Wow! I cannot believe my time in Argentina is almost over. I feel like I have so much left to do in so little time. My time in Argentina has been such an incredible experience I know for a fact that I am going to miss it, the culture, my internship, my home, and most importantly the people I have and continue to meet along my trip, in this amazing country.

Since my time is almost over here, I have been trying to do as much as I can with my very good friend from Switzerland, who I met here in Argentina.

Monday, we went to the Café Tortoni where we were able to see some wonderful tango performances while we ate some delicious food.

A few pictures from el Cafe Tortoni with my sweet Switzerland friend.

The next day, Tuesday due to the weather we unfortunately were stuck at home, however; Wednesday we made up for it by meeting up after my internship to go visit the MALBA museum where we saw some incredible art and photography, and due to the cold weather we ended our day with some Havanna coffee.

Some pictures from el museo (museum) MALBA.

Thursday, I joined some of my friends from the BAC residence to a restaurant to talk and listen to some live rock Argentinian music.

A picture from the restaurant. It was nice being able to listen to live music from Argentina.

Friday, I met my friend from Switzerland to take her to learn some tango by going to La Viruta, which we fell so much in love with that we planned to go two more times before I leave.

A picture of the basic tango steps found in front of La Viruta.

A picture we took before we started our tango classes.

Saturday, we decided to take a trip to another town in Buenos Aires province in Argentina, Tigre. Since it is far we had to take a colectivo and then a train to arrive. The first thing we did was take a boat ride through el Rio de Tigre, where we had the boat stop at one of the islands where we ate and walked along a trail to enjoy our surroundings. Then we walked around where we got to see the casino of Tigre, amusement park, and el Puerto de Frutos. We literally spent our entire day and night en Tigre, it is definitely a great place to visit.

Some pictures from Tigre.

This is a picture of us ending our day in Tigre.

Sunday, we planned to visit La Boca, a neighborhood or barrio in Buenos Aires, Argentina. In La Boca we were able to enjoy some European flavor. We were able to walk along the colorful houses and streets full of tango artists, art, food, and so much more. Then, we decided to join the rest of Buenos Aires by going to la Plaza de Mayo where everyone was gathered around to celebrate el 25 de Mayo, the Revolution of Argentina. I was glad to be able to be part of that; there was a concert, good food, markets, and performances all night. I got to admit; I had a busy busy week, but it was so worth it.

Some pictures of us in el caminito de La Boca. It was incredible being in such a colorful area.

A picture from el 25 de Mayo. A huge celebration of the Revolution in la Plaza de Mayo.

In my internship this past week I was so fortunate to be able to work in the obstetrical floor where I was able to learn all about the security, regulations, and procedures they have. Additionally, I got to be part of one of the best type of surgeries, birth delivery! I got to say that being able to be part of that was amazing, especially getting to connect with the parents. I was so welcomed in that floor that I was given a surprise my last day on the floor, Friday where all the nurses surprised me with a poster wishing me a safe flight back.

The amazing OB nurses I got to be around with this past week.

This week I had the opportunity to continue working on the same floor as last week, where I learned about chemotherapy, laboratory procedures, nutrition, drug administration, therapy, cardiology, and implantation of catheters. I was given the chance to see an implantation of a peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC), which is a very flexible and thin tube, which is an intravenous line (IV) that is inserted to administer medications to preserve the veins of patients. I was also able to evaluate the roll that the nurses have on the floor, which was very nice, because I got to observe the different responsibilities that they have compared to the other areas I have been in. I feel like being exposed to all the different areas that nurses work in, I am able to learn and see what I am more attracted to. Which is helpful, because I will know what area I would like to work in once I become a nurse. I have to admit that I have a different perspective about cancer and chemotherapy, I always thought negatively about it until now.

These are some of the lovely people I have had the chance to work with these last two weeks.

