I made it!

Excerpts from my "pre blogging days" ...ie a few days ago when I got on a plane and came to Argentina: It is difficult to say good-bye for me to everyone and everything I love but to say "ciao" for half a year: nearly impossible. If I had one of those magnets with all the different emotions, there is no way I could choose a single one...sad, happy, excited, scared, nervous, etc. However, my bags are packed and I am leaving on a jet plane...I sort of know when I'll be back again (mid july to early august...in case you were wondering) As Karen (my friend in the same program) and I got on our first plane to Panana, it became real...we are really going to Argentina! 

The plane ride from Panama to Argentina was an event in itself. The man across from us passed out for about ten minutes and it seemed as though the entire plane was surrounding his seat or trying to catch a glimpse of the "drama."  This was accompanied by the glorious stylings of High School Musical 3, playing on our screens, oh and a ridiculous lightening storm beneath us. For those of you who remember that fantastic film Fantastia, the part when Zeus is lounging around on clouds and whipping lightening bolts....exactly like that...entire sky lit up and the possibility of being struck entered by head quite often. Even after the intelligent Karen told me we were far above the terrifying storm below, I did not trust her logic...however we landed without problem and guess what??? Gabriella and Troy stay together because he can go to Berkley to play basketball and do drama....awww, I think I just threw up in my mouth a little bit.  When we gathered our ginormous suitcases and went out to meet my family, it was about 545 am and we had been traveling for more than a day so needless to say we were beyond exhausted and I had already cried once because I saw a  tearful reunion between what I assumed was a girl with her parents....6 months!!!

The Tortis are probably the best family I could have asked for. They are so friendly, helpful, patient, and really relaxed. Sole is the older sister and she is fluent in English so that has been a blessing. Pia is 17 and really great and then their is Jero who is 14 and hilarious. We both love Lost and I am planning on watching some episodes with him until he catches up! My host mom and dad are awesome and have been nothing but kind towards me. Their house is fantastic because not only do they have a pool but they have wi-fi!! I am hardly removed from technology here (I may actually better equipped with this newfangled cable television and a wireless network that doesn't kick you off every five minutes....hey there eastern's wifi...what are you doing? oh not working...that's cool...tangent...sorry!) Did I mention they also have a German Shepherd (Catalina) and a cat (Lady) who just had three kittens?!?! they are literally the size of my hand and so flipping cute. I just love how much life there is in this house whether animal or person.

We had orientation on Saturday and there are 20 kids....16 girls and 4 boys! Everyone seems really ready to learn some Spanish and though I have been breaking the rules and speaking in English at times, I am pumped to actually be able to understand "telenovelas"...or just any person speaking to me in spanish...oh and to be able to respond coherently...it's gonna be glorious!!!  I am certain that I will make some great friend both American and Argentine There are a few things I have learned thus far about the lifestyle of an Argentine....and I quote, "Party till the sun comes up"...literally. People go out around 12 or 1 because they eat around 10 or 11....did I mention the sun not setting until at least 10?? Actually Juan-Jo (my host dad) told me this is their daylight savings time...let me tell you, they use it well. Bars do not even close until 7 and then all the tired party people return to their homes and sleep till 2. Even during the week we eat around 1030 or 11 which is heresy to many geriatrics in the states...or Laur who eats at 430 in the afternoon...old lady. 

In general, life is good. I miss everyone terribly and sometimes cry when I think about not seeing anyone for so long but I have realized that I need need need to live out each day fully.  I don't want to look back and regret that I took this wonderful place with these wonderful people for granted. I am almost completely over my terrible cold that not only caused me to cough up my lungs constantly, blow my nose every two minutes, give me an awful headache and left me with no voice...and when I say no voice...I don't speak lightly...I literally mean I had no tone, only wheezing and Karen had to be my interpreter at times...ordering food or drink on the plane was fun as was orientation and my initial conversations with the Tortis. That most likely added to my frustration the first few days but praise God, I am better and life is better! I will try to update this whenever I can or whenever something humorous interesting or even terrible happens....pictures coming soon...when I start taking them!  Love you all!

Peace

Kelly