) and he then just at that point in time he says "OH! I know exactly what we will do!" and leads us over to this other bus that just arrived that said "BRAZIL" in big, bold letters. Shit.
8. My premonition was right! So the Paraguay bus driver walks us over to this other--younger, less attractive, but trying REALLY hard to be cool and attractive--bus driver. I took one look at him and knew we were in. The Paraguay bus driver starts telling the Brazil bus driver what we are trying to do and he says (in spanish) "we just HAVE to help these beautiful girl!"From there on out, we had the Brazil bus driver helping us smuggle into the country! It was great!
9. He told us exactly when to get off, when to get on, where to go once we were off, when we should come back, what buses we needed to look for and avoid when returning, and all of the other superfluous details that needed to be discussed in order for me to feel reassured.
10. WE JUST DID NOT GET OFF AT BRAZILIAN CUSTOMS! We felt like such rebels! We just didn't get off the bus! We just sat there and then the bus just went right along on its way! INSANE!
11. WE WERE IN!
12. We then met this father and son who were from Ecuador but lived/grown up in London (weird to hear a south american father and son speak perfect spanish then perfect english--with a British accent!). We made friends with them and spent the Entire day with them! They made sure we were seeing the cool stuff, getting awesome pictures, and were safe! It was wonderful, they helped us get all the way home, too!
13. I 100% believe my father was behind me every step of the way, putting specific people in my path to comfortably guide me into the arms of mischief and fun. I know, what a proud deceased father, helping his daughter and her little friend smuggle into a country for a day...but what can I tell you, my father was the most interesting man in the world, he is not about to have boring children, is he?! No. I think not.
Regardless, I felt his comfort from the very beginning, lauren can testify to that!
14. It was one of the best days of my life. With the most amazing views I think I will EVER experience.
15. We went home, had a bomb meal, drank wine and margaritas and danced salsa.
16. I love my life. I love my father. I love my step father. I love my grandfather. I love my living family. I love my friends. I love my mother. but most importantly, I love adventures!
the next day we just chatted and goofed off until our bus came. the bus wasn't as great as it had been on the way up. The way up we watched movies, had big blankets and pillows, had big comfy chairs that reclined 160 degrees, were fed dinner and breakfast, in addition to free (and endless) whiskey, wine, and/or champagne! Livin' the good life! On the way home, our bed didn't recline that far and we almost were convinced we weren't going to get food. plus they had movies but the BLASTED them until 1 am. I was so pissed. plus it was freezing and they took away my second blanket. Jerks.
its whatever, though!
Ok, enjoy these pictures, there will be plenty more on Facebook, soon!
Much love,
Annette
I always knew God and I would find each other, one day!
Anywhoooo, I unfortunately have to make this a quick post because I have a bunch of homework to do and it is already 11pm!
So, this weekend we went to Iguazu. It makes a border between Argentina and Brazil (with Paraguay right around the corner) and they are these SPECTACULAR falls that are MASSIVE! It had also been raining pretty hard before we got there (while also raining 2 of the 4 days...luckily they were the least important days, so it was all good), so water was gushing out with FURY! (see pictures below)
It was GORGEOUS, though! The first day we got there, it was too late to go to the falls, so me and three other people went into the cobble stone town and ate AMAZING pizza and empanadas and shared a couple bottles of red wine! Saturday we went to the Argentina side which was much more tranquil. It allowed for a more intimate experience with smaller falls. It was beautiful and you were instantly entranced with the falls. It was truly a majestic sight (one more thing on my bucket list crossed off!). After the falls, we went on a long hike to a smaller waterfall where a couple of the people in my group jumped in and went swimming! Not to sound like a snob, but I have already swam under waterfalls and the water was DAMN COLD so I wasn't about to fully immerse myself. I did wade around a little, though, and I climbed some rocks and trees and explored some crevices and caves, it was great! My type of adventure!! Sunday came around and we were unsure of what to do because everything fun was super expensive and there wasn't much more free/cheap stuff to do on the Argentina side. Soooo, we decided to sneak into the Brazilian side! I am going to give you a play by play of this because it was just that awesome.
1. We were told that americans cannot go to the Brazilian side because you need a visa to get into the country
1a. The visas take anywhere from 3-18 days to acquire
1b. They cost between 150-250 US dollars.
1c. Hell-to-the-NO.
2. There is nothing else to do and we keep hearing a few courageous people in the past have successfully attempted this mission.
3. We (lauren and I) make up our minds to go.
4. We ask around and are told to get on a bus that goes to Paraguay. Once on the bus, talk to the bus driver and ask if he will drop you off once in Brazil. This way, you only have to check out of Argentina but you do not stop at Brazilian customs. Which is exactly what we were looking to do.
5. We are on the Paraguay bus, nervous as hell. Strangest thing happens: I become calm because I just can feel the approval, support, and guidance of my father. He was all about having fun and doing whatever you had to do to actually have that fun, so I mean, it is only obvious that he would help me along every step of the way. I turn to Lauren and say "don't worry, my dad is guiding us. We will do this without any trouble"
6. Bus driver said No. BUST.
7. We sweet talk the bus driver (who is older 20s probably?) and he then just at that point in time he says "OH! I know exactly what we will do!" and leads us over to this other bus that just arrived that said "BRAZIL" in big, bold letters. Shit.
8. My premonition was right! So the Paraguay bus driver walks us over to this other--younger, less attractive, but trying REALLY hard to be cool and attractive--bus driver. I took one look at him and knew we were in. The Paraguay bus driver starts telling the Brazil bus driver what we are trying to do and he says (in spanish) "we just HAVE to help these beautiful girl!"From there on out, we had the Brazil bus driver helping us smuggle into the country! It was great!
9. He told us exactly when to get off, when to get on, where to go once we were off, when we should come back, what buses we needed to look for and avoid when returning, and all of the other superfluous details that needed to be discussed in order for me to feel reassured.
10. WE JUST DID NOT GET OFF AT BRAZILIAN CUSTOMS! We felt like such rebels! We just didn't get off the bus! We just sat there and then the bus just went right along on its way! INSANE!
11. WE WERE IN!
12. We then met this father and son who were from Ecuador but lived/grown up in London (weird to hear a south american father and son speak perfect spanish then perfect english--with a British accent!). We made friends with them and spent the Entire day with them! They made sure we were seeing the cool stuff, getting awesome pictures, and were safe! It was wonderful, they helped us get all the way home, too!
13. I 100% believe my father was behind me every step of the way, putting specific people in my path to comfortably guide me into the arms of mischief and fun. I know, what a proud deceased father, helping his daughter and her little friend smuggle into a country for a day...but what can I tell you, my father was the most interesting man in the world, he is not about to have boring children, is he?! No. I think not.
Regardless, I felt his comfort from the very beginning, lauren can testify to that!
14. It was one of the best days of my life. With the most amazing views I think I will EVER experience.
15. We went home, had a bomb meal, drank wine and margaritas and danced salsa.
16. I love my life. I love my father. I love my step father. I love my grandfather. I love my living family. I love my friends. I love my mother. but most importantly, I love adventures!
the next day we just chatted and goofed off until our bus came. the bus wasn't as great as it had been on the way up. The way up we watched movies, had big blankets and pillows, had big comfy chairs that reclined 160 degrees, were fed dinner and breakfast, in addition to free (and endless) whiskey, wine, and/or champagne! Livin' the good life! On the way home, our bed didn't recline that far and we almost were convinced we weren't going to get food. plus they had movies but the BLASTED them until 1 am. I was so pissed. plus it was freezing and they took away my second blanket. Jerks.
its whatever, though!
Ok, enjoy these pictures, there will be plenty more on Facebook, soon!
Much love,
Annette
Brazil
Argentina
Thursday, August 18, 2011
Buenooooooo!!!
where to begin!
ok.
