Did that really just happen?

It has been one damn long weekend. And my body needs some rest. Jajaja. Well to start off there has been a heat wave here for the last week or so, and it is killing me. It is supposed to start pouring tonight and for the next week. Awesome. Jajaja. So it has beena little rough for me considering I sweat profusly doing nothing. Jajaja. But it has been good for night, because it's still warm out and you don't have to wear a jacket, and I like that :D Alright so waht have I been doing for the last four days? Well let me tell you. Thursday, was a fun night. Went to the bars and then got Lost, of course. The Boliche is always trouble. It is called Lost for a reason, jaja. I have to friends lose their purses there, and the last time we lost each other! Jajaja. It wasn't really anything different then a usual night but it was a lot of fun. Also we got in for free (well we always do) and VIP (which happens most of the time too.) which I love, jajaja. Friday really was the highlight of my weekend. Well, because I had a good time at Lost, I didn't really do much on Friday besides go to the gym, the cafe, and read. But once it turned 6 it got crazy jajaaj. At UB there was this thing called International Night. Downstairs all the international students set up booths for their countries, and had food and drinks there for everyone. It was pretty cool, I mean all the different countries and what not. The wierd thing is that they were allowed to have alcoholic drinks! At the school function, people were getting drunk. jajaja. It was insane cause there was a lot of people in a small room and it was already so hot, I thought I was going to pass out. So everyone just wen outside. There was mass amounts of people. And everyone I knew was telling me how excited they were to come to my birthday party that night. So in between having people tell me they were coming, and inviting everyone I talked to, I realized that there was going to be a lot of people there, because there were also to other birthday people. So I got a little bit worried, but oh well the more the merrier right? Jajaja. So we had to be at Danny's Apartment at 1030 so we sprinted home around 9 and changed. Marta had said that she would leave some food out for us jsut to grab and eat, but she must have forgotten because there was defiently no food, and I was starving. So that was kinda a set back because then I had to buy food, especially because I was going to be drinking. So we left the house around 1015, jumped on the Subte and headed to Danny's. On th walk we saw a place grabbed some Bomb empanadas and was at Danny's by 11. I mean I was impressed, jajaja. So we got to Danny's grabbed some champagne and tlaked with a lot of people that I did not know. Jajaja. So we jsut sitting there minding our own business and there is a knock on the door. I assume that it is just more people coming over for the previa. But I was wrong. It was a "police officer" I was a little confused and didn't really know what was going on. Then I realized that it was a stripped, and was stoked because it was going to be hilarious to see Danny getting a lap dance. Jajaja. So Danny sat down in the chair, and I had my camera ready. But then I was pulled over, along with Coti (the Birthday person) and we had to all three of us sit on the chair and the cop started. I don't know if I have ever felt more uncomfortable. He defiently was wearing a lime green thong. And then he was done and I was very thankful, because I didn't need anymore pelvis thrusting especially in my face. I think I was probably the color of a tomatoe and laughing and sweating profusly. But I thought he was done. I was wrong. We had to sit back down and he walks out with a robe on. And that was not a good sign. And there was nothing underneath the robe. I don't think I could ever handle another stripped in ym entire life. There were tricks, and twirls, and more. At one point he took me to the courner sat me down in a different chair and basically tried putting my face way to close to his crotch. It was mortifing, but absolutly hillarious. Also he was not cute, he was balding, and I mean he hada good body, but it wasn't fantastic. So yeah, that was the start of my Birthday Night. Jaja, and it only got better. So after that we were at Danny's for a little longer, and headed to the Bar (2 blocks away) around 1220. We were the first ones there, which was good and got I got a drink and some drink coupons. And then the people just started coming. More and More and it was awesome I would say there was over 100 people there. And most of them were wearing white shirts and everyone was writing all over them. I loved it. Amazing. I love my shirt. The cool thing is that basically everyone came. Everyone was wishing me happy birthday and I was getting a lot of attention and I mean I'm not the kind of person who need attention but it was nice to have it. It was funny becuase the party was half Americans and half Gays and the stereotypes played out really well. All the Americans were by the bar drinking and getting pretty drunk (not me I was good tehehe I was at the perfect level) and all the gays were dancing. It was fantastic. I jsut went back and forth and I loved it!!!! I had so so so much fun. And Yesterday was actually a good day as well. very nice also. I went on the El Tren de la Costa. and we stopped at this little park and had some cheese and went tot he Ferria. I was super relaxed which was good because I was so so so tired. So we got home and I was going to nap, but then we had boy drama (roomie is in a situation hahaha) so I didn't get to nap before dinner so we ate, and then I showered and took a half hour nap sprinted and got ready and was out the door by 1030. We got to Plaza Serrano (which I found out is close to my cousins and I go there all the time) and went to a bar. Then the Boliche. I don't know how I did it because we didn't get back until 7am, I mean I fell asleep in the Taxi, jajaaj. But still we went to breakfast and I ate and everything, jajajaja. But it was a good night. And now I am sitting in a cafe (because are internet wasn't working ) taking a break from my reading, and writing this blog. It was a good weekend. It killed me, jajajaja, but it was a good weekend. And next weekend I think I am going to Cordoba which will be awesome. :D Until next time,
Ciao!

