ONE MONTH

I don't know if you knew... but it's been a month since i've been in Argentina. I honestly can't believe it.

The beginning weeks were rough... I remember people saying "I can't believe we've been here a week already!" and me thinking "well... I can," but now a month has passed and I'm shocked.

This weekend has been a nice relaxing weekend, didn't do any traveling, but that doesn't mean it hasn't been as much fun. Last weekend we went to Uspallata, stayed there a night in a hostel, then went to Puente del Incas and hiked up the side of a random mountain... which was amazing. On Sunday we went to Cachueta were there are termas or hot springs, and spent the day there. Last monday was a day off, and I went to an asada at my sisters house. The food is sooooooo good. :)

The weekend before that we went to Potrerillos (which is difficult to say), went trekking and repelling... so having this weekend off has been nice. We have more time here, it's not necessary to rush and do everything now. It has been cold here (not that cold, but it is "winter" here), but now it's been warming up. My favorite thing to do is just go to the Park, which is like a 25 minute-ish walk from where I live. Today I went there twice :)

I've been getting used to living here. Each day it gets easier (but i refuse to comment on the classes i'm taking... that has not gotten easier... i still don't know what classes i'm going to take. oops). I've been learning to take things as they come, and not to worry. Well i'm still a worrier... but that's just who I am.

I love it here.

Do i still experience "Culture Shock?" yes. I still have the packet that St. Mike's gave to us about Culture shock, and it definitely is like a roller coaster... sometimes things are great, and sometimes there aren't as good. I'm learning to just enjoy the good times and accept the not-so-good times. Also, i've learned the best way to deal with the not-so-good times is to find friends.

I feel like i'm getting a little long winded... and i haven't really said anything with content. Oh well... this is why I don't blog.

Tonight ima go bowling :) Except I hate bowling. Like I really hate bowling. i try so hard, and i mean i took bowling in gym class in high school, but i still suck. i just hate bowling. i know how to do it, but i can't follow through. bowling is stupid.

i'm just sayin'

Culture Shock?

Let's be honest, I'm lazy and don't like to write things.

Also, I'm afraid of using too much electricity in my house... but I FINALLY HAVE INTERNET ON MY COMPUTER!!!!

Anywho, I didn't realize what culture shock would really be. Of course there are obvious differences like eating hours (Lunch is the heavy meal and dinner is around 9/10), greetings (one "kiss" on the cheek), and the language that would obvious cause some stress, but I didn't think about the other things that would be different.

For example, when I'm walking down the street, I'm always saying "excuse me" and dodging everyone... now I'm not saying that everyone does that in the US, but people are a little more ... polite. Here, that does NOT happen... ever. and it's weird for me because I don't want people thinking that I'm a jerk just walking through people, but it's how it is.

People also don't say "Bless you;" I pride myself in saying "Bless you" to someone when they sneeze... maybe even as they are sneezing. No one here says "Salud."

The culture here is really laid back, I would say their quote would be "Why do today what you can put off to tomorrow." This is hard... I'm always being told "Tranquila," and no, I can't calm down... it's not part of my nature, I'm always nervous and freaking out. I would like to learn how to be "Tranquila," so we'll see.

The bus system... I think of it as a joke. theres no schedule... it comes when it comes, and it doesn't come when you want it to come. I immediately decided not to worry about the bus (or micro) system.

hmm... well i can't think of anything else to say... maybe i'll post later after i organize my thoughts more.

besos