Uruguay Adventures!

Sunday was long and exhausting, but it sure was amazing. I woke up at 6 to catch a cab with a couple other group members, and together we rode to a port where we boarded a boat to Uruguay! Before we boarded the ship, we had to go through passport checks and x-ray inspections. It was basically like an airport. And the boat itself looked like an airplane, too! If airplanes had stairs. And café’s. And gift shops. God, I love gift shops. Anyways, we landed in the town of Colonia, and it was GORGEOUS. Our director explained to us a little bit of the history of Colonia, and then we were free to explore. Apparently, Colonia has been passed between Portugal and Spain in a viscious tug-of-war multiple times throughout its history. As a result, there’s a lot of Portuguese and Spanish influence here. It’s now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the architecture and cobbled streets and landscapes here are very charming. The views of the river were beautiful. It looks more like a sea, it’s so big; and, in the distance we could see the silhouette of Buenos Aires. We even got to go up a light house and see the view from there. Too bad we had to climb a whole bunch of stairs to reach the top. There’s nothing which reminds me how out of shape I am more than a flight of stairs. One of my favorite parts was all the wall art everywhere. Graffiti may be illegal, but it certainly adds character to these places. Some of the stuff we found was just plain strange.   There were also stray dogs everywhere, and one started following us around. I felt so bad for all of the injured dogs there! I wish someone would set up some sort of animal shelter there. It would be a lot more useful than another gift shop, and maybe visitors could adopt? Maybe I’ll come back one day and become a crazy, single dog lady. It’s at least 150% better than being a crazy, single cat lady. Anyways, we basically spent all day in Colonia and walked around a ton. My boots are now thoroughly worn out and falling apart! At the end of the day, we took a bus tour and then watched the sunset together on the beach. It was gorgeous. This one blog post probably has more pictures than all the rest of mine combined. For real. Sorry for dumping that all on you. Anyways, by the time we returned, it was around 10, and we were all completely drained. Since then, there hasn’t been too much new activity. Monday we had class, and a few friends and I went to Chinatown. Chinatown was very small and a bit disappointing. I saw about five Asians. Seriously. Where did they all go? Are they hibernating? Do Asians hibernate? I’m Asian, so I should know. Afterwards, we relaxed in a park and tried to ignore a couple who really needed to get a room. Today, I had class, went home, and basically just did work. I am a pinnacle of excitement. But, hey, at least I can now talk! My voice has gotten a lot better, so I can once again spontaneously belt out Disney songs. Tomorrow, we’ll be doing some activities, so I’ll have more to update on soon!

Argentina to the World Cup finals!

Today was amazing. It’s Argentina’s National Independence Day…and it was the day of the semi-finals match against the Netherlands! There was no class today (thankfully), so we got to sleep in. We were supposed to meet around 2 to grab some lunch and seats at the plaza, where we would watch the game; so, I arrived early and ate at Freddo. FREDDO. Their ice cream is fantastic. The size of the ice cream cones here is a lot smaller than the U.S, but the ice cream tastes a lot different– more like gelato. Or maybe it was gelato? It probably was gelato. Anyways, I’m finally able to navigate the city without becoming dismally lost, which is always a good thing. I understand the subway, and I can now read a map! What. I don’t even know myself anymore. Alexia bought us a whole bunch of yummy food to eat at the plaza, including empanadas (which I’m quickly becoming addicted to) and dulces de leche (chocolate)! So, we basically had a picnic before the game started. The plaza was extremely crowded, and everyone was decked out in Argentina gear. I even got my face painted! (I did not pack blue clothes, unfortunately.)

Look, it’s my face.

I really don’t know how to describe the atmosphere of the game. Whenever I watch sports matches, it’s usually from home with my friends or family. This was completely different. There were hundreds of Argentina fans screaming at the projector scream, laughing, blowing horns, beating drums…It was completely exhilarating.

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BEST DAY #argentina #finals #worldcup #mythroathurts

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I totally thought the Netherlands would win because I can be a bit pessimistic, so I was ecstatic when Argentina scored in the penalty kicks! Everyone was on their toes for the last few minutes of the game, and when Argentina won, the place was a madhouse. I was walking home afterwards and there were impromptu parades and huge celebrations on random streets. The ambulances were ringing their sirens; cars were honking like crazy; kids were leaning out of cars with flags; people were singing at the subway; huge mobs were crowding the roads…It was so cool. I recorded a small snippet of the madness.

Can’t wait for tomorrow!

P.S. On a completely unrelated note, I totally forgot to post yesterday because I came home so late. The biggest part of the day was meeting with Argentinian students who were learning English through a school here. It was really cool to speak with them and learn a little more about their culture. They were really curious about schools in the U.S, and we could find common ground in things like sports and Disney movies (like Frozen!) It was really fun, and later we played trivia with a mix of Argentina and United States facts. Before I met them, I thought the thumbs-up signal was considered an insult here because I read something on the internet, and I heard it was taboo in lots of other countries…but the kids said it was perfectly fine. Sigh. You win again, Internet.

Leaving in four days.

What is happening?! How am I leaving for South America in four days? It’s weird that I’ve waited for this moment for so long, and now that I want a little more time in the USA, time is speeding by even faster…

I have a whole bunch of summer homework, so I’ve been trying to get a lot of it done before Friday, and I made a schedule and everything because I’m that kind of girl, but…

SCREW DAT. Yeah, if the World Cup didn’t exist, I would be about 500% more productive. Ah, well. Guess I’ll be reading a lot of Nigerian literature between now and Friday.

