Random Observations

This is going to be a very informal and random post. This is all the stuff and some pictures that didnt fit elsewhere:

-This morning on the subte I watched as a little boy learned how to say different words, from his dad, by pointing to something and asking what it was: Why can't I just learn Spanish like a 2 year old by just pointing and picking up the language automatically? That would make life a whole lot easier.

-Poverty is a problem all over the world, including in Argentina: some have mattresses on the streets; others are beggars, one of whom asked me if her baby could have some of my coke (I did not give her any because 1. It took me off guard so usually when that happens I just say "no", and 2. A newborn should not be drinking coke, but I wish I would have done something for her, like buying a water or something); and there is this little girl (probably 6 years old) who I see most days on the subway selling little plastic SUBE card protectors for 2 pesos (she gets on at one stop and goes through each car on the train individually) a 6 year old should not have to earn a living by selling plastic sheets :-(

-People eat really fast here (and they assume Americans will eat a lot so keep giving you food), yet their meals last longer because of conversation. Its nice not to rush off to do the next thing on the day's schedule and just spend time catching up and hearing about life.

-The world is smaller than we give it credit for (I have met multiple people on my program and elsewhere who know someone I know from high school or college).  However, Argentina is bigger than I imagined: it takes about a day to drive (or take a bus in my case) to cool places like Patagonia and Iguazu Falls so planes are the preferred method of transportation, but also the most expensive.

-PDA is very present here. Couples are always kissing or hugging wherever I go.  Sort of along the same topic, "piropos" or suggestive comments are common. The other day this creepy man came up to Christa, our friend Sam, and I in the Plaza and pretty much asked if we would hook up with him, to which we obviously responded NO way!!!!!

-Spanish is HARD! I'm definitely in the frustrated stage (but I know that soon Ill come out of it. Each day gets a little easier). It is a long journey and sometimes I wish I could just skip to the end of this semester to when I am fluent (hopefully) in Spanish and can converse with my host family and understand my classes. However, as I said previously, it's about the journey not the destination so I cant just wait for my spanish to improve so I am trying to get the most out of each day!

This is at the park near my house

The zoo, which I didn't go to but saw through the gates when I went for a walk the other day