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Weekend in Rafaela, Providence of Santa Fe, Argentina
This past weekend I traveled to the city of Rafaela and met up with members of VOX A.C. Rafaela. During my stay, I participated with the organization and many others in the Silvia Suppo event(s). Silvia Suppo was murdered three years ago by the police of Rafaela after she testified against key individuals whom were critical members within the Argentinian dictatorship of 1976-83. Silvia Suppo was an activist taking back to her teens and was tortured, raped, beaten, etc. throughout her life. Three years ago, she was stabbed to death nine times in her business and justice has yet to be served. No investigation has been conducted for her or many other folks whom have either disappeared or have been murdered; 18 within the city of Rafaela.
I knew about the harsh/tough reality folks went through during the dictatorship regime, but I had no clue that people at times are still murdered or disappearing
when they testify or are against police officials. This weekend open my eyes to the difference between how I live my life and the life that folks live here. Everyone seemed to be conscious about events, names, political parties, organizations, etc. It was very motivating to see how strong they carry themselves and the fight for justice they thrive.
Besides helping and attending with event, I was also a guest on HOMOsapien, a radio show put on by members of VOX A.C. Rafaela. I was given the chance to briefly speak on California’s Proposition 8, DOMA, and Oregon United For Marriage as well as talk about why I came to Argentina. The show was very fun!!!!! I enjoyed the laid-back atmosphere and the funny comments/expressions they made during the show; it semi helped get the butterflies out of me.
The link below is a video I made of my experience while being in Rafaela. Though it might seem pretty lengthy, I put lots of pictures and videos of the Silvia Suppo mural, press conference, panel, march, HOMOsapien show, and random bloopers that will show you the differences between USA marches/consciousness and Argentina marches/consciousness; as see through my eyes. Hope you all enjoy it!
http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=10200394480317903
Until next time!
VOX Asociación Civil Rafaela
Abrazo y besos de Rosario, Santa fe, Arg.
Emmanuel
My Arrival in Mexico!
So my arrival in Mexico was pretty crazy. I left Portland at 7:30 in the morning, arrived in San Francisco at about 9, met up with the rest of the group traveling together, left San Fran at about 1, and finally arrived in Mexico City at about 6:30 local time. I’m not exactly sure what time that would be in Portland, but I think right now there is only a one hour difference.
The arrival at the airport was crazy. We got off the plane and had to fill out immigration forms and customs forms, and we waited in the line for what seemed like forever. Passing through the immigration’s felt great. The man asked how long I planned on staying, why I was there, etc. Getting through the customs check was scary though. There were really tough, official looking people with dogs. Luckily, I was not chosen to get searched and just got to walk right through. Leaving that part, I entered into an ocean of people waiting at the gate meeting people.
I’m so happy that my group of people that I came with was rather big– 9 people! There is a lot to be said baout mob mentality when no one knows where we are going =p We had to wander through the airport for a little while just trying to find the bus station to buy tickets. Everything was in Spanish. Everyone was speaking Spanish. I felt a little like “O my gosh. This is going to be hard.” We did actually make it to the bus ticket window, and we all bought tickets. I totally butchered my Spanish there though. It’s so bad because I know what I should have said, but in the moment, I did NOT say what I meant =p The same thing happened when we were going through “security” to get onto the bus. The man took my bag, asked me a bunch of questions, and all I could do was stand there dumb-founded like I’ve never heard a word of Spanish in my life. UGH! haha “poco a poco” my host family says. “Little by little.” I think it’s just the fact that I’m being put on the spot. I know i’m making mistakes, but that’s ok because that’s how I’ll learn.
The bus ride was about 3 hours. I sat near the front of the bus and the others say near the rear. It was a super fancy bus. Like first class =p They gave us snacks when we got on– chips, a rice crispy treat, and of course, a bottle of water 😉 And the seats had little computers built in that worked with movies or the internet. I didn’t mess around with that too much. I was more ready for a nap. And that was easier because it was dark outside and the bus was comfortable. The bus ride then ended with a cab ride to the hostel that some of us were staying at–this day was probably the longest day and made me take the most modes of transportation ever!