1. haha I can totally creep on this blog site and see from what country people are viewing my blog! We've got USA, Mexico, Canada, Argentina, Chile, Germany and Indonesia all represented. Thats pretty damn cool. Obviously for the fact that initially, this silly little blogs main purpose was letting my mother and grandmother know I am still alive and having fun, and now it is viewed globally, but alsoooo because while you think you are creeping on ME, I can totally creep on YOU! Well, kind of. That is really the extent of my knowledge; I am still pumped, though! haha
2. I dropped the photo class, and swapped it for a urban history of argentina. Stoked. It is so far my favorite class. It is funny because after the class, I realized that I really must be related to Nicky because the history class is my favorite class by far! SOOO interesting! Great, also, that the professor teaches it like hes telling a story. It makes it so much better. He is also this cute little old man. I love him!
3. IGUAZU THIS WEEKEND!? HELLLLLL YEAHHH!!!!
Yeah. NO BIG DEAL.
see yeah all on tuesdayyyy!
ciao bella!
Annette
Monday, August 15, 2011
BREAKING NEWS
I got the job at both places I interviewed!!!
I think I am going to pick the fun one...I know I really should take the other one, but I am young and want to live a little. Screw it.
You guys should go check it out:
http://www.whatsupbuenosaires.com/wuba2/
I will write out my rational thinking...no, my justifications for picking this one at a later time.
much love!
annette
I think I am going to pick the fun one...I know I really should take the other one, but I am young and want to live a little. Screw it.
You guys should go check it out:
http://www.whatsupbuenosaires.com/wuba2/
I will write out my rational thinking...no, my justifications for picking this one at a later time.
much love!
annette
Fuera Flojera
Apparently they do not use the word flojera here. It is very frusturating because I want to learn Mexican spanish with a Mexican accent, not Argentine spanish with an Argentine accent. Not like there is anything wrong with the argetine way of speaking, but I am tired of people thinking I am just pronouncing a word wrong! False! It is right in Mexico and even if my spanish isn't 100%, I have been told many times it is obvious I am Mexican by the rythm of my speech. STOP TRYING TO CORRECT ME WHEN I AM NOT WRONG! GAH! I do not want to pronounce everything with some weird lisp thing. I want to speak eloquently and clearly. I want to properly pronounce every syllable. Argentines do NOT do that. Mexicans do. I want to speak as beautifully as my mother. I love the way she speaks, it is so clear and easy to comprehend. My spanish professor at Santa Clara also had a similar clarity when she spoke. Too bad she was a bitch. (sorry that I'm not sorry.) Seriously, though, I want to speak spanish beautifully in all aspects. Learning the Argentine accent is interesting, but not beautiful. They sound too aggressive or dramatic. Oddly appropriate...
Anyways, I am officially out of clothing. It is all dirty and we are required to take it to a laundry mat and have other people wash, dry, and fold my clothing. Sounds legit, but I dont understand why I can't just use the washing machines that my senora has?? It is some rule, I guess, but I could pay her the same amount that a laundry mat charges! Whatever. It's really not that big of a deal. I just have no option but to be in sweats for a day. I realize I should have planned that out better but I still fall under the "Y&D" category and for that reason, I gaurentee in 2 weeks I will tell you I am out of clothes once more. I think I just need to buy a pair of back up leggings or something. I wish dresses or shorts or shirts were acceptable. it's not that they arent (well, shorts arent really) but it is also too damn cold! Such a trip to think I was sun bathing in the middle of summer only two weeks ago and now I am bundled up with scarves, boots, and so many layers! Luckily it is "getting warmer" but I have yet to see a dramatic difference. it POURED a few days ago. I mean hail, thunder, lightening, the whole schabang! It was actually kind of cool, but I miss the sun. False. I miss WARM sun. Apparently there is a difference...
If anyone decides to come down to visit me or decides to send me a gift basket, I need three items to be somehow smuggled into the country:
1. Maseca. I need to make real tortillas. The first time I ordered a side of tortillas during a lunch two weeks ago, I got tortilla espanola...aka an egg and potato pie. Not tortilla.
2. LIMES. I didnt realize how dependent on limes I am, but I love them! It is like salt or avocado, limes make everything taste better! They think I am crazy, too, because they equate it to lemon and well, sorry but lemon just kind of sucks. It's not terrible but it just does not measure up to lime!
