As I came back from our family holiday we talked about things that I missed about New Zealand then it got me thinking about the things I'll miss about Argentina, then the things that I don't miss.
Things I will miss about Argentina
-My Host Family: As I said in my last post that my family is some of the nicest people I have had the pleasure of being around. Graciela my host mum is so caring, always eager to do anything for me or to help me in any way. Eduardo my host dad is also so caring and loving, He literally would do anything for us and he goes out of his way to help. Abuela (Olga) my host grandma who lives with us, is the best cook and is such a lovely old lady. Brenda (13) my host sister, if not a bit hard to share a room with sometimes, was very open to accepting me like a sister, teaching me a bit of Spanish and just a kind and very sweet girl.
-The Food: After getting used to the different foods here I love it! Dulce de Leche #1 of course, those who haven't tried it seriously need to seek out international food stores! Other things like Empanadas, Tortas Fritas, ñoquis, Asado and Mate of course. I'm bringing lots of reciepes home as well as some different things in my suitcase so I can at least introduce a bit of Argentinian food to my little town :)
-Playing Basketball and in a regular league: I loved playing basketball here for Gimena Padin and I will probably miss the team the most. In the 3 months I played I made such great friends in the team. Their was no bitchy-ness as their is often in girls sports teams back home so that was very refreshing! Of course because their is way more people to choose from here its easier to be apart of a big league which was so cool to experience.
-The caring and friendliness of the Argentinians: The majority of people here will go out of their way to help you or just to talk in the street. As we walk down the street my parents just about say hi to everyone and others do the same, or in the line of the supermarket everyones just quite open.
- How social everyone is: The amount of parties, dinners and afternoon teas that I've shared with people here is crazy!
-Things new and exciting: An amazing thing of this experience is that just about everyday I have been able to experience something new. From the supermarkets, to school, to what we are having for dinner, what's on tv, music, roads, people and so much more!
-The Language!: Of course I will really miss Spanish (Castellano in Argentina). I am just starting to get a lot better at talking and I understand just about everything at normal pace now. Hopefully when I come back to NZ I can keep contact with people here so my level keeps to where it is now!
Things I won't miss
-Stray dogs: All through out Argentina there is always lots of stray dogs just wandering the streets. It's so sad at times to see their ribs and sad faces :(
-Waiting: As some people know I am not the most patient person in the world, but here man I got tested haha. Because everyones so relaxed and layed back their is a LOT of waiting. A thing that amazes me is that it doesn't seem to bother a lot of people. They all just wait there patiently, not complaining. Everywhere their is lines and usually a lot of people so it was a wake up call for me after being from my little town!
-Unpunctuality: Here time is not really worried about. So often if something starts say at 8pm no one will show up until at least 9ish or a shop that opens at 10am will be about 5 or 10 minutes late to open. Often it doesn't really matter much but it can get quite annoying sometimes.
-Constantly having to be careful (safety): Obviously you have to be careful everywhere you go but I never have experienced it quite like in Argentina. Simple things I took for granted like being able to go away and leave the house unlocked, which here you definitely can't do, I haven't seen a house here yet that doesn't have bars on the window or metal shutters that lock in front of the windows. Even walking down the street, always having your bag in the front and being conscious of your things.
-Heat!: I have never experienced heat like this before. The hottest its been is 40 degrees here so apparently I have been spared but it doesn't feel like it! The hottest part of the day is from 3-6pm and from then the heat stays around until at least 12am or 1am. One night it was still 33 degrees at 11.30pm :( Although heat does have a few benefits like the tan I now have :)
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