Orientation week = new friends!

The week before last was our orientation week.  Although the students who had been here for the pre-intensive course felt orientated enough we still had to sit through a few days of information.  This was really a wake up for me about how used to Spanish I was... it sounded to me like the staff was talking painfully slow but perhaps the people who had just arrived weren't as accustomed as we have become.  Of course, some of the students have a little bit of an advantage... the students from Spain, Mexico and Puerto Rico.  We also have about seven people from Germany, a couple Frenchies and one Brazilian.  Half of us are from the States, but we are even more varied now.  We've added a few more Mississippi's, two West Virginians, a girl from Iowa and a boy from Texas.  Also, the people who've been here for six months already have returned from traveling.  I met a fabulous girl who is quickly becoming a close friend.  Her name is Katie and she lives just outside of London, England.  We both are addicted to licuados (a fruity milkshake,) movies, and talking to each other!  I expect this is a beginning of a beautiful friendship.  (I just watched Casablanca for the first time and I understand so many more pop references!!!!!)  Another new friend is Juliette, from Versailles, France.  She is very sweet and funny and loves to travel as well.  A few days after she returns from Argentina, she leaves for a month in INDIA!  Jealous much?  I am... don't worry Mom and Dad, I'll stick around home for awhile... this time :)

So what have we been up to then?  Well, we've been ruddy busy! Besides just hanging out, going to cafes to talk/ gossip/ mingle, we've had a few adventures.  Last Saturday, Katie, Juliette and I headed to some museums and spent the afternoon in the park by the lake.  By park I am referring to Parque Sarmiento, the huge park here in the city.  It is so peaceful there... the entire time I forgot I was in the middle of a city of 1.5 million people and instead just enjoyed the ducks splashing and families picnicing.  We've seen a few movies on rainy days--here nearly all movies are in English with Spanish subtitles; it is a fun way to learn new words and also a nice, comforting reminder of home as well.  Finally, yesterday Katie and I joined a gym!   It is quite a swanky place--the Jockey Club.  It has a pool, a big gym area and marble in the foyer... yeah... it's high livin' here in Argentina!  We worked out for the first time today.  Let's just say... we are seeing this as a great opportunity to get fit.  Everything is more fun with a friend.

Everyone is so much fun to be around and so open.  No matter how this experience turns out, it will be amazing to travel the world and know you have friends in so many countries!