Family

Thinking about Family never meant thinking outside of the United States. It meant my Dad's really small family and my Mom's semi large family. I always thought that everyone else in my Dad's family had died and not made it to the states. But I guess I was wrong, because I have made a discovery. I have found family here, in Buenos Aires. Uncle Paul had given me some names to kind of randomly search for while I was in Buenos Aires and I had kinda forgotten about it until a week ago. So I didn't really know what to do with the name so I was like uuuhhhh...google? And I guess that was good enough because I found about five names of people that are living in Buenos Aires with the last name Olenitzky/Olke/Olken so that was kind of motivating. One of them even had a Facebook, so I added him and sent a message (in spanish with the help of Rocio) and waited for a response. And eventually I got one and about three emails, from the Brothers and Sister that are my dads age. I have been talking through email with them regularly. There is what I think are my fourth cousins, Javier, Daniel, and Olga. Then Olga has a son names Kevin, and Javier has four kids, Alan, Matias, Naty, and Kevin. And some of them are even around my age! They all really want to meet me and I really want to meet them so I am thinking the reunion will happen soon and I am excited. I can't believe I actually have fmaily abroad, it's so pretty damn cool.

El Cumple de Yo

It has been a decent amout of time since I wrote, and I think now is the perfect time, I have been at the cafe reading for about an hour or so then preparing for my presentation, so I need a mental break. And My birthday was pretty awesome so I think you deserve to hear about it.

Well I will start with last Thursday. I know that's not my birthday, but jsut wait. I met up at Danny's apartment (fransisco's roomate) and we cooked dinner (curry :D) and discussed out birthday party! Yep thats right, in Argentina I am getting a birthday party. And it's a triple birthday party. Me, Danny, and Coti (one of the roomates as well). So during dinner we had to come up with a theme because we already had a date (28/8) and a place (Bistro Bar and Disco) so now we just needed a theme. We were discussing and they (remember that most of the people in the room, actually maybe I was the only straight one, were gay :D) wanted something classy and sexy, because the name of the party is ...Come Classy Get Trashy... jajaja. Anyway so we couldn't think of anything besides Black and White, which is done a lot. Then I had an idea that I actually didn't even think would work for the party cause it's not like sexy of fancy or anything, but I suggested a Highlighter Party. Which is when you were a white shirt and bring a highlighter with you and write on everyone. And they loved it! I was surpirsed, but that is now the theme of our party. :D So that is exciting, I'm stoked for Friday.

Now my actual birthday. Well my brithday was on a Sunday so we decided to go out Saturday night cause at midnight it would be my birthday. But I'm just going t talk about Sat and Sun cause they were both good days. Saturday started with Lunch with Fransisco, Tucker and Lizzy at this Indian place that Fransisco was telling me about, and it was pretty delicious (except they didn't have naan!!! I almost died) and then after we went to this place which is like a mini mall of thrift stores and I got a pair of black heals and a really cute purse for 75 pesos (about 25 dollars) then we went home, napped and Marta had left us dinner (a gross tuna casserole which we later told her we didn't like) and then got ready to go out. I'm not going to lie I was proud of my outfit. Black strapless shirt, my good jeans, black heals, grey cardigan, and my cute balck purse. I even straightened my hair! I was a big day, jajaja. So we started at the Alamo, Rocio (the bartender was supposed to be with us but she had to cover for a firend so she was behind the bar rather than infront of it :( ) hooked us up, letting us get in for free, and giving us a huge pitcher (usually 50) for 30. So Me, Lizzy, and Emily (the Tri-pod as we like to call it) started with the beer, and that went well, it turned midnight, random guys trying to hit on us sang to me (jajaja) and the we met these guys who go to school in Colorado whose birthdayw as on the 22nd who was still celebrating sot hey joined us. After the Alamo I wa supposed to go to this bar called Dubai (I met a bartender there so I was going to get the hookup) but we wanted to dance instead so we went to a Boliche (crobar) but we got there pretty late and couldn't get in (well I could get in but no one esle could) so after being there for a while (I was pretty over it) we went to Plaza Serrano went to a bar and hung out there for a while. Ate some food :D and then left and went to the Shamrock (emily left at this point so it was me, Lizzy, and this kid Kris) and we went to this place called The Shamrock. It was hilarious a bar when you walked in the a really wierd dancing section in like the basement. jajaaj. We were there for a little bit and Kri left. Lizzy and I were hingry again so when we got into the cab to go home we wanted to go to this 24hr restaurant but the cab driver couldn't find it so we ended upa t some random other place. We ordered a Pizza, oh did I mention it was like 730am jajajja. So we were sitting at out table and these like 20 something year old guys come and sit at our table and they would not leave. I said in perfect spanish you need to leave and they wouldn't. Finally one was smart enough to realize we were pizzed and we left. So we got home about 8am and had to get upa t 11am for my "special breakfast" which consisted of Potatoes and Eggs, Medilunas, Alfajors, Chocolate, and Migas. AndI ate a lot, jajaja. In the afternoon, after some recovery, jajaja, Lizzy and I went to the cafe, did some HW, then went home and got ready for dinner. The tri-pod when to a middle eastern (it wasn't super middle eastern jajaja) and it was delicious and I basically drank and entire bottle of wine, jajaja. Afterwards Lizzy and I went back to the cafe, jajaja, and got ice cream (amazing) and went home. It was a good day. And that was my birthday. And now I ahve to go cause I am starving and I need some food.