3. Chilli sauce. the food here is pretty bland and I can only take so much tabasco sauce...
Funny because I did find peanut butter. It is only funny because I am one of the few Americans who just doesn't really like peanut butter. I bought it, though, and have been putting it on bananas or apples. I typically do that around now (6pm) so I am alright until dinner. It is just funny to hear how all of my classmates are dying to find some and i accidentally stumbled into it and am kinda-sorta appreciating it. I should give it up, but if I found one, there must be more. I at least share some of it...kind of a bad choice, though, lauren nearly ate half of it last time (in one sitting! The girl really likes peanut butter!). I think I am just going to hoard it a little more.
If you dont plan on visiting me or you dont plan on illegally smuggling in some of my staple foods into the country, yet you still have the strong impulse to send me a sign of love and affection for your one and only daughter, granddaughter, niece, best friend, friend, acquantance, random-act-of-kindess-to-a-stranger, Feel free I could always appreciate some itunes credits. I am finding that I have a lot of time on my hands at night after my internet is shut off (because yes, that typically happens between 11pm-1am) and I do not have a TV...my book is also a little unnerving so movies are the perfect solution! I cannot watch monsters inc another time though, no matter how cute that little girl is.
Well, I bitched and complained a lot in this post, sorry everyone. It has to happen every once in a while, I guess!
much love all!
annette
Anyways, I am officially out of clothing. It is all dirty and we are required to take it to a laundry mat and have other people wash, dry, and fold my clothing. Sounds legit, but I dont understand why I can't just use the washing machines that my senora has?? It is some rule, I guess, but I could pay her the same amount that a laundry mat charges! Whatever. It's really not that big of a deal. I just have no option but to be in sweats for a day. I realize I should have planned that out better but I still fall under the "Y&D" category and for that reason, I gaurentee in 2 weeks I will tell you I am out of clothes once more. I think I just need to buy a pair of back up leggings or something. I wish dresses or shorts or shirts were acceptable. it's not that they arent (well, shorts arent really) but it is also too damn cold! Such a trip to think I was sun bathing in the middle of summer only two weeks ago and now I am bundled up with scarves, boots, and so many layers! Luckily it is "getting warmer" but I have yet to see a dramatic difference. it POURED a few days ago. I mean hail, thunder, lightening, the whole schabang! It was actually kind of cool, but I miss the sun. False. I miss WARM sun. Apparently there is a difference...
If anyone decides to come down to visit me or decides to send me a gift basket, I need three items to be somehow smuggled into the country:
1. Maseca. I need to make real tortillas. The first time I ordered a side of tortillas during a lunch two weeks ago, I got tortilla espanola...aka an egg and potato pie. Not tortilla.
2. LIMES. I didnt realize how dependent on limes I am, but I love them! It is like salt or avocado, limes make everything taste better! They think I am crazy, too, because they equate it to lemon and well, sorry but lemon just kind of sucks. It's not terrible but it just does not measure up to lime!
3. Chilli sauce. the food here is pretty bland and I can only take so much tabasco sauce...
Funny because I did find peanut butter. It is only funny because I am one of the few Americans who just doesn't really like peanut butter. I bought it, though, and have been putting it on bananas or apples. I typically do that around now (6pm) so I am alright until dinner. It is just funny to hear how all of my classmates are dying to find some and i accidentally stumbled into it and am kinda-sorta appreciating it. I should give it up, but if I found one, there must be more. I at least share some of it...kind of a bad choice, though, lauren nearly ate half of it last time (in one sitting! The girl really likes peanut butter!). I think I am just going to hoard it a little more.
If you dont plan on visiting me or you dont plan on illegally smuggling in some of my staple foods into the country, yet you still have the strong impulse to send me a sign of love and affection for your one and only daughter, granddaughter, niece, best friend, friend, acquantance, random-act-of-kindess-to-a-stranger, Feel free I could always appreciate some itunes credits. I am finding that I have a lot of time on my hands at night after my internet is shut off (because yes, that typically happens between 11pm-1am) and I do not have a TV...my book is also a little unnerving so movies are the perfect solution! I cannot watch monsters inc another time though, no matter how cute that little girl is.
