I’ve determined that I’m going to complete 500,000 daimoku [based on the chart I’m using, it’s like ~167 hours] before my study abroad is over. I have a 1,000,000 daimoku chart that I got from Heather, and initially I wanted to try to complete 1,000,000 daimoku during my study abroad, but realistically speaking, I’ve never completed any of the [1,000,000] daimoku charts I’ve started. So, instead I’ve decided that I’m going to do half now, and half second semester.
I’ve also determined that the second to the last night of my study abroad here, I’m going to chant 10 hours. Why? My program ends two days before my actual departure day, so I have to leave the apartment and get a hotel or hostel to stay in for 2 days. So, why not just use one day of that time to do a 10-hour daimoku toso since I have the time and place to be loud and vivacious. So, if you want to domei, awesome. Let’s have a worldwide toso. Whoa, that’d be sweet [good call, Angela]. I’ll send out an email when the date gets closer…
Yes, this past week alone has taught me a lot about my mental subconscious state, and how much it affects my physical well-being. Having the worst cases of hives this week to the point where my face was so swollen that I could only half-open my eyes was enough to show me that although I may be consciously calm, subconsciously my emotions are everywhere, and that stressed me out physically. I was searching, waiting for something, and it finally dawned on me.
Stability. Solidarity. Synchrony.
To be consistent and in rhythm, one with myself and the universe. There’s just no other way to be me, except the me I see right now in the mirror before me. I can never forget that.
This week has been one hell of a roller coaster ride. I had many negative encounters with people I didn’t even know, a wave of confusion and misunderstanding in classes, and being physically ill. Some days I just thought this would be my last week here before I got defeated by my fundamental darkness and the environment around me, so defeated that I wouldn’t be able to continue my study abroad here. But, somehow, with a lot of support, I was able to get through it.
From this moment on, it’s only going to get harder, but I think keeping in mind that I need to continue advancing will help me move on, and not get so stuck on the little things. I have a greater purpose now. I will reach 500,000 daimoku before study abroad is over, and I will complete my 10-hour toso. Michael Sasaki told all the YPG and March 22 meeting members to, “Make everything a faith-based activity.”
It starts with faith. If we strengthen our faith and do our best, everything will fall into place. There’s no doubt it will.
Just need to do my best. At this point right now I have to watch 4 movies and read about 150-some pages of material for this coming week. It’s insane. I watched 1 out of the 4 movies today, spending 20 pesos ($6-7) for a ticket. It was…a very boring movie. I can’t believe I spent money on it, but it’s for class so I’m sure it has some pertinence to something we’re learning… I hope…
But, again. I won’t be defeated. No more looking back at the past, and looking to home and SUA for answers. The answers are here…in my head.
Vacation is definitely over, around me, in my mind, in my body. It’s time to get to work.
“Stop and stare // I think I’m moving but I go nowhere // Yeah, I know that everyone gets scared // But I’ve become what I can't be, ohhh // Stop and stare // You start to wonder why you’re here, not there // And you’d give anything to get what’s fair // But fair ain’t what you really need // Oh, can you see what I see” – “Stop and Stare” by OneRepublic
End – Week 6: Vacation is Over
Day 41: From Culture Shock to Cultural Bang
The city of Buenos Aires held a 100 years celebration of Okinawa. I’m not too sure what exactly the 100 years part was, but I got to see something exciting!
I swear, I’d never seen this many people out meandering the streets of Buenos Aires. This celebration was a big deal. I’ve wanted to see some kind of parade since I’ve been here, and this opportunity absolutely came out of nowhere. I had just read an email from Mario about an Okinawan festival in Plaza de Mayo [3 train stops down from me], but I thought it’d just be another look-around-at-pretty-things. Not some huge extravaganza FESTIVAL.
It was fun though. There were people from everywhere. I don’t know what exactly it was, but there were Okinawans from places like Peru, Hawaii, L.A, China, Brazil, Mexico, Malaysia, etc. Oh, and from Okinawa, duh. It was so lively. They had really traditional performances like Okinawan drums, and TAIKO. It was fun! Afterwards, they switched gears and had a live tango show. It was so good.
Erika has established that people who aren’t on TV sing much better than those that do get one TV…mainly speaking about Latin American Idol, which have probably the most mediocre-and-below singers…
ANYWAY, Erika and I were trippin’ out when we saw L.A. and Hawaii specifically because we thought we would know someone. XD But, we missed them after the parade, so we could never know, unless we go back and start asking everyone person we know if they went to Argentina.
One thing I was disappointed about was there was no food. I was starving. XD But, I’m glad there are vendors outside who make caramelized nuts on the streets. I had my first pack of caramelized almonds, and they were bomb. SOOOOO GOOD. Perfect snack.
But, the festival was awesome enough that I could just forget about that. One day, I will visit Okinawa.
So, afterwards, Erika and I sought at Calle Florida which is said to be one of the most touristy and inexpensive shopping area in Buenos Aires. While looking for this street, we drew out what I would like to call the ping pong effect. We went one way, and back again, and then back once more to find it. It’s okay, it was good exercise.
And, it was no joke, this place was really cheap.
It was more amusing than at the Recoleta feria. Calle Florida is a pedestrian street so there were many, many types of vendors just on streets trying to sell stuff. There were many people who were making money being statues, selling paintings and magnets, playing harps and guitars, and stuff like that. There was this one guy who painted his paintings with his foot. His paintings were amazingly detailed and beautiful.
We ventured the entire street and made it out the other end which led us to Retiro. I had to buy a phone card for my phone. If you ever come to Buenos Aires, don’t get a Movistar phone, a lot of kiosks don’t sell Movistar phone cards so to save yourself some time, go with Personal or a different carrier.
But yea, today was very…culturally striking. I’ve realized I need to reach out more to the Argentine culture though. Maybe next week… XD
I swear, I’d never seen this many people out meandering the streets of Buenos Aires. This celebration was a big deal. I’ve wanted to see some kind of parade since I’ve been here, and this opportunity absolutely came out of nowhere. I had just read an email from Mario about an Okinawan festival in Plaza de Mayo [3 train stops down from me], but I thought it’d just be another look-around-at-pretty-things. Not some huge extravaganza FESTIVAL.
It was fun though. There were people from everywhere. I don’t know what exactly it was, but there were Okinawans from places like Peru, Hawaii, L.A, China, Brazil, Mexico, Malaysia, etc. Oh, and from Okinawa, duh. It was so lively. They had really traditional performances like Okinawan drums, and TAIKO. It was fun! Afterwards, they switched gears and had a live tango show. It was so good.
Erika has established that people who aren’t on TV sing much better than those that do get one TV…mainly speaking about Latin American Idol, which have probably the most mediocre-and-below singers…
ANYWAY, Erika and I were trippin’ out when we saw L.A. and Hawaii specifically because we thought we would know someone. XD But, we missed them after the parade, so we could never know, unless we go back and start asking everyone person we know if they went to Argentina.
One thing I was disappointed about was there was no food. I was starving. XD But, I’m glad there are vendors outside who make caramelized nuts on the streets. I had my first pack of caramelized almonds, and they were bomb. SOOOOO GOOD. Perfect snack.
But, the festival was awesome enough that I could just forget about that. One day, I will visit Okinawa.
So, afterwards, Erika and I sought at Calle Florida which is said to be one of the most touristy and inexpensive shopping area in Buenos Aires. While looking for this street, we drew out what I would like to call the ping pong effect. We went one way, and back again, and then back once more to find it. It’s okay, it was good exercise.
And, it was no joke, this place was really cheap.
It was more amusing than at the Recoleta feria. Calle Florida is a pedestrian street so there were many, many types of vendors just on streets trying to sell stuff. There were many people who were making money being statues, selling paintings and magnets, playing harps and guitars, and stuff like that. There was this one guy who painted his paintings with his foot. His paintings were amazingly detailed and beautiful.
We ventured the entire street and made it out the other end which led us to Retiro. I had to buy a phone card for my phone. If you ever come to Buenos Aires, don’t get a Movistar phone, a lot of kiosks don’t sell Movistar phone cards so to save yourself some time, go with Personal or a different carrier.
But yea, today was very…culturally striking. I’ve realized I need to reach out more to the Argentine culture though. Maybe next week… XD
Day 40: Sudden Strike of Culture Shock
It’s been 40 days…and I am now realizing how much of a culture shock I’m having right now. I guess I just have a really delayed reaction compared to other people.
Anyway, I’m very frustrated, and I finally see just how fortunate I am to be living in the U.S. Why do I feel and say this now? Yesterday, I had a slight incident in one my classes yesterday. I walked into the classroom and took a seat. The guy behind me starts laughing and says, whoa, there’s a China in here. Chino/China is what they call Asians in general, and it’s supposed to not be derogatory…
Now, I KNOW they told me that if I do get called this, they mean it in no offense, but me, coming from the background that I do [getting bullied and getting called Chinese all throughout grade school], I completely took offense. How could I not. It’s one thing to call someone “yellow,” I’d much prefer that because it includes all Asians, but to be called Chinese was so something that I was getting tired of.
Maybe I just want some political correctness to justify my side of the story, but I was really pissed. I’m still pissed. It might’ve been the fact that he was laughing about it, too, that made me mad, but regardless, I’ve realized that global education isn’t enough. To educate people about the world and to have them actually understand the world are on opposite ends of the spectrum.
I’ve determined not to lose here. But, this incident opened up a deep wound and dumped a whole shit load of salt on it. This is what culture shock is to me… It’s testing me. I know it is.
It made me remember my reason for coming to Buenos Aires in the first place. I’m here to study film. I’m beginning to see just how much I want to go into the film industry, how much I’m willing to deal with in order to reach this goal, how much I need to struggle to realize this dream.
On a much, much lighter note, I was able to buy GUM! Almost everyone knows that I’m a gum addict, a chain-chew gum, take a nap with gum in my mouth, etc.etc. So, when I first came here, all I could find was the local gum called Beldent [which was like mirror of Trident], cept it only came with five pieces of gum, and literally one piece was half the size of a regular Orbitz gum piece. So, it last like 5 minutes before I was just rubber that left a bad taste in your mouth and the entire pack was gone in 30 minutes.
But, I went to the grocery store today and bought chicken salad and a jumbo back of Wrigley’s gum that I didn’t know existed till today. I was able to satiate my craving for gum and vegetables. It’s interesting. I don’t recall eating much salad back at Soka, but for some reason, all I’ve been wanting since I’ve come here is salad. Curious.
Oh, and when I was lunching in my room, I turned the TV on and McCain was giving a speech, introducing his Vice-President?! A woman?! No doubt, this has to be a campaign move to gain more votes.
Yea…
So, yes. I’m going through the angry/frustrated stage of being homesick. Hopefully, I’ll get over it…soon. Well, I have a busy weekend, so I guess it’s almost guaranteed.
P.S, I’m thankful for every encouraging and inspiring conversation I’ve had with everyone. They’ve helped me get through so far. Note to all: bring your source of inspiration/encouragement [I miss reading English books]. There’s no doubt you’ll need it.
Anyway, I’m very frustrated, and I finally see just how fortunate I am to be living in the U.S. Why do I feel and say this now? Yesterday, I had a slight incident in one my classes yesterday. I walked into the classroom and took a seat. The guy behind me starts laughing and says, whoa, there’s a China in here. Chino/China is what they call Asians in general, and it’s supposed to not be derogatory…
Now, I KNOW they told me that if I do get called this, they mean it in no offense, but me, coming from the background that I do [getting bullied and getting called Chinese all throughout grade school], I completely took offense. How could I not. It’s one thing to call someone “yellow,” I’d much prefer that because it includes all Asians, but to be called Chinese was so something that I was getting tired of.
Maybe I just want some political correctness to justify my side of the story, but I was really pissed. I’m still pissed. It might’ve been the fact that he was laughing about it, too, that made me mad, but regardless, I’ve realized that global education isn’t enough. To educate people about the world and to have them actually understand the world are on opposite ends of the spectrum.
I’ve determined not to lose here. But, this incident opened up a deep wound and dumped a whole shit load of salt on it. This is what culture shock is to me… It’s testing me. I know it is.
It made me remember my reason for coming to Buenos Aires in the first place. I’m here to study film. I’m beginning to see just how much I want to go into the film industry, how much I’m willing to deal with in order to reach this goal, how much I need to struggle to realize this dream.
On a much, much lighter note, I was able to buy GUM! Almost everyone knows that I’m a gum addict, a chain-chew gum, take a nap with gum in my mouth, etc.etc. So, when I first came here, all I could find was the local gum called Beldent [which was like mirror of Trident], cept it only came with five pieces of gum, and literally one piece was half the size of a regular Orbitz gum piece. So, it last like 5 minutes before I was just rubber that left a bad taste in your mouth and the entire pack was gone in 30 minutes.
