So I have the best announcement ever to share with the Pepperdine community. On September 22, 2012, the Buenos Aires program welcomed its newest wave, Manolo. Men, break out the cigars. Ladies, Manolo has possibly the cutest little button nose I’ve ever seen (You can send cute outfits to Casa Holden. Get the address from Jeff Hamilton, the Director of International Programs). He has been warmly welcomed into the family of Dr. Rafael Martinez De Sanzo, as well as our own little community. Little Rafita is so excited to finally be a big brother. What a precious family!
In other news (for you River Plate fans out there), the futbol team River Plate defeated Godoy Cruz last week (5-0), and its fans, in consequence, unfurled the longest recorded futbol flag in the world, as it wound through the streets of Buenos Aires. The city seemed to be painted with red and white as a massive celebration commenced. This accomplishment may be in the next Guinness Book of World Records.
Our first long weekend, Pepperdine students dispersed across the continent. Some went to Uruguay and Bolivia, others ventured to Chile, while still others traveled to the utmost tip of Northern Argentina. Sights seen include Iguazu Falls, the Bolivian and Argentine Salt Flats, and Santiago, Chile.
Being in Buenos Aires for a little over a month, I have already learned more about myself and how I feel about this new world (which is really just a little ways south).
It’s amazing how little I actually know about other cultures, even though I thought I appreciated them. Seeing the United States from another country’s perspective is quite sobering. And humbling.
Another thing I’ve realized is how small and open the world is. It may seem ominous from our small town suburban norm (or even from a city like LA), but if we venture out and become comfortable amidst the cloud of discomfort, we will find a new beauty, and gain refreshed sense of why life is worth living–because there is so much to experience!
Since coming to South America, I have eaten llama, licked a salt flat, danced with a Boca futbol player (in a group, don’t get too excited), witnessed a massive protest, met people from three other continents, downloaded some incredible Argentine beats (that’s what’s up), almost bumped into the president of Ireland, and have gotten to know the incredible people I am here with (including baby Manolo!).
The fact that I’m living in South America is really starting to hit me. The different customs, ranging from the odd eating habits to “very warm” Argentine men is becoming somewhat normal. But yet even still, the differences continue to surprise me.
To steal some of Rafa’s words, “Embarrassment is part of learning.” Being fully immersed in this new culture is embarrassing, I do multiple things wrong every single day. But each day, I get a little better. My spanish is improving. I don’t automatically go for the handshake, but instead lean in for that awkward cheek kiss. I feel more awe each day at the subtle beauties of Buenos Aires, and with each breath, I fall deeper in love.
During my long weekend adventure to Salta, I met two girls from Australia who were probably in their mid-twenties. It’s casual–they were traveling the world simply because they “wanted to”. After a year of working and saving their money, they just packed their bags and left. About mid-conversation with these ladies, a thought entered my mind, “Why do I not consider this option for my own life?” [Dad, if you are reading this…please, don’t ship me home.]
But seriously, do we as Americans put ourselves in an “American box” too often? Do we frequently fall into the tunnel that only envisions a step by step process from graduation to living in a city on our own to marriage to children to working for a living to being a grandparent to dying? Part of growing is stepping away from what is your own perception and taking a look at the world from another lens. That’s why traveling changes people, that’s why it’s such an important option. Not that there is anything wrong with the traditional route, but for me, well, let’s just say I’ve got this disease called wanderlust. And the doctor’s prognosis?
There is no cure.
Side note (and then I promise I’m done):
Are you a music lover? Because here are some more bumpin’ songs from down here. Trust me, bumpin’ works in this context.
- [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4pfDenqjHQs]
- [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ob9dl7Sy2Cg&feature=related]
- [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vIzeQ1Z6lK4]