:D

The Alamo

Tuesday Night. The day I got back from Salta. I should sleep. But do I sleep? No of course not. In my mind though I was just going to go to JOBS get my 2x1 gin and tonic and call it a night. But is that what happened? No. Of course not. Lizzy (my roomate), her friend Valerie who was visiting from Colorado, and I decided instead of going to JOBS we would go to The Alamo (how Gringo can we get right? Jajaja) Anyway on tuesdays The Alamo has beer pong. Its a $20 cover but that $20 goes towards your drinks so it's actually a good deal, and we know one of the bartenders so we get ALOT of free beer haha. Anyway so we walked in and it wasn't that crowded an all which was so nice. We got a table, and as we were about to sit down these guys moved their coats so we could sit down, and I decided what the hell I am going to talk to them, I need to make more Argentine friends. So we talked and they asked me if I wanted to play beer pong with them. And of course I did, because one I love beer pong and two my friends were all paired off so what else was I going to do? Anyway we played about three games, lost all of them, but they were very very close, down to the last cup. Anyway the first one I was talking to obviously jsut wanted an American girl cause once he realized he wasn't getting anything from me he moved on to a blonde girl (even more American jajaja) Anyway the night continued. I played more pong, talked to more people etc. etc. Then after a while one of my partners for pong came up to me and this is what he said, "Rachael I am falling in love with you." I don't understand how these men seem to be always falling in love with me. I mean I guess I should find it flattering but for some reason I don't, jajaja. So the night went on with him telling me he was falling in lvoe with me, then that he was in love with me, that he wanted to take me out for a beer and talk then after he wanted me to be his girlfriend. He told me that I was a miracle because his english is really bad but with me it was so much better, etc. etc. So I gave him my number so he could "send [me] a message, and invite [me] for a beer" And that occured throughout the night. But the events don't end there. I am not sure if you are aware but when you drink a lot of beer yo have to go to the bathroom. :D Well this occured to me. So during one of my trips to the ladies room and had a small adventure. I opened the door to the girls bathroom and there was a dude standing there. And let me tell you he was very drunk. And this isn't jsut some random guy, this is the guy that had followed two of m friends into the bathroom earlier in the night, so I knew that I had to take care of this. So I see him and immediatly, say that he need to get out and attempt to take him outside. Rather that do this he walks infront of the door and blocks it shut. And in my head I am thinking "Oh hell no, get the fuck out of here right now" so I attempt to pull him away from the door by the sirt but he is about 6 feet tall so it doens't exactly go my way. But then he leans to the side to spit, I grab the door handle open the door as much as posssible, grab him and throw him outside. And becuase I am a smart girl I know he is going to try to get back in so I hold the door shut. And jsut as I though he tries again. And this isn't just some small push, it felt like he got a running start and slamed against he door. he did this three times, and three times I held him bad. Then I heard him get on the phone and went to the stal locked the door and went pee. As I as peeing I heard come back in. So I pulled up my pants prepared myself and walked out of the stall. He was standing directly next to the stall and I loked at him and said, "Don't touch me" and pushed him very hard against the wall, and went out of the bathroom and quickly walked down the stairs. I mean there was not one moment when I was scared, because I am very confident in my ability to protect myself, I was just so angry, and he is lucky he didn't get a punch to the face, dumbass. So that was exciting. Jajaja. Then at the end of the night my two friends were pared off and the were trying t get me with one of the guys friends, who not to mention I had seen making out with another girl earlier that night, and I was not going to have it. Like really, do I act like I would say yes? I mean first of all your name is Gaston (strike one) you have really bad scene hari (strike two) and attempting to suck my ear off is distgusting (strike three) so back the fuck off, jajaja. So that was my night at the Alamo. Good times, jajaaja.

Real World Salta

So tuesday mourning I returned from Salta (in the Northwest of Argentina) and had the most amazing time. I did so many things and had so many funny situations that this is going to be one long blog. For the practical way to go about this I am going to do it day by day.

Weds: Departure
We got on a two story bus at 10pm on weds to begin out 19 hour trip to Salta. Now reading this you may think that that would be hell. I mean 19 hours on a bus, yeah that doesn't sounds like the most amazing thing ever. But anyway we got on the bus, and five of us were on the bottom level and two of us were on the top level. Well the five of us on the bottom came to the bus prepared. I had my dinner(gnocchi from an Italian restauraunt) and we all had a bottle/box of wine for ourselves. :D We all drank our portions and were sufficiently intoxicated, and just passed out on the bus (not to mention the seats on the bus were the most amazing things in the entire world). We woke up the next morning in time for breakfast (consisting of a mediluna and wierd biscuit thing) and watched movies and ate the rest of the way.

