Chapter 2.1

SHOOOOT! Hey ya'll. I have a dilemma. I don't think I can leave Buenos Aires. I'm sorry I've been such a procrastinator, but I've been swept away by the sight, sounds, and soul of this city. I'm well past the culutre shock, tourist, and even traveler phases, and I think I'm getting a little too comfortable here. Thus far I have been to: An afro-latino boliche (night club), the Killer's concert!, a drag-queen musical, a jazz concert,swing/tango/and blues dances, countless ferias artesanos (open-air fairs), quite a few parks and malls, and took a week of spanish classes to top it off. I now live in an apartment in Palermo (it's the Argentine equivalent of New York's Soho). I am surrounded by upscale cafes, restaurants, bar, and tiendas de moda (designer clothing stores). I am missing the grunge appeal of the hostel life, but I it's safer and cleaner here. Tessa and I moved in with Matilde on Thursday. Matilde is a 72 year-old Portena (Buenos Aires local) with a corazon dorado (heart of gold). She cooks for us, gives us adivce about men, and doesn't care what time we come home...if we come home at all...teehee. I am paying about $12 a day for room and board. It's cheap, but my money is going fast. I'm going to need to find a job here pronto. I've started looking for a position teaching English, but most places require certification...which of course will cost me. Today I am on the hunt for a good private spanish tutor, a vocal coach, and a public swimming pool. This city is huge, so the search is overwhelming. I am actually completely lost right now, so I've stopped at a cafe to get my bearings and write this blog. I am dissappointed by my progress in the theatre scene here. I have not met a single actor, and though I've passed lot's of theatres, I can't bring myself to pay admission to a play I won't understand (because it is in Castellano). The power of language is astonishing. It IS possible to overcome the restrictions of speaking a different language than the locals, but it takes more energy than I am sometimes willing to put forth. I am currently reading the book "Eat, Pray, Love", a book I never thought would hold my interest. Surprisingly, it completely pertains to my situation here, and has played the role of my therapist and mentor. It advises me to be patient with myself while learning a language,traveling, and in life, advice which I feel I have followed rather successfully. If I come back to the states learning only this lesson, I will be satisfied. Impatience was one of my biggest weaknesses before I came to Argentina. It is time for me to get off my rump, my faithful followers. Please feel free to share your adventures and advice with me. LE EXTRANO USTEDES! Chau Chau K.C.H