Anyways, I’m almost all packed up now, and I just got an email today listing all of the other kids in my group. Apparently, since the program I’m going with is called Sol Abroad, they call us “SOL Mates.”

Although I admit that is a fairly clever pun, I do not yet feel threatened in my position as Pun Queen. I am the SOL user of that title.

Man, I’m hilarious.

Don’t question it please.

Anyways, there are nine other kids in the program (6 boys and 3 girls), but two of them are in an earlier session, which means that they start earlier and will be leaving midway through the program. Or at least, that’s what I’ve deducted from the information they sent us. 😉

I really like how small the program is– it’s a lot smaller group than I anticipated. Also, it’s really cool how diverse we are. I was looking at the home states of everyone, and there’s only one other kid from California. Other people are from Texas, New York, Georgia, Michigan, etc.

Can’t wait to meet everyone.

Now, I’m just paranoid that I’ll forget to pack something or over-pack or pack the wrong things…or get lost in the airport! I’d really like to be one of those happy-go-lucky people.

 

Eh. Whatever.

Tomorrow’s July, and that’s when crunch time really begins!

Host Family Info!

I received information about my host family yesterday, and I’m so excited! I’ll be living in an apartment with a nice old lady named Teresa and a roommate around my age. Too bad the apartment won’t be housing a dozen male models. Sigh. Oh, the woes of life.

The apartment has a really cool location, though— near lots of parks and museums and public transportation— so that’s always awesome.

I really can’t explain that gif.

Anyways, I’ve sent over the diagnostic test, and now I’m just packing up and counting down the days!

11 days.

It’s crazy how fast time is flying. Until, then the World Cup (¡La copa mundial!) is providing some nice distractions along the way…I’m cheering for three teams— Korea, USA, and Argentina (obviously)— but Korea kind of sucks, and the USA v. Portugal match last night just made me sad, so…

Anyways! Can’t wait to be right in the middle of the fútbol frenzy in a couple weeks. Until then~

Half-packed.

Packing…

It’s been a while since I posted. Summer now, and I have two more weeks until I board a plane to Buenos Aires. Crazy.

Everything’s paid for. Now, I just have to fill out a Spanish diagnostic test so that my program can place me at the university.

I just moved to a new house, too, so everything’s happening even faster. I don’t think it’ll really hit me that I’m spending half my summer alone in South America until I’m dropped off at the airport. It’s all so surreal.

I’ve started packing my things, and I’m so confused about how many clothes I should bring! I’ve traveled since before I could walk, but I’ve never stayed in a place for more than a week or two. My mom says I should pack a week’s worth of clothing, so I can buy some clothes there, too.

Hopefully, she’s right, or I’m screwed.

I’ve been waiting for this since sophomore year. I’m going to be a senior this fall. Hopefully, all the hard work fundraising and all the time already invested in this trip will pay off. Not to mention, all the support from friends and family that I’ve received on the way.

I’ll be receiving information about my host family soon, too! SO PUMPED.  Oh, you’re not also pumped?

ARE YOU PUMPED NOW? I thought so.

I’ll keep on updating. Cheers, yo.

Also, as a general note: I decided to use this blog not only for my trip to Argentina (which it was initially intended for), but for my future travels, as well. Woot woot. Holla.

Walk-A-Thon Complete

I’VE MADE OVER $6,000!!! YAY!

Thanks to everyone who made this possible and all my friends and family for their general contributions.

It was hot and grueling, but with my wonderfully wonderful mom, I walked the ten miles and made the $6,000 necessary to make the trip!

And now for the pics…

My mom made this awesome customized shirt for the Walk-a-Thon!! She then added cute button-things to it and made it even more customized and awesome.

Me before I got all sweaty and gross.

Me, sweaty and gross. Halfway mark!

Mile 6 or 7. Feelin’ like a boss.

DONE!!! Right in front of McDonald’s, too.

Well, now, couldn’t just stop in front of McDonald’s and not grab a few hundred calories to go, could I?

I’m so pumped! Argentina feels just that much closer to me…Now I just have to wait nine months for it to happen!

My walk-a-thon…is tomorrow!

First post.

I guess you’d only be reading this blog if you know me. Either that, or you’re simply curious about studying abroad and maybe even want to try it out yourself.

I’m beginning this blog so I can chronicle this incredible journey that I’m soon to undertake. In approximately nine months, I’m flying out on a plane to Buenos Aires and staying there for an entire month.

A month. WTF. A year ago, I would’ve balked at this. Living alone in a South American country sounds pretty freaking scary. Now that I’m so close, though, (Well, not really…but nine months isn’t so bad…), all I can feel is this terrible, shaking excitement.

And tomorrow is the day I’ll be able to make it happen. I’m having a Walk-a-Thon to raise money to afford the trip. My goal is a whopping $6,000 and ten miles, but I think I can make it! I hope! Without passing out first! On second thought, I probably will!

I’m so grateful for all the friends and family members that’ll be sponsoring me. It’s crazy actually. I mean,this is going to sound super cheesy, but it feels so amazing that they’d help me for my dream to come true. Sometimes you just wonder, “Why would they do that?”  Just from being my family member or friend? When did that become a duty instead of a favor? DUDE. HOW LUCKY AM I?!

Just a few months ago, my parents were super reluctant to allow me to study abroad in the first place, and live alone in South America for a whole month. Now (with some serious cajoling by my mom to convince my dad) they’re committed head-over-heels to the cause. It’s surreal.

So. Ten miles. Wish me luck!

I’m pretty out-of-shape, so ten miles isn’t exactly a walk in the park for me, but I can do it. (Get it? A WALK in the park?! Hate all you want, darlings. The pun master has arrived.)