Sunday, August 26, 2012
Interesting Things: Advertisements
There are advertisements everywhere, for what I'm not certain, that show a child breastfeeding. Not that I see anything wrong with breastfeeding, but I'm always a little in shock when I see a billboard with a woman's chest and a child plopped right there, gazing up at you--you, you the reader in place of the nursing mother.
Friday, August 24, 2012
Interesting Things: Good Luck
Stopped at a corner, waiting for the green light to walk.
A couple walks up next to me.
The guy asks me, "Spanish Spanish Spanish Spanish...blah blah blah?"
I say, "Repeat that please?" (In Spanish)
He says in response, "Nevermind, Where are you from?" (In English)
I say, "Los Estados Unidos" (the United States)
He says, "Ohhhh..."
I say, "Buenisimo!! Verdad?" (Great!! Right?)
We're walking now, and they're in front of me.
He says, "Good luck!" (In English). His girlfriend laughs.
I'm not quite sure what happened, but I still just want to know what he said in the first place.
A couple walks up next to me.
The guy asks me, "Spanish Spanish Spanish Spanish...blah blah blah?"
I say, "Repeat that please?" (In Spanish)
He says in response, "Nevermind, Where are you from?" (In English)
I say, "Los Estados Unidos" (the United States)
He says, "Ohhhh..."
I say, "Buenisimo!! Verdad?" (Great!! Right?)
We're walking now, and they're in front of me.
He says, "Good luck!" (In English). His girlfriend laughs.
I'm not quite sure what happened, but I still just want to know what he said in the first place.
Interesting Things: The Supermarket Is Heaven
All of the little grocery shops around here are called, "Chinos," because they're all owned by people who are from China. There's one right next door to my apartment... not my favorite place. The Chinos tend to lack produce and any meat besides ham. Big and/or well organized and stocked grocery stores seem to be a rarity. Today, I walked past a REAL SUPERMARKET with a variety of produce and cheese and lunch meat, walked in and stood amongst the pretty produce, thought and truly felt, "This. This is heaven," and walked right back out because I actually had no desire to buy anything at the moment.
The guards at the door gave me a weird look. I don't blame them.
The guards at the door gave me a weird look. I don't blame them.
The People & Places I Encounter: Getting Lost
I had my first panic today of being very lost. Well, in reality, I wasn't very lost at all--it was just getting later in the evening, so my feeling of being lost was heightened. As I continued to walk in the wrong direction, I kept looking for somewhere that was still open that might be a good place to ask for help. I would pass people and places and think, "No, she looks angry... No, that's weird... No, not talking to a man... Man, I'm never going to see somewhere to stop."
Finally, there I saw this cute pastry shop with a young lady and young man getting everything ready to close. I decided stopping there would be okay because, 1) Who could be unhappy and work in a cute pastry shop? and 2) They were getting ready to go home, so that's another possible plus on the happiness scale. I walked in and very simply stated, "Estoy perdida;" in English, "I'm lost."
They both stopped immediately to help me, and worked really hard to give me the best directions they could collectively come up with. I understood nearly nothing. And, even though they also wrote everything down, I still had no idea what they were telling me. I was too grateful for their obvious sympathy to tell them that they were talking way too fast for me. So, I walked out of the shop in the one direction I understood--because it was the only one they could point toward from their location at that moment--went two more blocks in the right direction, broke down and took a cab for 22 pesos** back to my apartment.
When I left the little pastry shop with the nice pastry sellers, it was so cool to realize that even in a big city there are people who want to help those in need. And, if you're losing your way and all else fails, cabbies can take you where you need to be and get paid for it; and, that's what you would call a win/win situation.
**22 pesos ends up being about $5 USD--not too shabby.
Finally, there I saw this cute pastry shop with a young lady and young man getting everything ready to close. I decided stopping there would be okay because, 1) Who could be unhappy and work in a cute pastry shop? and 2) They were getting ready to go home, so that's another possible plus on the happiness scale. I walked in and very simply stated, "Estoy perdida;" in English, "I'm lost."
They both stopped immediately to help me, and worked really hard to give me the best directions they could collectively come up with. I understood nearly nothing. And, even though they also wrote everything down, I still had no idea what they were telling me. I was too grateful for their obvious sympathy to tell them that they were talking way too fast for me. So, I walked out of the shop in the one direction I understood--because it was the only one they could point toward from their location at that moment--went two more blocks in the right direction, broke down and took a cab for 22 pesos** back to my apartment.