Thursday: First Day Decisions
We got in around 5pm on thursday, got our bags and walked the 8-10 blocks to our hostel. The hostel was awesome, clean, spacious, and at that point we were the only ones there. Upon arrival we talked with the guy that was working there and were given a list of activities for us to do. We had bought return tickets for monday at 1pm which gave us 3 full days to adventure. We had a team meeting and cemeneted the plans for the weekend. After this was finally done, it was shower time, dinner time, and fiesta time. We went to a really nice restaraunt that specialized in Parilla (grill) but also had some good vegetable dishes as well. Afterwards we went to the three or fous blocks in salta where all of the bars and clubs are. The first place we went to was called Amnesia and walking in it was prety empty, but it was 2x1 drinks so how could we turn that down? I don't know when or how is happened but all of a sudden the place was packed, which is good right? Except for the fact that it was packed with people no younger than 35! Why do I always end up around older men? I don't understand. Anyway, we had fun there but got our fix and left. While walking around looking for something else to do we ran into these three guys. They were nice, younger, and also looking for something to do. Well I started talking to one of them and he happened to be Israeli. I attempted hebrew with him, but I have basically forgotten everything I know and it was a disater. Jajajaaj he asked me if I wanted to go to temple with him, JAJAJAJAJA I bought died when he said that. I mean we are out drinking and you are going to ask a girl if she wants to go to temple, and I mean I don't exactly give off the religious vibe so....jajaja. We went to a nother bar with them, danced a lot and went home, very late mind you.

Friday: Peeing in Ruins
We had to be up and ready to be picked up by 8am on friday which for our group was a very hard thing considering we hadn't been asleep for that long. Lets just say that we were a little hung over when we woke up. Jajaja anyway we were picked up and got on this small tour bus and began our 12 hour twon through Salta and up to JuJuy. I wouldsay for the first hour and a half we all slept on the bus. But once we woke up it was amazing. We went through beautiful hills and plains, we saw ancient ruins, and even climed to over 4,000 meters above sea level in the Andes. One part of the trip was visiting some Salt Flats, which were very cool. But on the way to the salt flats we had to enure 2.5 hours of VERY bumpy roads, it was like sittting on a bad electrical massager. In the middle of this we stop on the side of the road next to an old partially tour down ruin room. They told us there were no bathrooms close so if we had to go in the ruin, sin TP. Awesome, I peed in the ruin. Jajajaj.We were provided with lunch on this tour which we had in this very small town, with a lot of not so very wealthy people. Well let me first start by saying that I don't know what it is about the bathroom in Argentina, maybe they are made differently or something but I have gotten stuck in like 5 since I have ben here. Well at lunch, I had to go to the bathroom, and after getting the job down I attempt to leave, and well surprise surprise it isn't that easy. Finally I blast the door open and there is a man standing directly infront of the door about to help me get out of the bathroom. Funny yeah I know, we all laughed, but the story doesn't end there. Our last stop on the tour was a place called JuJuy where we were able to buy goods and what not. While I was walking back to the bus I hear a man yelling "I love your eyes, you are so beautiful, I really love you" I take it as a noth argentine and don't even look and was towards that bus. After we are back on the road the tour guide come back to our and group and is talking for a little bit, then pauses and looks at me. This is what she says, "I don't really like to do this but..." I'm thinking am I in trouble, how do I get in trouble in JuJuy? "...do you remember the man at the restaraunt that tried to help you out of the bathroom?..." What the hell os she talking about?...Oh now I remember. "...well he wanted me to tell you that he is in love with you, I'm sorry I didn't want to tell you this but I wouldn't be able to sleep if I didn't" Yeah so man around the age of 35 (of course) was in love with me?!?!?!?! Any way when we got back to the hostel we had a huge asado (BBQ) with all you can eat and all you can drink wine. And they even made me some special food sin carne. :D Afterwards we all wanted to get a good nights sleep because we had a big day ahead of us. So we were getting ready for bed and I went upstairs to give the last girl awake the key to the room. I don't know what happened but forty-five mins later we were dressed and walking to the club. I got back around 630 and had to get up at nine ...damnit.

Saturday: Risking our Lives
We were picked up at 9am and whisked away in a small van that I drove like it was sports car. Whipping around turns, flying down straighaways it was insane. Any so we arive at the this huge, beautiful lake, and walk across this bridge, stop in the middle and begin to suit up for Bungee jumping. Are jump was 40m and I went second. It was awesome. I loved every second of it and want to do it again but higher! Amazing Amazing Amazing. After the jump we got back to our hostel changed our clothes and went to lunch. It was about 90 degrees and so walking around was nice. We spent he rest of the day just lounging and having a good time. That night I had asked if there was anygood mexican food around and we were sent to this place abour 8 blocks from us. Let me tell you that was the best Mexican food I have had in a long time. It was awesome, and cheap. There vegggie tacos and burritos were insane, and the hot sauce, it wasn't like incredibly hot but it had really good flavor. Afterwards, in the mexican spirit we found a place the 3 peso tequila shots and 2x1 liter beers :D So that was a good start to the night. Four of us kept going after that and went to this bar with live music, got some drinks and hung out. On our excursion back home, we stopped twice for food. Yes twice. Jajaja in a matter of an hour we had two sandwhiches, jajaja.