After work on Wednesday, I was invited by some friends to join them for a small, traditional festival that occurs every full moon, which is called, “La Luna Llena.” It is a gathering where people come with their drums to play, where people come to drink some mate, meet with friends, meet new people, and gather around a fire to listen and dance to the sound of drums. It was really fun. Friday, I was able to join one of my co-workers for dinner at her house where I was introduced to the classical dessert of Argentina, batata con queso, which is a sweet potato candy accompanied with cheese. I got to say as weird as it sounded to me I really enjoyed it. On Saturday I was able to join my coordinator from BAC to a birthday dinner where I was fortunate to have met a new friend that is closer to my age and has the same interests as I do, we both cannot wait to hang out again. Then Sunday, I was invited to another birthday, where I accompanied one of my supervisors’ birthday with her family. It was amazing, I was able to join in some lovely conversations and I was able to try some delicious homemade food, dessert, and of course cake! It was nice being able to see and compare the different traditions of birthdays celebrated here compared to the United States’. I love getting to be part of a different culture!

This is the picture I took of the classical desert of Argentina I tried, dulce de batata con queso (sweet potato candy with cheese).

These are some pictures from the “Luna llena festival,” where my friends and I gathered around the fire to listen to the sound of the drums and watch some performances while we had some mate.

These are some pictures from Saturday where I joined my coordinator from BAC to her friend’s birthday, which was held in a club called Tazz.

This is a picture of my supervisor’s birthday on Sunday with her family. It was such an experience.

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It is absolutely amazing how fast time is flying right now. I honestly cannot believe I have been in Argentina for six weeks. I have one more month here and off I go, back to the U.S.A. this means I need to take advantage of my last month here to see, learn, and experience more.

To start off my week I got to cook a little something from home, some traditional Mexican food to thank my coordinator from BAC and her mother for everything they have done for me. I also got to start off my week in my internship in a great way . I was able to present the projects I have been working on to my site coordinator and one of my supervisors from my internship. Not only that, but I got to start off in a different floor this week where I learned about monitoring and controlling of chronic patients, protocols for hand washing, surgery, oncology, and all the primary prevention steps that are done to maintain and/or improve the health of the patients. Next week I will be able to continue to learn and work in this floor once again, I cannot wait.

This is a random picture I took heading to work, but I felt like it was appropriate because you see dog walkers everywhere everyday.

This weekend it was all about studying, because Monday I will have the opportunity to take the American Heart Association Basic life support (BLS) exam with some of my co-workers. I was still able to take advantage of having some fun Friday, because I had an early shift. I was able to join one of my co-workers to Recoleta, Buenos Aires, an area that has an amazing history and architectural interest in the city of Buenos Aires. I was able to see an art gallery, sculptures, beautiful architectural buildings, and of course the famous Recoleta cemetery. The cemetery is known for having the graves of notable people, such as Maria Eva Duarte de Peron who served as the first lady of Argentina who fought for human rights, created her own charitable foundation, founded and ran the nation’s first female political party, and more. It was nice getting to see yet another part of Buenos Aires. Earlier today I took a break from studying to join my friend from Colombia to a Colombian restaurant that was very delicious.

This is a picture of the flor de la Recoleta (the Recoleta’s flower), which is made of metal and opens during the day and closes at night.

These are just a few pictures I took from the art gallery that I went to. The paintings are from an artist named Rómulo Maccio.

These are some pictures from a culture fair my co-worker and I went to. It had allot of activities for the children and many stands with food from all around the world, such as Germany, Mexican, Colombian, Argentina, Brazil, and so much more.

Some pictures from the Recoleta Cemetery. At the bottom right is a picture I took from Eva Peron’s grave.

A picture of me surrounded by all the graves in the cemetery.

A picture of some coffee and media lunas (bread) that my co-worker and I had at the end of our day Friday.

Some pictures from my day today with my lovely Colombian friend.

This week was one of the shortest due to another feriado (holiday). I had both Thursday and Friday off because of el dia del trabajador (international worker’s day). I have to admit it was nice getting to relax this week. However, I felt like I had no time to really enjoy my last days with my lovely co-workers since next week I will be moved to another floor dedicated to different work. I will definitely have to visit them they have been amazing. I have gotten the opportunity to really learn a lot from them. With everything that I have been able to learn I decided to construct a few tools that I cannot wait to demonstrate to them this upcoming week. Additionally, I will be able to present what I have been evaluating these past weeks. All I can hope for is that they all approve especially my site coordinator from el Sanatorio.

