Sunday Funday in Buenos Aires

The weather has been absolutely beautiful in Buenos Aires this week! We finished classes on Friday and have had time to travel throughout the city and explore.

Everyone received their teaching location assignments mid week and I will be traveling to Moreno Thursday morning to settle in prior to starting school. Moreno is located about 40 minutes from central Buenos Aires, so I am definitely looking forward to getting their and meeting everyone!
Sightseeing around town

Other awesome things this week:
On Wednesday evening we took tango lessons and stayed for the show. Learning the basic steps of the dance was great, but of course much harder than the professionals make it look. :) My favorite part of the show was the tango line - a really unique and beautiful part of the dance/tradition.

Today we're all enjoying relaxing and soaking up some sunshine! Very thankful - happy Sunday!

Firsts in Buenos Aires

Some pictures from adventures in Buenos Aires thus far -

Buenos Aires Botanical Gardens

 

Recoleta Cemetario

I was able to visit the National Art Museum yesterday afternoon and attended church service this morning at Iglesia San Pablo, which was really interesting. Service was lively and the people were very friendly, but my Spanish is still a work in progress, so translating was a bit of a struggle.

Hoping to get details on my teaching placement within the next couple of days. Classes continue all week until next Saturday.

Listening To:

The Avett Brothers

Philippians 4:13

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

Buenos Aires - Days 1 & 2

WEDNESDAY
This was the view from my window as the plane was preparing to land in Buenos Aires. Seeing rural Argentina from the air was great (note all of the segmented agricultural areas).

My flight was long (about 10.5 hours), but thankfully uneventful. The plane was very large and luckily I was able to sleep for the majority of the flight and had 2 seats to myself.

Spending time in airports and traveling to and from is DEFINITELY my least favorite part of any adventure. That and schlepping all of my very heavy belongings, packed in anticipation of anything that may occur during the next 6 months. Sheesh! I think I over did it...

Yesterday was a really long day, but went pretty well, all things considered. I know it will take a few days to get acclimated to the cultural differences in scheduling. (everything occurs about 2 hours later here, so subsequently I've been getting hungry about 2 hours before it's "time" to eat) - lunch around 2:00 pm, dinner around 9:30 pm, etc.

Yesterday was also the first day of class, so we were immediately inundated with 2 hours of intense Spanish-only training, followed by another 2.5 of teaching techniques and methodology. There are 7 in my group, and Spanish skill levels are vary. We have class every day from 3:00 pm - 8:30 pm (5:00 pm - 10:30 pm EST), and are scheduled to travel to our assigned communities sometime around 2/27/12. (Details still TBD)

THURSDAY
I was up fairly early this morning, had breakfast, and wrote my first lesson plan for school. Looking forward to exploring Buenos Aires more over the next few days. Definitely in need of some exercise!












I was lucky enough to get to celebrate Valentine's Day on both Monday and Tuesday. :) So fortunate for all of the amazing people in my life!

This morning - listening to: An eclectic mix of Miranda Lambert, Amy Winehouse & a Fun. (seriously, it's been random).

Packing Up & Counting Down

Sunday PM

This evening I am taking it easy after a bachelorette trip to Orlando in celebration of one of my very best friends. What a fantastic time! It was so much fun to have a great girls' weekend, and even as an adult, the Disney World/roller coaster excitement/theme park experience is still really exciting.

I have to admit, packing to leave the country for 6 months is daunting, so I'm trying my not to go overboard (especially when it comes to shoes). I leave for Argentina Tuesday evening, and am looking forward to spending some time with the family before I leave.

The past week has been wonderful, as I have been able to see lots of friends and loved, including a wonderful trip to the coast toe spend time with my Sherrod family (see travel companion picture below).


Monday AM

Last night we headed to Grey's  (one of my favorite local pubs in GSO) so I could enjoy what I assume will be my last yummy black bean burger with for a while. I've heard nothing but incredibly good things about the wine and steak in Argentina, so I MIGHT have to consider putting the vegetarian tendencies aside for a while...but we'll see.


Heading to West End this morning to have lunch with the family and drop off my car. I fly out of Charlotte tomorrow afternoon around 5:00 pm and arrive in Buenos Aires Wednesday morning around 7:00 am. From there I will take a shuttle/bus into the city to meet up with the rest of the group staying in the Palermo district. Hoping for an uneventful flight and transportation experience.

Once in Buenos Aires, our training begins Wednesday afternoon, and will include Spanish and teaching methodology, as well as cultural differences regarding communication and the Argentine education system. I expect this to be intense, but an interesting experience.

Will post an update upon arrival!

My 'Pocket Pillow' hand crafted by Aubrey, Andrew, Jacob, and Anna Sherrod. More pictures to follow of destination shots upon arrival.








Love to you all!

My last day at Sedgefield brings about some mixed emotions. While I am excited about new opportunities & upcoming adventures, leaving is also a little sad.What a great group of people I've had the pleasure of working with & getting to know over the past 2 years! Every experience comes with it's ups & downs, but this week has been full of love & I'm feeling very fortunate. Looking forward to celebrating this evening with some friends & co-workers - should be a great night!

Some pictures from the 2011 Wyndham Championship...

I hope this blog will serve as a way for me share updates with friends and family. Please keep in touch & feel free to pass along.

Argentina bound in 11 days - departing on Tuesday afternoon, February 14.
More details to come...