These 24 hour days stretch long like silly putty. I am sleepy but simply satisfied as I suck up the last of my glorious coffee with vanilla ice cream and whipped cream dessert at Muki, my go-to much-more-than-a-coffee shop coffee shop. I come here because I rarely get internet in casa. But its ok. When I have free time, I usually play guitar.
Last night, my host family invited me to Tutti Fiocchi, their family-owned restaurant/lounge for Danny's birthday. We had a fantastic dinner (home-made pizza and the Argentinean criollo dish 'locro' cooked by Elvira) and plenty of beer. Before cake, I played some improvised songs for the gang. It was a very special night, and again made me appreciate how great a blessing it is that I am paired with this Argentinean family.
Before dinner, I arrived at River Stadium super late, well into the second half of the Argentina vs. Canada friendly. Scoundreling around the giant stadium, I could not find a single ticket; I began talking with a group of Saltenos (N. Argentineans) who had been hustled into buying some fake tickets. They advised me that if we wait around until 10 minutes before end time, security might open the doors for free. Upon hearing this, a giant mob of Argentineans ran and smashed a gate down about 20 meters away from us. Then, a wave of people, me included, sprinted through the gaping hole and leaped up the stone steps. Inside, a loud roar of chants and claps accompanied bright lights to ignite the newcomers into a wild jumping spree. 2 minutes later, Argentina scored their 5th goal! Antonio, my new Salteno friend, lifted me up a spun me around mid-air! I am super uber syked that I got to see the national team (25 minutes) play their last game before the world cup (for free). VAMOS ARGENTINA!
If I haven't mentioned before, it is Argentina's bicentennial today! It is the final day of a long weekend and a long time coming ((200 years...). The spirit around here has been crazy. Crazy spirits they are! People are so excited about Argentina and Argentina soccer its contageous and outrageous. The city was (and still is) on fire with dance, music, parades, etc. I couldnt have come at a better time!
The other night I went with my white-bread friend Kyle to Avenida 9 de Julio (the Obelisco) for a MONSTROUS festival! These colossal streets were closed for a parade which presented all of the Argentinean provinces smack in the heart of the capital between big buildings. While, sipping down Fernet and Cola, we saw llamas, gorgeous women, and giant puppets. Then, we danced and danced to a show highlighting Latin American countries. Columbia threw down some groovy earthy music, but within the celebration and giant mass of people, I lost Kyle. My lonely inebriated state took me away from the spectacle and down the Broadway-like streets of Corrientes. Feeling super down, I coudn't stop questioning and analyzing the massive capitalistic nationalistic 'kilombo' around me. I needed peace so I headed to the Obelisco, Buenos Aries' central monument, and sat quietly on a patch of grass. I took deep breaths in and out, trying to calm myself down... when all of a sudden this girl sat next to me and we began talking. This Chilean cinema student, such a gorgeous soul, fell right into my lap, and suddenly everything became ok. We walked back to the show and raged to Gilberto Gil, who represented Brazil to the max! It was a hot jam! I had Isa with me the whole night and it felt so good to be in the company of a beautiful stranger. We shared LATE night/early morning pizza and fernet and cola in Plaza Seranno and everything was sweet.
Tomorrow, we will go back to school and the normality of life beyond the bicentennial. Argentina has had a little holiday break and now must get back in the zone. While these stories I write might give the impression I am only partying and such, I only choose to pick the really good times that stand out that I'd like to share. Obviously, life isn't great all the time, but it has been rather f'in lovely down here. Still, I am studying harder than the other internationals and getting better notes, which makes going out so much better. Work hard - play hard.
While I head to University of Belgrano every week, the streets feel like my formal school here. I get a lot more by mixing with people on the corner, the train, the subway, and wherever else I may be. Whether its by barging into a Argentinean soccer game or sharing dinner with my host family - I am gaining so much from this very human experience.
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