It's Raining Cats & Dogs!

¿Que tal?

Today it's pouring with a side of thunder, killing all hopes of walking downtown (El Microcentro) to go sightseeing. Maybe I'll catch a bus or el subte to a museum or mall so I'll be able to stay dry. Yesterday was a blast, meeting my roommates Victoria and Marijke - they are awesome! I met some other program people and we watched the Laker game ... not a good night for LA.

I went to a Supermercado for the first time last night. It was overwhelming to say the least, so many people, so many Argentinian products! I have to admit, I didn't see one American brand (which is a good thing) except for a special Lays Chips product. Thank goodness for elementary Spanish class; I knew where the milk, eggs and butter were!

I have also learned that Buenos Aires is a walking city! The meeting place for our orientation was 20 blocks away (to them that is nothing!). I'm glad I'll be able to sightsee as I'm navigating around town. However, on days like this, public transportation or Radio Taxis seem like the better choice.

Shopping is a big thing here; I stopped into one of the HUGE shopping centers in Palermo Viejo (Alto Palermo). It was crazy! Lots of American brands (Calvin Klein, Lacoste, Levis, etc) plus many more Argentinian shops. The style here is edgier, a little more high fashion than what I'm used to. Think lace up black boots, black skinny jeans, big scarves and coats. The Argentinian men and women seem to be more put together, more glamorous.

The Argentinian version of Spanish is called Castellano. Instead of using the "tu" form in Spanish, its vos! I need to brush up on my conjugations rapidamente! They speak incredibly fast, and pronounce their "ll" as "sh". For example, instead of calle (cay-ay), they say cashe (cash-ay)... I've already had so many vocabulary mixups! Oops.

Finally, I've learned that the Argentinian schedule is MUCH later than in the states. Oftentimes they stay up till the morning (7 am) and then sleep till mid-afternoon. The regular time to go out is about 1:30 am! There are so many clubs and restaurants that stay open until 5 am, very different than college.

Anyway, I'm excited to explore some more even though its raining. Stay tuned for more pictures and adventure-telling!

Ciao,

Sam

PS. The two pictures at the top right are of the entrance to my apartment in Palermo!