Well, I arrived safe and sound with a bunch of new ISA friends from various places all over the U.S. We were greeted by our cheerful ISA rep and driven to the Universidad de Belgrano where we met our host families for the first time. Oh boy were each and every one of us nervous! But it turned out needlessly so!
My family, the D'Gianos are inredible! We had a great lunch together, all 6 of us, at the table all talking at once while watching afternoon soaps on tv. They are all so energeti and welcoming, and they treat me like I'm an extra appendage of the family whose been walking around the house with them the whole time! I, on the other hand, was SUPER overwhelmed by the constant Spanish once we got off the airplane. It is so clearly and artfully spoken and I love to listen to it, but getting the translation cogs and gears in my brain to start moving is another story. Earlier today I was so stressed out because I just couldn't think fast enough to string a full sentence together and thus was really quiet in conversation. But that's not me at all! I was so afraid they'd start thinking I was antisocial and shy or even worse, rude or stupid! Throughout the day though, I was able to have really nice one-on-one conversations with Ana and Jorge, both of whom are extremely patient and helpful, and have so many interesting things to talk about! Those calm moments of understanding when I could feel the tangible relaxation of the home were my favorites of the entire day.
Sofi, my host sister is a firecracker! She is a pop singer and reggaeton dancer apparently! She gave us demonstrations of some of her songs at lunch today, AND I've heard her burst out in song at random intervals throughout the day so I KNOW we are going to get along just fine. Santiago, Jorge's son is so sweet! I was a little taken aback when a 13 year old boy opened the car door for me and carried my bloated bag up to the apartment. He'd get in the car and give me a kiss on the cheek accompanied by a "Chau!" but when I asked him how he felt about Leo Messi, Argentina's star futbol player and currently number one in the world, he exclaimed "NO! I don't like futbol!" Good goin Kel, all that soccer study and you found the one kid in Argentina that DOESN'T like futbol. Oh well! Franco has also been really friendly, but I haven't seen much of him today. I'm sure that will change as time goes on.
As you can see, I spent most of my first day getting acquainted with my family. Tomorrow we're going on a tour of the city and I will face my most daunting challenge yet: riding the bus. It will be a true test of character if I can get myself on the right bus and off at the right street, all without breaking any laws, pissing off and locals, or falling victim to one of Buenos Aires's crazy motorists! Now, time to take on the jetlag ; )
Espero que tengo suerte!
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