A Lesson on Love

Today marks two full weeks that I've spent south of the equator and I would officially classify myself out of the "honeymoon period". Not that things aren't going beautifully down here (Argentina and I are still in a very happy relationship : ) ... I've just come to realize some of the realities of living in a foreign country such as this one. But this is only healthy, as no relationship can survive long when one or more of those persons involved is ignorant or deceived about the character of the other.

So, a few of the truths I've come to find, in no particular order: 1) public transit is both a wonderful privilege and a royal pain 2) hot/sanitary water is not a requirement in all places 3) graffiti, it's what the cool kids do (everywhere) 4) there really is nothing like that fresh out of the dryer scent/feeling (seriously, I would be one of those happy women in the dryer sheet commercials if I had a dryer right now) 5) study abroad includes both being abroad AND studying (LOTS of it) 6) I take back what I said to some of you before, winters down here are REAL, temps have been below freezing every night 7) Big families/little brothers = BIG noise (forget quiet time) 8) Want a dog? Come adopt one from Córdoba, they're cute, (mostly) sweet, and there are an abundance of them roaming the streets.

But like I said before, in a real, happy relationship (like the one between Argentina and I) knowing the other's imperfections only strengthens the love. This is partially because there are also so many things to love about this place. For example: 1) Good food = LOVE (and mi mamá makes lots of it) 2) there is a lot of schoolwork but there are also a lot of fun and interesting people to endure it with you and distract you from it 3) Cold weather and a lack of warm clothes in my suitcases = lots of shopping for boots, scarfs and coats : ) 4) 400 year old buildings and huge plazas make a city not only a tourist attraction but absolutely beautiful 5) with a big family there's always someone to talk to (and help you with your Spanish ; ) 6) Spanish is SO much more melodic when spoken by native córdobeses (jjja jjjo estoy acá) 7) Clothes and food are ridiculous cheap here (1 slab of meat, rice, bread, a side and a drink: 16 pesos/4 dollars, 1 knee-length, stylish, wool overcoat: 150 pesos/38 dollars) 8) Sunsets over mountains in the clear night air are breathtaking.


Thus is my life here in Argentina and I wouldn't have it any other way. Chau for now!