Las aventuras cordobesas

      Ascending the serpentine mountain roads overlooking the immense features of the landscape, I couldn't help but take a few pictures. Cobalt blue lakes and jagged boulders dotted the landscape, surrounded by endless pine trees and quaint hamlets. But after our hour ride in the Mercedes van we arrived at our destination: Peñón del aguila. What we did next literally cannot be named in English, but the best I can say is "treeing, in which we were all doned in impressive rock climbing gear and traversed large gaps between impressive features of the sylvan scenery. The consenus was that I looked extremely experienced in this activity, rocking my puffy winter jacket and sleek aviators, while Brendan Bennett was most congrous to Bob the Builder. The "levels" became progressively more challenging, but nevertheless we all made it out unharmed, lest we were unprepared for a what was next.
       After a scenic and oddly German themed lunch we tackled our next objective of the day: zip-lining. Harnessing up once more we zipped along longer and longer lines through more and more formidable ravines. Next was rock climbing, in which Wall Number Four humiliated every soul who attempted to conquer it including, unfortunately, myself. After a short stop in the very peculiar town of Germany IN Argentina, I indulged in mint chocolate chip, tiramisu, waffle cone ice cream. Said desert was so indulgent I had trouble remaining conscious, the only encouragement being that I could eat more.
        The next day, the last day in which we were able to enjoy the extensive breakfast selection of Hotel Felipe II of croissants and yogurts, we set off for somewhere a bit more authentic. Do you know how to ride a horse? How about in salmon colored dress shorts? The riding itself was adventurous and daring, in which breathtaking views from the summits of ridges were combined with the thrill of riding horseback and the disobedience of a few stubborn horses. Personally I have a lot of riding experience, so my skills were yet to be truly tested. When the other half of the group went out to horseback ride I and the few others were introduced to a game without a name. Nail is nailed into wooden pole, small metal circle hanging by string from a top, you stand back and try to swing the circle onto the nail. With four successful attempts of circle-on-nail I am the undisputed champion of this game out of all the other Americans. My reward? A modest yet symbolic horseshoe.
        But now, we depart. After the farm we went back to the hotel, then to the mall again for dinner at the food court, then gone again to catch our bus at the bus terminal. Our sojourn to Córdoba, which provided everything from historic tours of churches to overpriced German beer mug souvenirs to raw tests of brute strength along unforgiving rock walls, was phenomenal. Now though, cruising across the Argentine countryside, cutting through the night, we must return to the bustling South American metropolis so known for its cafeterías and political Peronist past. I look around now, trying to see if anyone is still awake on this double decker bus. Even trustworthy Mr. Rakovec, who just moments ago was infuriated at how the reading light above his seat did not actually permit him to read, is now utterly lost in slumber. I wipe the condensation off the glass, peer at the stellar moon. I yawn. 1:08 AM is not a time for blogging, but sleeping.  Buenas noches.

-Ross

Córdoba

I cannot wrap my head around the fact that our trip to Argentina is nearing its half way point. The experience thus far has been nothing short of astonishing. 

On Monday, we traveled back to the elderly home in Buenos Aires to teach the elders a set of popular American anthems. We attempted to teach them the YMCA dance and sang to them both the Star Spangled Banner and Sweet Caroline. Despite looking like fools, they were entertained, which is all that matters. 

Later that night we headed to the Retiro bus station in Buenos Aires to catch our bus to Córdoba. Córdoba is a smaller city north of Buenos Aires and is about a 9 hour drive. The bus we took had the most comfortable seats and it was easy to sleep the ride away. Upon arriving in Córdoba, we checked in to our luxurious hotel, The Felipe II. Soon after checking in, we departed on a walking city tour directed by Esteban, the most friendly, energetic, and knowledgeable tour guide of Córdoba. We visited many sites throughout the city such as the first Jesuit church in Argentina and a Carmelite church. After the city tour, we went to grab a bite in the Mall of Córdoba. I ordered a small calzone at a restaurant and it ended up being the biggest calzone I had ever eaten! We jumped on the bus again and drove out to the country side to see the peaceful and beautiful countryside of Argentina. Brendan and I went up via chairlift to the top of a small mountain to witness the incredible views of Córdoba and its outskirts. The views were incredible. This was a perfect way to end a perfect day. 

