Week one is done. I seriously can’t believe it! Eight days ago, I landed in Buenos Aires, met my host family, and was quickly introduced to the city I’d be calling home for the next five months. Now, I’m a regular Porteño (name used to describe residents of Buenos Aires), speaking Spanish and navigating the city with ease…haha, well not exactly. This first week has definitely had it’s ups and downs, but I’m excited to keep exploring, growing, and bettering my Spanish language.
Highlights from Week #1
Classes: After a quick orientation on Tuesday, June 24th with USAL (Universidad del Salvador) staff and the other students that are here abroad, classes began! Monday through Friday we have class from 130-545 (yes, four hours is kind of long). It includes a mix of Spanish grammar, conversation, Argentinian culture, and literature…and only one 15 minute break. Besides the fact that my brain is still in summer mode, I find the course enjoyable and very helpful.
Outings: As a class, we took a day trip to an estancia (which is the name for a field outside the city where gauchos-Argentinian cowboys-live). There we got to ride horses, sip mate (Argentinian tea), eat plenty of meat, and watch a traditional show put on by the gauchos and their horses. Definitely my favorite day here so far!
Transportation: BA is a HUGE city. I have grown accustomed to either walking or taking the D line on the subte (Argentinian subway) everywhere. Granted I haven’t traveled very far, so soon I’ll have to expand my comfort zone… Yay! Can’t wait.
Familia: My host mom, Marite, is actually spending the next month traveling around Europe (espero que estés teniendo un buen viaje!!) but my host brother, Martin (or Mama Martin as Ingrid and I call him), has been great to have around and is the best cook!! We look forward to our dinners each night with him. 🙂
My big conclusion after 8 days
You might think it corny, but I have learned a lot in just one week of living abroad. I’ve chosen my motto to be:
No regrets, just lessons. No worries, just acceptance. No expectations, just gratitude.
I don’t regret losing my luggage…I gained some life experience. I didn’t expect to be living with Ingrid from Norway…but now I’ve got a big sister. The already extensive list of things I’m grateful for here in Argentina will continue to grow and I’m content with just sitting back and enjoying the ride.
Until next week…
Besos!
Haylie 🙂
This week I learned:
Haylie Butler '17
Love – Love – Love this Post Haylie! Thank you for sharing your experiences. I love and miss you! Mommie<3
Hi Haylie
I love your wise motto. So happy for you to get this experience. Thanks for sharing with us your experiences.
Love
Aunt Bonnie
Love the blog, Haylie!