But, I went to the grocery store today and bought chicken salad and a jumbo back of Wrigley’s gum that I didn’t know existed till today. I was able to satiate my craving for gum and vegetables. It’s interesting. I don’t recall eating much salad back at Soka, but for some reason, all I’ve been wanting since I’ve come here is salad. Curious.
Oh, and when I was lunching in my room, I turned the TV on and McCain was giving a speech, introducing his Vice-President?! A woman?! No doubt, this has to be a campaign move to gain more votes.
Yea…
So, yes. I’m going through the angry/frustrated stage of being homesick. Hopefully, I’ll get over it…soon. Well, I have a busy weekend, so I guess it’s almost guaranteed.
P.S, I’m thankful for every encouraging and inspiring conversation I’ve had with everyone. They’ve helped me get through so far. Note to all: bring your source of inspiration/encouragement [I miss reading English books]. There’s no doubt you’ll need it.
Day 39: Sleeeeeeeeep
I woke up early today. In fact I woke up before the alarm clock twice today. Very curious. I wasn’t sure what woke me up, but you know that feeling that you overslept and all you’re thinking about is getting all your things together, dumping an excessive amount of mouthwash into your mouth and running like your ass is on fire. Yea, woke up like that twice, except I stared at the clock blankly wondering why I woke up at 4:00 and then again at 5:15.
I actually had time to make myself breakfast and take my time this morning… but thanks to the subway, being the way it is sometimes, it stopped at 9 de Julio [one stop before where I was supposed to get off] for a few minutes longer than usual to allow people who were running late to get on.
Well it’s okay. It’s Argentine culture to be late anyway…
I got to lit class…and fell asleep. Great, right? Yet, I still have a page of notes in my notebook, which still amazes me. I can multitask in my sleep… Wtf. Well, after class my friends and I stopped by McDonald’s to help us wake up. The McDonald’s here are not like the ones in the U.S. It’s like an actual café. I had cheese biscuits, 2 for 3,50 pesos which is equivalent to more or less a $1.25. It was good.
So, I brought my laptop with me today because we had to present a pictures/song/video representing New York for my second class today. It’s funny. Someone else brought their laptop also, but for some reason, everyone asked me to use my laptop to play their music or to find their pics on the net. The professor at one point told me I should charge them rental.
Ahh, I miss working. Poo. Too bad we can’t get jobs here. I miss it tanto mucho.
Speaking of rental…I forgot to return the DVDs I rented from Blockbusters. We’ll see how the late policy works here. X_x. Well, at least I was able to watch the movies again. They were good. I love them. It’s refreshing to watch light-hearted American movies.
I should really watch them in Castellano.
I had a third class today, too, but let’s just say that’s a forbidden topic to talk about at this point in time. All I can say is that almost everyone in there is a 3rd year [senior] and they were talking about writing theses in there. I was slightly aghast… “slightly” being a HUGE understatement. I’m just glad people in there are nice enough to talk to foreigners like me especially since I’m the only exchange student from my program in the class, because I intended to talk to the professor after class, but she zoomed out before anyone left. Felt like I was left out in the cold.
Which reminds me. It was really cold today. The weather here changes just as drastically as it does in Aliso Viejo. I thought I was going to freeze to death. I had to stop by a few kiosks on the way back to the subway just to warm myself up again.
Well [back to the topic of classes], I feel I can work with the load I’m working with right now. It’s a lot of work, but I have a lot of time. I’m not stressing about it anymore…or at least I’m not consciously stressing about it. I’m learning a lot and it’s a lot more interesting, too. Maybe it’s just because it relates to film that I’m more hyped to learn about it. I dunno…
I’m tired. I can’t write anymore. So, go read something else like this: Hikikomori
On a random side-note, it’s official, my sister is applying to SUA. W00t w0t.
I actually had time to make myself breakfast and take my time this morning… but thanks to the subway, being the way it is sometimes, it stopped at 9 de Julio [one stop before where I was supposed to get off] for a few minutes longer than usual to allow people who were running late to get on.
Well it’s okay. It’s Argentine culture to be late anyway…
I got to lit class…and fell asleep. Great, right? Yet, I still have a page of notes in my notebook, which still amazes me. I can multitask in my sleep… Wtf. Well, after class my friends and I stopped by McDonald’s to help us wake up. The McDonald’s here are not like the ones in the U.S. It’s like an actual café. I had cheese biscuits, 2 for 3,50 pesos which is equivalent to more or less a $1.25. It was good.
So, I brought my laptop with me today because we had to present a pictures/song/video representing New York for my second class today. It’s funny. Someone else brought their laptop also, but for some reason, everyone asked me to use my laptop to play their music or to find their pics on the net. The professor at one point told me I should charge them rental.
Ahh, I miss working. Poo. Too bad we can’t get jobs here. I miss it tanto mucho.
Speaking of rental…I forgot to return the DVDs I rented from Blockbusters. We’ll see how the late policy works here. X_x. Well, at least I was able to watch the movies again. They were good. I love them. It’s refreshing to watch light-hearted American movies.
I should really watch them in Castellano.
I had a third class today, too, but let’s just say that’s a forbidden topic to talk about at this point in time. All I can say is that almost everyone in there is a 3rd year [senior] and they were talking about writing theses in there. I was slightly aghast… “slightly” being a HUGE understatement. I’m just glad people in there are nice enough to talk to foreigners like me especially since I’m the only exchange student from my program in the class, because I intended to talk to the professor after class, but she zoomed out before anyone left. Felt like I was left out in the cold.
Which reminds me. It was really cold today. The weather here changes just as drastically as it does in Aliso Viejo. I thought I was going to freeze to death. I had to stop by a few kiosks on the way back to the subway just to warm myself up again.
Well [back to the topic of classes], I feel I can work with the load I’m working with right now. It’s a lot of work, but I have a lot of time. I’m not stressing about it anymore…or at least I’m not consciously stressing about it. I’m learning a lot and it’s a lot more interesting, too. Maybe it’s just because it relates to film that I’m more hyped to learn about it. I dunno…
I’m tired. I can’t write anymore. So, go read something else like this: Hikikomori
On a random side-note, it’s official, my sister is applying to SUA. W00t w0t.
Day 38: Perfectly Imperfect
You know, on days when your hair gels to absolute perfection, the way you want it, you feel that you’ve conquered all quarters of the world and that nothing in the world could possibly defeat you. Nothing could possibly ruin your day, nothing.
Mmhmm… Wish it were nothing.
I swear it was like a hurricane today. The wind was so strong, there were many, many, many broken umbrellas just rolling down the street side like tumbleweeds on a rainy day. So, needless to say, my flawless hairstyle went down the drain, along with my patience. I had a serious battle with my umbrella. I thought the top would just fly away, and just when I finally thought I got control of the damn bugger, a sudden gust of wind blows and I get slapped in the face with the stick of the umbrella. Ugh.
Umbrellas in the city are annoying. The sidewalks are too narrow and there’s too many people so the umbrellas get caught into each other, or you get slapped in the face with one. It’s quite “pleasant.”
At least I wasn’t the only one fighting. One of the things I was able to witness for the first time with my own eyes is someone’s umbrella go inside-out and then fly out of their hand [they had the strap around their wrist so it didn’t kill anyone, I promise]. Hahah. Yea, that was funny.
Which reminds me. In lit, we learned where the word “protagonist” comes from. “-agon” means to fight, and “pro-” connotes advancement. So, if we were to call ourselves the protagonists of the stories of our lives, we are people fighting to advance. Isn’t that interesting? Anyway, this was in Panorama de Literatura.
I think it’s impossible for some people to talk slower… it just can’t be done… For lit we had to work in groups of 3… But, my group consisted of 2, the other guy being new to the class. So, it was interesting: a person who could barely explain anything clearly and a person who didn’t know anything about what was going on because he had missed the last class. We made it through though. Yay, I guess?
…
Still shocked just how much I could not understand him.
Afterwards, I went to the café and tried to catch up with my reading for my next class. It was actually an interesting reading, far more interesting than what I would ever read in English [maybe it was because it was about film]. It was about interrelationship between film and philosophy. Very interesting.
There’s no doubt everyone in the film track, myself included, enrolled into the film track, thinking the world of cinema is in a totally different realm than that of anything we’ve yet to see. But in reality, film is very much close to home, interrelating different aspects of science, math, history, language, or in terms of SUA, humanities, social & behavioral sciences, and international studies. Cinema is much grander than just a means of expression and much more in touch with humanity that we’ve somehow lost in the other disciplines.
I came here thinking I’d be taking solely film classes (though I didn’t know what it would be like). After classes started, I was somehow disappointed when all the classes I signed up for were philosophically-driven and devoid of anything film-related. Then, I realized. The basic foundation of film starts with understanding the fundamentals of other disciplines, especially in the humanities [something I’ve been studying during my SUA career]. Who would’ve thought that liberal arts would actually help me with my future in film?
Philosophy is much easier to understand in Spanish for some reason. I don’t know why.
I found out today that I’m probably one of the few students in the program to be in the Butler program and having the grades counted toward their GPAs. It’s absolutely frustrating and stressful to know that how I do here is going to affect my GPA. It’s a big worry, because I really don’t know just how well I’ll do. It’s hard to predict.
Which also reminds me. My schedule changed AGAIN. The academic system is really starting to piss me off. It’s the same class that changed last time, too, which adds more to the fire. Luckily, for me, it didn’t conflict my other classes, as some of my other program mates had major problems to work out. So, goodbye 4-day weekend, hello 3-day weekend. I’m actually kind of glad I have some obligation on Mondays, since that’s when the maid comes.
Anyway… Argh. I want to scream.
Forced 8]
P.S., you know the Day count in the title of my posts and the Week labels at the bottom? I don’t pay attention to those… and when I hear today that we’ve been here for a over a month, I FREAKED. Shit. So fast, yet so slow.
Mmhmm… Wish it were nothing.
I swear it was like a hurricane today. The wind was so strong, there were many, many, many broken umbrellas just rolling down the street side like tumbleweeds on a rainy day. So, needless to say, my flawless hairstyle went down the drain, along with my patience. I had a serious battle with my umbrella. I thought the top would just fly away, and just when I finally thought I got control of the damn bugger, a sudden gust of wind blows and I get slapped in the face with the stick of the umbrella. Ugh.
Umbrellas in the city are annoying. The sidewalks are too narrow and there’s too many people so the umbrellas get caught into each other, or you get slapped in the face with one. It’s quite “pleasant.”
At least I wasn’t the only one fighting. One of the things I was able to witness for the first time with my own eyes is someone’s umbrella go inside-out and then fly out of their hand [they had the strap around their wrist so it didn’t kill anyone, I promise]. Hahah. Yea, that was funny.
Which reminds me. In lit, we learned where the word “protagonist” comes from. “-agon” means to fight, and “pro-” connotes advancement. So, if we were to call ourselves the protagonists of the stories of our lives, we are people fighting to advance. Isn’t that interesting? Anyway, this was in Panorama de Literatura.
I think it’s impossible for some people to talk slower… it just can’t be done… For lit we had to work in groups of 3… But, my group consisted of 2, the other guy being new to the class. So, it was interesting: a person who could barely explain anything clearly and a person who didn’t know anything about what was going on because he had missed the last class. We made it through though. Yay, I guess?
…
Still shocked just how much I could not understand him.
Afterwards, I went to the café and tried to catch up with my reading for my next class. It was actually an interesting reading, far more interesting than what I would ever read in English [maybe it was because it was about film]. It was about interrelationship between film and philosophy. Very interesting.
There’s no doubt everyone in the film track, myself included, enrolled into the film track, thinking the world of cinema is in a totally different realm than that of anything we’ve yet to see. But in reality, film is very much close to home, interrelating different aspects of science, math, history, language, or in terms of SUA, humanities, social & behavioral sciences, and international studies. Cinema is much grander than just a means of expression and much more in touch with humanity that we’ve somehow lost in the other disciplines.
I came here thinking I’d be taking solely film classes (though I didn’t know what it would be like). After classes started, I was somehow disappointed when all the classes I signed up for were philosophically-driven and devoid of anything film-related. Then, I realized. The basic foundation of film starts with understanding the fundamentals of other disciplines, especially in the humanities [something I’ve been studying during my SUA career]. Who would’ve thought that liberal arts would actually help me with my future in film?
Philosophy is much easier to understand in Spanish for some reason. I don’t know why.
I found out today that I’m probably one of the few students in the program to be in the Butler program and having the grades counted toward their GPAs. It’s absolutely frustrating and stressful to know that how I do here is going to affect my GPA. It’s a big worry, because I really don’t know just how well I’ll do. It’s hard to predict.
