Hello friends and family,
Just wanted to let everyone know that I made it to Buenos Aires safely. Already it's been quite an experience. Since I couldn't sleep on my first flight, I was exhausted when we landed in Rio at 7 a.m. on Wednesday (5 a.m. Miami time). From the plane, and from what I saw in the airport, Rio is BEAUTIFUL. I could see this old cathedral on a mountain side and the big Jesus statue on the other end the same range. I know that's what it was because the guy sitting next to me on the flight was from there and told me. I fell asleep for a bit in the airport, but was paranoid (me being paranoid; I know it's shocking) that I was going to sleep through my flight so I kept jolting myself awake. Long story short - I made it to Buenos Aires. This English teacher I've been in contact with picked me up and we got stuck in traffic for over an hour, which was only mildly uncomfortable being that we'd just met and we had already covered all small talk subjects via e-mail.
A quick stop at an elementary school, a visit to a two-bedroom apartment housing five, a terrifying taxi ride, and another traffic jam later I made it to the hotel. The hotel is nice and the staff is friendly. There isn't WiFi in my room and the elevators freak me out, but other than that I don't have any complaint. When you ride the elevators, the doors open before you've actually reached your floor so you have to step up to get out. It's creepy. I've started taking the stairs because with my luck, I'll get stuck in there and I don't do small, creepy spaces. Plus nine flights of stairs is good exercise. Mama would be proud.
Due to exhaustion and hunger I had a good cry once I got to the hotel. After a meal, a beer, and some "Law and Order" with Spanish subtitles, I was comatose. I am SO glad I chose to stay in a hotel. My parents apparently know me well enough to have predicted my need to decompress and gather myself in isolation before exploring the city. However, I can't stay here forever and tomorrow I am going to start looking for a hostel.
Today I walked for about...the whole day. I saw a bunch of tourist-y monuments and went to the areas that make the locals groan because they are full of foreigners. I took a bunch of pictures and even though I blended in about as well as Nebraska spring breakers on Ft. Lauderdale beach, you will all be happy to know that I didn't get robbed. GO ME! I was productive too. I got a SIM card and minutes for my phone, explored the area pretty extensively, and had more money exchanged (No, Mom, I haven't spent all my other money yet. But I figured since I'm in an area I know, I might as well..).
Tonight I went out for dinner and drinks with a friend of a friend, Tutti, and one of his girlfriends. They both speak English, but would occasionally switch to Spanish. The Argentine Spanish is SO difficult to understand. I can't put my finger on it, but I think they omit their "S" or something. Anyway, Tutti and I actually stopped in one hostel tonight and it seemed alright to me. It was in a great neighborhood and the rooms were nice, but he said they were ripping me off. So, he's definitely coming with me tomorrow to search for a place to stay. A personal negotiator.
Apparently I'm just as verbose in the southern hemisphere, haha. At least none of you feel like you're missing out on anything. I miss everyone so much. I love you all and I'll see you soon.
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