These are some pictures of some of the amazing lovely ladies I have had the opportunity to work with.

For my four-day weekend I did not really do too much exploring I mostly took advantage and really gave time for myself. I did however; get to join one of my supervisor’s family to Lujan, a small city part of Buenos Aires, Argentina to see the Virgin Lujan and her basilica (church). It was perfect; the city was so beautiful and very peaceful. I really enjoyed going with them it really gave me an insight on how families interact with one another in Argentina, I got to admit my time with them made me miss my family, but in a way I felt at home. Not only that, but I also got to be able to check off something from my bucket list, to learn a different dance in another country. Yes, that is right I got to join my coordinator from BAC to La Viruta, a tango class in Buenos Aires earlier today (Sunday). I cannot wait to show my new moves when I go home.

This is a picture of me outside la basilica (church) de Lujan.

This is a picture of my supervisor’s children, who were amazing to show me around la basilica.

A picture of my supervisor and I.

In this picture we are standing in front of the original place where they say that Virgin Lujan stopped and stayed. This is why there are many people’s names, candles, pictures, and more things that have been brought there to thank Virgin Lujan for all her miracles.

These are a few pictures of me learning some basic steps for tango.

A few pictures from La Viruta with my coordinator from BAC.

I cannot believe it has been a whole month today (Sunday). Time is going by so fast. Monday, I was able to create some objectives with my site coordinator. Tuesday through Friday I was able to continue to work with the child educators and nurses offering presentations to teach parents about breast-feeding and its benefits. Additionally, I was able to learn some of the responsibilities nurses have as well as their protocols in the maternity, nursery, and neurologist department for babies. I am very impressed with the healthcare system here. Everyday I continue to learn something new working in my internship. I am excited to take everything I am learning back home.I am very impressed with the healthcare system here.

This is a picture of one of my lovely supervisors in the Sanatorio teaching me how the patient histories work and what they entail.

These are some pictures I took during and after of one of the childcare educators I have had the opportunity to work with giving one of the presentations to some expecting mothers and fathers about childcare.

This is a picture of one of the lovely nurses I got to follow around this week.

This weekend was a lot of fun. Saturday, I was able to go roller-skating in Palermo, Buenos Aires with my old roommate, a new friend, and my coordinator from BAC, who has made me feel so at home along with her mother who has become like my second mom. Today, Sunday I was able to get to know and explore a different part of Buenos Aries, San Telmo, where I got to see many acts and walk around all the markets in the streets with my co-worker and her sister who have become great friends of mine. Then they took me to a museum where I got to a small portion of the history here in Argentina. Later, after I said good-bye to them I met my roommate up who took me to a Syria culture fair where we ate some good food and listened to some great music. Then to end my day I got to go home and enjoy some great company while drinking some mate.

A few pictures of my BAC coordinator, some friends, and I enjoying the nice weather in Palermo, Buenos Aires by roller skating.

A picture of the streets of San Telmo, Buenos Aires.

A picture of a lovely couple dancing to some tango in the streets of San Telmo.

A picture of one of the many performances in San Telmo, Buenos Aires.

A picture of me right outside the Museo Historico Nacional (National Historic Museum) near San Telmo, Buenos Aires.

Some pictures from the museum.

A picture I took of the common markets in the streets on Sunday afternoons in San Telmo.

This is a picture of my friends and I with some people we met along the way in San Telmo, Buenos Aires.

Some pictures from the Syria culture fair in the Plaza Mayo, Buenos Aires.

Argentina is a country that has been influenced a lot by its Spanish ancestors, including its religious background of Roman Catholic. This is why Easter in Argentina is very important to most of its people. Being Catholic myself I was happy to experience Easter or in other words Holy week, which is a celebration that takes three days, Thursday through Saturday. Easter is a time to remember the triumphal entry into Jerusalem, the last supper, the crucifixion, and the resurrection of Christ. Due to its importance these three days are a central celebrations in Argentina where the people get to rest, people here have the days off and everything closes down for the Easter and Holy Week holiday. It was very unique getting to see the city in a different light, where the people of Argentina are at peace.