Sunday: Leg Pain
The net morning we were also told that we were being picked up a 9am when actually it was 10:15, awesome for us that had gotten home late. Anyway we were picked up at 10:15 and whisked away in a small truck we three of us in the bed, up through the hills and atop some mountains. WE got out, and hopped on some horses for a 2.5-3hour horse back ride. We started off slow and went up in the hills for some off roading which was cool, my horse slipped a little once too. But on the way back we were allowed to go fast and my horse along with another girls horse were the only ones that really rode fast, it was awesome. Afterwards we had another asado that last about 2 or so hours, and they made me lots and lots of veggies, I was very content. So we did that for a while, and went back to salta. Once we got there five of us left again and hiked up 1080 stairs to the top of this hill/mountain where you were able to see all of Salta, it was gorgeous. We got back showered, napped, and went back to the Mexican place for dinner, it was that good. Because it was our last night we wanted to go big, which included, a Brazilian dive bar (speed con vodka) then kareoke (long island iced tea, and a bottle of wine) Oh the kareoke bar was full of old people and the machine read to fast so when I sang BIlly Jean it was horrible. Afterwards we went to a club, which we got into for free and danced the night away it was awesome.

Monday: Return
We hopped on the bus at 1pm and got the top level and the frontsseats so we could see everything. Fantastic, We watched The knowing (horrible) and bad copy of Pelham 123 (good movie though) and I can't remember tha last movie, the slept and woke up at 730 in BsAs. WEnt to class the next morning and have been going ever since.

:D
More updates soon.

...y hasta mas

It's been a good last week and I have a feeling that it will be a good rest of the week as well. Hmmm...lets see if I can remember exactly what went down. Well JOBS on tuesday of course was fantastic Jenga rocked like always. Jajajaja. And Weds we went to this bar called The Alamo, (I know so so so Ameircan right?) and it was pretty dang packed, but eventually we got in and met up with some friends. One of the guys that we actually went with who i didn't even know that well actually turned out to be amazing. We are defiently best friends now...jajaaj...and he is good looking and plays waterpolo, jajaja. He's American but that's chill we just have a lot in common so we decided to be best friends forever...jajaja...So that was weds and that was pretty fun, relaxed and fun. Oh wait I forgot one part of that night...jajjaja...oh boy. Well while at the Alamo i got some beer spilled on me. So when I got home (mind you I was a little drunk) and thought it would be a good idea to soak my pants because I didn't want them to reak of beer, especiallly with Marta. So I threw them in the sink with some body soap and let them soak. About five mins in I had a thought, Where is my phone? Yep, thats right it was in the pocket of my pants, and it defiently didn't turn on. So the next mourning I had to go and get a new phone (wooohooo) the only good thing is my SIM card was ok so I still had the same number and all my information. Thank God. Jajajjaja, yeah awesome. Anyway, Thursday. Actually that was a pretty good day, had lunch with the cute boy, went to the gym, was hardcore hit on by a 47 year old at the gym (While i was on the tredmill, I literally told him to fucking leave right now) Then thrusday for dinner we went to this Mexican Restaraunt called mole, which actually wasn't half bad, and they had some decent hot sauce. Then we went to a club called LOST that night. And I actually had fun. We were in the VIP section so it was a lot less crowded and I jsut danced and danced and danced it was awesome. OOOHHHHH also we met a promoter that can get us in for free which I am all about (actually I havn't payed to get into a club yet, jajaja). Alright on to Friday, hmmmm well actually did some educational stuff. My new roomate Lizzy (who I absolutely love and is amazing) went to a museum and strolled around a little market. Then came home had dinner, and called it an early night and went to bed. Now comes saturday. Saturday was absolutely amazing. So everyone was at the Campo on saturday so I decided this would be a good time to do some homework. So as I was struggling reading a poem in Spanish, my friend Francisco (one of the amazing gays) texts me seeing what I am up to. And of course I say nothing, jajajja, and we decided to hang out. I met him at his place and him, two of his freinds, and I all went to a peruvian restaraunt for lunch. I had ceviche for the first time and actually really liked it, defiently going to have to have it again, and it was a lot of food. Afterward Francisco showed me around and we went to some really cool places. We went to a place called Bond Street which is like a small mall thing that just has peircing places and tattoo places and some clothes everywhere. I told him that it was very dangerous me being there cause I want a new piercing, jajaja. Then we went to a park and he gave me a quick history lesson which was nice and then I went home and so did he. But I wan't home for very long. I changed my clothes and hopped back on the Subte and headed to his place again, where we met up with a bunch more of the gays. We headed out to Korea Town for a despedido and some Korean BBQ. OMG it was so fun, so much food, and so messy, loved it. Afterwards we walked across the street to Korean kereoke, which was hilarious. It was American music with Koream videos in the backround. So so so funny. After we kereoked for a good amount of time, we decided to them go clubbing (around 3am I think) as wewere getting our cab, there was a bit of a skemish thing. A man who was driving a Remese (a taxi that is not in a taxi car and drives around the worse neighborhoods) started arguing with a regular taxi driver, and during this arguement the Remese man pulled out a gun on the man! I know crazy right? Crazy but cool, not one got shot though. We then realized that we were about two blocks away from Avilla which is like the Slums of BsAs so....Any way we made it to the club (my friend had to pay for my cab because i didn't have enough to get home if he didn't and he really wanted me to come jajaj) So I had thirty pesos left. I payed twenty to get in and had ten left, which was my way home. So I wasn't planning on drinking at the club. But I don't know how I am so lucky at a gay club. I had a beer and two vodka con speed(energy drink) bought for me hahahaha. So that was super fun, I left around 515 though cause I was tired, and my taxi was only 8 pesos!!! Jajajajaj. Alright sunday. I met up with my roomie and we drank some mate with an argentine friend in her apartment which was very nice. Then went to the San Telmo market and bought some mate cups jajajjaja. We got some yummy food and then headed home, where are power went out and we went to bed early jajaja. But it was so nice cause the whole day with Rocio (the argentine girl) we spoke spanish whihc was good, cause she is patient and it helped alot. So yeah that has been the last week. And tomorrow at 10pm I am getting on a bus headed to Salta which is in the North of Argentina and will be there until monday so I am excited. If all goes as planned I will get to camp and go bungi jumping so I don't know what else I could want to do. :D

