Two weeks down, 14 more to go. I feel better overall and I think I’m getting the hang of this big city thing. The Spanish is getting easier to understand (although not by much) and I am more comfortable in my surroundings. The weather is still hot and miserable, and the humidity makes my eyebrows curl. But my school has air conditioning, and so does the kitchen of my host home (but it’s only been on 3 times. You know it’s hot when the senora turns on the AC), as does the ISA office. It’s a nice place to go and do homework, hang out, and get tutoring.
Christmas seems so far away. I can’t believe that two weeks ago I was still in the US. It doesn’t seem possible. It feels like a different life. Every time I travel this happens. There is some weird time-warp that international flights do to you that make the world you leave seem more distant and completely separate from the one you’re going to. I cannot grasp the concept of cold right now.
It’s hard to write in English. I find I spell words wrong and don’t use the same words I would have back home. So this whole blogging thing is going to be interesting.
Life would be a lot better with peanut butter. I’m sure I’ll get over it, but I like to pack my lunch to save money, and there are no good protein options that won’t spoil in the heat. It’s been a challenge not to eat meat (not that I’m totally opposed to it, but I just don’t enjoy it). I am thankful that dinner is always vegetarian. But they eat so late here that having no protein for lunch means crazy munchies around 5 or 6.
I tried to buy soy nuts in the supermarcado the other day, only to find out after eating a handful that they are actually soybeans. Which you’re not supposed to eat raw. I was all excited that I found a good source of protein for relatively cheap (almonds are ridiculously expensive), but then was frustrated that I couldn’t even eat what I bought. I’m supposed to cook them in boiling water, which I don’t know how to ask my senora if I can do that. Besides, the kitchen is her sacred place, so I don’t want to intrude. Anyway, found out the hard way that soybeans are “toxic” (thanks, Dr. Google) when eaten raw.
Listening to my music has really helped me adjust. Nothing like some Lady Gaga and Nickleback to keep me close to home. And of course the catchy “Red Solo Cup” to remind me of our trip to Kansas. My homework playlist helps me focus when I’m studying too. At least it drowns out some of the city noise.
On Tuesday I went to the National Museum of Beautiful Art. It was a really good day. I found my way around the city on a bus (which do not tell you which stop you’re at, you just have to know where you want off. They also don’t go in circles, so you have to get on the one going the right way.) At the museum, I was in the right mindset to really appreciate it. I found myself thinking about the people being portrayed and their stories. A lot of art looks sad, and then I thought that a lot of life is sad too. But there were plenty of other happy scenes to make up for it. I kept thinking it would be fun to write a story based on a piece of art. It’s kinda cool because I would already have the characters and a setting, but I want to make it come to life. I also got to thinking how much the artist is portrayed in a work of art. The artist is the one who really creates the moment and makes it last, and it’s as much his (or her!) emotion as it is the subject’s. It’s just cool. Then we went to this park and saw the metal flower that is open during the day and closed at night.
Wednesday we went down to China Town to try to find peanut butter. I’m pretty sure every county has a China Town. It’s Glenn’s theory that so many people want to leave China and move to a better country, that having mini-China country is so popular. It was cool to see stores selling some of the things I bought when I was in China. But the peanut butter was a fail. At the back of a fish market, we found a tiny jar of Skippy with Chinese writing on it, less than 8oz for $10. I guess I know where to go if I get desperate, but that’s just craziness.
Thursday I went to Tango class again. It was a lot of fun and I hope to go more. I danced with all strangers, most from other continents, and it was a good way to break out of my comfort zone. It was nice because it’s mostly in Spanish, but they can translate into English if we need it. I found myself recognizing a lot more words this week than I did last week, so I made me feel good about learning Spanish. The class went late, so I had to rush home in time for dinner. I was practically running through the streets and tried to made the subway go faster (that attempt sadly failed), but I did make it home with 2 minutes to spare—with a red face and sweat dripping from everywhere, but hey. In Gunnison it was nice to go to dance class for an hour and a half, then go home in 5 minutes. Here it takes about an hour on either end to get there, so it becomes three and half hours. But it’s worth it. Now I just need to get some sweet tango shoes.
I’m still not sure what to think of Pablo, my host “brother.” He’s in his 40s and still lives with his mom. I don’t think he helps around the house. At all. He will sit at the dinner table and wait for his mom to serve him food. She does his laundry and was upset with him for staining a shirt. We have to share a bathroom, which is ok most of the time, except when there are odd puddles of liquid on the floor close to the toilet. I tell myself it’s just water from the shower, but I have my doubts. He speaks some English, so I am grateful to have him around, but I won’t go out of my way to interact with him. He usually plays American music, which can be entertaining.
Ads on Youtube are in Spanish! It’s pretty cool, and makes sense, but I never thought about it before. And Spotify doesn’t work in Argentina without paying for it. Sad. But Pepsi Max comes in 2.25 liter bottles. Score.
Dorothy sent me the “Desiderata.” I was very happy to have mail, and it makes me grateful for friends. Here is the full text, because it’s so perfect for me right now—and anyone really—that I want to share it with you:
Go placidly amidst the noise and haste, and remember what peace there may be in silence. As far as possible without surrender be on good terms with all persons. Speak your truth quietly and clearly; and listen to others, even the dull and the ignorant; they too have their story.
Avoid loud and aggressive persons, they are vexations to the spirit. If you compare yourself with others, you may become vain or bitter; for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.
Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans. Keep interested in your own career, however humble; it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.
Exercise caution in your business affairs; for the world is full of trickery. But let this not blind you to what virtue there is; many persons strive for high ideals; and everywhere life is full of heroism.
Be yourself. Especially, do not feign affection. Neither be cynical about love; for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment it is as perennial as the grass.
Take kindly the counsel of the years, gracefully surrendering the things of youth. Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune. But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings. Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.
Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself. You are a child of the universe, no less than the trees and the stars; you have a right to be here.
And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should. Therefore be at peace with God, whatever you conceive Him to be, and whatever your labors and aspirations, in the noisy confusion of life keep peace with your soul. With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be cheerful.
Strive to be happy.
Like I said to one of my friends--It’s a rollercoaster here, full of ups and downs. In one day I might go from hating this place and being frustrated with the language to loving it and laughing with friends. But the nice thing about rollercoasters is that even the down parts are still pretty dang fun.
No comments:
Post a Comment