... and I sure have been getting plenty of it! This is also the reason for my lack of writing.
In December I had the wonderful opportunity to spend a week on the coast with my host family. It was such a relaxing week and incredible given I've never seen the ocean, let alone set foot in it. We stayed in a cabaña next to that of a family friend, so there was always someone to talk to, and I enjoyed playing with the little kids.
 |
| Four wheeling in the dunes with my host sister! |
 |
| Playing with my host brother! |
 |
| Sunrise! |
 |
| Watching the sunrise! |
The holidays came and went, and while Christmas was really laid back, our New Year's celebration was one I'll never forget. At midnight, the sky burst into colors as fireworks were set off and lanterns were let go. We toasted with ananá fizz and spun in circles as fireworks were being set off in every direction. Around 12:45 the fireworks died down and we continued eating the array of desserts that were set out. Afterwards I went to a party with my friend Leonie from Switzerland, my host sister, and my host sister's friends.
In January my host sister left to start her exchange in Switzerland. Based on her pictures, she's having a blast! I haven't gotten the chance to talk with her much, but I miss her a ton.
 |
| Last 'family' photo for a long time! |
The other inbounds and I had to leave the country to get our visas renewed, so we hopped on a ferry and had a day trip to Uruguay. It honestly is one of the most beautiful towns I've ever visited. We toured the city taking pictures, and were our normal, silly exchange student selves. This day also happened to be the day my exchange was half over; my return date is set for July 2nd.
 |
| In front of the fort/light house |
 |
| I love this girl! |
 |
| Nine- elevenths of the exchange students in our district |
 |
| The entire town was full of old cars! |
I'm probably the luckiest and most blessed girl in the world, because I also had the opportunity to go to Patagonia on a road/camping trip for 15 days with an exchange student from California and his host family. This was by far the most incredible trip I've ever been on, and it made me fall in love with Argentina even more. It really is incredible the diversity of Argentina. On this trip I saw lakes, rivers, deserts, mountains, volcanoes, the ocean, canyons, waterfalls, salt flats, big cities and parts of a dirt road where you wouldn't see another car or building for miles. The majority of the trip was spent in the car, while taking breaks to visit gorgeous things and sleep in tents and hotels. We met up with a friend from Belgium in Bariloche, and even crazier, we stumbled upon another exchange student friend of ours from Germany in a market in Mar del Plata. It was definitely a trip of a lifetime, and I can't believe that everything worked out so perfectly. Thanks a million to Tilen and his host parents for allowing me to come with them!
 |
| Cañon Atuel en Mendoza |
 |
| My 'host parents' for 15 days and me- gracias Elena y Horacio! |
 |
| Underground cave that collapsed |
 |
| 'Castillitos'- caves that the indigenous people used to live in, all one rock structure |
 |
| Rio Grande |
 |
| Gorgeous vistas everywhere you look! |
 |
| The four of us in front of Volcán Lanin |
 |
| Perfect place for a picnic! |
 |
| Lanin Volcano- first time seeing snow in a long time! |
 |
| Coolest trees ever! |
 |
| Mountains everywhere! |
 |
| These trees were everywhere! |
 |
| Waterfalls! |
 |
| Took a ski lift up to get this amazing view! |
 |
In almost every city here there's something similar to this!
I love Rotary! |
So with only two weeks left until I start school, I'm going to continue to enjoy relaxing days and this perfect summer weather. I hope all is well in the US, and that the snow and cold aren't being too harsh!
Besos,
Micah