Well, I bitched and complained a lot in this post, sorry everyone. It has to happen every once in a while, I guess!
much love all!
annette
Sunday, August 14, 2011
que interesante...
First of all, I had previously been stoked because I think I have lost weight here from walking so much and eating food of a higher quality. I am sad now, because this weekend (even though I walked a boat load!) my señora made homemade empanadas and homemade pizza both nights. For instance, it is 11:35pm here and I just finished dinner. It is the first time this whole trip that my pants feel slightly tight. It doesn't help that gyms are closed on Sundays. Do Not ask me why. I do not know why and I am REALLY upset at this very unfortunate reality.
pero bueno, it is all worth it in the end. :)
more importantly, this blog post is devoted to my Señora.
I just spent about an hour chatting with her. Interestingly enough, her husband died of cancer and apparently one of her family members took advantage of her vulnerable state after her husbands death and left her in an economically challenging position...interesting.
She has also made it her top priority in life to have her daughter be very educated, very prepared, and very independent. She does not want to see her daughter married off to a man only to be dependent on him and vulnerable if something goes awry. (She has a son, too, but she said sons are different because they eventually we figure out their independence. Woman are not as guaranteed to be independent, so they require more effort to raise.)...interesting.
Funny how sometimes you are paired with particular people for a reason, don't you think?
Who knows the reason, but the overlap between our families histories seem to be all too curious.
It is funny because since I have been here I have felt an invisible support from an invisible being. Take that as you will, whether you think it be my step-dad, my father, my grandpapa, or just a part of me that is making something up to comfort myself, but either way, I have a support system. Someone or some people are happy I am here. Deceased or living or make-believe. I feel positive energies.
haha particularly when I put on my new (and GORGEOUS) leather jacket. From what I understand, my father had an affinity for fine clothing and I feel a sense of pride run through me when I put on that leather jacket. It was the first leather jacket I tried on here and it will probably be my most prized purchase from this trip. I know that seems to be very materialistic that a purchase holds that much weight, but it is more than just a purchase. To me, it symbolizes my fathers constant presence, protection, and support. I wear that and I feel at ease.
I am anxious to see what adventures I will get into while I am here and what lessons I will learn. Maybe I walk away with the sole accomplishment of perfecting my spanish (which is slowly happening...slowly, but surely). No matter what, I partly think that this trip is going to teach me something about myself that will indirectly teach me about the people who are watching over me. Someone recently told me that they live within me. I am them. By knowing myself, I know them. So maybe by knowing and acknowledging myself, I exhibit traits of people I long to know and by default, know them as well as I know myself.
That got me on a thinking-tangent that someone a while told me what you see in your friends is a reflection of what you see in yourselves (good or bad). I didn't understand what that meant at the time of hearing that, but I think after connecting it to what I explained above, it makes a little more sense to me now...
...life is all too interesting...
ok, ciao familia
tengo mis clases en la manana!
~annette
Saturday, August 13, 2011
86 views!
Hot damn! This blog website shows my statistics about how many views my blog gets and I have acquired 86 views within the past 2 weeks! As cliche as this is about to be: You like me! You really like me! haha
Anywayssssss, I am sitting at home on a saturday night for a few reasons:
1. There are elections tomorrow and I guess people take them very seriously...aka they stopped selling alcohol at noon today (mind you the elections are TOMORROW). Why spoil my fun 24 hours in advance? Rude.
2. I need a break.
3. My señora made homemade empanadas. (as quito always says:) PUM!!!
There is much to report. I am going to make an outline so I don't forget...
1. Class Schedule
2. Interviews
3. Language differences
4. Empanadas, Pizza, and ham and cheese
5. what I did today
6. What I am doing next week
Chapter 1: Class Schedule
What a hot mess. Seriously, though. Latin America does not know how to keep things simple and easy. In fact their definition of easy is "the more complicated, the better!" What a terrible definition, I know. So after a week of extremely stressful situations, I have a preliminary schedule (preliminary because if I fill out a bunch of paper work and make multiple office trips, I can still change my schedule to add or drop classes. I guess that's sick?).
Luenes/Monday:
11am-1pm: Spanish with my program (IES)
3-4:30pm: Argentine Poetry (IES)
Martes/Tuesday:
5-8 pm: Argentine Literature (IES)
Miercoles/Wednesday:
11am-1pm: Spanish with my program (IES)
3-4:30pm: Argentine Poetry (IES)
6-8pm: Internship Seminar (IES--Joke of a class)
Jueves/Thursday:
11am-1:50pm: La lenguaje de photográfica (UCES-local university; It is essentially a photo class)
(and no, mother, I know you are thinking I just busted out another annette-ism, but alas, you are wrong! (haha, I love saying alas...so entertaining!) It is not photografia, here they specifically told me it was photografica. I have the syllabus to prove it! Win for Annette!)
2-6 pm: taller de pintura, nivel III (UMSA-local university; I will be paiting with real argentines!)
7-9pm: Etica professional (UCES; Ethics class...I need one for Santa Clara and I figured, why not?)
Viernes/Friday:
LIBRE!
FREE!
I know it is a heavy load for being abroad, but I did that on purpose. This next week I plan on selecting which ones I like best and dropping 1-3 of them (I am in the position where I can do that). I have a feeling I will drop the painting class because painting requires soooo much time that I just do not have and I am not about to produce half-assed art. That just will not happen.
I will post my final schedule at the end of next week!
Chapter 2: Interviews
I had one interview with Round Table on Responsible Soy and it went splendidly well! So well that they offered me the position, actually! I have yet to accept it because I want to hear back from the other potential internship, but I think this would be really a really great experience. I am hesitating for two reasons, though. The first is that I would be doing a lot of administrative work and only be exposed to the same 6 people day in and day out. Not that they aren't nice people, but they are kind of old and dull. It is just not as appealing as the other job, even if it would be great for my resume. It's the sad truth, but I am in Argentina, I am not looking for the mundane, I am looking excitement! I want to be swept off my feet everyday! Which I have been thus far, but that internship sounds like a drag. Plus, they have some cracks in their infrastructure. I won't go too much into it, but I just noticed that there may be some details they don't seem to concentrate on that I consider to be important. We will see, though, it would be an amazing opportunity that I am definitely not ruling out!
The other interview went well, but I was disappointed because to save time, they did group interviews. It just wasn't as personal as I would have liked and for that reason, I don't think I stood out as much as I could have. I still think I made myself noteworthy, but I have many traits and interests that I think would have been of interest and value to them that I just did not have as good of an opportunity to expose. I tried, don't get me wrong. It just wasn't as successful as it could have been. It is a cool company, though. They focus on making public the underground music/art scene in Buenos Aires. They are starting to focus a little more on more marketable things, like what tourists can do once they get here, but they still have the underground feel and focus. I would still be doing a lot of administrative work, but its with awesome people and I would have awesome connections to the social world of Argentina/South America! How can I resist!? haha It is just much more alluring than the other.
Chapter 3: Language
I feel like I am definitely improving, but in the constant presence of spanish, I have picked up a few things:
1. Argentines speak spanish as though they have are speaking spanish with an Italian accent. Every thing is WAY more dramatic. For instance, in Mexico you would say "No quiero ir al boliche (club)." in a pretty fluid rhyme. In Argentina, you would say it more like this "no QUIERO ir al boliche!" It is just melodramatic if you ask me. haha They also pronounce the "ch" like "sh"...so annoying. They do the same for the double L's (calle: Mexico: "Caye" Argentina "Cashe"...how the hell am I supposed to understand that!? Especially when they just decide to throw in the accent to words that that rule doesn't even apply to!? RUDE!) It makes life extremely challenging.
