Una semana

The clock has rolled past midnight which means I leave for Argentina one week from today. Although I am excited, nerves are starting to mix in but I'm staying focused through this last week!

I'm taking this week off to visit with family, finish up paperwork and pack. I cleaned out tons of things a few months ago and I'm really glad now that it's time to pack five months of clothes while also packing boxes so my stuff can be moved out my house in Auburn.

I'm going to try my best to update this blog with pictures and updates from Buenos Aires. I believe this is the easiest and most effective way to stay in touch and give you all a glimpse into mi otoño argentino- my argentine autumn!

For starters, here is a list of a few things I'm especially looking forward to in Argentina!

1. Spanish immersion- This is, for lack of a better word, the most intimidating part of my experience. It's not the distance from home- 4,987 miles- that scares me. It's not being able to fluently communicate with the people who are soon to be my neighbors. I'm looking forward to it though- necessity breeds fluency!

2. Knowing that I could pick out a different neighborhood or shopping area each day and never make it to half of them! I got a taste of this wonderful feeling in South Korea and can't wait to make it a part of day to day life!

3. Study sessions at El Ateneo. Watch the video below! My dream is to be able to grab my backpack, fill up on coffee or maté and crash in a balcony for study time! Fingers crossed!



4. My first glimpse of El Obelisco. This monument dominates photographs of Buenos Aires and I am anticipating a few skipped heart beats as I turn the corner and see it for the first time. Also, they covered El Obelisco with a giant red 'condom' to celebrate world AIDS day. Something like that would never fly in Los Estados (The States) but it's a great example of why I'm anxious to delve into new ways of thinking and living!

5. Time with my host family. I found out this week the name of my family and where they live. I hope to integrate myself into my family so that I can genuinely learn Argentina and maybe teach them a few things about my culture also!

That's it for now. I'll update soon!

Abrazos!