Already 106 days in Argentina.
It doesn't feel like December for two reasons:
1. Because it's 80 degrees outside.
2. I've only been in Argentina for, like, a week, right?
Summer vacation is almost here! I'm done with classes, but I have to go in on Monday for an hour to bring up my chemistry grade.
Current plans right now include going to the ocean, Patagonia, el campo, spending time with friends and my host sister before she leaves for Switzerland, going to kickboxing, aerobics and trampoline classes (I will possibly add a pilates and latin dance class to the mix) and spending tons of time outside by the pool.
My last day of school yesteray was great. The day before I had a migraine and my head still hurt, but I'm glad I decided to go. We had a party/presentation with the entire school. Kids from every course danced and the seniors had drums and confetti and silly string. They played a slide show from various events throughout the year and congratulated the kids who were confirmed, as well as some other things I don't recall. Near the end, one of my friends, Luz, got up, grabbed the mic and started to read from a piece of paper (in Spanish).
This is what she said (using my wonderful translating skills):
These words are directed to Micah. She was our classmate in 5to economia (my course), since August of this year. At first everyone was very nervous... and her too. It was a lot of work to communicate, but with time her Spanish improved as did our English. Everyone thinks that what's special about Micah is that she's from the United States, but no! The special thing about her is she's sympathetic for all, her smile, and her attitude/ willingness to do everything we do as a class. We are very grateful to the school and to Rotary for letting us be a part of this beautiful (wonderful) experience. We hope that she stays with us until next year and we can share more of these wonderful moments during her exchange.
(this part was in English and made me cry even more):
MICAH WE LOVE YOU AND HOPE YOU THE BEST.
Love 5to Economia
It was so sweet and I'm so thankful for all of the people who have welcomed me with open arms. It's hard being in a foreign country and there are days that suck, but the people here in general are so welcoming and make me feel at home. And of course, as always, I'm thankful for Rotary. I'm so thankful that I've been given this opportunity.
I continue to love everyday, and while there are ups and downs, I've been learning a ton. My Spanish is getting tons better, and I might start writing posts in Spanish. I've done a horrible job at documenting my exchange so far, which is really unfortunate because I have so many funny stories and exciting things to tell. Everyday there is something worth writing about, but I don't have the motivation to write everyday. I promise I'll write a post about my trip to the ocean and Christmas.
Christmas is right around the corner, which is so bizarre because there are almost no signs of it, yet. There's no snow, no Christmas lights, no Christmas music, no crafts or decorations. I'm sure as Christmas dwells closer there will be more signs (minus the snow, unfortunately), but it's so weird to think that it's December.
But I'm definitely not complaining.
If you need me, I'll be hanging around in shorts and a tank-top, going swimming in the pool and siesta-ing until I have to go back to school again in February/March.
Un gran beso!
Micah
