One of my worst habits in life is giving up on something too fast if I find it too hard. I have done it a millions times- it started back when I was a kid and I wanted a bike. I saved up my pocket money, bought the bike I wanted, and attempted to learn to ride it. After a few weeks of unsuccessful and embarrassing falls in the Bangkung Park, I decided I could 'kind of balance' and that was that.
Later in life it was driving classes (some exploitation of the corrupt Malaysian system and BAM! I had a license but could not drive;) A few years ago it was Spanish evening classes at uni. I got it into my head that it would be fun to learn a new language, convinced my parents it would look good on my CV (that excuse always wins!) and signed up. 12 weeks of 2 hour classes and I had nothing to show for it. Do not ask me what I did in class- I think I spent most of my time stressing about essays that were due.
So when I arrived in Buenos Aires Internaional Airport on Wednesday the 6th of October and felt completely lost, I really had no one to blame but myself. My air-port pick up failed to arrive, leaving me stranded with no Spanish, no change for a phone call, and no spirit. After many hours, a few 'Kristine internal pep talks', and some action, I made some calls and got a remesis (taxi which you pay for in advance) to my accomodation.
The room I am renting is in a lovely old European style building that is gorgeous but falling apart slightly. The landlord speaks a little English, there are many ku ka ra chas/ cockroaches, and the toilet system cannot handle toilet paper so you have to dispose of your toilet paper in the trash, but for now it is home.
My 1st 3 days have flown by in a whiz of Subway rides, maps, taxi rides, and hunger pangs- I still have not worked up the nerve to order in Spanish! Buying a sim card was an experience in itself, made worse by the fact they tried to rip me off and I got the address of my office wrong! But I have arranged for private Spanish classes, I know ONE subte/ subway line now, and I am hoping everything else will fall into place!
As I rode the Subte home today after a miserable afternoon of wandering through the city by myself, I was delighted to overhear a conversation between two boys in English. Shamelessly eavesdropping, I hoped they were fellow travelers with whom I could exchange stories. Unfortunately the conversation consisted of "how many beers can you have before you get wasted/ pissed/ happy etc" and "girls pee on the streets too- i have totally seen it, BRO!" Some things are universal I guess.
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