Lasagna & Liberation

What have I been doing these dayyyyys?

Had my last day of History class on Thursday, finally. And what do we do? Watch a documentary that I already watched in my ethics class. Oh well. Speaking of ethics, just finished working on our final paper on the Philosophy of Liberation according to Enrique Dussel for my ética y política class. Do some perusing on some Dussel works then give me a thorough analysis of his contributions to the ethical/philosophical world then tie it into a specific case study of the Guarani people of Northern Argentina. Then do it in Spanish. I hope I don't sound like I'm complaining too much about it. Maggie and I treated ourselves to some DELICIOUS Arabic delivery food during our diligent 8 hour jam sesh tonight. Complete with hummus, pita, grape leave things, tabuli (a great salad substitute or picnic snack!), and a half Citric/soda water combo beverage etc.:

YUM.

Anyways, on my walk back from History on Thursday something happened to me that I realize happens with some sense of frequency in my  walks here in Córdoba. Something caught my eye in a window in a shop, I walked in and ended up having a good 30 minute conversation with the person that worked there. This has happened at random little shops, book stores, and more recently (as in Thursdays case) an art store/home store/ framing place/ etc etc.

I walked by and saw a print of Gustav Klimt piece I really like so I decided to walk in and take a look.

Enter, look at the piece, ask homie how much it costs (knowing theres no chance I'm bringing this huge framed thing home with me) and then SURPRISE- he asks me where I'm from because of my accent. Then we start talking about art, and he had all these cool books to show me (some from CALIFORNIA OHhohhoooooo haha). Then from art, we jump to talking about San Francisco, then Córdoba, then "weren't you afraid to move here ALL BY YOURSELF" then "what are you studying??", then...some how we end up talking about the 70s military dictatorship in Argentina, then political corruption in general. These conversations are not only great for my Spanish, but generally tend to be really interesting. And so very representative of Argentina. I feel like I can go in somewhere and easily strike up conversation and people are so willing to keep that convo flame keep burning. I mean after 30 minutes, I knew this guys family involvement in the 70s military government, his political views, his favorite artists, and thoughts on many other things. And hes not atypical. Argentines, for the most part (I understand this could be a hasty generalization) and at least the ones I've encountered, are always interested in getting to know you and getting you to know them.  Something I really love about living here is the friendly vibe I get from the people. I'm sure this is a "give some, get some idea". If I hadn't walked into that art store, or never strolled by that used book store or started up a conversation with the girl that bagged my groceries, I would've never known what they thought, where they're from, what they think etc. For that reason, I try to open up when I can and realize that people always have something to say, especially Argentines. I think I should try doing this in San Francisco.

Thursday night, after my nice convo with Edgardo (art store man) and a hearty 4 hour nap, made homemade vegetable lasagna. I miss my mom's lasagna.

Check out them layers:

Ekaitz, Asier, and Tim all really enjoyed it, of course.

Mid enjoyment smiles:

Friday night, my friends Lucio and Charlie played at a bar in Nueva Córdoba (thats my neighborhood). Lucio and Charlie are two Argentine brothers, and were some of my first friends when I arrived here. They've taken me to their "campo" (farm) and have really awesome parents (who I saw last night at their show) Anyways. They are really talented musicians and it was nice to see them do their thing, accompanied by a really impressive drummer, a adorable petite Argentine girl with a really nice voice, and an ever so endearing musician who played the flute, a wooden noise thing, the yukilalee (how do you spell that word?) and some other percussion instrument. Afterwords, we went to a hip-hop club called RANDOM. Complete with Pacman machines, graffiti'd walls, and special appearance by FREAK STAILERS- two charming, rainbow mohawk wig wearing, flaco DJS. A different vibe then other places I've been. First time I've heard michael jackson in a club. 

And that brings to today. Which you already know...was spent simultaneously writing an ethics paper and mildly going crazy as a result. 

Here some pics to leave you with, the fire at my house a few weeks ago:

And so good night.

Un beso,

Tere

'i promise i won't blog about it'

Successfully being creepy/ unprepared for a picture in San Marcos. 

Started writing last night, got a little distracted- so here I am.