When I left the little pastry shop with the nice pastry sellers, it was so cool to realize that even in a big city there are people who want to help those in need. And, if you're losing your way and all else fails, cabbies can take you where you need to be and get paid for it; and, that's what you would call a win/win situation.
**22 pesos ends up being about $5 USD--not too shabby.
Wednesday, August 22, 2012
Blog Description and My First Three Posts
First: Please excuse any errors... I've heard mostly Spanish for the past four days. My brain is a little confused.
Second: I’d like to give you a description of how the blog will work. I've decided to use three different types of subjects. For each post you'll find either subjects called, "Interesting Things," "Momentos," and "The People and Places I Encounter."
Interesting Things:
This topic of conversation will include one liners (or close to one line) that highlight the differences in culture that I notice and/or experience.
Momentos:
This topic of conversation will include ideas, emotions, philosophical thoughts, etc… that are particularly difficult or new or memorable for me. Momentos will most likely be the most long-winded subject (Momentos is word play for Moments and Mementos--"momentos," is the Spanish word for, "moments," and it sounds like the English word, "mementos." The Momentos that I have will be moments that I will hopefully keep for a long time).
The People and Places I Encounter:
This topic of conversation will include just what it suggests--the people and places that I encounter.
Everything is broken into subjects to allow for better navigation of the blog in case it gets lengthy and you haven't read it in a long time. Then, if you just want to read one liners you can find them in the Interesting Things subjects; however, you may want to read something a little more meaningful and so you might find a Momentos topic. Maybe you're just really interested in the places I see--so The People and Places I Encounter will be good enough for you. I might do all three subjects in one day or one week, or have a whole month of only Interesting Things, but hopefully you’ll find something you might enjoy reading.
The posts will have titles that start with one of the topics above. For instance, here are my first three posts as examples--
The People and Places I Encounter: My First Obama Lady
I recently wandered into a book store about a block away from my apartment. While looking around at a variety of books all in Spanish, I decided to ask the shopkeepers what they thought would be a good pick for me to read (I specifically asked to have a book on Argentine history geared toward youth). After finding a book for me, her our interactions went like this:
"Where are you from?"
"The United States."
"Tell me, What do you think about Obama?"
I laughed. She laughed. The guy at the cash register laughed. She knew it was a ridiculous first question, but one she just had to ask. I know that I will for sure be asked by many people whether I’ll be voting for Romney or Obama, and she was the first. The first Obama Lady and I talked for quite some time, and she decided that I have to return each month so that she can see my progress with Spanish. I really enjoyed meeting her and the guy at the cash register.
Another Example…
Interesting Things: Oops.
I accidentally smiled at an older man accompanied by his wife while I was on the train and he stared a penetrating stare the whole hour long ride home. Note to self: Don't smile at strangers--especially men.
I broke the door to my apartment building. The much older, badly in need of dental care apartment manager yelled at me and called me a stupid Puta (If you don't know it, look it up--it's a mean word). As soon as I heard the mean word, I just started yelling back in English. When I walked past him later as I was leaving, he smiled and said--"Ciao, pretty girl." I guess I’m no longer a Puta.
Everybody here wears skinny jeans and boots and walks really fast. And then occasionally just stop all of a sudden to read their texts. Be careful not to run into fast walking, fast stopping people like I did on Corrientes Avenue today.
Last Example...
Momentos: Am I a Stupid American? Or, does everyone just watch American television?
Something I often feel with people who I meet who are from different countries than I am, is that I am severely undereducated about their cultures and countries. These people from other countries always wants to know what State you're from, specifically; and, they often know names of several large universities and cities, and have working knowledge of bits and pieces of our culture.
Recently, I was talking with a guy from Britain who says that he studies at St. Andrews. How am I supposed to know what or where St. Andrews is? I barely know where our well known universities are (and what they are). But, this guy from Britain knew about Harvard. Mr. Britain seems to be a very intelligent person (much more intelligent than I am)--so, I won't ignore the fact that I'm not thoroughly enlighted.
