Lots of Firsts

Today was a lot of firsts: my first time though customs alone, my first time traveling in another country alone, my first time grocery shopping in Buenos Aires, my first time exploring a new city alone and my first time watching the sunset and rise on the same day. I am proud to say that everything went very smoothly.

Argentinean customs was kind of a disaster. At least three international flights all landed around the same time, and they did not have enough ropes to keep us all organized. The lines randomly squiggled back and forth to fit everyone in them. I ended up being one of the last people though which didn't really matter to me since I didn't have any where to be. After clearing the passport check I thought it would be over but no. They scan everyones bags before they leave the airport. Again the line was very unorganized but moved a lot faster this time.

I was met at the exit by a driver that the school set up for me. He took me and girl from Germany to where we are staying. The drive into the city was beautifully quite as fog dusted all the buildings. Esther's apartment is in "El Centro" or down town Buenos Aires. To get into my room I have to use four different keys. One for the front door, two for the door to the apartment and one for my room. I also have a fifth key for my closet.

After unpacking, I decided to walk around. I walked to a small square called Plaza Lavalle which had some amazing old buildings around it like El Teatro Colon, and El Templo Congreso. The city was eerily  quiet I first left my apartment at 10:30, but by the time I was at El Obelisco (below) the city was becoming busy.




Obviously the grocery stores here have different food than in a typical American grocery store.  For example my go to break fast of greek yogurt and berries was not an option. Most of the yogurts came in bags and were very liquidly (which I don't like), so I took a guess about which one in a container would be the best. For produce, you get everything weighed and priced before you go to the casher. I got very typical Leah food, thing for sandwiches and salads, apples, oranges, granola and an avocado. Tonight for dinner though I bought 2 empanadas which are pretty much the Argentinean version of a calzone.







Next on my to do list is buy a cheep prepay or pay as you go phone and find a gym with a pool.