Saturday I watched Match Point and got to thinking about luck. And how I really miss playing tennis. Ekaitz made really yummy pasta for us and I didn't really see the light of day, other than the view from the balcony. 

In regards to my distraction last night, I got sucked into the world of youtube videos. Has that ever happened to you? The internet is littered with a myriad of outlets to distract yourself/procrastinate/mindlessly waste time. Of course theres awesome stuff too but...  We went from Busta Rhymes and Mariah Carey music videos, to various "BEST tOp DIsNEY SONG EVRRR" (which led to me to some Lion King and Tarzan sing a longs), Titanic montages to "Womanizer" by Britney Spears (a travesty), and Diego Luna montages to "I love to Love you Baby". Anyways, all superfluous information. 

This Sunday I went to "paseo de los artes" and as usual came across far too many unnecessary things to buy- but fortunately (or not??) know that I can't afford them. So below are some pictures from paseo my first month here to give you an idea- its a bunch of venders selling jewelry, mates, mirrors, arts/crafts, plants, records and really awesome vintage things. Now that its winter its dark and cold and seems to not be open as late. But when we walked down the street there were two bands jamming out and tons of people sitting on the opposite side on the curb hanging out, watching. Enjoyed a nice coffee and music and once again had the nice revelation that Córdoba is a really cool city to live in and I'll really miss it.

my 2nd favorite book store above- with the most endearing curly haired argentine boy and (most likely) father that work there. I bought an old literature magazine from the 70s there with poems, interviews, and illustrations by Pablo Neruda that RULES. (my first favorite store I stumbled upon a couple weeks ago when I was on my way to the post office and started talking with the owner- a chatty cathy if I've ever met one. anyways, he gave me really awesome recommendations and we ended up talking for probably 30 minutes or so and this 4o something cordobes dad was giving me hints on cool places to go in the city etc etc and was awesome! I digress....)

Anyywayyys, getting down (or up I guess) to an organic farm up in Catamarca this weekend which I'm looking forward too.

Haven't been using my camera lately, which I've been regretting. Will try to post some pictures soon?

Today Saskia left for Buenos Aires- then Germany. We ate at a vegetarian restaurant called "El Vegetariano" Ha.  Delicious. Said our final good byes, took that final picture at the Cañada.  If I could only make it to Barcelona/Europe to visit her in the next 2 years where she'll be doing her masters......This is about the time I'd like to have a minor freakout about college graduation/thoughts on getting my masters etc but I've learned theres really no point.

Some things I'm looking forward to:

-finishing writing an ethics paper/ all work in general

-attempting to establish a normal sleeping pattern this week- closely related to not feeling sick anymore hopefully

-tomorrow Maggies new roomate (a beautiful Argentine cook named Leandro) is coming over to cook at my house- yum yum yum

-mmmmmm  riding a bike through golden gate park and  pumpkin curry from king of thai (I didnt put a time frame on this list right?)

Well I'm gonna go watch a movie. 

un beso grande,

teresa

What I'm listening to

End of the Semeter

Friday I officially had my last day of classes- and took probably one of the hardest tests of my life. It was for my ética y política class and consisted of four written responses on, well, ethics...and philosophy, different moral ethical views etc. I definitely didn't feel confident walking out of the class after taking that test, but oh well.

What else is new? I've had this semi-being sick thing for over a week now thats really bothering me. My roommate Sarah's been sick and now I think somethings "going around' as they say.

SO I have 2 finals (both oral) and 3 papers left until I finish the academic portion of being a cordobacanoe. I'm hoping to get to Iguazu falls with Gera at the beginning of July. I can't believe we're halfway through June. I'm not ready to come home yet!

My throat is scratchy and I've been utterly unproductive today. Went out last night for Saskia's going away party - she leaves for Germany monday...Weird, who knows the next time I'll see her. Which leads to me to think about the friendships I've made here. Its really weird to wonder who you'll (I'll...) stay in contact with because I've met people from all over the world. And while Cordoba has been my home for the last 4 months, it will soon be on the other side of the world just as it was in earlier this year. ITs really kinda sad- but I know that I"ll be back here at some point.

anyways, no point in going on about that. Tomorrow I think I'm going to the movies and "Paseo de los Artes'- will post some recent pictures sometime. 