Unfortunately we were an odd number for the cab, and I drew the short straw to ride solo. (SHH, don’t tell my mom =p) Everything was fine. No problems. I was able to some what communicate my destination to the cab driver. O my gosh! Scary taxi ride! Reminded me completely of being in Eastern Europe. They just drive like crazy people. There were no seat belts. I was terrified some of the time =p But i survived! And he dropped me off at my hostel, and I was able to meet the others again =)
I don’t know what to say at that point. It was great to finally ARRIVE somewhere and not have to keep driving. It showed me just a little taste of the language though. And…yea, I’m hoping it gets better! I can’t imagine being in this language shock forever. I feel like the more I get used to actually being here, the better I’ll understand. Right now I’m still trying to catch up with all of the traveling and lack of sleep =p
I’m completely excited to start school tomorrow and start learning more Spanish. I hope all goes ok =) Wish me luck guys <3
(There are no pictures yet because I suck at life and forgot to take some =p Stay tuned!)
Camels for days: A hello from Egypt
Because my sister had come to visit and I had a week to burn and we’re both a bit crazy and very adventures and short money, we decided against climbing Kilimanjaro and opted for a week in Egypt instead. We knew in theory the challenges we might face, the beauty we would see, and differences in culture we would encounter, but no amount of reading, planning or philosophizing could prepare us for our Middle East venture. When remembering Egypt, a plethora of emotion arises. Feelings of ecstasy as I remember racing horses through the desert to see the pyramids before sunrise, or meeting the love of my life Eslam on a traditional felucca as we floated down the Nile (Sarah also is his future wife but I am not the jealous type). We climbed Mt. Sinai at dusk and even though we didn’t hear from God we were led up the mountain by our own personal Bedouin who enlightened us on love and life. We explored the temples of Luxor and Aswan, explored the Valley of the Kings and slept in the tomb of Ramesses II. I climbed ¼ up a pyramid and ate so much Egyptian food my waist line was devastated after six days. I was absolutely dazzled by ancient Egypt and felt like the
luckiest girl in the world to be able to experience it.
I couldn’t have asked for a better travel companion than my best friend and sister Sarah. It was she and I versus the world and as a pair we were inseparable with our inside jokes and 21 years of memories but remained incredibly approachable…in fact too approachable.This is the part in this narrative that I divulge a taste of the negative that happened while in the Middle East. In respect to being as PC as possible I’ll keep some thoughts private but I think it’s important to be honest with the good and bad that happens while travelling.
My experience in Egypt was defined as being a white, young female. This might not be the case for all travels in my demographic but in this time of paradigm shifting, religious and political tension, and gender awareness, I spent seven days navigating a culture that fascinated and at times destroyed my adventures spirit. Literally every other man we came in contact with be it married, old, young, single, asked if we had a husband and I couldn’t look a man in the eyes without him saying a cheesy pick up line, leering or even physically grabbing and groping. We were dressed modestly but our friendliness was always mistaken for forwardness. The parts we saw of Egypt looked as if the country was in decay.
We talked to local who are involved in tourism and the consensus was devastation of the industry post revolution. They kept telling us to spread the word that Egypt was safe and a perfect destination. I am hesitant to agree. The desperation and tension post revolution created a climate that ensured we were hassled for money from dawn to dusk and taken advantage of by anyone who could manage it. Even officials were sketch as they asked for tips after performing basic official duties. We were welcomed with tea, coffee, and overt admiration from the majority of those we met but always wary of what was expected of us after. The hassling, gender discrimination and general culture shock we experience was all part of the plan until the 18 hour bus ride.