Which also reminds me. My schedule changed AGAIN. The academic system is really starting to piss me off. It’s the same class that changed last time, too, which adds more to the fire. Luckily, for me, it didn’t conflict my other classes, as some of my other program mates had major problems to work out. So, goodbye 4-day weekend, hello 3-day weekend. I’m actually kind of glad I have some obligation on Mondays, since that’s when the maid comes.
Anyway… Argh. I want to scream.
Forced 8]
P.S., you know the Day count in the title of my posts and the Week labels at the bottom? I don’t pay attention to those… and when I hear today that we’ve been here for a over a month, I FREAKED. Shit. So fast, yet so slow.
Day 37: Sanshoshima Never Sleeps…
Mmk. So, the returning of my bad stress rash on my legs should’ve been a clue that I was beginning to stress myself out again. The returning of bad acne should’ve also been a clue that I was beginning to stress myself out again.
Obviously, I DIDN’T GET THE HINTS.
So, my body is screaming at me, full-on. Hives attack #2, full throttle. During my 10am class this morning, I suddenly felt my left eye become slightly puffy, and by the end of class, I could only open it half-way. When I rolled up the sleeves of my sweater, my arms were completely welted and swollen. Since it was covered, I didn’t rush to get home [I just put my sunglasses on and it was fine].
I stopped by Blockbusters, and registered for membership. I rented The Bucket List and Little Miss Sunshine. I can’t believe I hadn’t seen either of these movies earlier.
Anyway, when I got to my room, my torso started to burn slightly, so peered at my back with a mirror, and it was completed welted also, just as my arms. I thought I had a fever for a while, because my face started to burn as well. My face blew up like a balloon. I didn’t know what to do because I had class; I had a 3-hour time span to try to fix this. So, I popped some Sudafed into my system [since I forgot to bring my usual Claritin for Hives] which got me really drowsy and took a nap, with a cold, wet towel on my face.
When I woke up, it wasn’t much better, though it wasn’t as hot as it initially was. I decided to chant, something I hadn’t done since…2 weeks ago. I didn’t want to go to class looking like this, because I didn’t want to get asked what happened, as I wouldn’t know how to reply in Spanish. I did what I could…and left with still a slightly puffy face.
Well, needless to say, I survived class without any comments, and when I got back to my room, and looked at how I looked in the mirror, the welts were gone and my acne, too. I swear I thought I saw someone else in the mirror at first.
Yes, I’ve been so stressed, I’ve been popping a million capillaries in my face and it took a serious case of hives to wash out all the bad blood and bacteria from my skin.
Agh. You know, it’s amazing what a few words from your parents can do for you. I called both of them today, and I’m glad I did. I was really encouraged, and I was finally able to pinpoint why I’ve been feeling so down emotionally and why my health has been shit since I got back from Mendoza. It’s true, I’m stressed.
But, being stressed elsewhere in the world is stress on a totally different level.
I have more to tell, but I just took another Sudafed few minutes ago…
So, I’m gonna KO.
Obviously, I DIDN’T GET THE HINTS.
So, my body is screaming at me, full-on. Hives attack #2, full throttle. During my 10am class this morning, I suddenly felt my left eye become slightly puffy, and by the end of class, I could only open it half-way. When I rolled up the sleeves of my sweater, my arms were completely welted and swollen. Since it was covered, I didn’t rush to get home [I just put my sunglasses on and it was fine].
I stopped by Blockbusters, and registered for membership. I rented The Bucket List and Little Miss Sunshine. I can’t believe I hadn’t seen either of these movies earlier.
Anyway, when I got to my room, my torso started to burn slightly, so peered at my back with a mirror, and it was completed welted also, just as my arms. I thought I had a fever for a while, because my face started to burn as well. My face blew up like a balloon. I didn’t know what to do because I had class; I had a 3-hour time span to try to fix this. So, I popped some Sudafed into my system [since I forgot to bring my usual Claritin for Hives] which got me really drowsy and took a nap, with a cold, wet towel on my face.
When I woke up, it wasn’t much better, though it wasn’t as hot as it initially was. I decided to chant, something I hadn’t done since…2 weeks ago. I didn’t want to go to class looking like this, because I didn’t want to get asked what happened, as I wouldn’t know how to reply in Spanish. I did what I could…and left with still a slightly puffy face.
Well, needless to say, I survived class without any comments, and when I got back to my room, and looked at how I looked in the mirror, the welts were gone and my acne, too. I swear I thought I saw someone else in the mirror at first.
Yes, I’ve been so stressed, I’ve been popping a million capillaries in my face and it took a serious case of hives to wash out all the bad blood and bacteria from my skin.
Agh. You know, it’s amazing what a few words from your parents can do for you. I called both of them today, and I’m glad I did. I was really encouraged, and I was finally able to pinpoint why I’ve been feeling so down emotionally and why my health has been shit since I got back from Mendoza. It’s true, I’m stressed.
But, being stressed elsewhere in the world is stress on a totally different level.
I have more to tell, but I just took another Sudafed few minutes ago…
So, I’m gonna KO.
Day 36: Total Slap in the Face
SUA is going to start without a quarter of 2010 on campus. Just as we are spread around the world fulfilling our requirements for SUA, everyone else is going back to fulfill their end on campus. I came to this realization when I got this academic year’s first SUA Today. It’s hard to believe that life is starting back up again in the Soka bubble.
That, and my vacation is officially over. Trial period for all of my classes have ended and now I have to take all of my classes seriously. School’s in session again and as much as I wanted to start classes, it’s hard for me to muster up the will to actually go to class, for fear that I won’t know what to say if a teacher asks me a question or if I won’t be able to say the right thing.
But, it’s not so easy to run away.
I know I have to study, it’s my priority after all. But, watching 2 movies for class with a friend today, I could only imagine what my professors would ask me about what I thought about the aesthetics of these two movies. Granted I loved the two movies I watched El Abrazo Partido and Nueve Reinas both Argentine movies. Argentine movies are a genre of their own, and I like it. I’m happy to be studying film here but at the same time…
how much longer will I last?
When my friend and I were looking for a place to watch the DVDs, my friend requested that I ask my host mom first whether we can watch it in my room, because her host mom talked shit about Asians and didn’t want me to go through any troubles. I appreciated her consideration, as I think it would’ve made me even more reluctant to get out, but at the same time.
I don’t see why people have problems with each other when it concerns their race. Race doesn’t really say anything about a person. I’ve had this issue growing up as well, being judged for who I am based on how I look. It’s rather annoying, and shallow on the people’s part. In class, people laugh…and I’m not doing the slightest thing to make them laugh. I get asked if I’m Chinese, and I say no, I’m Japanese, and they laugh. All I hear is laughing… That’s just my getting the environment get to me.
I just want to sit inside the bathroom and just sigh. No one will bother me in there.
The world is screaming for attention and I can’t help, but fall prey to it. I feel I’m being rushed, being pressured to do things that I don’t want to, being put into unnecessary situations that can easily be avoided, and it’s all just so frustrating. I’m reaching a breaking point, and I have no piano, no kendo, nothing to release these frustrations.
All I can do is chant. That’s all.
But, dear friends, I’m sorry, but right now, it’s nearly impossible to look ahead. I want to go outside right now. Just sit in the dark on the sidewalk. Waiting for something to happen.
Though I doubt anything will.
That, and my vacation is officially over. Trial period for all of my classes have ended and now I have to take all of my classes seriously. School’s in session again and as much as I wanted to start classes, it’s hard for me to muster up the will to actually go to class, for fear that I won’t know what to say if a teacher asks me a question or if I won’t be able to say the right thing.
But, it’s not so easy to run away.
I know I have to study, it’s my priority after all. But, watching 2 movies for class with a friend today, I could only imagine what my professors would ask me about what I thought about the aesthetics of these two movies. Granted I loved the two movies I watched El Abrazo Partido and Nueve Reinas both Argentine movies. Argentine movies are a genre of their own, and I like it. I’m happy to be studying film here but at the same time…
how much longer will I last?
When my friend and I were looking for a place to watch the DVDs, my friend requested that I ask my host mom first whether we can watch it in my room, because her host mom talked shit about Asians and didn’t want me to go through any troubles. I appreciated her consideration, as I think it would’ve made me even more reluctant to get out, but at the same time.
I don’t see why people have problems with each other when it concerns their race. Race doesn’t really say anything about a person. I’ve had this issue growing up as well, being judged for who I am based on how I look. It’s rather annoying, and shallow on the people’s part. In class, people laugh…and I’m not doing the slightest thing to make them laugh. I get asked if I’m Chinese, and I say no, I’m Japanese, and they laugh. All I hear is laughing… That’s just my getting the environment get to me.
I just want to sit inside the bathroom and just sigh. No one will bother me in there.
The world is screaming for attention and I can’t help, but fall prey to it. I feel I’m being rushed, being pressured to do things that I don’t want to, being put into unnecessary situations that can easily be avoided, and it’s all just so frustrating. I’m reaching a breaking point, and I have no piano, no kendo, nothing to release these frustrations.
All I can do is chant. That’s all.
But, dear friends, I’m sorry, but right now, it’s nearly impossible to look ahead. I want to go outside right now. Just sit in the dark on the sidewalk. Waiting for something to happen.
Though I doubt anything will.
Day 35: Inner Development and Solitude
Today, I went to the Japanese Garden with Erika and another friend of mine from my program. We went today because we had heard that there was a Dondou Matsuri there. We’d never heard of it so we decided to check it out [that and we’ve been wanting to see the largest Japanese Garden outside of Japan]. The place was really serene and refreshing. I’ve decided that one day when I have a house, I will have a small Japanese Garden in my backyard.
Our visit got cut short because we got hungry and decided to eat outside the garden because the restaurant inside was kind of pricey…which in the end didn’t really make a difference because the place we ended up eating at was expensive. It was good food, though [even though we got charged table service…XP]. My friend left a little early, so Erika and I were going to places like the grocery store and office supply store. Haha, at one point we crossed the street before realizing we never checked if there was incoming traffic.
Luckily, we didn’t die.
Oh yea, we met a guy from northern Peru who was selling bracelets at the feria. He was talking about how he liked to surf and find information about this one game through traveling. He wanted to make a movie on the information he gathered. He was really chill. I’m glad there are still friendly faces of strangers that exist in this world. It seems that the more we advance we become more faceless and emotionless. This is what I thought about the U.S. before I left, but then I saw that here, too [I’m writing an essay about this so one day I’ll post it elsewhere for people to read].
This is the kind of day I needed after a day’s worth of practically staying inside. I calm, but productive day out with friends. I guess getting out of my little bubble is what my brain needed to circulate and organize the junk and thoughts in my head.
Standing on the concrete island in the middle of the 3-way, triangulated streets of Plaza Italia, staring at one of the Barneys waving to the kids that walked passed him, I had an epiphany.
I’d grown up.
As I waited for the crosswalk light to tell us to go, my entire childhood as if in slow-motion flashed before me. Barney. I used to watch Barney in the mornings before I attended school. And, people used to make fun of him when I started school, and I would lie and say I never watched him because I was afraid of being teased. Then later on, in middle school/high school, it used to be the talk of nostalgia, but I was still afraid to take part in that.
Afraid of being left out.
I realized today, that I’ve built this wall around me, a mental block that refused to let people in. I never really fit in when I was in grade school and got picked on quite a few times [I was never one to start up a conversation], so I always had my guard up since then. Today, I realized I’ve let that interfere with how I communicate with people. I used to let my assumption of how people would judge me take away the confidence to open up.
But on study abroad, you can’t be so guarded. I can’t change how people will initially think of me, but I can change how they will see me after I take the initiative to make that connection.
I’ve been so blind to the development of my own life. It makes me wonder sometimes just whose life exactly have I been living?
You know, we talk about growth as if it’s a physical or even mental phenomenon. I think I can finally say, in the past few years I was able to polish the more obvious things about me, like my outward attitude towards people, the way I deal with different situations and stuff like that. I was able to grow from the external struggles that were brought upon me. But, I think that’s a growth that’s much on a much shallower level.
From here on, it’ll be a growth that’ll be much deeper that’s so rooted within that we’re not conscious of it, a growth that allows our physical selves to connect to the innermost self on the most fundamental level.
It’s been a physically wearisome week, being sick and all, but I think as long as I’m still on a mental and emotional high, I’ll be okay. The song I picked for this week describes just how this week has been. Though I try to write more positively about my academics here, it’s hard and it’s definitely a struggle. In all honesty, it’s frustrating not understanding every word I hear.
But, it’s okay. I just remember just that much.