Talk to you probably in about a week.
:D

Funny the way it is.

It's wierd when you think about it.
Moving directly into a stranger's house and told that it is your house and to act accordingly.
I mean it is nothing that is bad, just slightly strange.
You know what else is funny?
That no matter where you go, the people are all the same.
It doesn't matter whether you are in LA, Humboldt, Israel, or Argentina, you see the same people everywhere.
I was at the gym today (had the best workout so far in Argentina, btw) and it was like I was jsut back home in HealthSPORT. You had the guys that were all friends working out one of which was and always is too muscular and the you have the girls that are there to "workout" but really half ass it around the gym and just laugh like little dumb bitches (excuse my language but it drives me insane) then you have the oddly inshape older man who probably is in better shape then you but three times you age, then lastly, you have the regualrs, nothing outside the norm, just their to workout.
You see the same thing on the streets as well. You see the older women that think they are far superior than any other being on the planet and make you want to just take their cane away from them. You have the to much PDA barely pubescent couple, the people that walk so slow and take up the entire sidewalk so you can get around, and you have everyone else, jsut trying to get from point A to point B. Funny the way it is.

Thats not to say that Buenos Aires isn't its own world, because it sure is. I mean no where else have been where there are so many dogs and dogwalking is a career. It's amazing to see one person walking 15 or more dogs at once. Now one may ask how do you pick up all the poop when you have that many dogs? You don't. That is one of the few things that I would change about BsAs, there is dog shit everywhere. All over the sidewalks, people jsut don't pick it up. One has to be very careful when walking anywhere. No other place have I been to where you have to ask for the check because you want to leave. Even when you are sitting there for 2 hours they will not bring you the check, no rushing, leave on your own time. It is nice, to not be rushed, to be able to enjoy you time. Although it is slightly dangerous because I forget whether or not I have payed yet, because they don't bring it to me...but no big problems so far...jajaja.

Intercambio with Argentines on Thursday excited for that. The help us with our spanish and we help them with their english, hopefully they will be cute...jajaja
Also I may have a date with a professional polo player tomorrow...oh snap.jajaja.
JOBS tonight. 2x1 drinks, jenga, darts, archery...best night ever.
Oh more Itlians moved into my spanish class, which means...more laughing.
Ciao.

My Parents Raised Me Well

It's 11:19am I got into to bed at 6:30am and I have already eaten breakfast. Yeah I don't know what the hell I am doing, I'm so tired and I should be asleep, but i had to get of for breakfast because Marta won't put it out past 11:00am and I don't want to pay for food, so what other choice do I have...jajaja

Last night was a pretty complicated/crazy night. Well first off we went to the vegetarian restaurant, which I got us to perfectly, and I was very proud of myself for that. Let us note that the combination of vegetarian, buffet, and 20 pesos, is a really bad idea for Rachael...jajaaj I ate a decent amount of food....jajaja Luckily I was with skinny people and I didn't wanna look like so much of a fat ass so I didn't go absolutely crazy...jajaja. But it was just so dang yummy tehehe. So after dinner we wanted to go to this club called crobar but you don't really get to the clubs until about 2 and that's early, and we finished dinner at like 10, so we had no idea what to do. Also on our way to dinner the other three people had bought personal sized boxed wine, with twist off tops...jajaja. Kind of like adult juice boxes. So they had those and wanted to drink those but we had no idea where to go to pass the time and for them to drink their "juice boxes". So we decided to go to a restaurant/cafe for a little while. I ordered a martini (such a bad martini, it had crushed ice and was served in a margarita glass, with only one olive) and they got some helado and snuck drank their boxed wine. However because we are American and my friends are super obnoxious I think the wait staff was getting pretty annoyed with us. Eventually we left (around 1)and went to one of my friends apartment buildings and sat in the stairwell until about 1:45 when we left for the club.