The bus ride before we climbed Mt. Sinai was a life altering event and the story is long with necessary background information and adequate explanation of events needed but in respect to the readers time I will only say that a mini desert storm took place three hours before our destination which involved my sister and I, a misunderstanding, sexism, fighting, shouting, male bigotry, and a general loss of hope for humanity for a few days. The experience shook us and after that bus ride we acted as a completely different set of travellers.
The revolution was started by women, men and both secular and religious thinkers alike. But after the Muslim Brotherhood took power, many of the hopes and freedoms that were expected have proved in vain. I am not criticizing Islam but I am concerned for those who will be affected negatively under an Islamic state.
As I am writing this, I am thinking of everything I want to say and then remembering I’ve probably said too much. I was in the Middle East for one week and I know I have little credibility or right to make judgment, stereotypes and overall conclusions on the region. I do have my experiences however – good bad and ugly and those experiences are influential in creating my worldvuew.
Egypt was incredible- I learned so much.
The horse I was able to race across the desert and see the pyramids at sunrise
Luxor temple
I have a big enough nose for the both of us
Egyptian Museum!
Our very good friend Eslam on the traditional Fulucca
This temple is only accessible by boat and is one of the eldest temples in all the world
After killing her brother and claiming the throne, Queen Hatshepsut was the first women to realize that ya women can have a piece of the power pie too
Luxor temple
Before I Leave…
So I leave for my 10 week trip to Queretaro, Mexico tomorrow morning at 7:30. I’m so excited! This whole week of “Spring Break” has been anything but that for me. I’ve been working all day everyday; I barely had time to even pack myself for my great journey, but I’ve done it, and I’m almost on my way!
This is not my first time traveling abroad- I’ve been all over Europe, but this is the first time I’ll be visiting any place that’s so different like Mexico. I can’t say exactly what it is inside me that loves to travel and experience new things, it’s just there. I’m so glad that I have gotten this chance.
As for Mexico, yea. That I’m not so sure about. I have no idea what it’s going to be like, how well I’ll pick up the language, or what the people will be like. But I have a hope that everything will be good. Great even. Everyone keeps reminding me about the dangers in Mexico, like I shouldn’t be going, or like I should be scared stiff. I am just so ready to go. I’m not afraid that anything bad will happen while I’m there, though I am completely aware of the dangers. I think as long as I keep a good head on my shoulders I’ll survive and make it out ok.
I’m so excited for the culture shock down there. And the weather. O my goodness the weather! It’s supposed to be about 90 degrees the whole time I’m there. I can’t wait for that. So unlike Oregon also am very excited to eat authentic Mexican food and see how the people act. I imagine a very nice culture and people who are pleasant and laid back. I hope for that at least. But who knows, right?
I’ll be staying in a host family while I’m in Queretaro for ten weeks. I think that’s the part that I’m most worried about. They are an older couple, and I just hope we can talk and that we will like each other. I also hope that I make a few Mexican friends while I’m there…
I honestly hope everything will go great. I’m trying not to stress or worry at this point and just let everything go. Let’s see how well that works.
Rebekah
Traveling the North Island and Home
After my last blog I went back to my room and packed a little before heading to Mariah and Elaina’s place to hangout one last time.
Then I walked to Saoirse House warming and St. Patrick’s day party (which was a really long walk). A lot of co-workers/friends from Zealandia where there too. And we all hung out. 
Later on some us separated from the group and went to a park and played on the playground. It was awesome to hang-out with friends and just have fun. They have a zip-line that they call a flying fox, ( http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zip-line#Flying_fox ) it was so much fun I wish they had those here too at play grounds. It was a good last day in Wellington, and I will miss everyone.
On Monday my big luggage handle broke, so it was extra hard moving my luggage about. Angela helped me get to my bus for Rotorua and we said our good-byes. 