This is a picture of my rosary and a ramo bendisido (holy bouquet/plant), which I received prior to the Semana Santa (Easter/Holy week).

This last weekend was so much fun. I got invited by the childcare educator who I have been job shadowing and working with to see a different side of Buenos Aires. She took me to the bosques de Palermo, which is a large portion of the city filled with beautiful parks where people love to meet up to listen to music, exercise, take pictures, have picnics, and so much more. She took me for a walk to see Palermo in the daytime, where all the bars during the day become a shopping fair for jewelry, leather, clothes, shoes, and other items. It is amazing how Buenos Aires transitions from day to nighttime, laid back to full of life. She also had me try the typical and traditional carne asada (BBQ) and milanesa (crispy chicken) of Buenos Aires, Argentina. Additionally, I got to try the famous classical Havanna alfajores (pastries) and café (coffee) from this country. Must admit the food here is mouth watering.

This is a picture of the common graffiti found in the streets of Buenos Aires.

This is a picture of a theater performance my co-worker and I saw as we walked along the bosques de Palermo.

This is a picture of the carne asada (BBQ) and milanesa (crispy chicken) that I had for lunch with my co-worker.

This is a picture  my co-worker  and I in the bosques de Palermo.

This is a picture I took during a musical performance done along the shopping fairs in Palermo, Buenos Aires.

This is a picture of one of Palermo’s plazas that I took while I walked around with my co-worker.

The streets of Buenos Aires, Argentina.

This is a picture of some of the best coffee I have ever had along with some alfajores (pastries).

Now, during this week I continued to work and job shadow the childcare educator, but a different one to observe the different approaches that are being taught. I have also been able to learn the difference between the healthcare systems here and the United States’, as well as how the private and public healthcare services work here. I have been very interested in everything that I have been learning here about the overall healthcare here in Argentina.

I never thought that being in Argentina would allow me to get a grasp of other cultures, but it has. I have been able to be surrounded by other cultures where I have been able to learn about new foods and customs.

Some authentic Brazilian food I got to try.

Some authentic Colombian coffee that my new Colombian friends made me as we exchanged a cultural conversation. Not only that, but a great Colombian meal with my roommate from Colombia.

This week I have started getting the hang of it, like using the colectivo, knowing some of the streets, and really feeling comfortable in my work environment. Throughout my experience I have been meeting some lovely people here in the city of Buenos Aires most of whom I have had the pleasure to interact with at work. I must say the people here are amazing and beautiful.

This past weekend I got to see what the famous night-life is all about by walking around Palermo Hollywood and going to my first boliche (night club). I got to admit it is busy; it is true what they say, at night it all springs to life. It was a nice experience to get to see Argentina’s nightlife.

This week I was able to put some of my interpreting skills by helping my site coordinator interpret some papers from last week’s meeting about the OMGPIVC Worldwide Prevalence Study. Additionally, I was able to work and job shadow the primary prevention program and occupation here in the Sanatorio that focuses on childcare. I was really surprised on the emphasis of the childcare education in the Sanatorio Mater Dei. I was able to see the interaction with the childcare educator and her patients and hear her presentations and talks with the parents, but most importantly the mothers. One of the days will be a day I will never forget, because of the way she had helped a young mother with her first child. Witnessing what I did reassured me to continue to pursue my goal as a community health educator and nurse. I have learned so much from her this week, even though it was a short week due to the Paro (a strike) of all the closed access to the different systems of transportation in the city, such as buses, subways, taxis, and more this Thursday. The strike was to get the attention of the government, because of all the insecurity and the economy of inflation that has occurred in the last two months. This is why I am excited and looking forward to continue to learn and work with her again next week.

Even though the country has had some trouble it does not fail to impress me with its culture and people. One of the things I ran into is this week was a performance on the streets of the lovely Argentine Tango and for the first time I got to ride an underground subway. I have tried to see as much as I possibly could this week by walking around the city. I got to say there is so much to see, after all it is a city of about 2.9 million people.

