I’ve been back home from Buenos Aires for a week now.
The trip home wasn’t that bad actually excluding all of the unexpected fees. $100 (U.S.) for my luggage and then a $18 leaving Argentina and being an American tax. I was mad about those. It threw my budget completely out of whack. But besides that I navigated my way through the foreign airport with ease. Wished I had some money left over for all of the duty free shopping they had going on. Had plenty of time to wait for my flight. Went into el espacio para los fumadores, as I referred to it, where I decided to quit smoking after sitting with all of those people in that tiny smoky room. You would think they could manage a little more space in a place as big as the airport.
On the flight back I sat next to a Uruguayan rugby player. There was a bunch of them, all wearing their little uniforms. Not their game uniforms, just like some track pants and matching jackets. And for dinner there was, among other things, a wilted salad with ITALIAN DRESSING. Which I had not had for two and a half months. It was still good. But the best part was when I fell asleep and then slept the whole way until breakfast when we were nearing Fort Worth, Texas.
I never thought I would be so happy to see that big wide North American sky. I caught a connecting flight to San Diego, which seemed to take forever. But finally we were approaching. It was raining so we had to swing out over the ocean as we were landing. I could see my old apartment in OB. I was so happy to be home. I was elated.
Not that I didn’t love Buenos Aires, but there’s no place like home. And anyway I was feeling pretty yucky and scrubby from being on a plane for so long.
I didn’t really feel any shock coming back. It felt just like I was coming home from a thousand other trips before that. Same streets, same marina we drive past exiting the airport. The freeway (autopista) seemed very wide a clean. Isn’t that funny how when you come home after being gone for a long time, how everything seems a little bigger for the first couple days? Especially streets and rooms and pets, I think.
So the first thing I did when I got home after taking a shower was scramble eggs and fry up some bacon because I missed American breakfast. Oh and I drank a big glass of milk from a gallon jug, not some little bag.
Overall I feel like a new person, and also like the same person. Going to Buenos Aires was definitely worth it - even though my job situation didn’t work out so I’m presently unemployed and wigging! I have returned and now I have to finish applying to college, send a ton of pictures out still, and find a job. So that’s all for now.

Love you lots,
Elizabeth

I can't believe it's been 9 days since my last post. I'm sorry you guys, the time has been flying by. It's almost time to leave and I can't believe the time has gone by so fast. So have I done what I came here to do? I'm pretty sure I have A's in all of my classes. I've had to step it up these last couple of weeks. Alot of people aren't even bothering to show up for their classes anymore. I guess we all came here for different reasons. I really need to study for my Spanish final, though. And I have a presentation tomorrow which I have been stressed about. But after that it should be smooth sailing.

I won't miss Buenos Aires so much as I'll miss the people I've met while I've been here. But maybe I'll see them again. I guess it's just more bittersweet memories to add to the collection. But I'm not leaving quite yet!

Something to promote the study abroad program:

Uhhh,,, So it’s really fun, and sometimes hard. I’m learning a lot about myself. Right? And some nights I go out and stay up all night. Sometimes I stay home and study. Sometimes I stay home and watch movies in English with Spanish subtitles. There’s only two more weeks left. I’ve got to hit the books. I’ve got to go out and drink with my Buenos Aires friends before it’s time to leave and (maybe) I never see them again. I have to appreciate this. But living here or there - there’s still money to spend. A limited amount that is. People are still the same no matter where you go. Sometimes I guess you just have to chill and live the normal life. Cause honestly, you know what people do in Buenos Aires? They do the same thing they do in San Diego. The same they do in your hometown.

Okay, maybe they go out a little later - unless you live in Europe or something.

I haven’t been to Europe yet and I have no idea what I’m talking about.

I’m trying to type in the dark here. Can’t sleep. Studied, ate, showered, studied some more, went to bed at a reasonable hour. Good to stay home and work sometimes though, especially when you’re on a scholarship.

It’s peaceful though. I would highly recommend the investment of studying abroad. Sometimes you just need a change of scenery. When I first arrived the air smelled so cold and different. Now it kind of smells smoggy - but I’m not complaining! I feel good just about being in this place. Maybe I just need to take a step back and just breath… cough, cough. Might as well keep smoking in a city like this.

:)

When you feel like singing in Buenos Aires, you sing. Everybody sings here. They walk down busy streets singing. No one gets embarrassed.