So alot of things have happened in the considerable amount of time since my last post! This past couple weeks i have had a series of tests and papers and now that I have a slight break in the work load I am excited to let you all know a few of the things that have been going on.
A few weeks ago dad got to visit! He was working on World Concern projects in Bolivia. It was great to see him and hear abotu how the family is doing. I also enjoyed getting to show dad around all the places I have been exploring in Buenos Aires. I stayed in a hotel with him which was great to get out of the dorm for a few nights. That saturday we took a boat across the Rio de la Plata to Uruguay. It was cool to visit another country and it was great to be in a little town like Colonia. We spent the day looking at the Portugeuse ruins and even saw a giant bullfighting ring (a note here, the bullfighting stadium was opened in 1912 but closed in 1914 when bullfighting was made illegal in Uruguay, in it's whole 2 year history there were only 6 fights). Another highlight of dad's visit was going to a great steak restaurant. Argentina is famous for its steaks and this restaurant is famous for being one of the best steaks in Buenos Aires, I am assuredly not an expert on steaks but it was definately delicious! In addition both Jordon and I enjoyed getting giant jars of peanut butter, it was fun sharing it with our Argentinian friends who had never had peanut butter before.
The next weekend I went with a great group of other international students to Iguazu Falls. It was a 18 hour bus ride, but overnight so i was able to sleep pretty well. We stayed at a hostel which was fun because we met people from all over the world and cooked our own spaghetti dinner. The falls were absolutely incredible, they are spread out in several sections and absolutely magnificent. They are currently being considered as one of the 7 natural wonders of the world. We got a boat that took us close to the falls and got soaked by the mist.
After we got back from the falls (literally hours after getting off the bus) we went to the soccer game, Argentina vs. Canada. It was super fun to watch and send the team of to South Africa! Speaking of I am very excited abotu the world cup starting in a couple days and I am definately not alone here. Argentina has a strong history in soccer, having won teh world cup twice. Right now their team is under the leadership of their coach Maradona, the legendary soccer star. It seems like every commercial on the TV has to do with the world cup and every shop is selling everything in the colors of the Argentinian flag.
That weekend was also the bicentenial of Argentina. All weekend there were huge events centered around the giant avenida 9 de Julio. We went on Tuesday which was the last day of the festivities. Getting there was an adventure in the subways (which were free for the day, waving the 25 cent fee) I was literally jammed into a subway car unable to move, getting became obligatory as I was pressed by the crowds from behind until i was in the subway. Once I got to the site fo the fesitivities I could barely move in the crowds as I worked my way through exhibits from various provinces, concerts, and food vendors. That night was the spectacular parade, which outlined the history of Argentina in various acts. It was great to take part in Argentina's 200th birthday.
"Saludes desde Argentina" My roommate, Walter, wanted to say hello to everyone!
