On Getting to Know Buenos Aires

I've spent the past three days in Buenos Aires. I've had plenty of chances to explore the city and it's got so much character. For some reason that I can't quite pinpoint, I find Buenos Aires to have something about it that reminds me of San Francisco. Maybe it's the weather, or the fact that there's a pharmacy on every corner.

However, the entire scene is totally different. For the first time (because I'm obviously sheltered) I have seen girls get cat-called and harassed by men of all ages in the streets. On el Subte (subway), people pack themselves so tight it seems like a compressed can of people which spill out whenever the doors open. When on the subway during rush hour I've learned I have to be on heightened alert for pick-pocketers.

I've taken the subway a few times but I have not taken the buses (los colectivos). I'm pretty intimidated because there are over 300 of them in Buenos Aires, and they go everywhere. Buenos Aires, nevertheless, is a pretty easy city to get around--the streets are pretty well marked, and I have a very good sense of direction in 2 or 3 of the barrios (neighborhoods). It helps that I live on the corner of two main streets in the city, in a central place where almost every place is easily accessible.

Some more things I've learned:

1. The pen is an Argentine invention (I think). They call it a birome. This is a word that I forgot at least 10 times.

2. Argentinians like to steal stuff. Especially if you're an obvious gringo with blond hair that looks like an easy target. I've worn the same vest since I got here because it has a pocket on the inside that I feel safe keeping
my wallet in.

3. There is one bridge a few blocks from CEDES (where I take a few of my classes) that I should stay away from because otherwise I'll get robbed.

4. Dulce de Leche is my new favorite thing. It makes everything so much better.

5. There is no such thing as free water in Argentina. You always have to order it in bottles from restaurants. I'm pretty sure they charge as much as Coke for it.

Today, I met my host family! It consists of my host mother and her son, who share an apartment in Buenos Aires. They're both very friendly, and are going to show me around the city tomorrow! My host brother (who is in his 20s) looks very similar to how my dad looked in the 1970s. They both speak a fair amount of English, which is great because it really helps smooth over the communication process. My host mother even made me a map and wrote down all the buses and subway lines that I can take to various places. She's a philosopher and her son is a musician. It's almost too perfect.

I'm exhausted, which is why this post may seem less eloquent. I've been switching between languages for the past three days and though I'm pretty sure I'm improving, I'm starting to learn why people get tired of speaking a new language. However, the negative stages of culture shock haven't really hit me yet. For now, I'm really happy excited to find my place in this new city.