So we got to the club and it was pretty dang busy, but luckily it was early so it wasn't too bad. But it was so annoying because we were on a list so we could get in for free (cover is 50 pesos) but we couldn't get our guy friend. Finally we got him in, checked out jackets and bags, and bought some beers (4 Heineken's for 40 pesos, damn I hate clubs) and headed to the dance floor. The thing about Argentine guys is that they go after anything and everything they see for the most part. And they are pretty damn aggressive. Luckily I am not a good dancer, don't know how to be feminine/sexy when I dance so I don't have much of a problem. However for some reason my friend Elise is like an Argentine magnet, and god damn is it funny. These guys like maul her, I mean I don't know how she handles it but she does. Eventually though I got my dose of Argentine men. And well lets say this, I don't like dancing super close with someone, I am super strong and independent, and I did karate for a long enough time to be stubborn enough to protect myself or at least try at all times. So eventually I was sandwiched between two guys trying to kiss me, and that shit does not fly with me, definitely some hardcore pushing got me out of there, but not fast enough because before I knew it I was sandwiched between two more guys, and a stink bomb had gone off (what are we in 5th grade?). Got out of there though, but lost my friends. So I got on the ledge to try to find them (oh I forgot to mention one of the guys licked my face, yeah my face, who licks faces???) but of course no sooner was I on the ledge that a guy had his arms around me dancing with me, I mean it was fine no big deal but after a while I was so done with his lil' "moves" I literally pushed him like half way back into the bar cause I was over acts...jajaja god damn I am not meant for clubs...jajaja. Eventually I found my friends, and we had to try and get our guy friends in so we went out side, and let me say that being a metal girl, and loving pits, and not giving a fuck about anything really help in public places when you need to get some where, because damn can I navigate through a crowd. Well we went to get our friends in and they were guys, so that did not happen. So by 4am we were leaving heading to another bar. We had to take two taxis Elise, Liz, and Jared in one and Nate, Kellen, and Me in the other. While we were driving to our destination I got a call from the other cab saying they were bailing and just going home, lame lame lame. So I went to the bar with the guys, and stayed until close which was fun, because I got to be back in my element. Helping/motivating guys to get girls, not trying to get the guys myself. So much nicer that way. I mean one of my friends was like "you are sexy Rachael!" I literally laughed so hard, he was so drunk, I almost died.

So now I sit here in my bed, wanting to go to the market, but everyone is to hungover to go with me, and I can't go by myself because its not safe. I wish people would just not get shitfaced all the time and want to do a lot of Buenos Aires and Argentine things. I mean I am not here to have spring break for 4 months, I am here to become an Argentine. I mean I still go out and have fun, but I don't go out so hard that I don't leave my house all day, like really people?

Oh well hopefully someone will get back to me.
Ciao!

Almost a week, I know, slacking...

It has been almost a week since my last post, but lately I have just not felt like making a post lately. But I have much to say so I guess I should write about it.

I started school this week, and I am so excited about it. I am taking six classes.

1. Comparative History of Latin America and Argentina
2. Literatura II de Argentina
3. Political and Social Change of Argentina and Latin America
4. Argentina Soceidad Abierta
5. Espanol Intermedio
6. Tango

Sp those are my classes, the ones in English are taught in English and the ones in Spanish are taught in Spanish. The tango class is also taught in Spanish.

When I first signed up for my classes I thought they were all going to be taught in Spanish and I was excited because I was sure that would help my Spanish exponentially, so when I found out that two were in English I was going to drop on and add another class in Spanish, but i like both english classes so now I am just taking more classes rather than subtracting any. I'm such a nerd, cause I am really excited for classes, I really wanna absorb a lot of information while I am down here so I am excited about that. I love my Tango class, it is so fun, and I am surprisingly not that bad at it...jaja. The rest of my classes are awesome as well. My Spanish class so far is really easy so I kinda of want to switch into a higher level, but there is only 6 people in my class (four of which are Italian boys...) so I get a lot of attention and can ask questions whenever I want. I think my literature class is going to be really good the professor speaks clearly and really wants us to learn. My other classes are good, but haven't really delved into anything yet.

