Ya aprendí mucho, pero...

Hola Chicos! I've officially been in Argentina for 2 weeks now. I just returned from spending a few days at the beautiful Iguazu Falls with my family and I'm happy to be back in the city. Classes start on Monday!

3 Things I’ve learned about Buenos Aires:

1. There is an abundance of little novelties I enjoy but don't need, and a scarcity of daily necessities I've always taken for granted. Cookies come with every item on the menu. There are stores that exclusively sell small lamps. Toilet paper, however, is a luxury.

2. There are no Spanish words equivalent to random, awkward, sketchy, obnoxious, or “make love.” Or so we were told during orientation. We were also taught that a one-night stand is called “touch and go” (said in English).

3. Gaga is universal. She is currently on the cover of the Argentinean publication of Cosmopolitan. I’ve seen her music videos played in cafes, and heard “Alejandro” on the radio. One night, I bonded with an Argentine girl who I thought spoke no English, until she insisted that I belt a round of “Paparazzi” with her-- which i obviously agreed to.

3 Things that every Argentinean understands, and I really need to learn:

1. How to find the bus stop. There are hundreds of bus lines in the city ranging from #1 to #749. Once I’ve established exactly which one I need to take, it is practically impossible to spot the tiny sign that designates where my bus stops because they are spaced out along the street in no particular order.

2. Why every person isn’t obese. Argentines survive on a diet of bread, red meat, cheese, wine, and coffee. Meals occur 4 times daily and the last one is after 10:00 at night. The cardio machines in the gym are programmed to shut off after only 20 minutes. And no, the portions aren’t smaller—they’re usually much, much larger.

3. Where every stray dog goes to get a jacket. Because they all have them. It’s freezing down here and I’m desperate for extra layers!