2. VOS. What the hell. You use "vos" when you are asking something about a person ("A vos os gusties[?] ese coche?"--Do you like that car?) you say "tu" when it is about an object ("Es tu coche?" Is that your car?). Que horror. I don't know. It is very confusing and unsettling, though. Here, you only always refer to children as "tu." With adults that you are trying to show an extreme amount of respect (aka an elder or the president were the two examples given), you use "Usted", but aside from that, you use "vos." You can see why I am unsettled. If I say tu, it could be taken as an insult but as usted, I could be indirectly insulting them by saying they are old enough to be referred to as "usted"
Conclusion: Vos sucks, they're over-dramatic, and pronounce things incorrectly. Hence, I will be sticking to my version of spanish (a perfect blend of annette-isms and Mexican spanish--my host family says I speak with a heavy mexican accent...they giggle but I'd much rather speak like a mexican than an argentine...no offense to all of the argentines...)
man i dont feel like writing anymore.
emapandas are divine. particularly homemade ones.
pizza here blows the pizza in the states out of the water. yay for italian influence.
Ham and Cheese here...a staple in latin america--BLOWS. They're ham SUCKS. they only place that I have actually enjoyed ham and cheese is at a starbucks! (sad, I know, but it was quick, cheap, and convenient... don't hate.)
We found awesome parks today. and a fair and other cool stuff.
we are planning a trip to Uruguay for this upcoming weekend. We have monday off for some random holiday and we might as well hit the beaches in Colonia!
ok, buenas noches Buenos Aires
(but really, they are lying to themselves by calling the city Buenos Aires...the air here sucks. My lungs hate me. Everyone smokes and the cars are definitely not up to american standards...they should consider changing it to "Malas Aires" o "Buenos Aires...afuera de la cuidad" new motto, what?
ok 4realz, good night all.
annette
Anywayssssss, I am sitting at home on a saturday night for a few reasons:
1. There are elections tomorrow and I guess people take them very seriously...aka they stopped selling alcohol at noon today (mind you the elections are TOMORROW). Why spoil my fun 24 hours in advance? Rude.
2. I need a break.
3. My señora made homemade empanadas. (as quito always says:) PUM!!!
There is much to report. I am going to make an outline so I don't forget...
1. Class Schedule
2. Interviews
3. Language differences
4. Empanadas, Pizza, and ham and cheese
5. what I did today
6. What I am doing next week
Chapter 1: Class Schedule
What a hot mess. Seriously, though. Latin America does not know how to keep things simple and easy. In fact their definition of easy is "the more complicated, the better!" What a terrible definition, I know. So after a week of extremely stressful situations, I have a preliminary schedule (preliminary because if I fill out a bunch of paper work and make multiple office trips, I can still change my schedule to add or drop classes. I guess that's sick?).
Luenes/Monday:
11am-1pm: Spanish with my program (IES)
3-4:30pm: Argentine Poetry (IES)
Martes/Tuesday:
5-8 pm: Argentine Literature (IES)
Miercoles/Wednesday:
11am-1pm: Spanish with my program (IES)
3-4:30pm: Argentine Poetry (IES)
6-8pm: Internship Seminar (IES--Joke of a class)
Jueves/Thursday:
11am-1:50pm: La lenguaje de photográfica (UCES-local university; It is essentially a photo class)
(and no, mother, I know you are thinking I just busted out another annette-ism, but alas, you are wrong! (haha, I love saying alas...so entertaining!) It is not photografia, here they specifically told me it was photografica. I have the syllabus to prove it! Win for Annette!)
2-6 pm: taller de pintura, nivel III (UMSA-local university; I will be paiting with real argentines!)
7-9pm: Etica professional (UCES; Ethics class...I need one for Santa Clara and I figured, why not?)
Viernes/Friday:
LIBRE!
FREE!
I know it is a heavy load for being abroad, but I did that on purpose. This next week I plan on selecting which ones I like best and dropping 1-3 of them (I am in the position where I can do that). I have a feeling I will drop the painting class because painting requires soooo much time that I just do not have and I am not about to produce half-assed art. That just will not happen.
I will post my final schedule at the end of next week!
