Am I really staying here for a whole semester?

Sometimes I still can't believe I'm gonna be here for a whole semester. I got here about a week before orientation started, so I did a bit of exploring with my mom, but I think that only contributed to me feeling like I am on vacation.
Now that orientation has started, things have gotten a bit hectic. We have been meeting for most of the day to get pretty valuable information.. like this quite wonderful little pocket book called Guia T that pretty much helps you get around the whole city. It makes Buenos Aires way simple. We have also been told what places are safe, which are not, and should be avoided, important vocabulary, etc. And, of course, I've been meeting some pretty cool people.
The other night we decided we wanted to go out, but would rather avoid the very touristy, and more expensive, Palermo. We got some sweet tips on a really relaxed bar in Almagro, which only locals attend, which is cheaper, and so much more fun. Apparently you can just put a couple of tables together whenever you feel like it and play ping pong! Anyway, this is La Casona de Humamuaco

La Casona de Humahuaco

And this is the wonderful group of kids that got together for some awesome conversation and some cheap beer and wine.

Grupo en La Casona de Humahuaca

Yesterday we went on a tour of "The Paris of South America", which was pretty interesting. I learned more about architecture than I ever have.

Arquitectura Parisina en Plaza San Martin

This is an example of the European, more specifically French, architecture that predominates in that portion of the city. Fancy, huh? But don't be deceived.. the original mansions in France are made with stone, but since, according to the tour guide, there are no stones in Buenos Aires, the houses (if you can call them that) are made of bricks and covered with stucco to replicate the stones.

Meet Kendall and Tegan, two of the students I've been hanging out with. They're super nice. Also, for your information, Tegan and I both have tickets to see Radiohead here in BsAs in March.

Kendall y Tegan en la calle

This is Plaza San Martin, which, so far, is my favorite of the Plazas. It is not too big, but it has gorgeous trees and pretty colors all around. And a cute little dog park.

Tipas en Plaza San Martin

Anyway, as most of you know, I am here to do some research and write a paper.. I wanna look into some of the social movements that emerged out of the 2001 economic crash. I have been very excited about this for a long time, but spending time in a Latin American city once more has made me face the harsh reality once more. People on the street, begging for some food, and the stark contrasts. I've felt a bit useless, because doing research is not directly benefitting anyone but me, but I have recently heard some pretty wonderful and inspirational words that are helping me to stay focused.

Anyway, that is all for now. There is internet at the home I'm living in, which is pretty awesome, but who knows when I'll actually be home in the next few days..

written by

poweroflove on February 19, 2009 from Buenos Aires, Argentina

from the travel blog: ARGENTINA

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this already looks like so much fun : )

I can't wait to go to that park with you!

written by sara bryant on February 20, 2009

1. im so excited for you! ba looks pretty
2. your research helps you to help others help themselves, there's nothing useless about that

written by Vivian on February 22, 2009

Diana, it looks like you are already learning so much! I know this is going to challenging, but incredibly rewarding! I hope to read more soon....

Besos!

written by Diana Leon on February 24, 2009

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