When In Argentina

You know that old saying, "When in Rome do as the Romans do."  Well, over the last couple of weeks I have forcibly had this maxim applied to my life in Argentina.  Don't get me wrong, I am all for trying new things: eating new foods, going to new places, learning new customs, etc.  However, the feeling is quite a bit different when, say, your actual stay in a country is involved.  I will explain.

As you read in my last post, the occurrence of Swine Flu in Argentina has caused the government to shut down all educational facilities.  Though it seems their fear is a bit exaggerated, I understood this when it happened and, as a temporary resident of this great country of Argentina, I tried my best to adapt to an uncertain situation.  What occurred next, however, has caused a bit of trouble for me.  

This past Friday, I was asked to leave ARICANA on the grounds that my family must be worried about the health situation and the institution did not feel they could continue feeling responsible for me under such circumstance.  What was more, I was told I would have to leave my apartment in three days.  If I wanted to stay in Argentina I could do so, but at my own expense and without connection to the institute.  So I began looking for people with which to stay.  

Unfortunately, in the few days I had in Rosario I was unable to say goodbye to all of the friends I had there.  But now, almost a week later, I have relocated to the capital city of Buenos Aires and am staying with a very nice family with whom I have become acquainted through Robert Hutchens, an administrator and friend at Maryville College.  I do not know exactly what I will be doing here or how long I will stay, but it is most likely that I will be returning to the States a couple of weeks earlier than originally planned.

I must say that I was very sorry to have left Rosario.  The friends I made there were more kind and generous than I could ever have imagined.  Although at times the barrier of language caused us to stumble in our conversation, their patience and willingness to explain to me the differences in their culture has created in me a strong attachment.  All that I can say is that I hope to return soon to these wonderful people (perhaps with better Spanish skills). 

       

Chau.