Then I was off on my own for a week traveling to Rotorua, Waitomo and ending in Auckland. This is something I never thought I would do at the beginning of my New Zealand adventure. Traveling completely alone with no one waiting waiting for me other than what I had booked. The bus drive was long from 11am to 5/6pm. We had stop some stops and the bus drive would tell us about some history of the land or the place we were near. At Rotorua I only had a 5 min walk to the hostel (3 blocks) but sense my bag had one wheel no pulling handle…it took me a long time to get a 4th way there. Then a nice lady offered to give me a ride there. I felt so dumb for having her go to the short distance, but I was very grateful to her for helping me out. The next day I went on a tour bus for the Waiotapu & Waimangu Thermal Experience http://www.rotoruanz.com/deals/waiotapu-and-waimangu-thermal-experience it all smelled badly mostly like rotten eggs because of the sulfur. It reminded me a lot of Yellowstone but smaller. I even made another friend name Jay. 
It was nice having someone to talk to and share the experience with for a short time. In the afternoon I went to Hobbiton http://www.hobbitontours.com/ near Matamata. It was cool seeing the set and learning some behind the senes. In the evening, after I bought a new suitcase, a staff from Cactus Jacks Backpackers took me to a free hot springs. Sense it was free, it was not maintained by people, meaning it was just of the road in the woods all natural. So the rule for your own safety is ‘ don’t put your head under the water’.If water gets into your nasal cavity then amoeba can crawl into your cranial cavity and give you amoebic meningitis. (an organism can get into your brain and will eat it) Hence I was very cautious to not let my head go under water. It was very relaxing besides that. The next day I walked about and went to Paradise Valley Springs http://www.paradisev.co.nz/. That became one of my favorite places. It was so calm and relaxed there. You could feed some the animals for a price. I didn’t and still had a great time. The animals were all friendly and I got real close to some of them. I was even there for the Lion Feeding, where the keepers threw chunks of meat over the fence and you can watch the lions catch and eat the meat while learning a little about them.
In the evening I went to a Maori Village http://www.maoriculture.co.nz/. It was very interesting seeing their culture and learning their history. They are the first culture that I have found, that stick out their tongues as an intimidation. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/M%C4%81ori_culture The people were really nice and were happy to answer question about their culture and history. Maori are musical and on the bus ride back had the different countries in the bus sing a song. I was the only American and sang “This is a song that never ends”. They did their best to make sure you felt welcomed, learned and had a wonderful time too.
Thursday I traveled to Waitomo Caves. Waitomo is a small town surrounded by nature and farms. http://www.waitomo.com/waitomo-glowworm-caves.aspx I did the Black Labyrinth http://www.waitomo.com/cave-tubing.aspx. It was my first time water caving. The wet suit they gave me was a size to small (a 2 instead of a 3) so I was very clumsy because it was tight on my legs. (example getting into the van: I had to pick up my leg with my arm to get it to step up into the van and people had to pull or push me in. I felt so pathetic :/ .) I did have a great time though. The guides Chris and Kate stop us and we ate fish shaped chocolate covered strawberry marshmallow as they told us about the glow worms. Seeing the glow worms where awesome and reminded me of stars and those glow dots you put on the ceiling. The glow was almost the same as the glowing the dark stars but different and better in a way. After the Adventure in the cave we had tomato soup and bagels and chatted with my caving mates. The rest of the time I just chilled and relaxed until the next day bus ride to Auckland.
Auckland is the biggest city in New Zealand http://www.aucklandnz.com/int . My hostel was right near the Sky Tower. I didn’t really find Auckland to attractive, probably because it was a huge city and I’m not a city girl. I saw the Museum, the Art Gallery and the Sky Tower. I liked the Art Gallery for all the art. 
Anyway Sunday the 24th eve I took my flight home and got home on Sunday the 24th at 4:30pm… I Time Traveled ^_^
Amy
Arrival and First Day Excitement in Japan
Leaving from home was harder than I expected. I really wished I had a few more days to get everything done and talk with my family and friends. I had one of my really good friends take me to the airport, and it was excruciatingly hard to say goodbye. After our goodbye my heart physically ached through the entirety of the security line and most of the way to San Francisco, and then it did so again every time I thought about it for the entirety of my final two flights. As a side note, San Francisco needs to plan their airport a little better; there should be no reason to force someone to go through security again on a connecting flight, particularly when their layover is less than 40 minutes. I had to really hustle and it wasn’t fun.
The flight into Narita was long, tiring, and boring. I hadn’t slept the night before my flights, and was hoping to sleep for quite a bit of the flight. Unfortunately, that didn’t happen. The only time I slept was after taking my sleep-aid when I already felt like I was ready to sleep, when the flight had about 9 hours left. I woke up thinking “we must be over halfway there”. However, the joke was on me, I had only slept for somewhere around 1-2 hours and were another hour or two away from being halfway there. I didn’t sleep again until about 10 that night, leaving me with very little sleep in a two day stretch.
Upon arriving at the airport the process was pretty straight forward. We had filled out the customs declaration form and the disembarkation card while on the plane, so I just followed the line to the entry point and then went up to the counter, got my residence card, and went down to claim my baggage. After claiming my baggage I wandered out through the duty free line into the lobby and saw a lot of people waiting for their family and friends to arrive. As I walked out past the entrance, I was met by my friend Yumi who had been a foreign exchange student who homestayed with my grandma many years ago. She gave me a great big hug and then we got out of the way of everyone else. She then bought me coffee and got us both bus tickets to take us into Tokyo. On the bus I didn’t even do much looking around out the windows, I was too busy chatting with Yumi!
We arrived near Shinagawa station at a hotel parking lot. We then walked over to Shinagawa station (which I quickly memorized the kanji name for), and holy crap it was busy. Even during a less busy time there was a huge crowd of people crossing the street. It felt like something out of Braveheart, with two huge battle lines rushing toward each other in the middle of the street. Yumi then went over to the ticket machine and bought us tickets to get to Kitashinagawa station and showed me how to use the ticket to enter the station and then exit at our stop. From there we walked to the Shinagawa Guest House where I would be staying the first night.
(this was actually from the second place I stayed, the Shizumasa Ryokan)
After stowing my bags we ventured out to find something to eat. I was very tired but was still excited and wanted to spend more time with Yumi while learning more things. After much debate, Yumi settled on eating at an izakaya on the 3rd floor of a building near Shinagawa station. The dining experience was quite interesting and Yumi spent way too much money on food for me. I tried to protest and pay for my own every time she paid for something, but it’s hard to do, she was very insistent. Maybe I’ll learn how to say: “I’m definitely paying and that’s that” in Japanese and solve that problem! Her help was amazing and I was really happy to see her. It doesn’t hurt that she’s stunningly beautiful too.
Unfortunately I didn’t have my camera with me or take pictures for most of the day I arrived, so the pictures in this post are from the following day.
-Casey
Dia de la memoria, verdad, y justicia
Sunday, March 24th 2013 is Dia de la memoria, verdad, y justicia (Day of the Memory, Truth, and Justice) in all of Argentina. Folks gathered together from Buenos Aries to Rosario to Cordoba. This day is not a celebration, but rather a day of remembrance, respect, and recognition of the disappearances of more than 30,000 Argentinians during the dictatorship of 1976-83. Furthermore, within the last decade, murders, tortures, and more disappearances have occurred by government officials against individuals whom know/knew a great amount of the activities and acts performed during this time. Frustratingly and sadly, justice has yet to be served for many of the victims. On this day, we gather in solidarity with those folks and demand justices. Below are photos I took during the march in Rosario, Arg. You will see members of VOX Asociación Civil (A.C.) and various leftist organizations whom we walked with.
I have never in my life been to a march like this where thousands of folks walked down busy streets with massive banners, flyers everywhere, people chanting, dancing, yelling, fireworks lit every few blocks, papers all over the ground, etc. When talking to a member of VOX A.C., he let me know that this was not as big as marches in the past which shocked me! This was without a doubt an experience and moment that I had been wanting to participate with for a long time. After taking a sociology course back at Western, we talked about dictatorships in Latinoamérica. The disappearances in Argentina was the one that touched me the most emotionally and being present on this day was surreal. I hope to get the opportunity to go to Buenos Aries, Arg. and Plaza de Mayo where the mothers and grandmothers of the disappeared folks walk outside of La Casa Rosada demanding justices for the lives of their love ones.
Meño
Let’s go to Japan! / 日本にいきましょう！
Oh boy… T-minus 2 days before I leave for Japan.
I’m definitely nervous about finally leaving to start this 5 month long experience. Most of my nervousness revolves around my lack of knowledge about the language. I have taken two terms of Japanese in college as well as a limited amount of self-study. This all puts me at the level of *maybe* a five year old Japanese kid, cue the nervousness. Luckily my school in Japan, Aoyama Gakuin University (青山学院大学), is kind enough to include English instructions along with all Japanese instructions and will be providing me with a tutor who will be able to help me learn Japanese as well as register for classes and adjust to life in Japan. We’ll see how much that all helps, especially because my first two days include a stay at a hostel that apparently doesn’t have any English speakers at all… straight into the frying pan. The rest of my nervousness stems from just the basic concerns like making friends, not getting hopelessly lost in the largest urban/metro area in the world, money issues, etc.
seriously, Tokyo is freaking gigantic
Part of the reason that I chose Japan was because the culture is very different from the United States. I’m definitely nowhere near an expert on Japanese culture, although I have done a large amount of research. Japan is much more of a homogenous society than the United States, with about 98.5% of the population being ethnically Japanese. I think that, partially due to this factor, the Japanese tend to be much more community driven and place less importance on individuality and “freedom”. For example, in the US, no one bats an eye when someone is having a fairly loud conversation on their phone while riding a bus. In Japan, having a phone conversation while on public transportation is considered rude and you’d be likely to get some stares. Asian cultures in general have been interesting to me for a long time, and getting to experience one for myself was an opportunity I couldn’t allow myself to pass up. There is so much history, and so many differences, in the region compared to what we have in the United States.
I’ve always been something of a chameleon and have been used to being able to at least somewhat fit in no matter what I’m doing. This experience is probably about to turn that whole thing on its head. Being in such a homogenous society as part of the “out group” is going to automatically mean that I’ll be treated differently and will be acting differently than I usually do. The life of a gaijin (foreigner) will be a very new experience that I’m simultaneously excited and scared shitless about, to be brutally blunt and honest.
-Casey
Arrival to Argentina/VOX Asociación Civil
Hola todxs,
I am finally in ARGENTINA!!! After a full one and a half day of traveling from Portland to Los Angeles, Los Angeles to Houston, Houston to Buenos Aries, and Buenos Aries to Rosario, I made it to VOX Asociación Civil (A.C.).
(Bus station in Buenos Aries, Arg.)
Let me take you all back two days from today, March 20th 2013. I left Monmouth at 6am with no prior sleep in hopes of sleeping during my flight(s). My flight from PDX to LA was 2 hours and went by quick; I actually slept the during the whole flight. LA to Houston was 3.5 hours, but it too was quick. This flight along with my next flight from Houston to Buenos Aries had T.V.s for every seat with access to movies, T.V. shows, music, and games. My flight from Houston to Buenos Aries was the toughest one. I had never been on a flight that was 10 hours!!! I brought a quilt, neck pillow, charged laptop/iPod, book, and had the T.V. movies available for me, however it did not help me much with being in a tight space for such a long period of time. Luckily, I was able to sleep half way through the flight and woke up an hour before landing.
(Somewhere in South America ha!)