Chapter 2: Interviews
I had one interview with Round Table on Responsible Soy and it went splendidly well! So well that they offered me the position, actually! I have yet to accept it because I want to hear back from the other potential internship, but I think this would be really a really great experience. I am hesitating for two reasons, though. The first is that I would be doing a lot of administrative work and only be exposed to the same 6 people day in and day out. Not that they aren't nice people, but they are kind of old and dull. It is just not as appealing as the other job, even if it would be great for my resume. It's the sad truth, but I am in Argentina, I am not looking for the mundane, I am looking excitement! I want to be swept off my feet everyday! Which I have been thus far, but that internship sounds like a drag. Plus, they have some cracks in their infrastructure. I won't go too much into it, but I just noticed that there may be some details they don't seem to concentrate on that I consider to be important. We will see, though, it would be an amazing opportunity that I am definitely not ruling out!
The other interview went well, but I was disappointed because to save time, they did group interviews. It just wasn't as personal as I would have liked and for that reason, I don't think I stood out as much as I could have. I still think I made myself noteworthy, but I have many traits and interests that I think would have been of interest and value to them that I just did not have as good of an opportunity to expose. I tried, don't get me wrong. It just wasn't as successful as it could have been. It is a cool company, though. They focus on making public the underground music/art scene in Buenos Aires. They are starting to focus a little more on more marketable things, like what tourists can do once they get here, but they still have the underground feel and focus. I would still be doing a lot of administrative work, but its with awesome people and I would have awesome connections to the social world of Argentina/South America! How can I resist!? haha It is just much more alluring than the other.
Chapter 3: Language
I feel like I am definitely improving, but in the constant presence of spanish, I have picked up a few things:
1. Argentines speak spanish as though they have are speaking spanish with an Italian accent. Every thing is WAY more dramatic. For instance, in Mexico you would say "No quiero ir al boliche (club)." in a pretty fluid rhyme. In Argentina, you would say it more like this "no QUIERO ir al boliche!" It is just melodramatic if you ask me. haha They also pronounce the "ch" like "sh"...so annoying. They do the same for the double L's (calle: Mexico: "Caye" Argentina "Cashe"...how the hell am I supposed to understand that!? Especially when they just decide to throw in the accent to words that that rule doesn't even apply to!? RUDE!) It makes life extremely challenging.
2. VOS. What the hell. You use "vos" when you are asking something about a person ("A vos os gusties[?] ese coche?"--Do you like that car?) you say "tu" when it is about an object ("Es tu coche?" Is that your car?). Que horror. I don't know. It is very confusing and unsettling, though. Here, you only always refer to children as "tu." With adults that you are trying to show an extreme amount of respect (aka an elder or the president were the two examples given), you use "Usted", but aside from that, you use "vos." You can see why I am unsettled. If I say tu, it could be taken as an insult but as usted, I could be indirectly insulting them by saying they are old enough to be referred to as "usted"
Conclusion: Vos sucks, they're over-dramatic, and pronounce things incorrectly. Hence, I will be sticking to my version of spanish (a perfect blend of annette-isms and Mexican spanish--my host family says I speak with a heavy mexican accent...they giggle but I'd much rather speak like a mexican than an argentine...no offense to all of the argentines...)
man i dont feel like writing anymore.
emapandas are divine. particularly homemade ones.
pizza here blows the pizza in the states out of the water. yay for italian influence.
Ham and Cheese here...a staple in latin america--BLOWS. They're ham SUCKS. they only place that I have actually enjoyed ham and cheese is at a starbucks! (sad, I know, but it was quick, cheap, and convenient... don't hate.)
We found awesome parks today. and a fair and other cool stuff.
we are planning a trip to Uruguay for this upcoming weekend. We have monday off for some random holiday and we might as well hit the beaches in Colonia!
ok, buenas noches Buenos Aires
(but really, they are lying to themselves by calling the city Buenos Aires...the air here sucks. My lungs hate me. Everyone smokes and the cars are definitely not up to american standards...they should consider changing it to "Malas Aires" o "Buenos Aires...afuera de la cuidad" new motto, what?
ok 4realz, good night all.
annette
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