Oh my gosh I went to the coolest place on Tuesday. It was called JOBS and before I went I was told it was a place where you can play games and kinda hang out maybe have a drink, so I was stoked, you know a chill night just playing games. Well it was a little different, in a good way though. When you first walk in its this huge place, kinda dark, but with a redish hint to the light, crowded with people. The bottom floor has a bar and pool tables and sitting tables to play board games and such. The second floor (where we sat) has darts, fooz ball, and archery, yes archery, in a bar, I don't know if that's the best idea but it was really cool. We sat next to the archery. There was about seven us and we played Jenga, which was amazing. Drinks for 2x1 (every Tuesday) so that was awesome as well. I had two gin&tonics (new favorite drink cause I realized tonic water has no calories so it saves me a little) and laughed all night long.

I found a gym. 85 pesos a month, about $24 American, and its only a block and a half from my house. I mean it has some treadmills, an elliptical, bikes and free weights. It has the necessities, which includes a decent amount of good looking guys, so really what more could I ask for? I mean that all I look for in a gym, jajaja.

Yesterday I did something I have never done before. I played polo. and I don't mean water polo, I mean real polo, on horses. Yep yesterday I went with a girl that only came down here because she plays polo and loves it, to her friends club. It was a long day let me tell you. We met up at around noon and didn't get to the club until like 3:30. We got there ate (there was a decent amount of meat so I had a little salad and some bread) then we got on the horses. I mean I used to ride horses, but that was like ten years ago. So I kinda of had tor e-learn. I wasn't scared, just a little embarrassed, because the two guys with us were professional polo players, and my friend plays polo and used to jump horses as well. So yeah...Well one of the guys was my teacher for the day. The first step was getting on the horse, a little difficult ( I had to use a chair, jajaja) then it was walking. I could steer the horse fine and do all the right things, I could hit the ball fine as well (well most of the time) but when it came to cantering (running) it was a little hard. I mean I could do it but i didn't have the best balance, and I would always hold my stick in the wrong way. I practiced for a while and kinda of got it down, so we decided to play a small game, 2x2. Well lets just say the teams were a little lopsided. I mean I didn't even know any of the rules, and couldn't exactly keep up speed wish with the others, jajaja. But it was so much fun, I hit the ball a couple of times but I don't even care it was a blast. We didn't get back to BsAs until like 9ish and they all wanted to go to the discoteca called Shampoo but I was so tired, not to mention hungry, as well as sick (cold, lame, lame, lame) I had to bail, but hopefully I get to play more, as well as chill with the guys more. Because they are good looking, polite, and pretty damn funny.

Last night we had dinner, and Marta (my host mom) had bought tofu, even though she has never cooked it, and made this rice, veggie and tofu mixture, that was actually really good. But she made me eat so much of it that I felt so sick afterwards. I mean I know it was a huge amount of calories, and I need those calories and protein, but she like forces food down my throat. I mean I don't have an eating disorder chill! I guess I can kind of see where she is coming from. Argentina has the second most number of eating disorders cases in the world, and I don't eat meat, and she is a grandma so she never thinks I am eating enough. But I mean when I say no I really do mean no. And I mean I have like a smile on my face, because I am being polite not because I am joking. And when I say no she gives me this look like eat this or i will kill you. I mean sometimes I can handle it and get her not to put more food on my plate and sometimes I just can't. I mean a lot of the time she thinks I don't like her food that's why I don't eat it, which isn't true, I just don't wanna eat three empanadas, salad, soup, and two spinach squares in one meal. I am just going to have to be more assertive which could be awkward but oh well that's life, I am living with her for four months. However, tonight will be a good meal because I am taking my friends to the Vegetarian/vegan buffet called Bohdi that I went to before. I am so excited cause the food is good, and the buffet only costs 20 pesos which is about 6-7 dollars, amazing. Food is kind of hard for me here. I mean I have lunch on my own and unless I want to load up on carbs I don't really have a huge selection. I mean they have plenty of fruits and vegetables but i NEED protein. I can get yogurt, and eat mixed nuts, but you Can only do that for so long, and I just can't eat cheese sandwiches all day. I mean what I really want is either a protein bar of some meat replacement sandwich or burrito. Or Maybe some beans! I mean can I get some beans here?!?!?! I am dying. For example, I am sitting here at a cafe starving. I ate breakfast at around 11 which included two pieces of wheat toast, a small amount of cereal, and a banana. Then at about 1:30 I had a non-fat arroz con leche which had some protein in it and a cafe mediano. Now its four and I am starving. What do I do I have dinner in like five hours. I could have some nuts when I get to the house, I could go to the store and get some bread and like cheese or something. or I could get some veggies. I wish i just had some easy quick snack, its really annoying, cause I just don't want to be eating bread and fat the entire time I am here. Who knows. Story of my life. Picky eaters suck. Oh well.

Jajaja, if the most difficult things in my life are figuring out what to do for lunch, I guess its not that bad, jajaaj. I think I am going to buy a backpacking pack this week so I can use that for my travels around Argentina and Europe. I also found a place that makes custom leather jackets for 400 pesos which is about $100 (I know not very vegetarian of me, but whatever, I don't care, jajaaj) So yeah...

Well I am going to go and find something to eat.

Ciao!