1/16/09: In General...

At this time two weeks ago I was sitting next to Jim from San Diego on a Continental flight realizing that I was actually, finally, in the air to another continent.  

My flight and arrival into Buenos Aires, Argentina was flawless with Fernando, a friend of a

 friend, finding me in the midst of dozens of people at the airport, loading my stuff in his car and driving me into the a part of the city of Buenos Aires called Belgrano.

My current home is apartment 17 A on a more residential street lined with apartment buildings. I live with Elsa, 73 year old widow, who among many things is incredibly talkative, feisty, generous, outgoing and has the greatest cackle of them all. And by apartment number 17 A, I mean, Elsa's apartment is on the 17th floor which means I get a beautiful view of the city, an incredible breeze in my window and a quieter version of the street noise. 

I walk 1o blocks to my intensive Spanish classes at the University of Belgrano every day. 

There are 11 students, all girls, in my class- most from USA, 2 from Australia, and one from Italy. I have been hanging out

 with the Australians and a 2 of the American girls. 

One of the Australians is a girl named Joanne, who is my go-to and travel partner. She and I walk to and from school together every day, explore the city, etc.

There are such distinct and different parts of the Buenos Aires each with their own characteristics. The older parts with the colonial style buildings, the artsy areas with the pubs, the richer parts with the lovely cafes...so fun to explore.

The people are incredibly friendly. Any stops for directions have turned into little conversation about where we are from, and recommendations about where do go. I have felt so welcome by the people I have met.

So much more to explore and do, but for now I am enjoying the heat, the sun, the walks in the parks and constant bombardment of Spanish in my brain.