Makesou de nakisou de // Kieteshimaisou boku wa // Dare no kotoba wo shinji arukeba ii no? // Aa Makenaii de nakanai de // Kieteshimaisou na toki wa // Jibun no koe wo shinjiarukeba ii no // Itsu no jidai mo kanashimi mo // Sakete wa torenai keredo // Egao wo misete ima wo ikite yukou // Ima wo ikite yukou // Haikei kono tegami yondeiru anata ga // Shiawase na koto wo negaimasu
“Seems like I’m about to be defeated and cry // For someone who’s seemingly about to disappear // Whose words should I believe in? // Please don’t be defeated and please don’t shed a tear // During these times when you’re seemingly about to disappear // Just believe in your own voice // No matter what era we’re in // There’s no running away from sorrow // So show your smile, and go on living the present // Go on living the present // Dear you // Who’s reading this letter // I wish you happiness” – “Tegami” by Angela Aki
End – Week 5: On Becoming a Filmmaker
Our visit got cut short because we got hungry and decided to eat outside the garden because the restaurant inside was kind of pricey…which in the end didn’t really make a difference because the place we ended up eating at was expensive. It was good food, though [even though we got charged table service…XP]. My friend left a little early, so Erika and I were going to places like the grocery store and office supply store. Haha, at one point we crossed the street before realizing we never checked if there was incoming traffic.
Luckily, we didn’t die.
Oh yea, we met a guy from northern Peru who was selling bracelets at the feria. He was talking about how he liked to surf and find information about this one game through traveling. He wanted to make a movie on the information he gathered. He was really chill. I’m glad there are still friendly faces of strangers that exist in this world. It seems that the more we advance we become more faceless and emotionless. This is what I thought about the U.S. before I left, but then I saw that here, too [I’m writing an essay about this so one day I’ll post it elsewhere for people to read].
This is the kind of day I needed after a day’s worth of practically staying inside. I calm, but productive day out with friends. I guess getting out of my little bubble is what my brain needed to circulate and organize the junk and thoughts in my head.
Standing on the concrete island in the middle of the 3-way, triangulated streets of Plaza Italia, staring at one of the Barneys waving to the kids that walked passed him, I had an epiphany.
I’d grown up.
As I waited for the crosswalk light to tell us to go, my entire childhood as if in slow-motion flashed before me. Barney. I used to watch Barney in the mornings before I attended school. And, people used to make fun of him when I started school, and I would lie and say I never watched him because I was afraid of being teased. Then later on, in middle school/high school, it used to be the talk of nostalgia, but I was still afraid to take part in that.
Afraid of being left out.
I realized today, that I’ve built this wall around me, a mental block that refused to let people in. I never really fit in when I was in grade school and got picked on quite a few times [I was never one to start up a conversation], so I always had my guard up since then. Today, I realized I’ve let that interfere with how I communicate with people. I used to let my assumption of how people would judge me take away the confidence to open up.
But on study abroad, you can’t be so guarded. I can’t change how people will initially think of me, but I can change how they will see me after I take the initiative to make that connection.
I’ve been so blind to the development of my own life. It makes me wonder sometimes just whose life exactly have I been living?
You know, we talk about growth as if it’s a physical or even mental phenomenon. I think I can finally say, in the past few years I was able to polish the more obvious things about me, like my outward attitude towards people, the way I deal with different situations and stuff like that. I was able to grow from the external struggles that were brought upon me. But, I think that’s a growth that’s much on a much shallower level.
From here on, it’ll be a growth that’ll be much deeper that’s so rooted within that we’re not conscious of it, a growth that allows our physical selves to connect to the innermost self on the most fundamental level.
It’s been a physically wearisome week, being sick and all, but I think as long as I’m still on a mental and emotional high, I’ll be okay. The song I picked for this week describes just how this week has been. Though I try to write more positively about my academics here, it’s hard and it’s definitely a struggle. In all honesty, it’s frustrating not understanding every word I hear.
But, it’s okay. I just remember just that much.
Makesou de nakisou de // Kieteshimaisou boku wa // Dare no kotoba wo shinji arukeba ii no? // Aa Makenaii de nakanai de // Kieteshimaisou na toki wa // Jibun no koe wo shinjiarukeba ii no // Itsu no jidai mo kanashimi mo // Sakete wa torenai keredo // Egao wo misete ima wo ikite yukou // Ima wo ikite yukou // Haikei kono tegami yondeiru anata ga // Shiawase na koto wo negaimasu
“Seems like I’m about to be defeated and cry // For someone who’s seemingly about to disappear // Whose words should I believe in? // Please don’t be defeated and please don’t shed a tear // During these times when you’re seemingly about to disappear // Just believe in your own voice // No matter what era we’re in // There’s no running away from sorrow // So show your smile, and go on living the present // Go on living the present // Dear you // Who’s reading this letter // I wish you happiness” – “Tegami” by Angela Aki
End – Week 5: On Becoming a Filmmaker
Day 34: Study Abroad is About Learning How to Communicate
So, I found out today that while I’m at home in my room, thinking everyone is out doing something and too busy to pick up a phone call from me, that there are other people, like my friends, who are also at home in their rooms thinking the same thing.
And…where did the communication go awry?
Anyway, unlike Soka where you usually see everyone every day [and if you don’t there’s something terribly wrong], I fell back into the groove of seeing someone and not seeing them for a really, really long time, even with friends. So, today, I had dinner with my friend whom I hadn’t seen for 2 weeks now. So, we were catching up. How our host families are; what we’ve been up to; how classes were going; if there’s any big news that we needed to share.
We got into politics. You know, for me, it’s hard to keep up with politics here, especially during one of the most important seasons for United States citizens. So my friend and I were trying to discuss who would be the better candidate come November. It’s hard because we don’t get much of who stands where here, unless we look it up on the internet. We could find something in the daily papers, but there are 3 things that are very prominent here:
1) People are politically-geared, not just about Argentina, but elsewhere as well
2) No one likes Bush. And, and people are curious whether you do.
3) Everyone idolizes Obama.
That’s enough for me to kind of stray away from daily newspapers, as they could be muchly biased and extremely leftist/rightist, depending on which paper I buy. So, I’ve left the daily newspaper for Argentine news. The rest of the investigation-to-be for which president to elect will be done on the internet, with much thinking to be done afterwards.
Aside from that, I wasn’t much for getting out today. I wanted to make sure I got better, especially before my class routine kicked in because commute is definitely not a 5-minute walk like Soka. It’s a 30-minute walk to the station, 10-minute ride on the subway, and another 15-minute walk to the university. Though I enjoy the travel, I’m less up for it if I don’t feel well.
You know, you don’t realize just how much the world passes you by when you’re sitting in your room, sick with nothing to do. If my friend hadn’t called me, my day would’ve totally lacked Spanish communication [my internet was good enough that I was able to watch 3 episodes of Seigi no Mikata]. And, I realized today, my speaking flow was much more fluid. I had to stop to think about a few words, but in general, it was definitely flowing.
I totally gave myself an A in my head. 8]
I remembered a time when I first got to SUA and all I could say was “Nandeyanen!” in Japanese. My Japanese grammar sucked all of freshman year and I remember having to think of phrases way in advance, just to be able to use them when the time was right…and then saying it wrong in the end anyway.
It was kind of that same process of being able to speak in another language. I don’t quite remember what helped me improve, but I did. I guess it was because I constantly thought about it and was around people who spoke. So, hopefully just being around people and …not eavesdropping, but eavesdropping will help me try to understand what people are saying.
However…one thing I can say though is Japanese is more or less the first language I learned, so it might have something to do with me being able to relearn it so fast. But, now, I don’t have a mental block that stops me from really expressing myself in Spanish/Castellano. So, definitely. I will improve to communicate.
Or at least enough to be able to inspire others. 8]
And…where did the communication go awry?
Anyway, unlike Soka where you usually see everyone every day [and if you don’t there’s something terribly wrong], I fell back into the groove of seeing someone and not seeing them for a really, really long time, even with friends. So, today, I had dinner with my friend whom I hadn’t seen for 2 weeks now. So, we were catching up. How our host families are; what we’ve been up to; how classes were going; if there’s any big news that we needed to share.
We got into politics. You know, for me, it’s hard to keep up with politics here, especially during one of the most important seasons for United States citizens. So my friend and I were trying to discuss who would be the better candidate come November. It’s hard because we don’t get much of who stands where here, unless we look it up on the internet. We could find something in the daily papers, but there are 3 things that are very prominent here:
1) People are politically-geared, not just about Argentina, but elsewhere as well
2) No one likes Bush. And, and people are curious whether you do.
3) Everyone idolizes Obama.
That’s enough for me to kind of stray away from daily newspapers, as they could be muchly biased and extremely leftist/rightist, depending on which paper I buy. So, I’ve left the daily newspaper for Argentine news. The rest of the investigation-to-be for which president to elect will be done on the internet, with much thinking to be done afterwards.
Aside from that, I wasn’t much for getting out today. I wanted to make sure I got better, especially before my class routine kicked in because commute is definitely not a 5-minute walk like Soka. It’s a 30-minute walk to the station, 10-minute ride on the subway, and another 15-minute walk to the university. Though I enjoy the travel, I’m less up for it if I don’t feel well.
You know, you don’t realize just how much the world passes you by when you’re sitting in your room, sick with nothing to do. If my friend hadn’t called me, my day would’ve totally lacked Spanish communication [my internet was good enough that I was able to watch 3 episodes of Seigi no Mikata]. And, I realized today, my speaking flow was much more fluid. I had to stop to think about a few words, but in general, it was definitely flowing.
I totally gave myself an A in my head. 8]
I remembered a time when I first got to SUA and all I could say was “Nandeyanen!” in Japanese. My Japanese grammar sucked all of freshman year and I remember having to think of phrases way in advance, just to be able to use them when the time was right…and then saying it wrong in the end anyway.
It was kind of that same process of being able to speak in another language. I don’t quite remember what helped me improve, but I did. I guess it was because I constantly thought about it and was around people who spoke. So, hopefully just being around people and …not eavesdropping, but eavesdropping will help me try to understand what people are saying.
However…one thing I can say though is Japanese is more or less the first language I learned, so it might have something to do with me being able to relearn it so fast. But, now, I don’t have a mental block that stops me from really expressing myself in Spanish/Castellano. So, definitely. I will improve to communicate.
Or at least enough to be able to inspire others. 8]
Day 33: I Swear, After This, I’ll Never Get Sick Again…
The story is the same. Kusho is known only to get terribly sick once a year and usually that happens during break or vacation when it doesn’t interfere with anything.
This year is different.
I missed 3 days during spring semester and missed one day of Spanish. Yes. And now, I am in pain. Yes, my body is aching, terribly. But, I am okay. It’s just irritating that whatever position I put myself in, I am not comfortable and my head spins. Yes. The horrible aftereffects of getting hives. My inability to feel just how hot or cold it is outside has got people staring at me for reasons outside of what I’m used to.
I was in my bright orange shorts and a hoodie today.
Despite feeling slightly light-headed, today was a productive day, not that I wanted to be productive, but I had to.
You know, the luxury of living inside a dorm is that you have everything necessary and important close to you [yes, the concept of necessity and importance can be argued, but let’s pretend to be brainwashed Americans for one second].
I was out of clothes. I needed to do laundry. To be quite honest, I miss being able to just walk up to a washer with my own detergent and do my own clothes for $1 per load, then putting it in the dryer for $0.50, waiting for it to finish, and then going through a nice relaxing folding trance where you can just forget about whatever shit you’re going through. I miss that.
I have to pay extra expenses here, just to get that done, at almost $5.50 per load. And today, when I went to pick up my clothes, I ended up getting someone else’s socks too. Yes. I miss doing things by myself.
The reason I miss it NOW is because of this.
ATMs…all of them. No me gusta. I realized why it only spits out 100 pesos at a time. Because no one else uses them. I wanted to pay my 32 pesos at the laundry place with a 100-peso bill, but they didn’t have change. They didn’t have 68 pesos that they could spare, and still run the business to give change. That’s the thing here, unless you go out to eat an expensive meal or go to a big store like Musimundo [equivalent to Best Buy], you can’t break a 100-peso bill…which is usually the only bills you get out of an ATM.
Que problema. Since I’ve been here, I’ve been withdrawing weird amounts every week from ATMs like 490 pesos, or 530 pesos, just to get the smaller bills. But, today, every ATM I went to told me to withdraw in increments of 50 pesos. So, I had to suffice with a 50-peso bill, which in reality is much better than a 100-peso bill. But, you get what I mean.
ANYWAY, that was my peeve of the day. Outside of that, I walked around the streets, just for the sake of walking. There’s definitely a difference between walking for the sake of walking and walking for the sake of getting somewhere. You definitely notice more when you’ve got nowhere to go. You notice how business men who walk with their [I think] colleagues wear the same suit and tie; how even dogs stare like the people do here; how every morning, business owners and landlords mop their section of their sidewalk; how homeless people have their own places to call home; how people who go through trash wear brand names like Adidas.
Little things like that. It’s pretty cool.
