Gauchitos

I'm finally back to update about the craziness which has taken place after Halloween.
I'm sorry I haven't updated, but my last week of school (yes I'm FINALLY finished!), was one from hell.

Let me just preface this entry, by mentioning that the school system in Argentina is WAY different than the one in the US. While lectures, homeworks and readings are all basically the same, the classes are not only 3 hours, but you must pass the class as a whole AND the mid-term in order to be able to take the final. If you fail the mid-term, then you fail the class, which means you can not take the final for a chance to raise your grade. This means, I had to make sure I not only showed up to at least 80% of classes, but that I studied my butt off for my mid-terms. It was a very tough week.
And this all happened the week after Halloween.

Mon-Thur: International Relations, Spanish, Society and Culture, History, Public Relations presentation, Public Relations mid-term and a Society and Culture presentation which included a 7-page outline. This was why I couldn't update.

Once it was all over, the girls and I decided to head off to San Antonio de Areco, for the yearly Gaucho Festival. The festival is made up of thousands of people from around the country, meeting up at an estancia or ranch, to celebrate the traditional culture of the Gauchos, aka south american cowboys. After eating a delicious choripan at a cute local restaurant, the Gauchos paraded in with their horses, traditional attire (white shirts, black pants, burettes), and lounged around all day, drinking beer and inviting ladies for a ride on their horses. Heidi, Katie, Amelia, Po and I all had our turns! It was a blast, and I definitely got my wish to ride a horse while in Argentina. They also threw tons of piropos our way, and wanted our numbers (which were obviously not provided). The bus ride was pleasant and cheap, and it was a very good day overall.

Also this past weekend, I visited Maru and Gaby at their country club home for Erin's birthday. The party was on Friday, and I was asked to chaperon all the kids on the bus from school to the country club. It was quite an experience, Argentine children are very loud and actually quite potty-mouthed. Let's just say the arrival brought me a sigh of relief. It was a beautiful day out and the party lasted until dusk, and later that night I slept over. It was very relaxing, I always enjoy my time out in the country.

I also want to mention that last week I began working as an English teacher, and it has been wonderful so far. The kids are attentive and willing to learn and honestly, I couldn't ask for more! They listen to what I have to say and seem genuinly interested in learning the English language. The classes go by fast, and I never run out of things to talk about them. They are so interested in learning about America!
The director of the program, Eugenia, recommended me for a job with one of her friends, translating a thesis she's working on. I met with Susan on Monday at a local coffee shop and she offered me the job, which I am excited for it will help me with my finances until I leave! It is definitely much needed!

Now that I am done with school, I will have to focus on helping Susana, but I also want to cross things off my bucket list in Argentina. My mom is actually heading over here in 2 weeks, so once she arrives I will most likely be with her most days. First thing I will be checking off: Puerto Madero as the girls and I will be seeing Social Network there on Friday!

Until the next one mis amigositos! <3