Back to School I Go!

Buenas tardes!

Nearly five years have passed since I last stepped foot into a formal classroom. Today was the day I officially returned to school. And, I must admit, I was actually surprisingly nervous for - get this - roll call! "Roll call?," you may ask. Well, yes. Because my name in Spanish 1) means shrimp - i.e. the seafood - when not said just so, and 2) because my name is difficult for me to pronounce when I must say it in front of a large group of people I dont know and speak with a clear and strong Argentinian accent, so that I neither come across as a piece of seafood OR totally incompetent. And that's only saying my name! What if they were to ask me a question? On my first day? What is I dont UNDERSTAND the question? On my first day? AND what if I am asked a question, understand the question, but cannot ANSWER the question? Oh the horror! So instead of going out last night to "get my mind off of school," as my friend Martine suggested, I gathered my notebook and pens, double-checked the bus route, packed a snack, and even put out my clothes for the day (something I NEVER do. EVER!). So once I felt I was sufficiently prepared for my first day of school, I set my alarm for 6:30 am, read a little bit, and zonked out after an eventful day of getting lost in the city, riding 6 overcrowded and under-vented buses, and two great meetings with some Argentinian friends to practice my Spanish.

And this morning, I was up and at 'em at 6:30. I love the mornings. I love my morning ritual of showering and then taking my sweet time to eat breakfast while working the USA Today online crossword puzzle. So I did not want to be rushed, nor did I have any desire to arrive late to school. Said morning routine went as planned, I was out the door by 8am, and - shockingly - the bus ran on time and got me to school about 20 mins before 9. I got there only to find out that 1) my class had yet to be assigned a classroom ("But it starts in 15 mins," I thought to myself), 2) there was confusion as to what class I was actually taking as they combined two classes without informing me, and 3) once the classroom was assigned, I discovered the truth about Argentinians having their own idea of what "arriving on time" means when the professor arrived 15 mins late because she needed to stop and have coffee! However, there is no need to worry that my studies themselves are lacking because of the lackadaisical schedule. This is Argentina. A different country, a different culture with VERY different customs. It is what it is, and I am trying to adapt. But I LIKE things to happen on time, so it's more than a wee bit difficult for me - a true test of patience!

As for my class - a clinical class working with anorexics, bulimics, and people suffering from obesity...It was GREAT! And the most surprising part was the size, or lack thereof. There are only 4 people in my class + two professors, so I am assured plenty of attention and, thankfully, less nervous about speaking in class. I was asked about myself and my experience and must have spoken well as I got compliments for my Spanish after class. YAY! Compliments never hurt;)!

In other news, I move today!! I move into my very own apartment. I have such lovely friends who have been so kind as to offer me a place to sleep these last three weeks, but I am now quite ready to be in a place I can call mine and to no longer live out of my 50 lb. body bag.

As for the rest of my life here in BA, all is well. I have made many Argentinian, Colombian, Peruvian, Chilean, and American friends, eaten lots of tasty fruits and veggies, gone on many long long walks, and continue to get lost (and found) nearly everyday as I learn my way around the city. Also, I am making headway in the process of acquiring my student visa. It will be such a relief when I have that visa in my hand!!

VIVA!