What I'm listening to:

Post Oblivion

Heeyyyyy everyone.

So I'm safe back from Bolivia- really an incredible trip.  Although it cost me $135USD to buy a visa to get in, it was definitely worth it. 

Speaking of SAFE... yesterday I had my first near death experience in Argentina/life (sorta)

So after history and then ethics class (both in which we watched documentaries) I came home, ate a loaf of bread, and went to take a nap. In my sleepy dreams, I woke up to a minor explosion. It was like a bad dream or something, I had no idea what was happening. Everything was dark and I went into my living room area and I saw a chair on fire, the curtains on fire and I could barely breathe because of all the smoke. AH. Then I freaked out because the door was locked and I couldn't find my keys. There were guys outside saying "abre la puerta!" but I couldn't. Al final, found my keys, opened the door, and they took care of everything. Fire men came, police men. 

Unfortunately, our cable burned so we don't have internet or phone now but everything all worked out. Now I know how I react under pressure situations I suppose? Anywayyyyss..

BOLIVIA, in pictures:

The colors are just unreal. 

crazy rock formations, inspired dali:

horse back riding my first day in topiza, bolivia:

spent four days in a toyota landcruise exploring bolivia:

llammmmmaaa

piedra de arbol:

el salar de uyuni:

sunrise at the salar:

natural hot springs:

isla del pescado ...cactus cactus cactus:

boliviana

helloooo.

update- in bolivia and its freaking cold here. right now im in potosi which is supposedly the highest city (altitud wise) in the world...ive been traveling around the southern part of the country and its absolutely beautiful. was supposed to start my journey back to cordoba this morning but there wasnt enough passengers so the bus didnt go....hopefully the night bus will depart. everythings closed today because yesterday was mothers day...hence after walking around all morning, eating some delicious lunch in which i was definitely the only tourist in the restauarant, and running into these awesome argentine guys i met on a tour a few days ago in uyuni....i find myself in an internet cafe.
also, i forgot how slow the internet could be. I remember when my dad first got dial up and used aol. everytime id call him the phone line would be busy. remember the movie youve got mail? whatever happen to meg ryan?

going on day 8 of same clothes and looking forward to a fresh laundry and studying (not) have a big test monday and realized its practically june (weird)

also since my dad and brother arent coming during my free week in june im going to travel up north to catamarca and work for this lady i met in a hostel here. she owns a farm and was super cool. born in spain, raised in germany, also speaks french and english and lives in northern argentina. she was traveling with her daughter and mom and i ran into her a few times during my travels.

have lots to write about re my experiences in bolivia.

also FOUND poloroid film!! Score!!! 10 more photos for my trip. even though i think my camera is slightly broken after being shufffled around in my abackpack during a horseback riding trip a few days ago.


amor y paz y besos de bolivia.

One tired Guanaca

“To travel is to discover that everyone is wrong about other countries.” 

-Aldous Huxley

Hello from the sweet comfort of my bed. Man...I'm exhausted.  Long weekend...you'll get the idea if you read on I suppose....

Thursday night I was stoked to go see this band called the Cocineros. They're from Argentina and are really awesome live (incidentally quite audibly pleasing via computer as well). I've seem them play and discovered them (by chance) at a Brazilian music festival at a place called 9/90 (Nueve Noventa) a so called "art club" with live music. (I really like 9/90). Anyways, last time I saw them they started around 2AM and played till around 5. So my friends and I figured it'd be a similar situation at this place "Tsunami". But no..we took a cab over after getting together at  Maggies and learned they started at 11! aka, supa early for Argentine night life. We missed them. But we did meet some cool people,and watch this other band..which was good although the singer was slightly annoying...After we headed over to this other place with some newfound friends and made it home kinda late (early??) Maggie slept over and we went to class and learned about Israeli/Palestine conflict Yaaaa woo.

The not as good as the cocineros band: 

Some art on a wall outside of Tsunami

Friday night, more anticipation ensued. Saskia's boyfriend Gus works for Fernet (the very Argentine liquor) and there was  a 90's themed event at some club called Trip....a little bit outside my barrio...