Mike M.

El acto de la bandera

     On Wednesday morning we celebrated Flag Day, the Argentine holiday commemorating the creation of the Argentine flag by Manuel Belgrano. Manuel Belgrano was a hero during the war of independence and remains one of the most respected men in Argentina. Flag Day is also the anniversary of his death on June 20th. Several host brothers were flag bearers during the ceremony. It was the first time that we heard the Argentine National Anthem, which was a very beautiful and interesting experience. After the flag ceremony we went to debate class with our host brothers. We helped them prepare a debate in English.  The question was whether or not medicines should be patented. We had to help the students translate their arguments into English and make sure their grammar was correct. 

            Thursday and Friday were school holidays.  My host family and I traveled outside the city to the town of Fatima where they own a vacation house. Another pair of exchange program students were also in Fatima and we hung out with them and had an "asado." An "asado" is a large barbecue, with all different kinds of meat and sausage prepared over a special grill. On Friday we went to a soccer game between Racing and Union. The game and atmosphere were amazing.  The fans were crazy, rowdy, and very passionate. It was interesting to see the difference between the sport/game atmospheres in the United States and Argentina. 

-Mike S.

Getting ready for the flag day ceremony to begin at school.

The ceremony begins.

BC High, Loyola Los Angeles, and Georgetown Prep @ La Casa Rosada

Los primeros días…

Hello, I hope to find you all well. All of us are doing great and have accustomed ourselves nicely into our temporary homes with our host brothers. It was a smooth transition into the very much hospitable Argentine culture. The people are welcoming, the weather has been agreeable, and the food of course, has been splendid.

This past Friday we were lucky enough to enter the U.S. embassy and have a meeting with an official from Boston. At the beginning of the meeting we discussed what role an embassy has and what its purpose is. Later on during the meeting, a group of five students from a local Argentine school who participate in the Model UN club,  joined us as we discussed the relations of Argentina and the United States. Both groups of students discussed major historical events in our varying countries past, most significantly 9/11 and the 2001 economic crisis of Argentina in which in just a nights time, the former one dollar to one peso ratio dropped to 1:4, and therefore a person's wealth was a fourth of what it was that past night. It was a great experience to be able to talk with the other students and hear what they had to say.

Monday, we started the day off with a little fútbol, as always to wake ourselves up. Soon after we traveled by bus to a retirement center type of facility where semi-elderly residents gathered for coffee and conversation. We were introduced to the Argentine native dance of the tango which originated in the late 1800's. Two different couples who were in full costume and full character performed for us and set the bar high! We were all quick learners and had a blast dancing for and with the audience. I'm sure that they got many laughs out of it, as did we.

Hasta luego,

-Brendan B.

El principio

When our parents dropped us off at Logan at 10:30 on Tuesday it was the start of our 35 hour journey leading up to our arrival.  After arriving in Houston we soon discovered our flight was cancelled. From the airport we took a bus to a nearby hotel where we spent the night.   Although our plane was delayed and we had to stay a night in Houston, in the end we got here safe which is what mattered most.  We arrived in Buenos Aires around 9 very tired. Our families met us at school, they were very kind and helped with our transition.  

The next day we woke up early and headed to school, some walking and some by car. All of the students at the school were very friendly and it made it easy for us to feel welcome.  The day consisted of a couple classes and lots of fútbol.  We toured the school and met many of their teachers and faculty members. After school we all went our separate ways and met back at school the next day. For me personally and I am sure for the others the host families have been great. They care for you and treat you like one of their own.  So far, although only two days in, this trip has been great and it is a great opportunity to see a whole new culture and learn about it. 

 

-Luke