Once we landed in Arg. (March 21st), immigration/customs took a good hour or so. After showing my documentations and examination of my belongings, I walk through the sliding doors to a large group of folks yelling taxi’s, omnibus, etc. I had planned prior with VOX A.C. for them to pick me up, but with no phono service or wifi available, I was about to bust a mission and look for Camila & Julio; two individuals whom work with VOX A.C. and are part of Grupos Jovenes. Surprisingly, I was able to find less than 5 minutes after my search. My first reactions were relief and excitement. After traveling for so long, I wanted to finally arrive and see some familiar faces.
At the airport, we went to buy some bus tickets. While waiting in line, I met a young lady from Boston, Lauren, whom was meeting up with her friend in Buenos Aries. She knew very minimal Spanish and asked for both mine and Camila/Julio’s help. After telling Camila/Julio where she was trying to get, she joined us and came along on our mini adventure. We got the tickets, got lost for about 30 minutes, and eventually found the bus and left the airport.
(El omnibus que nos llevo a la capital)
The bus ride to the capital seemed quick, even though it was a 30-45 min. ride. We talked about VOX A.C., shared personal stories, saw lots of high buildings, and we even drove pass La Casa Rosada (Presidential Palace). After getting dropped off at one of the bus stations, Camila, Julio, and I made our way to another bus station while Lauren got a taxi and went her way.
(Snapshot while on the bus. Buenos Aries, Arg.)
We walked several blocks to get to the bus station and note, we had all of my belongings. I was a little nervous walking the streets with my stuff because folks had told me prior to arriving to not have valuables visible due to picketers and in general raising your visibility. Thankfully, we quickly made our way through the crowded side walks and busy streets and bought our tickets to Rosario.
(Forgot the name of this park in Buenos Aries, oops!)
Within 30 minutes of purchasing our tickets, we got on the bus and left Buenos Aries which by the way was another 30-45 minutes just to leave the city. During the bus ride, I practice my first “siesta” (nap after lunch) though I am not sure if it truly counts. All three of us slept for a good hour and a half or so. Once awake, I observed the land and thought how much it resembles parts of the midwest; very flat, green/yellow colors, and parts cloudy. Upon arrival to Rosario, I remember seeing the Rosario Casino, a shopping center, lots of old, vintage looking buildings with a little modern twist, folks driving motorcycles, many small cars driving very fast in-between lanes, and people walking as the sun set.
At the bus station, we got a taxi and made our way to Entre Rios, the street where VOX A.C. is located. This was about a 15 min. drive. When we arrived, Guillermo, the President of VOX A.C., along with a few other individuals were waiting and greeted me with a kiss on the cheek and a hug. I am not going to lie, I was very nervous at this point because I finally was here and it truly hit me; I had a surreal moment.
The first night, Julio and César, another member of Grupos Jovenes, stayed with me. One thing that I have been wanting to try was yerba mate and this finally came true! They served the tea in a traditional mate. Yerba mate definitely is a new taste that I am going to have to get use to. It was quite bitter even though sugar was added. Still, I got one thing check off my bucket list while in Argentina.
(Yerba mate)
Afterwards, we walked around the city for a bit and went to the grocery store to find food to make back at the office. Ironically, we decided to make a Mexican dish, Pollo ala Crema which is my favorite. We ate, listened and exchanged music, had many conversations ranging from the history of the LGBT community to politics to philosophers to pop culture, etc. Note, I am a “native speaker,” but there were times when I had no idea what they were talking about. I let them know however and they would explain things in another manner and slow down when speaking. Also, Julio knows English which helped a lot. By this time, it was around 1 am, Friday March 22nd. We would be waking up early this day for a presentation VOX A.C. would conduct at 9:30am. After unpacking a few things, taking a necessary shower, updating my Instagram, Twitter, Snapchat and Facebook, I called it a good night and went up to one of the rooms. Thinking that I would be able to fall asleep because I was tired, that did not happen. Argentina is four hours ahead and I was still use to the time zone in Oregon. I laid for about an hour until I fell asleep and eventually woke up at 8am to the busy city of Rosario.
Meño