Oh, I also noticed that people who give out fliers on the side of the streets, don’t try to give me one, oh, except the people that hand out “English classes at UBA” fliers. I get those ALL the TIME. My friend yesterday brought up a very good point. She said, “You probably get asked all the time if you’re an exchanged student.” It’s very true.
After coming here, I’ve realized things like that. The United States is very unique because people from everywhere are there. People are slightly more used to having people of other ethnicities around them. But, places like Argentina, it’s almost homogenous. So, if they just happen to see someone that looks slightly different from them, they stare. I’ve gotten used to it. It’s not that big of a deal anymore. Just smile and say “Hola.”
Another thing I’ve realize since coming here is that cars and buses are disgusting. The world could do without them. Seriously. I blew my nose today and realized just how much air pollution is getting sucked into my system. Yea, I know. Gross. I’ve been taking the subway, which I’m pretty sure is much greener than cars and buses. It’s the one place where I can breathe without choking on the amount of soot and exhaust that comes out of the cars the rev around the streets [though I’m probably breathing something else].
So, when I get back on campus, I’m buying a bike, not a car. It’ll be my way of transportation from the campus to the town center. It’s cheaper, it’s healthier, and it’s a faster means to get from point A to point B than on foot. Yes. I’ll do my part to help save the earth. 8]
“Human life is indeed wondrous. You may be ill physically, but as long as your mental state is strong, it most certainly will exert a positive influence on your body. There may be no better remedy than hope.” – Daisaku Ikeda.
Still fighting strong.
P.S, I want to buy an air freshener for my room, so that I don’t always smell cigarettes, but is it in anyway disrespectful to my host mom? O_o
P.P.S, Angela Aki is my hero.
This year is different.
I missed 3 days during spring semester and missed one day of Spanish. Yes. And now, I am in pain. Yes, my body is aching, terribly. But, I am okay. It’s just irritating that whatever position I put myself in, I am not comfortable and my head spins. Yes. The horrible aftereffects of getting hives. My inability to feel just how hot or cold it is outside has got people staring at me for reasons outside of what I’m used to.
I was in my bright orange shorts and a hoodie today.
Despite feeling slightly light-headed, today was a productive day, not that I wanted to be productive, but I had to.
You know, the luxury of living inside a dorm is that you have everything necessary and important close to you [yes, the concept of necessity and importance can be argued, but let’s pretend to be brainwashed Americans for one second].
I was out of clothes. I needed to do laundry. To be quite honest, I miss being able to just walk up to a washer with my own detergent and do my own clothes for $1 per load, then putting it in the dryer for $0.50, waiting for it to finish, and then going through a nice relaxing folding trance where you can just forget about whatever shit you’re going through. I miss that.
I have to pay extra expenses here, just to get that done, at almost $5.50 per load. And today, when I went to pick up my clothes, I ended up getting someone else’s socks too. Yes. I miss doing things by myself.
The reason I miss it NOW is because of this.
ATMs…all of them. No me gusta. I realized why it only spits out 100 pesos at a time. Because no one else uses them. I wanted to pay my 32 pesos at the laundry place with a 100-peso bill, but they didn’t have change. They didn’t have 68 pesos that they could spare, and still run the business to give change. That’s the thing here, unless you go out to eat an expensive meal or go to a big store like Musimundo [equivalent to Best Buy], you can’t break a 100-peso bill…which is usually the only bills you get out of an ATM.
Que problema. Since I’ve been here, I’ve been withdrawing weird amounts every week from ATMs like 490 pesos, or 530 pesos, just to get the smaller bills. But, today, every ATM I went to told me to withdraw in increments of 50 pesos. So, I had to suffice with a 50-peso bill, which in reality is much better than a 100-peso bill. But, you get what I mean.
ANYWAY, that was my peeve of the day. Outside of that, I walked around the streets, just for the sake of walking. There’s definitely a difference between walking for the sake of walking and walking for the sake of getting somewhere. You definitely notice more when you’ve got nowhere to go. You notice how business men who walk with their [I think] colleagues wear the same suit and tie; how even dogs stare like the people do here; how every morning, business owners and landlords mop their section of their sidewalk; how homeless people have their own places to call home; how people who go through trash wear brand names like Adidas.
Little things like that. It’s pretty cool.
Oh, I also noticed that people who give out fliers on the side of the streets, don’t try to give me one, oh, except the people that hand out “English classes at UBA” fliers. I get those ALL the TIME. My friend yesterday brought up a very good point. She said, “You probably get asked all the time if you’re an exchanged student.” It’s very true.
After coming here, I’ve realized things like that. The United States is very unique because people from everywhere are there. People are slightly more used to having people of other ethnicities around them. But, places like Argentina, it’s almost homogenous. So, if they just happen to see someone that looks slightly different from them, they stare. I’ve gotten used to it. It’s not that big of a deal anymore. Just smile and say “Hola.”
Another thing I’ve realize since coming here is that cars and buses are disgusting. The world could do without them. Seriously. I blew my nose today and realized just how much air pollution is getting sucked into my system. Yea, I know. Gross. I’ve been taking the subway, which I’m pretty sure is much greener than cars and buses. It’s the one place where I can breathe without choking on the amount of soot and exhaust that comes out of the cars the rev around the streets [though I’m probably breathing something else].
So, when I get back on campus, I’m buying a bike, not a car. It’ll be my way of transportation from the campus to the town center. It’s cheaper, it’s healthier, and it’s a faster means to get from point A to point B than on foot. Yes. I’ll do my part to help save the earth. 8]
“Human life is indeed wondrous. You may be ill physically, but as long as your mental state is strong, it most certainly will exert a positive influence on your body. There may be no better remedy than hope.” – Daisaku Ikeda.
Still fighting strong.
P.S, I want to buy an air freshener for my room, so that I don’t always smell cigarettes, but is it in anyway disrespectful to my host mom? O_o
P.P.S, Angela Aki is my hero.
Day 32: Reminds Me of High School…
Today I was supposed to wake up at 6, to catch the train at 7, to be at class at 8.
FAT CHANCE.
I woke up at 6:45, ended up leaving the apartment at 7:15, and ran my ass off and made it to class by 8:05. My alarm clock [which is my cell phone, playing Yukiyanagi] had been going off for 45 minutes [it plays goes for 2 minutes in 9-minute intervals] before I even heard anything. And the phone was right next to my ears too! Damn ears…
Which reminds me of a story about the ride to Mendoza.
All throughout the bus ride there, they played old American music videos. I’m talking 80s/90s music videos. It was nice to listen to American music, but Erika and I were wondering what the ARGENTINE passengers thought. Anyway, the next morning, when I wake up, Erika nudges me and tells me “Dude, they played one Japanese song last night.” I was like, “really?!” And asked what song it was. She didn’t quite know, but she was sure it was Japanese. I was kind of disappointed because I missed it. But, then she tells me, “Listen, there it is again!”
We were both sitting there, listening intently. I heard it! And I listened a little more just to see what song it was…
And then it hit me.
It was my cell phone, playing the first 30 seconds of Yukiyanagi over and over again. Yep. Needless to say, when I took out my cell phone to turn it off, it was so loud, I’m pretty sure I woke up everyone else on the bus. Mmhmm…
So, yes, I got to class late. I was kind of stunned when I walked in because it was a different professor. Turns out at FUC, there’s a professor for the practical studies and professor for the theoretical studies. So, for each class, I have 2 professors, each with their own homework assignment. That means, I’m practically taking 9 classes [my Castellano class is just Patricio, so that’s why the odd number]. Yay… …
I’m glad I have one slack class though, the Panorama de Literatura, since I’ve read most of the things that we’re going to read. It’s actually curious, because I had been aching to read some of the stuff I read back in freshmen year of high school, and almost everything we’re reading are by the authors I studied during that time. Poe, Chekov, Kafka, etc.etc along with other authors. This class balances out my two high-level, philosophically-geared classes. In fact, this is my schedule [hopefully, it won’t change for the millionth time]:
My other class is pretty basic. I’m pretty sure it’s similar to intro to film studies, plus a mix of Buenos Aires/Argentine culture. I learned a lot about what to look for in a scene to analyze it. How different camera shots work. And, a little bit of film history too. Very interesting. For this class, if I understood correctly, we have to make a short piece about Buenos Aires. I think I’m going to do mine on people. Elaboration on the topic is still yet to be thought about.
By the end of this class, I was so tired I could pass out and never wake up. But, before I went home I went out for pizza with a few people in my class. It’s amazing where people my age have already been: Turkey, Brazil, Honduras, France, etc… And actually, where they want to go too, like Iran. It’s very diverse group of people. Afterwards, when I was walking to the station with a friend, we came across a rally/protest thing. It was insane how many people were at Plaza de Mayo. They were shooting fireworks and a marching band was playing and everything. I got out of there quick…
When I got home, I passed out. Until dinner.
Dinner was actually at Mario’s tonight [the program director]. He invited all the people in tracks for dinner. I was kind of nervous getting there because the area he lives in is notorious for danger. But, I got there fine [he has a really, really nice house].
Met up with other people in my program and had probably the most delicious vegetarian food I’ve had ever [and my first completely home-cooked meal]. Apparently, Mario’s partner cooked everything. It was pita bread, with a bunch of different types of picada [salsa-ish things] and humus. I’ve never been so satiated by the food here, and actually felt good about eating it [as opposed to eating steak…and realizing it was too heavy to eat]. A light dinner, and then really, really good ice cream. One thing I LOVE here is ice cream. It’s the best. So rich and creamy.
During this delicious experience, I got to know many more people from my program. I’ve realized [almost] everyone is from a small school, just like I am. And THERE ARE places that have better treatment than SUA. [SHOCK! I know]. I also got to talk to COPA staff, and they knew a lot about the good places to eat. I can’t wait to go and try them out.
Since the subte stopped at 10:00ish, I had to leave a little early. I left with a few friends from the film track and we were all blabbering in Castellano. One of the guys told me that my Castellano has improved so much since I’ve gotten here. I was soooooo happy someone told me I was improving, because it is very hard to tell when all you get are really strained looks of people trying to understand you.
Good night. Very good night.
P.S… So I’ve concluded that Fridays are garbage days. How do I know? The garbage truck is making obnoxious sounds as I type. Yes. At 1:30 in the morning. Lovely, yea?
FAT CHANCE.
I woke up at 6:45, ended up leaving the apartment at 7:15, and ran my ass off and made it to class by 8:05. My alarm clock [which is my cell phone, playing Yukiyanagi] had been going off for 45 minutes [it plays goes for 2 minutes in 9-minute intervals] before I even heard anything. And the phone was right next to my ears too! Damn ears…
Which reminds me of a story about the ride to Mendoza.
All throughout the bus ride there, they played old American music videos. I’m talking 80s/90s music videos. It was nice to listen to American music, but Erika and I were wondering what the ARGENTINE passengers thought. Anyway, the next morning, when I wake up, Erika nudges me and tells me “Dude, they played one Japanese song last night.” I was like, “really?!” And asked what song it was. She didn’t quite know, but she was sure it was Japanese. I was kind of disappointed because I missed it. But, then she tells me, “Listen, there it is again!”
We were both sitting there, listening intently. I heard it! And I listened a little more just to see what song it was…
And then it hit me.
It was my cell phone, playing the first 30 seconds of Yukiyanagi over and over again. Yep. Needless to say, when I took out my cell phone to turn it off, it was so loud, I’m pretty sure I woke up everyone else on the bus. Mmhmm…
So, yes, I got to class late. I was kind of stunned when I walked in because it was a different professor. Turns out at FUC, there’s a professor for the practical studies and professor for the theoretical studies. So, for each class, I have 2 professors, each with their own homework assignment. That means, I’m practically taking 9 classes [my Castellano class is just Patricio, so that’s why the odd number]. Yay… …
I’m glad I have one slack class though, the Panorama de Literatura, since I’ve read most of the things that we’re going to read. It’s actually curious, because I had been aching to read some of the stuff I read back in freshmen year of high school, and almost everything we’re reading are by the authors I studied during that time. Poe, Chekov, Kafka, etc.etc along with other authors. This class balances out my two high-level, philosophically-geared classes. In fact, this is my schedule [hopefully, it won’t change for the millionth time]:
My other class is pretty basic. I’m pretty sure it’s similar to intro to film studies, plus a mix of Buenos Aires/Argentine culture. I learned a lot about what to look for in a scene to analyze it. How different camera shots work. And, a little bit of film history too. Very interesting. For this class, if I understood correctly, we have to make a short piece about Buenos Aires. I think I’m going to do mine on people. Elaboration on the topic is still yet to be thought about.
By the end of this class, I was so tired I could pass out and never wake up. But, before I went home I went out for pizza with a few people in my class. It’s amazing where people my age have already been: Turkey, Brazil, Honduras, France, etc… And actually, where they want to go too, like Iran. It’s very diverse group of people. Afterwards, when I was walking to the station with a friend, we came across a rally/protest thing. It was insane how many people were at Plaza de Mayo. They were shooting fireworks and a marching band was playing and everything. I got out of there quick…
When I got home, I passed out. Until dinner.
Dinner was actually at Mario’s tonight [the program director]. He invited all the people in tracks for dinner. I was kind of nervous getting there because the area he lives in is notorious for danger. But, I got there fine [he has a really, really nice house].
Met up with other people in my program and had probably the most delicious vegetarian food I’ve had ever [and my first completely home-cooked meal]. Apparently, Mario’s partner cooked everything. It was pita bread, with a bunch of different types of picada [salsa-ish things] and humus. I’ve never been so satiated by the food here, and actually felt good about eating it [as opposed to eating steak…and realizing it was too heavy to eat]. A light dinner, and then really, really good ice cream. One thing I LOVE here is ice cream. It’s the best. So rich and creamy.
During this delicious experience, I got to know many more people from my program. I’ve realized [almost] everyone is from a small school, just like I am. And THERE ARE places that have better treatment than SUA. [SHOCK! I know]. I also got to talk to COPA staff, and they knew a lot about the good places to eat. I can’t wait to go and try them out.
Since the subte stopped at 10:00ish, I had to leave a little early. I left with a few friends from the film track and we were all blabbering in Castellano. One of the guys told me that my Castellano has improved so much since I’ve gotten here. I was soooooo happy someone told me I was improving, because it is very hard to tell when all you get are really strained looks of people trying to understand you.
Good night. Very good night.
P.S… So I’ve concluded that Fridays are garbage days. How do I know? The garbage truck is making obnoxious sounds as I type. Yes. At 1:30 in the morning. Lovely, yea?
Day 31: Yappa…Gariben ni Nacchau na…
So…physically, I still felt like shit, but I was so excited to go to class. It’s definitely more reassuring to be able to go to the first day of class and know what’s going on, rather than going the second or third day, and being absolutely clueless.
My first class of the day was Panorama de Literatura. I was quite interested to see what connections can be made between literature and cinema, and I definitely want to use what I learn here, toward my capstone. Of course, as Argentine tradition goes, the professor [or rather profesora in this case] was about 15-20 minutes late. She’s an elderly lady, who has slightly a hard time hearing. When she called out attendance, she looked at me and asked if I was Chinese.
Seriously…she could’ve at least asked what my ethnicity was. Jeez.
That question seriously gave me a huge blow to my Japanese blood. BUT, it’s okay…I shouldn’t take any offense, since it’s their way of asking such a thing. Right…? Nevertheless, I was able to connect with the professor on a level that I wasn’t able to with at the other universities, which gave me sense of comfort. I really thought that the professor cared about getting to know her students; she openly admitted wanting to get to know us while doing attendance.
I like this class. It’s interesting how she connects the formation of literature to scriptwriting. They’re more similar than I thought. A lot of what we’re reading is going to be review for me, but I’m glad. At least I understand the stories in English, so I just need to process them in Castellano. I was glad.
After class, my friend and I went to the café and had lunch. We talked about the differences between the universities that were offered to us outside of the film track and the university we were at. I think everyone in our film track likes this university. It’s a nice environment to study in, nice professors and interesting people. Just like Soka.
We also stopped by the copiadora, which is a place where they sell copies of all the materials you need for your classes. Can you believe that this system actually exists?! It’s cheap. Much better than buying books [though books are nicer to carry around]. So, what we do is we find the binder with the name of our course and [sometimes] professors, and in there are sheet protectors filled with pages of readings that’s offered in that class. You just take that sheet protector of the reading you need and they copy if for you.
It’s convenient. It’s easy. It’s accessible.
Ufufu… [I can get readings for classes I’m not even taking… Oh the possibilities, of study beyond studies]
My second and final class for today was Estética Cinematográfica. Turns out there are 7 out of 8 of us in the film track in this class. It’s only because there two different sections combined. Which reminds me… My section got changed. This class/section was supposed to be on Mondays and Wednesday, but it changed for the better. It’s only on Wednesdays now, for 4-5 hours. If all goes well, and I take the classes that I’ve been taking, then I don’t have classes on Mondays or Fridays.
W00t. 4-day weekends.
Anyway, this class is pretty heavy with philosophy. But, it’s interesting to learn about the visual aesthetics of film and the process of understanding and creating meaning behind it through philosophy. Our first reading in the class: Delueze. I read him for philosophy two semesters ago. So, I’m glad I have some background. Although, this class and my other theory and aesthetics class maybe difficult [they are 3rd year film school material after all], I think I’ll work my butt off and enjoy these classes.
Yep. I’m gonna study hard. Make the most out of this film school…because I don’t know when I’ll be able to take classes at a film school again.
I’m a nerd. I’m a geek.
And I am proud.
My first class of the day was Panorama de Literatura. I was quite interested to see what connections can be made between literature and cinema, and I definitely want to use what I learn here, toward my capstone. Of course, as Argentine tradition goes, the professor [or rather profesora in this case] was about 15-20 minutes late. She’s an elderly lady, who has slightly a hard time hearing. When she called out attendance, she looked at me and asked if I was Chinese.
Seriously…she could’ve at least asked what my ethnicity was. Jeez.
That question seriously gave me a huge blow to my Japanese blood. BUT, it’s okay…I shouldn’t take any offense, since it’s their way of asking such a thing. Right…? Nevertheless, I was able to connect with the professor on a level that I wasn’t able to with at the other universities, which gave me sense of comfort. I really thought that the professor cared about getting to know her students; she openly admitted wanting to get to know us while doing attendance.
I like this class. It’s interesting how she connects the formation of literature to scriptwriting. They’re more similar than I thought. A lot of what we’re reading is going to be review for me, but I’m glad. At least I understand the stories in English, so I just need to process them in Castellano. I was glad.
After class, my friend and I went to the café and had lunch. We talked about the differences between the universities that were offered to us outside of the film track and the university we were at. I think everyone in our film track likes this university. It’s a nice environment to study in, nice professors and interesting people. Just like Soka.
We also stopped by the copiadora, which is a place where they sell copies of all the materials you need for your classes. Can you believe that this system actually exists?! It’s cheap. Much better than buying books [though books are nicer to carry around]. So, what we do is we find the binder with the name of our course and [sometimes] professors, and in there are sheet protectors filled with pages of readings that’s offered in that class. You just take that sheet protector of the reading you need and they copy if for you.
It’s convenient. It’s easy. It’s accessible.
Ufufu… [I can get readings for classes I’m not even taking… Oh the possibilities, of study beyond studies]
My second and final class for today was Estética Cinematográfica. Turns out there are 7 out of 8 of us in the film track in this class. It’s only because there two different sections combined. Which reminds me… My section got changed. This class/section was supposed to be on Mondays and Wednesday, but it changed for the better. It’s only on Wednesdays now, for 4-5 hours. If all goes well, and I take the classes that I’ve been taking, then I don’t have classes on Mondays or Fridays.
W00t. 4-day weekends.
Anyway, this class is pretty heavy with philosophy. But, it’s interesting to learn about the visual aesthetics of film and the process of understanding and creating meaning behind it through philosophy. Our first reading in the class: Delueze. I read him for philosophy two semesters ago. So, I’m glad I have some background. Although, this class and my other theory and aesthetics class maybe difficult [they are 3rd year film school material after all], I think I’ll work my butt off and enjoy these classes.
Yep. I’m gonna study hard. Make the most out of this film school…because I don’t know when I’ll be able to take classes at a film school again.
I’m a nerd. I’m a geek.
And I am proud.
Day 30: Citius, Altius, Fortius
I’ve been more aware of the Olympics than I have ever been in my life. I dunno why, but it’s interesting to watch. Last night, I was watching synchronized swimming. Absolutely amazing what people can do when they put their minds to it. Absolutely, making the impossible possible.
Well, as pumped as I may seem, I’m slightly sick again. My bad case of hives has returned, and it came back with the whole package, stomach war and all. So, I’ll make this very brief…
I had my first two classes at FUC today!
I had my advanced Castellano and Theories and Aesthetics of Show Biz today. I like both of the classes, alhough the theory and aesthetics class kind of reminds me of a mix between econ and philosophy and it’s slightly hard to follow. Luckily, I took philosophy so I have some background, and econ…I just have to deal.
I was actually debating whether to go to this class or not because it started at 7:45pm and I wasn’t feel good at all, and my hives was at its peak. I was actually halfway down my street toward the subway station when I was about to turn around to go back to puke my brains out and pass out in bed. What stopped me? I saw friend of mine from my program, and I guess just talking to her got me in the spirit to talk to more people, so I decided to go to class. I’m glad.
For my Castellano class, we got four different books, one fiction novel, one non-fiction novel, a play, and a book of essays. They’re ours to keep! Yay! [I actually have a whole library to take back home…seriously].
The people at FUC are really chill. I like it a lot. I was really worried, too because up until yesterday, my academic experience here wasn’t too appealing to me. Oh, but I found out today, that I don’t have to take a class outside of FUC. Therefore, I’ve changed my schedule so that all of my classes are at FUC, meaning I get to take all of my classes concentrated on film.
WIN.
I was so happy when I heard that. Finally, I’m realizing my purpose for being here. I just need to keep it up. Definitely, the challenge is to maintain this momentum and just keep reaching higher and higher. [Just wait, I’ll be in a slump tomorrow…] But, I’ll definitely do everything I can to re-determine my determinations.
Citius, Altius, Fortius. // Swifter, Higher, Stronger.
This is a Latin phrase used in the Olympics. It shouldn’t just be used for an event that happens every 2-4 years. It’s everyday. Everyday, we should grow swifter than yesterday [to rush to the battlefield of kosen-rufu]. Everyday, we should reach higher than yesterday [to make the impossible possible]. Everyday, we should become stronger than yesterday [to encourage others to do the same]. I was reading wikipedia and found this:
“The most important thing in the Olympic Games is not to win but to take part, just as the most important thing in life is not the triumph but the struggle. The essential thing is not to have conquered but to have fought well.”
It’s so true.
///
Yay. I’m up-to-date now.
Well, as pumped as I may seem, I’m slightly sick again. My bad case of hives has returned, and it came back with the whole package, stomach war and all. So, I’ll make this very brief…
I had my first two classes at FUC today!
I had my advanced Castellano and Theories and Aesthetics of Show Biz today. I like both of the classes, alhough the theory and aesthetics class kind of reminds me of a mix between econ and philosophy and it’s slightly hard to follow. Luckily, I took philosophy so I have some background, and econ…I just have to deal.
I was actually debating whether to go to this class or not because it started at 7:45pm and I wasn’t feel good at all, and my hives was at its peak. I was actually halfway down my street toward the subway station when I was about to turn around to go back to puke my brains out and pass out in bed. What stopped me? I saw friend of mine from my program, and I guess just talking to her got me in the spirit to talk to more people, so I decided to go to class. I’m glad.
For my Castellano class, we got four different books, one fiction novel, one non-fiction novel, a play, and a book of essays. They’re ours to keep! Yay! [I actually have a whole library to take back home…seriously].
The people at FUC are really chill. I like it a lot. I was really worried, too because up until yesterday, my academic experience here wasn’t too appealing to me. Oh, but I found out today, that I don’t have to take a class outside of FUC. Therefore, I’ve changed my schedule so that all of my classes are at FUC, meaning I get to take all of my classes concentrated on film.
WIN.
I was so happy when I heard that. Finally, I’m realizing my purpose for being here. I just need to keep it up. Definitely, the challenge is to maintain this momentum and just keep reaching higher and higher. [Just wait, I’ll be in a slump tomorrow…] But, I’ll definitely do everything I can to re-determine my determinations.
Citius, Altius, Fortius. // Swifter, Higher, Stronger.
This is a Latin phrase used in the Olympics. It shouldn’t just be used for an event that happens every 2-4 years. It’s everyday. Everyday, we should grow swifter than yesterday [to rush to the battlefield of kosen-rufu]. Everyday, we should reach higher than yesterday [to make the impossible possible]. Everyday, we should become stronger than yesterday [to encourage others to do the same]. I was reading wikipedia and found this:
“The most important thing in the Olympic Games is not to win but to take part, just as the most important thing in life is not the triumph but the struggle. The essential thing is not to have conquered but to have fought well.”
It’s so true.
///
Yay. I’m up-to-date now.
Day 29: Reality Set into Motion
Another 12-14 hour bus ride. We didn’t have blankets this time…so when I woke up, I was FREEZING. I almost wished I had plastic bags on my feet again. Okay, so I realized I forgot an interesting story to tell from the Mendoza trip.
My feet go so wet during the one day it was raining. I had to change my socks twice. Erika told me to wear plastic bags on me feet, cuz it’ll keep them dry and warm. Low and behold, they were. But, we both had 2 pairs of socks to dry, and for the day we had them sitting on the side table, but we didn’t want to wake up to turn off our alarm clocks, only to touch semi-wet, smelly socks, so we thought of every possible way to hang dry them, including putting them on the curtain pole, the hooks on my side of the wall, and on the bed posts. Eventually, we put a couple on the closet pole, and I lodged the random stick in the closet to create another pole and put the other two there.
That kept us highly entertained…for a really long time…
Anyway. It was cold when we woke up. They told us to get up because we had stopped at the same café we stopped at the first night, for breakfast. I’m so glad I got used to drinking coffee again at Soka, cuz that’s all it is in the morning. Coffee and croissants.
Not that I’m complaining.
It took about another hour before we made it back to the Retiro station. In that time, we were talking about the future. It was…unfathomable.
A lot of things ended up being closed when we arrived, which was to no surprise because it was a holiday. So, we just walked back to the C line subway. While we were waiting for the sub, we heard a dog barking from far away. Turns out this dog was running alongside the train, and you know, we thought nothing of it. We just thought it was dog being stupid, chasing after the conductor alongside the platform.
WRONG.
So, the doors opened, and we walked in to sit down. All of a sudden, the same dog prances in and hops up onto the bench and makes himself comfortable. Erika and I both concluded that we weren’t the only ones who saw this for the first time. Everyone in our train car was staring as the dog just KOed as if it were his home. It was quite…amusing.
Erika and I made plans to go to the Japanese Garden, and then I got off of my station. I walked out and I saw my street. Ahh…sweet, sweet Buenos Aires. How I missed thee…
I didn’t miss the pollution though. XP
As I was walking back to the apartment, for some reason, I recalled a conversation I had with one of the guys in my film track about making a movie here in Buenos Aires. The guy I was talking to was an actual film major. At the time, I was envious that he was able to study film, even in his undergrad. I was so sure that he would be able to get into a grad school for film, hands down.
But, I came to this realization.
There is a very distinct difference between him and me. The first question he asked me was where are we going to get the funding to make a movie? In the past two years that I’ve done movies at SUA for learning cluster, I did learn that having a budget is very, very useful, BUT what I also learned is that if you have the passion, you can make do with what you have. That’s like the creed of indie film. Because of the low-budget, indie directors have to use a bit of creativity to make the most out of what they have.
This realization made me feel better about not going to undergrad for film. There has to be more value in making a movie than, how much is the budget. I say, if the bare minimum to make one is there, then anything is possible. That’s something I’m pretty damn sure you can’t learn in film school.
“He who has a why to live for can bear almost any how.” – Friedrich Nietzsche
My feet go so wet during the one day it was raining. I had to change my socks twice. Erika told me to wear plastic bags on me feet, cuz it’ll keep them dry and warm. Low and behold, they were. But, we both had 2 pairs of socks to dry, and for the day we had them sitting on the side table, but we didn’t want to wake up to turn off our alarm clocks, only to touch semi-wet, smelly socks, so we thought of every possible way to hang dry them, including putting them on the curtain pole, the hooks on my side of the wall, and on the bed posts. Eventually, we put a couple on the closet pole, and I lodged the random stick in the closet to create another pole and put the other two there.
That kept us highly entertained…for a really long time…
Anyway. It was cold when we woke up. They told us to get up because we had stopped at the same café we stopped at the first night, for breakfast. I’m so glad I got used to drinking coffee again at Soka, cuz that’s all it is in the morning. Coffee and croissants.
Not that I’m complaining.
It took about another hour before we made it back to the Retiro station. In that time, we were talking about the future. It was…unfathomable.
A lot of things ended up being closed when we arrived, which was to no surprise because it was a holiday. So, we just walked back to the C line subway. While we were waiting for the sub, we heard a dog barking from far away. Turns out this dog was running alongside the train, and you know, we thought nothing of it. We just thought it was dog being stupid, chasing after the conductor alongside the platform.
WRONG.
So, the doors opened, and we walked in to sit down. All of a sudden, the same dog prances in and hops up onto the bench and makes himself comfortable. Erika and I both concluded that we weren’t the only ones who saw this for the first time. Everyone in our train car was staring as the dog just KOed as if it were his home. It was quite…amusing.
Erika and I made plans to go to the Japanese Garden, and then I got off of my station. I walked out and I saw my street. Ahh…sweet, sweet Buenos Aires. How I missed thee…
I didn’t miss the pollution though. XP
As I was walking back to the apartment, for some reason, I recalled a conversation I had with one of the guys in my film track about making a movie here in Buenos Aires. The guy I was talking to was an actual film major. At the time, I was envious that he was able to study film, even in his undergrad. I was so sure that he would be able to get into a grad school for film, hands down.
But, I came to this realization.
There is a very distinct difference between him and me. The first question he asked me was where are we going to get the funding to make a movie? In the past two years that I’ve done movies at SUA for learning cluster, I did learn that having a budget is very, very useful, BUT what I also learned is that if you have the passion, you can make do with what you have. That’s like the creed of indie film. Because of the low-budget, indie directors have to use a bit of creativity to make the most out of what they have.
This realization made me feel better about not going to undergrad for film. There has to be more value in making a movie than, how much is the budget. I say, if the bare minimum to make one is there, then anything is possible. That’s something I’m pretty damn sure you can’t learn in film school.
“He who has a why to live for can bear almost any how.” – Friedrich Nietzsche
Day 28: Nothing Will Ever Look So White
Despite being passed out for only a few hours after a night of…wine, Argentine cocoa puffs, wet socks, and a lot of creative thinking, Erika and I woke up especially early to meet up with Maddy TO SEE SNOW!
I’m sure the guide that took us was saying a lot of interesting about the water in Villavicencio [which is one of Argentina’s prime drinking water sources], but I was just too damn excited. I had only seen snow from afar in a car in Japan 2 summers ago. We got to the first stop up the mountain, and just getting out of the van, I saw probably one of the most beautiful sights I’d thought I’d only be able to see in National Geographic.
Unfortunately, my camera phone had died prior…
There was no snow at the first stop, but it was clear that we were near something when I almost fell on my ass crossing over the bridge. It was definitely frozen and my shoes were definitely not made for ice. Second clue that I knew we were near snow: there was a sheet of ice/snow near the bathrooms that I just couldn’t help but freak out over.
And oh yes. I was freezing.
When we started up ramping up the mountain in the bus, slowly we approached more snow, until we could see it right outside the bus windows. I had never seen anything so white. I don’t think I could ever define anything as pure white ever again.
We didn’t reach the top of the mountain, but we sure as hell stopped where there was untouched snow. I got out of the bus and to my surprise it wasn’t as freezing as the first stop we made [but, it was also much sunnier than the first stop]. It was warmer…but I was still cold. I was wearing my X-pants, a t-shirt, 2 sweatshirts, a scarf, and Erika’s beanie. Oh yeah, and of course socks, covered in a plastic bag and sneakers. XD
But, you know, I don’t think it occurred to me that I was that cold when I picked up some snow and balled it up in my hand. It was surprisingly soft and…not crystally; very fine and not chunky. We stopped and made a snowman [I swear, my fingers felt like they would fall off after that]. Erika wrote “SUA” in the snow and put the snowman next to it. W00t. Some people in our tour took a picture of it. XD
That was definitely the highlight of my day…and probably study abroad, actually [as of yet].
Afterwards, we went out to eat. We were literally attacked by a bunch of restaurant waiters and waitresses just hanging around outside their place to try to get us to eat there. It got annoying after a while…but we were also pacing back and forth on the street wondering which place was vegetarian-friendly and affordable. While we were doing that, we saw the restaurant that Carrie had told Erika and Maddy not to eat at.
El Faro. Remember it. Don’t go there. Apparently, there was a cockroach in one of their meals and they still had to pay…
But, yea. The guy who works there tried to lure us in, too. It was funny. Erika took a picture of him and the place. XD We ended up eating at a place across from there, and we were just thinking that the guy at El Faro got pissed cuz we ended up eating elsewhere. Sidenote: Vegetarians, make sure you say “no jamón.”
We talked a lot…about a lot. It was quite fun and very Soka-like. XD A couple of hours of eating and talking led to a too soon of a “see ya later.” We told Maddy to come to Buenos Aires, so we’ll see what happens.
Because it was Sunday, nothing was open today, so Erika and I picked up our luggage from our hostel, did a little window shopping inside the bus terminal, and then sat in a café.
…for 5 hours.
It didn’t seem like 5 hours, though, thankfully. We talked some more, and I was writing. It was funny how Erika mentioned J.K. Rowling, when I was thinking the same thing, about how she got some of her ideas in a café. We saw many people come and go. It’s really interesting, how in Argentina, the bus terminal is equivalent to our airport terminals. People were saying their goodbyes and giving bear hugs and kisses, and waved goodbye as the bus pulled away. It was very interesting. We also saw a couple of the guys we saw at the first tour we went on, and a guy who wore one platform shoe, whom we saw the first day we got here.
So, it was an interesting adventure, being outside of Buenos Aires for 3 days. It was refreshing, but I miss Buenos Aires. I see why people travel randomly now. It’s a time to take a break from who you know you are and to continue discovering yourself, where your boundaries are and how far you can stretch them. I think I found my place in Argentina, in Buenos Aires, and I can start fresh.
Thank you, Mendoza.
“So I found a reason / To let it go / Tell you that I’m smiling / But I still need to grow / Will I find salvation in the arms of love / Will it stop me searching will it be enough / I don’t want your sympathy / Sometimes I don’t know who to be / Hey what you're looking for / No one has the answer but you just want more / Hey who’s gonna make it back / This could be the first day of my life” – “First Day of My Life” by Melanie C.
End – Week 4: Test Flight
I’m sure the guide that took us was saying a lot of interesting about the water in Villavicencio [which is one of Argentina’s prime drinking water sources], but I was just too damn excited. I had only seen snow from afar in a car in Japan 2 summers ago. We got to the first stop up the mountain, and just getting out of the van, I saw probably one of the most beautiful sights I’d thought I’d only be able to see in National Geographic.
Unfortunately, my camera phone had died prior…
There was no snow at the first stop, but it was clear that we were near something when I almost fell on my ass crossing over the bridge. It was definitely frozen and my shoes were definitely not made for ice. Second clue that I knew we were near snow: there was a sheet of ice/snow near the bathrooms that I just couldn’t help but freak out over.
And oh yes. I was freezing.
When we started up ramping up the mountain in the bus, slowly we approached more snow, until we could see it right outside the bus windows. I had never seen anything so white. I don’t think I could ever define anything as pure white ever again.
We didn’t reach the top of the mountain, but we sure as hell stopped where there was untouched snow. I got out of the bus and to my surprise it wasn’t as freezing as the first stop we made [but, it was also much sunnier than the first stop]. It was warmer…but I was still cold. I was wearing my X-pants, a t-shirt, 2 sweatshirts, a scarf, and Erika’s beanie. Oh yeah, and of course socks, covered in a plastic bag and sneakers. XD
But, you know, I don’t think it occurred to me that I was that cold when I picked up some snow and balled it up in my hand. It was surprisingly soft and…not crystally; very fine and not chunky. We stopped and made a snowman [I swear, my fingers felt like they would fall off after that]. Erika wrote “SUA” in the snow and put the snowman next to it. W00t. Some people in our tour took a picture of it. XD
That was definitely the highlight of my day…and probably study abroad, actually [as of yet].
Afterwards, we went out to eat. We were literally attacked by a bunch of restaurant waiters and waitresses just hanging around outside their place to try to get us to eat there. It got annoying after a while…but we were also pacing back and forth on the street wondering which place was vegetarian-friendly and affordable. While we were doing that, we saw the restaurant that Carrie had told Erika and Maddy not to eat at.
El Faro. Remember it. Don’t go there. Apparently, there was a cockroach in one of their meals and they still had to pay…
But, yea. The guy who works there tried to lure us in, too. It was funny. Erika took a picture of him and the place. XD We ended up eating at a place across from there, and we were just thinking that the guy at El Faro got pissed cuz we ended up eating elsewhere. Sidenote: Vegetarians, make sure you say “no jamón.”
We talked a lot…about a lot. It was quite fun and very Soka-like. XD A couple of hours of eating and talking led to a too soon of a “see ya later.” We told Maddy to come to Buenos Aires, so we’ll see what happens.
Because it was Sunday, nothing was open today, so Erika and I picked up our luggage from our hostel, did a little window shopping inside the bus terminal, and then sat in a café.
…for 5 hours.
