Siga la Baca - Aug 31, 2010

Expanish has a fantastic activities coordinator, Javier, who posts excursions around town for students to participate and learn the terrain. Siga la Baca, a buffet style steakhouse in the renovated Puerto Madero was on the schedule for the evening. Another US student staying at my homestay had highly recommended the restaurant as well. A chance to meet other Expanish students, meander the walkways of the trendy Puerto Madero, and sample the Argentine beef so lauded by the locals, I found myself signing up without hesitation.

For a mere US$20 we feasted on salad, other veggies and appetizer style items, unlimited grilled beef cuts, chorizo, dessert, and a choice of a bottle of Argentine wine (red or white), a pitcher of beer, or regular soft drink (tip already included!).

Photo courtesy of DK: David, Crystal and I in front of the main doors of Siga la Baca

First day of school at Expanish - Aug 30, 2010

My roomie and I had mapped out the path to school and determined a walk to school in the "buen aire" (good air) with a cafe con leche (coffee with milk) in hand would be a great way to start the day.

What we had thought would be a casual 30 minute stroll was actually 45 minutes and we rushed the last few blocks on Juan Domingo Peron street to jump into an elevator with a few other students heading to their first day of class as well. To our dismay, the elevator door locking/unlocking mechanism was not working and we were trapped inside the elevator for an hour and a half. As water, granola bars, and alfajores (tasty cookies filled with delights such as dulce de leche and fruit) were funneled through the wedged opening through the bottom of the doors (see photo), I couldn't help but worry about how much material I was missing on my first day of class! :P

My day of bloopers and blunders did not end there. I shall spare you all the details of an hour of wasted time walking back and forth along the same few streets surrounding my school and studiously examining the Guia "T" (bus route guide). Accepting defeat, I decided to make the trek home on foot despite the late hour. Traversing the dark city streets my fourth day in a foreign city was the least of my worries as I did not want to miss dinner with my homestay family at 21:00!!!

Photo courtesy of DK: Leilani (on the ground), Crystal, David, Jake, and I (that's me with the gray beanie) trapped in the Expanish elevator with wooden sticks wedged into the opening for air

City Tour - Aug 29,2010

Our gracious host Expanish, set up a city tour by bus for the San Diego City College group! My roomie, David, and I used the colectivo (bus) for the first time to reach the school to meet with the rest of the group.

Sabrina, our entertaining and knowledgeable tour guide, started us off at Plaza de Mayo where the Casa Rosada (much like our White House) is located, and the plaza where many demonstrations are held by the politically active citizens of Buenos Aires.

Next stop was San Telmo, a neighborhood of cobbled streets and a gritty past. When yellow fever hit, the wealthy moved north and left behind their beautiful homes which would later be occupied by the influx of European immigrants. We took a moment to walk through the Feria de San Telmo (flea market) where tango dancers share the streets with vendors, musicians and tourists.

Puerto Madero was our next destination. Designed by the Argentine engineer, Eduardo Madero in the late 1800's, the port was too shallow and small so the area was abandoned. Presently, the warehouses have been converted into trendy lofts, shops and restaurants. The neighborhood continues to grow, with skyscrapers dotting the skyline. It is also home to a modern bridge called "Puente de la Mujer" (bridge of the woman) designed by Santiago Calatrava, who was inspired by a woman dancing the tango.

Stopping in my neighborhood of Recoleta, we were led through the Cementerio de la Recoleta - a community of it's own with spacious walkways and large mausoleums to house the wealthy after death.

Once again on the bus, we were swiftly driven through parts of Palermo showcasing the city's love of parks, parks, and yet more parks for people to sunbathe, drink mate and walk their dogs.

Photos
Left top: Mausoleums of Cementerio de la Recoleta
Left middle: Skyline and grand walkways of Puerto Madero
Left bottom: Musicians at Feria de San Telmo
Right top: "Puente de la Mujer" in Puerto Madero
Right middle: Tango dancers at Feria de San Telmo
Right bottom: Casa Rosada at Plaza de Mayo

Expanish Orientation and Home Stay Assignments - Aug 28, 2010

Yet another non-stop day...but at least I have a permanent home for the next 10 weeks. Orientation and lunch at Expanish in downtown Buenos Aires started at 10am and seamlessly brought us to the homestay assignment.

I will be living in the prestigious barrio of Recoleta. It is home to Cementario de la Recoleta, where the city's most elite have been laid to rest, Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes, Argentina's primary national art museum and many more which I will be exploring soon.

Photos
Top left photo: Street signs of the intersection by my Buenos Aires home.
Top right photo: Me having trouble with the downstairs front door... :p
Bottom left photo: Expanish school in downtown Buenos Aires
Bottom right photo: Street signs of the intersection of my school.

First day in Argentina - Aug 27, 2010

Hola a todos! It's my first day in Buenos Aires, Argentina and I am staying in the Argentina Tango Hotel in the downtown area with the rest of the group from San Diego City College. So far, we've had a quick meet and greet at Expanish with complimentary empanadas and live music from local musicians. Tomorrow will be the orientation and our permanent placement with our host families/student apartments. Although I still feel like the earth is moving from my long flight and I'm half asleep, the energy in the city air is contagious and I can't wait to explore more of it! Until tomorrow...

Photos
Left: Professor Bouscaren of SDCC in the middle; Juan Manuel of Expanish towards the right
Right: Avenida 9 de Julio street sign. It commemorates the day Argentina gained its independence in 1816 and it is the widest street in the world.