HOWEVER! After hearing him later state that he spent half of the day watching, "Dexter," I thought--"Ahah! I'm not entirely ignorant! Everyone else in the world watches media from the States! OF COURSE they know where Harvard is! When was the last time I watched a well-known movie from South Africa, or from China, or from Argentina??? AH! And MUSIC! Everyone knows Brittany Spears! We're EVERYWHERE!" (Please note, all of that went on only within my thoughts-- no one heard me spazing about American media).
And you know, I have actually seen many foreign films, and enjoy music from other countries; but, it's not the same. On my television in my apartment here, we have just the public channels—something that plays MTV is included, and I think about 2 others play mostly American shows… there are only about 10 channels total. In your ten public channels in your home in the States, are almost a third of your channels from one other country? No? I didn't think so. To give further validity to my case, I later realized that I did know about St. Andrews... Because of the TV special on Prince William's and Kate's wedding. It's where Britain's royal couple went to school.
We're not stupid Americans, we're lacking in TV exposure. We would all be much more in the know if we had a major influence of culture and media from other countries.
Have you picked up the remote control, yet?
Disclaimer: I do believe we should also read/watch World News.
Much Love!
Second: I’d like to give you a description of how the blog will work. I've decided to use three different types of subjects. For each post you'll find either subjects called, "Interesting Things," "Momentos," and "The People and Places I Encounter."
Interesting Things:
This topic of conversation will include one liners (or close to one line) that highlight the differences in culture that I notice and/or experience.
Momentos:
This topic of conversation will include ideas, emotions, philosophical thoughts, etc… that are particularly difficult or new or memorable for me. Momentos will most likely be the most long-winded subject (Momentos is word play for Moments and Mementos--"momentos," is the Spanish word for, "moments," and it sounds like the English word, "mementos." The Momentos that I have will be moments that I will hopefully keep for a long time).
The People and Places I Encounter:
This topic of conversation will include just what it suggests--the people and places that I encounter.
Everything is broken into subjects to allow for better navigation of the blog in case it gets lengthy and you haven't read it in a long time. Then, if you just want to read one liners you can find them in the Interesting Things subjects; however, you may want to read something a little more meaningful and so you might find a Momentos topic. Maybe you're just really interested in the places I see--so The People and Places I Encounter will be good enough for you. I might do all three subjects in one day or one week, or have a whole month of only Interesting Things, but hopefully you’ll find something you might enjoy reading.
The posts will have titles that start with one of the topics above. For instance, here are my first three posts as examples--
The People and Places I Encounter: My First Obama Lady
I recently wandered into a book store about a block away from my apartment. While looking around at a variety of books all in Spanish, I decided to ask the shopkeepers what they thought would be a good pick for me to read (I specifically asked to have a book on Argentine history geared toward youth). After finding a book for me, her our interactions went like this:
"Where are you from?"
"The United States."
"Tell me, What do you think about Obama?"
I laughed. She laughed. The guy at the cash register laughed. She knew it was a ridiculous first question, but one she just had to ask. I know that I will for sure be asked by many people whether I’ll be voting for Romney or Obama, and she was the first. The first Obama Lady and I talked for quite some time, and she decided that I have to return each month so that she can see my progress with Spanish. I really enjoyed meeting her and the guy at the cash register.
Another Example…
Interesting Things: Oops.
I accidentally smiled at an older man accompanied by his wife while I was on the train and he stared a penetrating stare the whole hour long ride home. Note to self: Don't smile at strangers--especially men.
I broke the door to my apartment building. The much older, badly in need of dental care apartment manager yelled at me and called me a stupid Puta (If you don't know it, look it up--it's a mean word). As soon as I heard the mean word, I just started yelling back in English. When I walked past him later as I was leaving, he smiled and said--"Ciao, pretty girl." I guess I’m no longer a Puta.
Everybody here wears skinny jeans and boots and walks really fast. And then occasionally just stop all of a sudden to read their texts. Be careful not to run into fast walking, fast stopping people like I did on Corrientes Avenue today.
Last Example...
Momentos: Am I a Stupid American? Or, does everyone just watch American television?
Something I often feel with people who I meet who are from different countries than I am, is that I am severely undereducated about their cultures and countries. These people from other countries always wants to know what State you're from, specifically; and, they often know names of several large universities and cities, and have working knowledge of bits and pieces of our culture.
