Just Café Workin'

Today started the second full week of my Buenos Aires internship. My Monday started off abnormally well, unlike the Snapchats I got from some weary workers in the USA. LOL. It was sunny with not even a cloud in the sky and only a slight breeze to keep some movement in the air; overall, it was a picture perfect day.

I'm definately from Estados Unidos

By now you are all probably wondering what the weather has been like since I’ve been down here in the southern hemisphere. This week the weather has been similar to an Iowan spring, minus the precipitation. High temperatures have hovered around the mid-60s and there was one day it hit 70 or got close to it. I’m told that will change as Argentina moves further into winter.  Lows have been around the low 50s and upper 40s. Overall, it has been pleasant and warm enough for me to walk the distance to work and other destinations in just a t-shirt; however, I am the one from Estados Unidos (United States) because everyone else is wearing winter coats already.

 

Taking the Subte (Subway)

I’m kind of getting use to this waking up naturally thing. Today, I was up at 9 am again because I didn’t have to be at work until noon. It’s nice; you don’t have the abrupt, repetitive, annoying wake-up alarm blaring in your ear just to snooze it for another 5 minutes. LOL. However, every morning since I’ve been here there has been this really loud whistling happening outside my window. I want to say it is a parrot because it happens around 9 am and I swear I heard another noise with bird-like characteristics. I will have to ask my host in the morning when I see her again.

Before I did anything today, I had to figure out how to get to ByTArgentina, so I could pay June’s rent. Whipping out my trusty map I noticed it was quite far from where I was living, so I decided taking the Subte (subway) was my best and cheapest option. Note: this would be a first-time experience for me! Out the door, I walk with a mission to ride the subte.

Buenos Aires Subte D Line

When I reached Avenida Santa Fe, I saw those steps that lead to the city’s basement…the subway system. Not knowing what to expect I prepared myself for the worst. Stepping up to the boleteria (ticket office) I purchased a pass for dos viajes (2 trips), there and back. Catching my first glimpse of the subte, my initial thoughts were this isn't so bad. It wasn’t crowded and was fairly up- kept.

Once my rent was safely deposited, I made my way back to my house to pack up my computadora (computer) and headed to Uplifted (my employer) which is in walking distance from where I live. After ringing the white intercom buzzer I was greeted by Rachael, the one who found and interviewed me for the position. After a brief tour of the small office...

OHHHH...MY ACHING LEGS!

Man my legs are sore! You would be saying the same if you walked nearly ten miles through Palermo; the neighborhood in which I live. Today was all about discovery and becoming familiar with my surroundings. I will not lie; my first night was a bit overwhelming. It could have been because of the nearly 24 hours of traveling I did and I was tired, or because of the language barrier. I’m going to say it was a little bit of both.

After a good night’s sleep and waking up at 9 am , I was off to make my own map of Buenos Aires. I studied several maps my host provided me with for about 30 minutes or until I felt my routes were memorized. Basically, I didn’t want to be caught standing on a corner with a map in my hands looking like a tourist. LOL. I slipped my shoes on, put one map in my pocket for emergency use, and out the door I went...

Living on the Tarmac

As I stated previously, goodbyes are hard even if it is for a definite amount of time. Last week I said my temporary farewells to the rest of my friends, relatives and parents. Sure those farewells were melancholy in a certain context, but everyone was extremely supportive of what I’m doing. (Despite a few worst scenario thoughts LOL) I’m blessed to have all of these individuals in my life because without them it would make what I’m doing a lot harder.

From the Boeing 777 before leaving the US of A

Friday, May 31^st was departure day.  My mom and Aunt Pat were gracious enough to drive me to O’Hare; which neither of them would ever voluntarily drive in Chicago traffic. (A BIG thank you goes out to them!) O’Hare was the first of four airports on my departure itinerary, and following are my stories: