Fuerza Bruta

Ah….I haven’t written in days…the internet here blows but now it’s finally working. Warren---sorry we got disconnected from skype but congratz!! (haha, Care, you better like that shout out!)

Alright, where to begin---Fuerza Bruta, medical internship, an instrumental tango show, or how I’m bussing to Iguzau this afternoon??

Well for starters, has anyone heard of Fuerza Bruta? If so---isn’t it the coolest show you’ve ever been to? If not---click on the link below and when it comes to a city near you, GO! (Sroka, Dor, Lib, and Doni---you’re all in NY….GO see it!) http://www.fuerzabruta.net/website/fuerza_eng.html I honestly can’t explain what the show is only that it’s flipping weird but incredibly awesome. Also, don’t ask people what it is because when you go it’s best to be surprised! Let’s just say, at the end of the show everyone started jumping and dancing to the beat of the music and then in one section “rain” started pouring down. Of course being the person I am and love having fun, I headed straight for the “rain” and danced in it. Out of the 10 of us who went to the show, I was one of the only ones that went all out and got soaked or should I say DRENCHED! Everyone else watched from the sidelines---BORING! By the end of the night I was dripping in water but so well worth it!

I began my medical internship 2 days ago---let’s just say going on strike here is the norm. From the garbage men to doctors, it doesn’t matter who goes on strike because strikes are typical in Argentina. On the first day of our internship, we found out the doctors went on strike (AKA no work). As we were about to leave the hospital, an energetic woman introduced herself and asked if we wanted to see the hospital’s museum (we said yes because it would have been rude to say no). For the first half of the tour, the museum was interesting because she told us the development of medicine in regards to the Rivadavia Hospital (that’s where we’re working). However, she kept on talking for a solid 75+ minutes and let’s be real it wasn’t that appealing…I just wanted to leave!

For the next 2 weeks we’re going to be observing and participating in the pediatric ward. Our boss (only for the next 2 weeks) is Julio…how to describe Julio, well that’s just asking too much! He’s pretty much an arrogant, tough Porteno…it’s good to be tough back to him but not too tough because his temper is short like reallllly short; aside from that, he’s hilarious. He loves jokes and making fun of people…ex: he hates Peruvians, because apparently they are all liars and never tell the truth...oh Julio. He refuses to speak to us in English and only speaks to us in Castellano…I’m so happy about that because after all that’s why I’m here!! Also, best part---he loves saying that we’re from Yankeelandia but in Castellano there is no pronunciation of the “Y” meaning the “Y” turns into a “SH” sound. Jajaja…so when he says Yankeelandia he actually says Shankeelandia…maybe you have to hear him say it to think it’s funny!

Last night, my school (UBA- University of Buenos Aires) took everyone out for an instrumental tango show. Last minute I decided to go by myself, and I was so happy I went because the show was worth it. Even though it was only the band playing without the actual dancers, it was incredible. Each musician played with a great deal of intensity and emotion. I’m definitely going back there soon…

Alright, so today’s the big day…I’m taking the micro (cross-country bus) to one of the world’s most famous waterfalls…Iguazu Falls. Alright, I have to go finish packing because I’m leaving in 2 hours…wish me luck on the bus ride!!

18 hours here I come!!

San Telmo

I finally made it to the bohemian barrio of San Telmo for its famous ferreria (street fair AKA flea market) that is held every Sunday. The fair is pretty much Home-Goods and the Third-Ward meets Argentina all in one site. Jajaja! But honestly, it was the biggest fair I’ve ever been to and also the coolest. It encompassed blocks and blocks of hippies, bohemians, and other various forms of artists selling their unique artwork. There were booths and booths from jewelry to leather to china dishes to hats and scarves to bras and underwear (I’m still unclear why people would want to buy bras and underwear off the street but that’s beside the point). Everything imaginable was sold at the fair…the only thing that disappointed me was quality of silver wasn’t as good as the silver in Mexico AND I almost forgot---- it’s impossible to bargain here. Just ask Shonjon!

After spending an entire cold afternoon in San Telmo, a handful of us decided to go to Asian. Asian is a delicious kosher restaurant---I’m still slightly confused what kind of food they specialize in because there were Asian style dishes, ceviche, steaks, and other interesting options. I shared ceviche with Shoro and ordered an amazing chimichurri crispy chicken with vegetable rice…ahhh wish I was eating it right now. Honestly, we had no idea that it was going to be an expensive restaurant (at least for Argentinean standards) until we saw the menu…but who cares, it was well worth it! Also, for the first time, I experienced fantastic service---it was probably the first and last time that’ll ever happen! Uch, Mom and Dad please come visit me! I would do anything…Please…

Alright, for some odd reason it is cheaper to take buses around the country than to fly…oh how I long for an airline like Airtran in Argentina, it would make my life so much easier! I am mentioning this because I’m going to Iguazu Falls this weekend with a bunch of people and we’re going by bus. Just as a reference, Iguazu Falls is all the way up North bordering Brazil. Being that everyone here (including myself) is trying to conserve their money we decided economically we have to go by bus than fly. That means this Thursday we are going to be taking an 18 HOUR bus ride to Iguazu. SHOOT ME right now, PLEASE!!!!!!! To make myself feel better, apparently the buses are a thousand times better than first class seats on airplanes but don’t get me wrong the commute is going to be terrible just terrible. I keep on telling myself that I’m living the life down here doing whatever I want and I’m going with friends so it can’t be that bad. (I’ll let you know next week!)

Anyways, we went to Reitiro bus station after class today and it took 2 hours for the 8 of us to buy our tickets. TWO HOURS! Now that is what I mean when I say everything in this country is super slow. I’m really learning how to be patient here. It is pretty cool because time ACTUALLY exists here---there is no rush in the world and everyone is so laid-back, I love it!    

Anyways I’m so excited for Iguazu this weekend, apparently it’s one of the top places to see in the world!!

Hugs and Kisses

As another Friday night approached, a few of us roadies decided to go to Chabad for Shabbat dinner. Yet again, the meal didn’t end till 1:30AM, and the enormous amounts of food, Emuna vino tinto (wine), and hard-alcohol made the meal that much more enjoyable.

A friend told us of a great family to eat at for Saturday lunch, so we got in contact with them and arranged to eat there. Apparently it’s customary for girls not to go to synagogue on Saturday morning in Bs Ar, so we decided to walk to temple when it was over to meet the family. (That would never fly in the US because synagogue, especially on Saturday, is quite the social scene; it’s pretty much mandatory to go to temple.) We were kindly introduced to the Chemea family, and they greeted us with open arms and kisses (legit…I’m not exaggerating). We walked back to their apartment and sat around the living room talking (mostly in English, but I snuck in some Castellano), and eventually we made our way to the table to enjoy a fantastic cena (meal).

Unfortunately, since I probably will not be living here permanently, there is one thing I will bring back to the US---todos los besos y abrazos (all the kisses and hugs). In the States, everyone is in tune with their “personal space.” I don’t even get what personal space is anyways but that’s a whole different story. I can’t stand when you meet someone in the States and either a simple handshake or head-nod is sufficient…come on, seriously, are you really going to do that? It’s so cold. You’re not going to get to know someone by doing that…when you get to know someone, you want to make them feel comfortable and like you. People from the US are so into making things awkward (g-d knows why, but they do) and let me tell you something---the handshake and head-nod is plain old awkward---it just doesn’t cut it.  I love the Latin culture and everything about it. I love how everyone greets each other with hugs and kisses. And the best part is: guys do it too! But seriously, I love how there is no such thing as being awkward here…if you’re potentially being awkward it’s probably because you’re talking to a person from the US. Think about it: when you give someone a hug you are essentially breaking the boundaries of personal space---you’re allowing that person in your life and automatically establishing a bond with them…a type of bond that handshakes and head nods don’t tolerate.

I mentioned the whole hugs and kisses saga because when Shoni and I went to the Chemea family, their beautiful daughters greeted us with hugs and kisses. This lunch really affected both Shoni and I…after the father said Kiddush, the mother and father went around the table giving kisses to their 5 daughters. There was so much respect between the parents, daughters, and even to us. We honestly felt at home and really connected with them. After a beautiful and delicious meal, the Chemea daughters, Shonjon, and I went on a walk to the Parque de las Rosas (the Rose Park)---Numero uno (#1)----this is the most beautiful park I’ve ever been to. It’s like Central Park gone wild with breathtaking lakes, paddle boats, bridges, and exquisite roses from around the world. Every imaginable rose was planted in the park, and they were the type you could only find at Chaucer and Willobees (haha Sarah, you better enjoy that reference).

Saturday night was yet another incredible night and you can only imagine what I did...

Yeah that’s right, I went to Las Bombas…I actually found out it’s called La Bomba Tiempo…THE DRUM SHOW! We started off the night at a house party---not to be mean but Heights parties are a thousand times better than the house party I went to Saturday night…that's the one good thing YU taught its students! Mazol Tov! Anyways, after the party we went to the drum show and stayed there really late. I’m not going to bore you with how amazing the drum show was because I previously did that but just saying, I had another great experience!

La Bomba de Tiempo

Twenty minutes after we came back from a long day in Tigre, a bunch of us went to La Bomba de Tiempo (drum show). Apparently the barrio where the drum show was held is very dangerous…(at least that’s what our cab driver told us), but that didn’t stop us---we just wanted to experience what every Argentine or expat our age raves about (…it ended up being one of the most incredible experiences of my life).

We walked into a huge "warehouse" that resembled a building under construction because let’s just say it was extremely old, rundown, and just ugly…But the appearance of the venue didn’t bother anyone. As I got closer to the show, I heard the beats of ALL the drums and instantly knew I was going to have a great time. There were around 17 drummers beating to their drums. Back in the day, I played the African drums (and for those who don’t know I love reggae), but nothing compares to the uniqueness of these free-spirited drummers.

The room was completely occupied by hippies and dancers all in there 20’s---it was amazing because whether you had dreads, wearing flowy skirts or scarves, piercings and tattoos (in god knows which places), clean-cuts, holding a beer or maybe 2 in your hands (or other things)---it was incredible to see how everyone bounced, jumped, and danced to the beat. No one looked at you to see if you were dancing normally (in most cases not) because this was the type of show you let your hands loose and dance to the beat (and literally be Caa---Razy!)

Honestly, this was my type of concert (Mom, I wish you were here! You would’ve loved the scene, all the people, and of course the dancing)…it was a great workout! I, literally, loved feeling the beat and rhythm throughout my body, and the ambiance in the room was unbeatable (haha no pun intended). Dancing (or jumping) up and down has never made me feel so free in my life. It was one of the only times that I was able to dance crazy (fine, Doni and Lib ignore that comment because you’ve seen me dance in and out of the apartment…clearly that’s not true but you get the point…haha)! Anyways, there were hundreds of people at the concert, and everyone danced so differently from the next. I loved being in this environment!

I don’t want to say this was a "religious" spiritual moment in my life because it wasn’t, but it was definitely a moment where I could just connect with myself. I was able to act and be the person who I am without being the only crazy person dancing in weird ways in the crowd. I’ve never felt so free in my life; I didn’t have to worry about anything but closing my eyes and dancing with my friends! Also, it was amazing how everyone felt the same way as I did and didn’t want the night to end.

The show lasted for a few hours, and it was jammed packed. La Bomba de Tiempo performs every Monday night at Konex Theater, and I know I'll be a frequent dancer there…Honestly, if you’re into the whole hippy, free-spirited ambiance and being crazy at Phish, chilling at Dave, or beating at Eminem concerts---you have to go to a show here because it’s impossible to not have a good time!
 
Here's a short video clip of La Bomba de Tiempo:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AONMv_i41Ts&feature=related

ENJOY!!!

Tigre

Columbus Day was yesterday, Monday, so I didn’t have school…party! The truth is---all the Porteños take this day extremely seriously…unlike the U.S. Some of us decided to go to Tigre on our day off. We boarded the train from Reitiro Station and headed towards Tigre. Check this out---Tigre is a city that’s an hour bus ride outside of Bs Ar…money reference: a roundtrip train fair was 2.50 pesos, that’s roughly 60 cents! (An hour bus ride from Manhattan to Long Island is anywhere between $12-16.) That’s crazy!!!

Ok, so while I was on the train, I was standing next to this Porteño woman. I asked her a question in Spanish and she immediately said, “Yo hablo Ingles.” Seriously, I don’t get it---was my accent that bad? Clearly it was! Anyways, I told her I only speak Castellano and not English. She was impressed and immediately loved me! We conversed mostly in Castellano but there was still some English spoken. She told me all about her family- her 2 brothers who live in America, one’s in love with his wife and the other doesn’t live with his wife (he only married her for papers…oyy). She’s a hardcore rower and was going to her rowing club in Tigre; she also told me all the places to see in Tigre. At the end of the bus ride we exchanged kisses (an Argentine custom) and told me my Spanish is better or around the same level as her kindergarteners…jajajaja!

Tigre is surrounded around the Rio de Tigre (Tigre River) and there are streams of latte colored waters that stem from the main river called the Delta River. We got off the train and decided to take a 30 minute boat ride to Tres Bocas. Tres Bocas is a little area where there are summer homes and restaurants for the Argentines. It is all along the Delta River and the only way to get around is by the lanchas (boats). It is really cool because you’ll see boats carrying drinks, food, and produce to the restaurants and houses along the river. While we were on the boat, we met some Columbians (they were from Bogota) and one of them had a crush on Shonjon! Yow-yow! The views from the boat were so picturesque. The boat ride along the river reminded me of a nicer version of Xochimilco (sorry Mom!). I honestly felt like I was in one of Monet’s paintings it was that beautiful. It was incredible to see families and friends kayaking and lounging in their backyards enjoying their day off. We got off the boat and started walking around the path that takes you all around Tres Bocas…another beauty. After that, we went to a restaurant along the river (the service was soooo slow). Oh yeah, that’s another negative thing about Argentina---the service in restaurants is so slow that you should go to a restaurant before you get hungry because by the time you get your food your stomache will be growling.

We took the boat back to Tigre and walked around the town. We walked to Puerto del Frutos which is a huge flea market…it was really beautiful seeing all the vendors selling their crafted artwork. Aside from that, we had the most magnificent and peaceful day ever! As soon as we got back to the house we went to a drum show…(this is for a different blog entry because the drum show was the most incredible experience of my life)!

Eva Peron

Apparently Cada Domingo (every Sunday), there’s a wonderful street fair in San Telmo. San Telmo is a barrio in Bs Ar that is known for its bohemian essence.  From where I live, it’s an hour plus stroll---so being a beautiful day we decided to walk. On the way we wanted to see the famous Plaza de Mayo, which is a beautiful area with lots of grass, markets, and of course tourists. Plaza de Mayo is situated between Casa Rosada and the Cathedral Metropolitana and in the middle of the plaza is another obelisk called Pirámide de Mayo. After being completely stunned from all the marvelous buildings and views, we got completely side tracked and decided that we should spend the afternoon here and wait to go to San Telmo a different week. Meanwhile, we saw throngs of people waiting in line at Casa Rosada---this is the house where Madonna filmed Evita AKA Eva Peron’s house. We waited in a long line and toured the casa.

I can’t describe how breath-taking and unique each room is…every inch of the building is covered in beautiful detailing which shows the character and history of the building. I could just feel the presence of Eva…or atleast Madonna.

There were many men in olden-time uniforms guarding the inside and outside of the house---Honestly, I was one of those annoying tourists who asked to take a picture with them…but seriously, who doesn’t want a picture with them? They’re so cute! So as the tour began, I became friendly with one of the tour guides who only spoke to me in English but I refused to answer because I wanted to speak in Spanish. He told me that the room we were standing in was dedicated to the 14 most powerful women in Argentine history---of course Eva Peron was one of them (there were paintings of each woman hanging around the room). We eventually made it to the famous balcony. The balcony where Eva addressed all the porteños (people from Buenos Aires) with her gracious yet powerful words concerning the future of Argentina. People packed themselves across the Plaza de Mayo and would listen to Eva’s influential and sincere speeches. It was such a remarkable feeling that I was able to stand on the balcony and feel the “power” she once had---and I, of course, began singing: “Don’t cry for me Argentina.” Yes, I know, cliche, but a truly fantastic song for a perfect moment!

After we returned to the house and relaxed for a bit, we decided to become true porteños. We went to dinner...but not just a dinner…we went to Tuscan Steakhouse at 9:30PM (which is really early for a porteño to eat dinner) and we devoured huge sirloin steaks with chimichuri sauce, ofcourse. Daniel, I’m waiting for you to visit me because there is NO way I can bring home the delicacy of these steaks for our pre-pessach ritual. Also, the prices for these steaks were solemente (only) 20 US$...you can’t find steaks like these in the US for that price- even at the best restaurants in NY. It’s Unreal. Just as a pure sum-up, Argentineans are defintely NOT lying about the mouth-watering steaks they produce in this country! The tenderness and flavor of our steaks puts Trader Joe’s grade A kosher steaks in the dumpster! Dad and Daniel---Thanksgiving 2010, my hood?…my treat, (fine, Dad’s treat!)

 

El Chabad

Friday night, 7:30 PM. Shoni and I magically walked very fast because we didn’t want to be late for the Chabad Shabbat dinner. How could I forget the “grand” punctuality of Chabad…(or every other Jewish organization)?

As we walked up the staircase, we barely heard voices. Uh oh. We automatically assumed we were late for dinner…wait a minute---little did we know that 7:30 Argentinean time is really 8:15 chabad time, and as a side note---8:15 chabad time wasn’t when the meal began but when the services started, so you can only imagine what time it was when we sat down for dinner…Alright, back to chabad. The meal was simply amazing. The food, the people, and most of all the chabad couple (Mendy and Sara). It’s really impressive how they open up their lives by inviting loads of people to their home every Friday night for dinner. After an enormous amount of talking and getting to know other people, food, drinking, and talking about mashiach (it is chabad after all) the meal ended at 1:30AM….crazy but incredible.

Saturday we walked back to the chabad for a Kiddush. Again, another slight miscommunication--- Argentinean Kiddush is completely different than an American Kiddush---fine, let me rephrase that…it’s really different than an ASKT Kiddush. Their Kiddush was more of a sit-down lunch with various forms of empanadas, sandwiches, salads, dips, and more. It was actually really funny because if you combine Argentine Jewish women (or maybe hungry Argentine Jewish women) and food don’t expect to eat much. I’ve never seen women (literally) grab food and eat it with such intensity and passion---they put Elie to shame! (another family referral…deal with it). The actual day was sizzling hot with a light breeze, so after lunch, we walked to Parque Las Heras and the main park in Palermo. We watched tons of young to old Argentines playing futbol (soccer) and little kids swinging on the swings. We eventually walked back to the house and chilled till the night time.

I don’t know if it’s a good or bad thing that I’m becoming a local at The Alamo (bar). The purpose of the night was for me to attempt to practice my Spanish; however that didn’t go so well. My friend introduced me to a group of guys from El Salvador; however, they eventually spoke to me in English because my Spanish was awful. Clearly they were exaggerating (ok maybe not), but come on HELLO help a sister out!!

Por mi Princessa

Ahhhhh! Here you go Princess:

Yesterday was a gloomy day en el ciudad de Bs Ar (the city of Bs Ar). We, or should I say Shonjon, woke up late…We hustled and bustled but luckily made it to class on time! Perfecto! After class, we walked to San Nicolas, which is the political district here. We saw the casa de judicial (judicial house), el congresso (the Congress), el synagoga mas grande (the biggest Synagogue in Argentina), el obelisco (a big momument), and la avenida 9 de Julio (the WIDEST street in the world- it has 16 lanes with countless of other streets leading into the avenida).

Jaja (haha)---Since we’ve arrived in this magnificent country, our hunger levels have drastically dropped…I know it’s not an excuse but we’re constantly on the run experiencing our new home. So last night we decided it was about time to check out the grocery store and begin eating like normal people. If anyone has been to Mexico, the store we went to last night was a replicate of Aurrera (Por mi familia (for my family): please don’t laugh because to this day I still have no idea how to pronounce slash spell it…so to me that’s the name of la tienda (the store)!)

After making a combo bowl of quaker oat squares and choco krispies this morning, Shonjon and I walked to a quaint coffee shop up the street. I ordered a cold coffee (by cold I mean room temperature because there is no such thing as café con hielo (iced coffee). Also---The only down side of Argentina is that they only serve caffeinated coffee, which is detrimental for me! Just to give you a little example of the strength of their coffee--- today in class my hands and legs were legit shaking. I left class twice because I was so embarrassed, and when I came back my teacher stopped me and made me explain to her why I continued leaving class. Bottom line: That was my first and last coffee here in Argentina!

Have I mentioned that the coins here are worth a fortune? Not literally speaking but rather they’re crucial when taking buses…the buses only accept coins and NOT bills. So if you don’t have coins, well then you’re better off walking, cabbing, or taking the subte (subway). {Quick fact: the bus costs anywhere from 28-31cents and the subte costs 28cents…crazy!! That would never fly in the States. Princess you would love it!!}

Ok---After class, we took the bus with the intention of going to the cemetery where Evita Peron is buried. However, the light rain caused the “loose” cobble stones to be drenched in mud which encouraged us to go a different day. (I had deja-vu. Who remembers the Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavillion? JAJA.) We wound up in the Museo de Bellas Artes (the fine arts museum) where we saw many paintings by Renoir, Picasso, Monet, Manet, Degas, Pollack, and hundreds of others. IT WAS FREE!! Fantastico!

We finally made it back to the house where we’re currently deciding what to make or go for dinner…any suggestions? Empenadas? Steak? I’m going out with some friends tonight to Palerma Soho (the Soho of Bs Ar)…

Hasta mañana chicos!

WAIT---DANI AND LIOR---have fun TONIGHT at your partAy! Wish I was there to dance…tango?!

Calle de Tucuman

I’m in love. Yes with a city but an amazing city! I think it’s because I’m trying to only speak Catellano and I keep on experiencing something new.

Argentines are very similar to Israelis because they’re tough. The only difference is is that they are patient when Americans speak Spanish to them. Generally when you walk through the shuk (in Israel) and you attempt to speak Hebrew, Israeli’s immediately cut you off to speak English. To them, it’s significantly faster and they get more business done (also, lack of patience). Argentines, on the other hand, even if they know English- they want you to speak Spanish to them. They have the patience to talk to you because they want to help you improve your skills.

Alright so after class today, Shoni and I were in the process of walking back to the house when we approached Calle de Tucuman. This street happens to be the main area where this is a lot of Jewish activity. Kosher restaurants, Kosher stores (Kosher Meat Club style, if you know what I mean), Yeshivas, and lots of religious men and women walking through the streets. (Meah Sharim style but toned down a bit). It was really cool that we already familiarized ourselves with Jewish community. It was quite the experience. Being here is like starting from scratch…learning a language and a city for the first time.

So now I’m relaxing and about to head to the terrace. We’re having a party there tonight where I’ll meet more people! Keep you posted…

Besos…

Arrived in Bs Ar

Sarah’s engagement party was Saturday night; I packed for Argentina 4 hours before my flight; and I arrived in Miami on time for my scheduled flight to Buenos Aires. What could possibly be better? Well, try this: I literally hiked to my gate and found out that either my flight was cancelled or delayed. That is something that would only happen to me because after all I think I’m in the hall-of-fame for worst flight experiences. However, after switching airlines, I finally reached Buenos Aires!

I met Shoni at “World Car” where we took a taxi to our student residence house, which is by far amazing and LOUD. (lets hope we get some sleep!) Five minutes after we parked our bags in our room, we raced to catch the 12 bus to attend our first Spanish class. In class we took an oral exam, which we placed in level 3---sorry Mom, I’ll move up soon! Also, as a side note---rule #1 in Castellano (Argentinian Spanish) the double “L” is not pronounced as a “Y” as it would in “Espanol” but rather its pronounced as a “SH/CH.” Today in class, I said to my teacher, “Ella (eYa) es mi amiga de esceula.” She immediately corrected me by saying, “No, eSHa es su amiga de escuela!” My face turned like a tomato but was proud to getting corrected!  

After learning my lesson in class, Shoni and I walked to the subway and headed back to the Road House for orientation. We met with Nick, the program coordinator, and he told us the important ins-and-outs/dos and don’ts of Bs Ar. He even gave us 2 free tickets for tango lessons…what could be better? There are tons of people from Australia, America, England, Holland and other countries in the house.  I’ve learned so many amazing things about Argentina so far. This country has impressed me so much and I’ve only been here for less then 24 hours! I wonder what other great things are to come…?