My first day in Rosario

What a trip!  After more than 24 hours of travel and a night of sporadic sleep due to excitement, anticipation, and the regular but to me unaccustomed noise of city dwelling, I woke to a new day in a new city living at a different rate and in a different language than I have ever had the fortune in which to be immersed.  I must admit that my first morning was not all roses, waking to my alarm clock at 7:00 meant I was up before the sun (a condition I detest) because here I am in the fall-winter season; I quickly used up the hot water in my tiny hot water heater while trying to adjust the water to a temperature I wanted, ironically not steaming hot but a comfortable warm.  Cold showers, no bueno.

At 8:30 I met with Señor I’smael the General Manager of ARICANA to show me the way from my apartment to the institute.  I am living about six blocks from ARICANA.  On the way we stopped for coffee and a little breakfast, a few croissant-like rolls called medias de lune I believe.  At ARICANA I met with several directors and secretaries and was given a tour of the building.  We also discussed what kind of teaching I will do during my stay and other activities.  I was given a break around 11:30 and asked to return around 4:00 (the institute is closed from 12:00 to 2:00 and from then there are different classes until 10:00).  From 4:30 to 7:00 I met different teachers and administrators including the President of ARICANA and two board members.  They are all very excited to have me here and eager to make my stay enjoyable. 

I feel very confident that my experience at ARICANA will be good and look forward to the coming months.  Though the people may be shy about speaking english they are very courteous and friendly.  Soon I will have an address to which you may send mail if you wish and although I have forgotten the cord to connect my camera to the computer, I will start looking for one so that you may see some of what I have the pleasure of seeing.

Chau.