While I didn't have much energy to make it out again, I drank lots of mate (which has something similar to caffeine in it, thats me with my mate ) showered (applause please), and realized that I had paid 20   pesos for the entrance already. So Maggie, Emily and I headed over to Gus's house where she's living now...appropriately listened to 90s music and had some Fernet. We show up to the club and ..I don't know why I didn't expect this from Argentine's...were the ONLY ones dressed up. And we looked pretty ridiculous. Also, they played maybe 5 or 6 legitimate 90s songs which was a total letdown.   Appearance is super important here and I have to remember that not everyones like my weird group of friends who like getting dressed up and being, well:

 So while we donned leggings, crazy make up and colors, the swarm of flat-ironed long flowy straight haired, size 2, skinny jeans, fashionable leather boot wearing Argentine girls passed and looked on with curiosity I wanna say..perhaps jealousy RIGHT! haha Anyways, some of our friends went to an "after" where you go (can you guess?) after a club to,thats right, dance some more! I couldn't sustain, my comfy bed called and apparently it did to Maggie too because she stayed the night again (I think its my mattress pad top- so comfortable). The next day we made a delicious salad, this is completely superfluous information but we went to 4 different places for ingredients AND I found ginger and made lime ginger water which was dank. Also watched Pan's Labyrinth without subtitles. Spanish accent is a lot harder to understand for me..

Possibly too excited about our salad?:

heyyy self timer technoologgyyy

Really excited for the 90s night apparently?

Saturday night my landlord took me and my roommates out to a steak dinner. He ordered for us and I'm glad because he knew what to get. A delicious meal, complete with delicious wine and ending deliciously FREE. AND he has a car...its always exciting driving some place. Although cab rides can be quite entertaining so I've experienced here....

After I got home from dinner with my 1027 obispo trejo family, we all parted ways. I went over to Lucas's (VJ homie) house to go out with him and his friends. We went to Dorien Gray, where he works and I ran into some friends, and met some new ones. One of Lucas's friends who also works in dorien told me she knew of this really cool party going on that night and we left dorien for a couple hours to go. I'm so glad I went....It was this house converted into a sort of bar/stage..so there was live music down in its big basement and they put swings in the rooms and there was really awesome art on the walls. It was more my.... for lack of better word "scene?"

After 3 hours of sleep, woke up this morning to go to a friends farm about an hour outside of the city for an Asado. It was beautiful day...we hung out on the farm, relaxed, walked all along the river had a really nice conversation with maggie on our walk about everything from personality traits and cultural barriers, to highschool,  and Argentine class participation. Nelson (who has the farm), Asier, Ekaitz, and Nico killed the pig yesterday and cooked it all day and nothing else matters but I rode a horse!! 

ok I'm tired, heres some pictures from el campo  hoy:

This little piggy went to the....

And its leg went to the....

Yummy fish

2 Basques, 1 Chilean, 2 Argentines and 5 Basque shirts

Note to my friends: this should be the statue on my grave

heyyyy action shot

Lots of love to everyone I love from lovely argentina.

PS Congratulations to Lara, whos graduating...this week I think...I wish I could be there to give you a big hug and share a joose or two.

Cheers!

Odds and Ends

I forgot to write about a march I went to the other day (last Wednesday, to be specific) Saskia and I headed to the center of the city to find the long trail of people with drums, posters, signs, flyers,etc. Marches here seem to be relatively frequent for various causes. The one we went to last week addressed the treatment of women, specially trafficking women as sex slaves. Man, I could really get into this subject but this isn't my social justice platform. (Do me a favor? Visit www.notforsalecampaign.org)

The front of it:

Saskia, reading a flyer off to the right there:

And it culminated in Plaza San Martin:

This is from the Basque party I went to last weekend (Note Argentine and Basque flags):

Also, I downloaded pictures from Asier's Birthday dinner on Tuesday....

Nico, from Chile...and some really good fish:

Ekaitz, new French roommate Claire, and other Frenchy Marie:

(Ekaitz, after seeing the cake I made [jokingly, of course] said he wanted to marry me...Basque people are in love with anything Basque...)

Happy Birthday! We sang it in 5 different languages (Spanish, Basque, English, French, German) International love at its finest.

After years of denial..I think I should just say, I kinda look like my mom: