Oh Collectivo

Today I turned in my first paper! It was great to be able to write a paper that "made sense" in full Spanish without my Mac Translator by my side. I had been worried about writing this, but I am glad I got it done.

As for the rest of my day Monday and yesterday and today...it´s been interesting! On Monday, we had to stay after our culture class to watch the movie, La Misción, with Robert de Niro as a young man--can you believe he used to have a six pack? Still had the mole though...

After class though, I ran to catch a bus (or collectivo) that I thought was what I needed...but boy was I wrong! I decided to get off when we went through a tunnel I recognized, but do not need to go through and hoped for the best. After looking around to get my bearings, I realized I had no idea about which direction to go towards. It was about 8:30 at night on a street that would be similar to Rockville Pike. I found a brightly lite baby store that looked safe and decided to attempt the lost puppy, somebody help me look. I went in (after repeated attempts at pulling the door open, when you had to push) and told the owner I was lost. There was a young, cute couple who were looking at stuffed animals who recognized my distress. It was clear the owners did not know where my street was, my fortunately the couple did (and they knew English as well!). They told me the would show me home so I just waited for them to pay. I thought they were going to walk me there, but instead they drove me! In the US I would have NEVER have gone in the car with strangers, but they were young, 5 months pregnant and I could tell they were great people. They drove me home and all was well.

Buen Suerte! Wow, I still shudder at the idea that I willingly entered the car of a stranger, but I´m glad I did. I love Argentina :)


As for Tuesday, we started horseback riding! It was great to get back on a horse after everything with my knees and back. Although I wish I could get an ice pack for them. I rode a beautiful black mare named Osa and she was great, needed extra leg, but a total sweet heart-ç.The instructors were impressed and said I could go straight to canter next week (while the rest are learning basics) so that should be good. It would have been embarrassing to be stuck at beginner considering I´ve been riding since about age 7. At the end of the lesson, they gave us mate and we went home.

Just to be brief, i then experienced Argentinean Wal-mart. I have to run to class now and then leave for the NORTHWEST! Ciao!