Recently, I was talking with a guy from Britain who says that he studies at St. Andrews. How am I supposed to know what or where St. Andrews is? I barely know where our well known universities are (and what they are). But, this guy from Britain knew about Harvard. Mr. Britain seems to be a very intelligent person (much more intelligent than I am)--so, I won't ignore the fact that I'm not thoroughly enlighted.
HOWEVER! After hearing him later state that he spent half of the day watching, "Dexter," I thought--"Ahah! I'm not entirely ignorant! Everyone else in the world watches media from the States! OF COURSE they know where Harvard is! When was the last time I watched a well-known movie from South Africa, or from China, or from Argentina??? AH! And MUSIC! Everyone knows Brittany Spears! We're EVERYWHERE!" (Please note, all of that went on only within my thoughts-- no one heard me spazing about American media).
And you know, I have actually seen many foreign films, and enjoy music from other countries; but, it's not the same. On my television in my apartment here, we have just the public channels—something that plays MTV is included, and I think about 2 others play mostly American shows… there are only about 10 channels total. In your ten public channels in your home in the States, are almost a third of your channels from one other country? No? I didn't think so. To give further validity to my case, I later realized that I did know about St. Andrews... Because of the TV special on Prince William's and Kate's wedding. It's where Britain's royal couple went to school.
We're not stupid Americans, we're lacking in TV exposure. We would all be much more in the know if we had a major influence of culture and media from other countries.
Have you picked up the remote control, yet?
Disclaimer: I do believe we should also read/watch World News.
Much Love!
Friday, August 3, 2012
Questions & Answers
On August 18th, I will be traveling to Buenos Aires, Argentina (that's in South America). I will land in EZE airport, feel very lost and stupid for leaving my country without a job or a real plan, and then find my friends, Elicia and Jeremias Ramirez, there to pick me up and help me feel very unlost on my first day of 20 weeks in another country and language.
I'll be living in downtown Buenos Aires until January, 2013. My plans are to study Spanish with a language school, volunteer, and maybe teach some English and learn some Tango. Then, I'll come back to the states and find a job...hopefully I'll be able to use Spanish--but, if not, money is good so I'll work where I can.
Answers to your questions:
Yes, it will be mostly very safe.
Yes, I'm scared and nervous.
No, I haven't started packing--I probably won't until the week of leaving.
Yes, I have been there before (for Elicia's and Jeremias', the previously mentioned friends, wedding in 2011).
Yes, it is possible... I could end up wanting to stay... but, unlikely.
Yes, my parents are nervous for me.
No, Matt (my bf) isn't going with me--but, he will visit.
Yes, I will have access to coffee every morning... No one has actually asked me this--I'm just reassuring myself.
What are my classes like?
I will study 4 hours of intensive Spanish each day for 21 weeks. The classes are capped at 7 students per class. According to Google Maps, the school is about a 13 minute walk (1mi) from the apartment I'll be sharing with up to 3 other students. I won't get university credit; I will only get the opportunity to attempt to become fluent.
Right now, I'm worried about who's going to take the most gold medals in the London Olympics and whether or not I should put 3 scoops or 5 in my morning coffee for tomorrow.
Any other questions? Feel free to ask...
I'll be living in downtown Buenos Aires until January, 2013. My plans are to study Spanish with a language school, volunteer, and maybe teach some English and learn some Tango. Then, I'll come back to the states and find a job...hopefully I'll be able to use Spanish--but, if not, money is good so I'll work where I can.
Answers to your questions:
Yes, it will be mostly very safe.
Yes, I'm scared and nervous.
No, I haven't started packing--I probably won't until the week of leaving.
Yes, I have been there before (for Elicia's and Jeremias', the previously mentioned friends, wedding in 2011).
Yes, it is possible... I could end up wanting to stay... but, unlikely.
Yes, my parents are nervous for me.
No, Matt (my bf) isn't going with me--but, he will visit.
Yes, I will have access to coffee every morning... No one has actually asked me this--I'm just reassuring myself.
What are my classes like?
I will study 4 hours of intensive Spanish each day for 21 weeks. The classes are capped at 7 students per class. According to Google Maps, the school is about a 13 minute walk (1mi) from the apartment I'll be sharing with up to 3 other students. I won't get university credit; I will only get the opportunity to attempt to become fluent.
Right now, I'm worried about who's going to take the most gold medals in the London Olympics and whether or not I should put 3 scoops or 5 in my morning coffee for tomorrow.
Any other questions? Feel free to ask...
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