Soccer game!!

First week of class is done! Wow, things are really starting to pick up on this side of the equator. Last week, we started our lectures and Spanish classes, so I am starting to get in the swing of things. Classes are going well- they are pretty interesting and the homework isn't bad. I guess it's just weird doing homework again because I haven't had it for so long. Last week, we watched Juan Jose Capanella's Secreto de sus Ojos which was fabulous! I highly recommend it- it's a wonderful Argentine film adapted from Eduardo Sacheri's book. Basically, the protagonist, Ricardo Darin, becomes obsessed with solving a murder that happened years ago. I don't want to give much away, but it's a combination of a drama+romance+action, which equals amazingness. Plus, it won an Oscar for the "Best Foreign Language Film of the Year."


Good weekend- last Friday, I was so tired from the day that I actually ended up staying in with my host Mom and watched a movie- I know, I know, I am lame, I'm in such a cool city and should stay out until the wee hours of the morning. However, I don't see how I would have lasted! On Saturday, I hung out with my family in the morning and then met up with my friend, Sam. We walked to Palermo Soho from her house, which was about a 15 minute walk. There were so many stores, cafes, and restaurants and it was fun poking around in the shops and looking around. There were some really nice things but after awhile, it was kind of overwhelming with all the people, plus it was pretty warm that day. I got a large purse that I am going to use to put my books and computer in, so that was exciting. Later that night, some girls from my program and I went to a tango club where they teach people how to swing dance and obviously, how to tango. There were tables on the outside for people to sit/talk/eat and a huge dance floor in the middle. It was AWESOME! They call swing dancing "baile rock" but it's pretty much the same. I had a great time and by the time tango dancing came on, I was too tired to learn. It was fun watching other people dance, though- there were some really amazing couples. I think I got home around 1:30 and I ended up getting home before my host parents- I need to stay out LATER!

On Sunday, I slept in, had lunch and hung out with my host brother, and later in the afternoon, I went to a futbol game! Here, futbol (soccer) is a religion. I am definitely in the right country- I am surrounded by people that love soccer. In Buenos Aires alone, there are like 4 main teams and the two main ones are La Boca Juniors and River Plate. We took a bus to the stadium and met up with the rest of the group at a gas station near by. Finding the bus was very easy- there was a huge line of fans dressed in black, red, and white River jerseys, so we knew we were heading in the right direction. The bus ride there was the most interesting bus ride I have ever been on- fans were singing weird songs (I wish I had known them!), banging the windows and stomping their feet, and of course, two guys were yelling profanities out the window. The game was intense, too. People continued screaming their strange chants, clapping, crying, and wooping. I love how much passion they show for the sport and whenever a team scored, the fans went wild. We were cheering for River and they ended up winning 2-1, so that was exciting! In futbol, there are certain etiquette rules. For instance, fans from the opposing side left first and we weren't allowed to leave until the other fans were totally gone! Crazy, futbol fans. After the game, I took the subte home and I was exhausted. I guess that's what running around and screaming profanities in Spanish can do to you.

A few more things:
* I really love riding the subways here. My only complaint is that in the morning, it is extremely crowded and since it has been hot and humid here, the ride is very uncomfortable in the morning. Just when you think there is no possible way more people are going to fit into a car, they shove like 10-15 more people on.
* I have been loving the ice cream- it's such a delicious snack on a hot day. The other day, I had dulce de leche and raspberry ice cream, SO GOOD.
* I feel like I understand what people are saying more than last week.
Time to finish off some reading and homework.

One last thing...
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, JARED!!! Have a wonderful day!