I took this as I waited for the underground subway to take me around the city.

The tango performance I ran into as I walked around the streets of Florida in Buenos Aires.

I know it has only been two weeks now, but I cannot help feeling homesick. Being in a different country with new people, new job, new home, new everything its very over whelming. This being my first time far away from home, I guess the feeling should have been expected. I am just thankful I have many people back home that have and continue to be there to support me. Like one important person said to me, “It is the first few weeks that are the hardest after that you might not even want to come back” and that is what I am waiting for.

A little advice I would give to others that are feeling the same way, would be: To take advantage of the opportunity, because it is a short period of time, and it is a once in a life time opportunity that does not come along very often, to take the experience as a growing opportunity, to see, do, and learn new things because new and change is good, to take everything in because when you do go home you will be taking so much with you. I do not mean just the souvenirs, and to know that you have everything and everyone waiting for you when you go home.

Now, even though I have been feeling homesick I have been surprising myself with how I have been adjusting to the culture, the city, the language, which my Latin background from Mexico has given me an advantage, my new home, and my internship. I still have so much to learn, but I am taking it all one-step at a time.

This week was great I feel like I have so much to say. It was full of many new experiences.

Monday, I was able to start my very first internship at the Sanatorio Mater Dei in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Since it was my first day I did not do allot. I was introduced to some of the employees, I received my uniform and locker, and I was shown a small glimpse of the history of the Sanatorio. Additionally, I was able to join my site coordinator from the Sanatorio to a meeting about the One Million Global Catheters PIVC Worldwide Prevalence Study (OMGPIVC). The PIVC stands for peripheral intravenous catheter that is used to medically provide intravenous fluids and medications directly to the vein, which has risks such as inflammation and infections. Due to the risks many institutions around the globe including the United States are participating to promote awareness and care. This study is known to be the largest international prevalence investigation. I was really fascinated and impressed to hear the process of this study and how about 50 countries are participating. I cannot wait to hear the results. After my internship I joined my new friend from Brazil from BAC to walk around to see the beautiful Congress to end my day.

This is my first day on my internship of the Sanatorio Mater Dei, a prestigious private hospital.

During the OMG PIVC meeting with my site coordinator of the Sanatorio.

Took this picture of the Congresso during my walk with my Brazilian friend.

Tuesday was scary. I was able to take the colectivo (bus) by myself to work and back which by the way I was successful at. In my internship I took a safety course that taught me all the regulations and procedures done when there is an emergency. Then I had the opportunity to meet some of the nurses in the neurotologist for babies and nursery section of the hospital where I was given a tour and had the opportunity to shadow them. After, I was able to take a course that is provided by the Sanatorio to teach mothers about the benefits of lactation. After my internship I arrived home with surprising news of my new roommate from Columbia, who by the way is so genuine. Not only that but I was able to join my BAC coordinator with my previous roommate for some helados (ice cream). What a great way to end my day.

A picture of the helado I had with my BAC coordinator and my previous roommate. It included banana split, chocolate mouse, and a mystery flavor. It is something I recommend trying in Argentina.

Wednesday, I did not go to work. Why?! Well because it was a holiday, which is a day to honor the Veterans from the Faulklands War between Argentina and the UK. Having the day off I was able to take a walk with my roommate from Columbia to Puerto Madero to eat and explore Argentina the rest of the day.

Getting some delicious food with my new roommate in Puerto Madero.

La Casa Rosada (house of government), which is the executive mansion of the president of Argentina in Plaza de Mayo.

Took this near the famous Casa Rosada (Government House) during my walk with my new roommate.

This was my first empanada I tried here in Argentina after a long day of exploring the city

Thursday and Friday, were a little busier at the Sanatorio where I got to join the new nurses who were integrating to the hospital. After, work on Friday I had my first experience of getting lost trying to find the famous Obelisco of the city Buenos Aires. Fortunately I was able to find my way back, but wow it was scary. I cannot wait for what is more to come!!

Well till next time.

The Obelisco of the great city of Buenos Aires located at the Plaza de República.