SO much to say!!!

First of all, this week was the last week of trimester exams so all the kids are very happy. Not only that, but now it will be a lot easier for me to understand what is going on in class. I was given two assignments this week. (yeah.. 2 :) My English teacher wanted me to write about my experience with 9/11 and translate it to share with the class. I really enjoyed this assignment because it given me a chance to share something about my country with my classmates. They were shocked to hear how close I was to DC when it happened, and I don't think they really knew just how many people we lost that day. My Biology teacher actually gave me homework and I actually did it! My first complete homework assignment in Spanish :D Even though half of it was wrong, it still felt good to have tried to do something in Spanish. 

       We don't have school Monday through Thursday this week because there is a religious festival happening in Salta this week. I'm not sure exactly why, but people pilgrimage here from all over Argentina to participate in this giant precession all over the city which will take place on Thursday. It has been absolutely impossible to walk through the center right now because there are people everywhere. Long lines to confess, have a healing prayer, or simply just walking to get their chance to see the inside of the cathedral. I know the festival has something to do with Virgin Mary because we have prayed to Mary everyday at school this week. They believe that a natural phenomenon has occurred in Salta and that the Virgin Mary has more of a presence here, although it has not been sanctioned by the Pope so it's not quite "official".

I'm still swimming Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesdays for 2 hours. We swim A LOT more then I'm used to because it is a year round, but I really like the challenge. I also started rock climbing this week. My friends know the owner of a rock climbing store and bar, that also has a rock climbing wall. It's a lot of fun! I went Thursday with a bunch of people to celebrate the last day of exams, and I also went Friday night with more people. It's the prefect hangout spot.

On Friday night, after climbing, I went out to dinner with a group of friends. The restaurant we went to is actually owned by one of the "proceptoras" at my school. I'm not really sure what the direct translation is in English because we don't really have "proceptoras" in the States, so I will just use the Spanish name :) Anyways, she just opened the restaurant and it is very nice. Again, another perfect place to hang out! We pretty much had the whole place to ourselves. We pizza, which was more like bread with some cheese and uncooked tomatoes on top, and then I made sure to order empanadas :) They are delicious!

SIDE NOTE! I have come to the realization that when I return to the States in a year, I will waddle off the plane, instead of walking. I don't think I've ever ate this much food EVER! Breakfast (when ever I wake up) and tea time (6pm-8pm) are my favorite times of the day. EVERYTHING is covered in dulce de leche or cheese. It's awful!!!!!! But so delicious. All of the food here is amazing! I seriously haven't tried anything I haven't liked, and I really like Mate. It is pretty bitter without sugar, but not a bad bitter. (It's the best with just the right amount of sugar.) One thing that's also not helping, they eat 4 meals here and they eat so late that their food doesn't digest before you go to sleep. Thank God I have swim practice in 2 hours :) 

On Saturday, I finally got to go on the teleferico :D It is by far the best way to see Salta! The Salta AFS trip was nice enough to organize a time for all of us to go together. First we went up on the teleferic, the view of Salta is absolutely breath taking. Salta is literally a valley surrounded by mountains. You have a view of the massive Andes mountains. In fact, when I landed in Salta we could see the mountains right next to us before we went through the clouds. 

And of course it could never be a true AFS event if there weren't silly songs and games involved. First we played this one game I can't even explain, I'm just happy it wasn't the funky chicken song... that is just plain embarrassing! I mean really, we stick out enough! LOL After the silly game, we split up in to teams for the scavenger hunt. We started to read the list of things we had to do and all of our mouths dropped!!

1. Take a picture with a tourist. (This was one of the easiest)

2. Imitate an officer.

3. Ask a stranger where the bathroom is in a language other than Spanish, English, or Italian. (By process of elimination, Alicia from Germany had to do this one)

4. Sing a song and lay out a hat asking for money. (Yellow Submarine)
5. Interview someone and record a video like you are taping a news broadcast for your country.
6. Explain to a group of people why we are all here in Salta. (That was a very awkward conversation)
7. Imitate someone who is working out.

8. Find materials and make a picture that relates to AFS. (I think that it's supposed to be an AFS student when they first see their new home.)

9. Try and kiss as many people as you can (on the cheek) within 10 min. (I got 3, and then the guys started following me and Alicia, haha they wanted my facebook... run LOL)
10. Go to one of the shops and ask them if they would give you something for free, in Spanish. (This could not be completed if they didn't give you anything)

I am proud to say we completed everything on the list! :D I don't really know which team won, but that wasn't really the point. After the silly scavenger hunt, we had a little picnic (this included cookies, pastries, and of course, dulce de leche!) And after chatting and eating, we walked down the hill, down over 1,000 steps. It was actually really nice :) The walk is beautiful and once you get to the bottom you end up at the monument. We happened to get there at the best time, sunset.

Saturday night I went to a birthday party with friends. One of the things thats very different here is our sense of time. They said to be at the party by 10 to eat, but we didnt get there until 11:30. We danced and danced and danced from 1am until dusk. For about 4 hours we danced, without sitting down or taking breaks. It was A LOT of fun :D My friends are absolutely amazing! People in Argentina really know how to have fun!

(This picture was taken at the monument on Sunday. Sunday's are when we all go to the monument to hang out, drink Mate, and listen to music.) 

I've been in Salta for about 4 weeks now and I love everything about it! :D I am surprised how quickly I was able to fit in and accustomed to the culture. My Spanish is getting better every day. It's cool when I say a word I didn't even think I knew, but I actually know. Since I can communicate a lot easier, I have been able to share more stories with my friends and family. I feel very accomplished when I am able to tell someone a story or share something about my country in detail. My host family gets back from vacation on Friday and I can't wait. I really do miss them and I am very anxious to get comfortable and settled into my permanent home.

Thank you for reading!!! :D I hope my blog helps you love Salta as much as I do. I really enjoy sharing my experiences, it's a great way for me to remember everything that is happening! I am really happy here and I know for sure that at this time in my life, this is where I need to be :D

If you have any specific questions that I have now answered yet, write the question in a comment!

Until next time, Chau