It didn’t seem like 5 hours, though, thankfully. We talked some more, and I was writing. It was funny how Erika mentioned J.K. Rowling, when I was thinking the same thing, about how she got some of her ideas in a café. We saw many people come and go. It’s really interesting, how in Argentina, the bus terminal is equivalent to our airport terminals. People were saying their goodbyes and giving bear hugs and kisses, and waved goodbye as the bus pulled away. It was very interesting. We also saw a couple of the guys we saw at the first tour we went on, and a guy who wore one platform shoe, whom we saw the first day we got here.
So, it was an interesting adventure, being outside of Buenos Aires for 3 days. It was refreshing, but I miss Buenos Aires. I see why people travel randomly now. It’s a time to take a break from who you know you are and to continue discovering yourself, where your boundaries are and how far you can stretch them. I think I found my place in Argentina, in Buenos Aires, and I can start fresh.
Thank you, Mendoza.
“So I found a reason / To let it go / Tell you that I’m smiling / But I still need to grow / Will I find salvation in the arms of love / Will it stop me searching will it be enough / I don’t want your sympathy / Sometimes I don’t know who to be / Hey what you're looking for / No one has the answer but you just want more / Hey who’s gonna make it back / This could be the first day of my life” – “First Day of My Life” by Melanie C.
End – Week 4: Test Flight
Day 27: Of Wine & Bread
You ever wake up and wonder why the alarm clock had to go off? I swear, if Erika wasn’t there to pester me out of bed I would’ve slept through the day. I have never been so happy to sleep in a bed. Okay, so the buses were comfortable as hell, but there’s definitely a point where you want to actually lie down rather than recline in a chair.
My body cried out for a bed at some point during that 14-hour bus ride.
But, yes. The alarm clock woke me up. When I got out of the room, there was a dog there. Erika had told me about it and how big it was…but it was still a nice surprise 8/
Morning with the family again. I swear they’re the coolest people I will probably meet on this study abroad experience. I swear they look like a family that would appear on the Amazing Race [I looked them up, and they were never on it]. It must be crazy to travel as a family for a year. They were still closing their accounts and stuff. It’s insane. One day, I will do that. One day…
So, Erika and I checked out of this place, which made me really sad, cuz I really like this hostel. No words could describe how homey it was, how polite the staff was, how friendly the other tenants were. They just were. And when we got out…it was raining. Yay. It was cool to see the ditches at work. Actually, what was really interesting was the streets had water running down them. It looked like a really shallow river. We were hopping on every dry piece of concrete we could find with our luggage on us.
What’s crazy here is a lot of the streets are concrete tiles so they were really slippery. Both of us were struggling to get some traction going on our shoes to keep us from falling flat on our faces.
Rest assured [once again] we made it to the hostel safely.
When we were taken to our room, it was a big SHOCK. Literally, the room was a cubicle that had two beds. And the bathroom was across the hall and needs to be opened with the same key that opens our room. Yay, right? This was the hostel we preferred too. When we were checking in, it was kind of frustrating because he went on a tantrum about how they don’t accept passport copies. He ended up accepting them, but he’s like it’s Argentine law to have your original passport with you at all times. Our program told us otherwise.
Anyway, so signed up for the winery tour, where they take us to two wineries, see how wine is made and get to taste it, and an virgin olive oil factory. The tour lady was bilingual and really good at it too, interaction and all. So we went to the first place, which was family-owned winery. I didn’t like their wine too much. It didn’t have much of a taste at all…cept old grapes. XD We did learn to see what good wine looks and smells like.
Afterwards, we were taken to an olive grove. The process of making olive oil was quite complex, especially the process for making virgin olive oil. We tasted olive oil…by itself… It was interesting…though I think I will never do that again. While we were eating bread with sun-dried tomatoes and olive oil, we met a guy from Israel who was happy to find people who could speak English. He was in Argentina because he had just finished a mandatory 3-year military service, and it’s mandatory to travel around outside of Israel to clear the mind after serving. I thought that was interesting. He said most people in Israel can speak English well too.
The second winery seemed much…like the first one. But, they had little snackies with the wine that we got to taste. It had the jam that they were selling. Really good. Better than anything you can get in a grocery store. The wine there was much stronger.
By the end of the day…I couldn’t stop laughing. It was kind of bad.
Actually…it was pretty bad.
My body cried out for a bed at some point during that 14-hour bus ride.
But, yes. The alarm clock woke me up. When I got out of the room, there was a dog there. Erika had told me about it and how big it was…but it was still a nice surprise 8/
Morning with the family again. I swear they’re the coolest people I will probably meet on this study abroad experience. I swear they look like a family that would appear on the Amazing Race [I looked them up, and they were never on it]. It must be crazy to travel as a family for a year. They were still closing their accounts and stuff. It’s insane. One day, I will do that. One day…
So, Erika and I checked out of this place, which made me really sad, cuz I really like this hostel. No words could describe how homey it was, how polite the staff was, how friendly the other tenants were. They just were. And when we got out…it was raining. Yay. It was cool to see the ditches at work. Actually, what was really interesting was the streets had water running down them. It looked like a really shallow river. We were hopping on every dry piece of concrete we could find with our luggage on us.
What’s crazy here is a lot of the streets are concrete tiles so they were really slippery. Both of us were struggling to get some traction going on our shoes to keep us from falling flat on our faces.
Rest assured [once again] we made it to the hostel safely.
When we were taken to our room, it was a big SHOCK. Literally, the room was a cubicle that had two beds. And the bathroom was across the hall and needs to be opened with the same key that opens our room. Yay, right? This was the hostel we preferred too. When we were checking in, it was kind of frustrating because he went on a tantrum about how they don’t accept passport copies. He ended up accepting them, but he’s like it’s Argentine law to have your original passport with you at all times. Our program told us otherwise.
Anyway, so signed up for the winery tour, where they take us to two wineries, see how wine is made and get to taste it, and an virgin olive oil factory. The tour lady was bilingual and really good at it too, interaction and all. So we went to the first place, which was family-owned winery. I didn’t like their wine too much. It didn’t have much of a taste at all…cept old grapes. XD We did learn to see what good wine looks and smells like.
Afterwards, we were taken to an olive grove. The process of making olive oil was quite complex, especially the process for making virgin olive oil. We tasted olive oil…by itself… It was interesting…though I think I will never do that again. While we were eating bread with sun-dried tomatoes and olive oil, we met a guy from Israel who was happy to find people who could speak English. He was in Argentina because he had just finished a mandatory 3-year military service, and it’s mandatory to travel around outside of Israel to clear the mind after serving. I thought that was interesting. He said most people in Israel can speak English well too.
The second winery seemed much…like the first one. But, they had little snackies with the wine that we got to taste. It had the jam that they were selling. Really good. Better than anything you can get in a grocery store. The wine there was much stronger.
By the end of the day…I couldn’t stop laughing. It was kind of bad.
Actually…it was pretty bad.
Day 26: The World Outside of Buenos Aires
I wanted to wake up with the sun. But I couldn’t. I woke up too early, fell asleep, and then woke up too late. Erika and I arrived in Mendoza around 10am-ish. We headed out and grabbed a cab that ended up misreading the address we gave him and took us down the wrong end of the street. I got a little worried because he was kind of pissed…flooring the accelerator and whatnot, but rest assured, Erika and I made it to our first hostel, safe and sound.
We got into the place, and it was really nice. Very homey. We were actually surprised at how nice the place looked because this hostel was just a back-up for one night because the other hostel we wanted to stay at didn’t have an opening for today. The room was a double room with 3 beds and a bathroom attached. I would say it’s about the size of an ADA double room at Soka. It was pretty roomy and comfortable.
We went into the kitchen to fill out a paper to check-in. There, we met a family who was traveling…AROUND THE WORLD. A husband and wife with 2 kids (9 and 11). Erika asked for their blog site, so I posted it on the side, under Konnections. They completely set aside their life in San Diego to travel for a whole year around the world. They had already been to Peru, and plan to travel to Egypt, Cambodia, Tanzania, Laos, and all these other places. Anyway, Erika found out that the wife heard about Soka, so we ended up sharing what Soka was about and stuff. Wouldn’t it be awesome if their kids were future SUA students! Anyway, they were awesome, and kept us company for the one night we stayed there. Check out their blog. >>
Anyway, after that we went to check out the other hostel we were going to stay at for the tours. We got there and asked about going to Villavicencia which is Argentina’s main water source and to see if it’s possible to go see the mountains, or check out some wineries. It was recommended to us not to go to the mountains because the road might be blocked by snow, so we decided on the wineries for Saturday, and Villavicencia for Sunday.
Mendoza was calling us. So we walked around. Erika was looking for the great fountain of Mendoza and when I spotted a small one that was on Paseo Saramiento, she burst out laughing and told me she wouldn’t make me walk so far to show me the dinky fountain I pointed out. XD Then, we found the big fountain in Plaza Independencia…
Wow.
Never in my life had I seen streams of water twirling in the air. It was quite a sight. And they had a feria there too! So, I bought a bracelet. It’s amazing how vendors here make their own goods and sell it for such a cheap price. Why couldn’t Americans be like that?
We had a map that showed us where we were going, and we noticed that two blocks from each corner of Plaza Independencia, there were other parks, so we walked around and found Plaza Italia, Plaza San Martín, Plaza España, and Plaza Chile. They all looked so different and were designed in a way that represented each place. People actually took the time to make the parks here look nice and worth staying in.
Shortly after, Erika got a text from Maddy. So we met up!
She gave us a little tour of the city. She even took us by her house and to her university via bus. It’s crazy how big her campus is compared to where I’m going to be taking my classes. Although all the buildings for the different facultades are spread out, I think it could still be…three times the size of my film school? It’s in a very open area. It was nice and very different from Buenos Aires, where everything is so compact and close to each other.
Mendoza is very different from Buenos Aires. It’s definitely calmer, breathe-able and much cleaner. I didn’t have to look down every two seconds to check whether I was about to step on doggy poo or not. The city itself isn’t as crowded and the streets aren’t as heavily filled with cars. There are a lot more trees in Mendoza, too; the streets are lined with them. And you can hear running water! We walked over canals and streets are bordered with deep concrete ditches that had small streams of water running along them. It was definitely refreshing.
After a long day of walking, we were on the way back to the hostel when Erika wanted to buy a tomato and I remembered I needed to buy a converter for my laptop. She got her tomato... The guy I asked in the electronics shop completely spazzed and said stuff like I needed to bring in my laptop or a manual so he can check which one to give me…when there’s only one converter… So…I couldn’t re-charge my comp.
But anyway, I did what I could before my computer died. I uploaded pictures for uneventful July and wrote my blog for yesterday. While I was doing this the black cat at the hostel ran up to me and sat herself down on my lap and fell asleep. It was funny. Aww… I wish my cats did that. It was refreshing…to see a cat.
Just that made me happy.
We got into the place, and it was really nice. Very homey. We were actually surprised at how nice the place looked because this hostel was just a back-up for one night because the other hostel we wanted to stay at didn’t have an opening for today. The room was a double room with 3 beds and a bathroom attached. I would say it’s about the size of an ADA double room at Soka. It was pretty roomy and comfortable.
We went into the kitchen to fill out a paper to check-in. There, we met a family who was traveling…AROUND THE WORLD. A husband and wife with 2 kids (9 and 11). Erika asked for their blog site, so I posted it on the side, under Konnections. They completely set aside their life in San Diego to travel for a whole year around the world. They had already been to Peru, and plan to travel to Egypt, Cambodia, Tanzania, Laos, and all these other places. Anyway, Erika found out that the wife heard about Soka, so we ended up sharing what Soka was about and stuff. Wouldn’t it be awesome if their kids were future SUA students! Anyway, they were awesome, and kept us company for the one night we stayed there. Check out their blog. >>
Anyway, after that we went to check out the other hostel we were going to stay at for the tours. We got there and asked about going to Villavicencia which is Argentina’s main water source and to see if it’s possible to go see the mountains, or check out some wineries. It was recommended to us not to go to the mountains because the road might be blocked by snow, so we decided on the wineries for Saturday, and Villavicencia for Sunday.
Mendoza was calling us. So we walked around. Erika was looking for the great fountain of Mendoza and when I spotted a small one that was on Paseo Saramiento, she burst out laughing and told me she wouldn’t make me walk so far to show me the dinky fountain I pointed out. XD Then, we found the big fountain in Plaza Independencia…
Wow.
Never in my life had I seen streams of water twirling in the air. It was quite a sight. And they had a feria there too! So, I bought a bracelet. It’s amazing how vendors here make their own goods and sell it for such a cheap price. Why couldn’t Americans be like that?
We had a map that showed us where we were going, and we noticed that two blocks from each corner of Plaza Independencia, there were other parks, so we walked around and found Plaza Italia, Plaza San Martín, Plaza España, and Plaza Chile. They all looked so different and were designed in a way that represented each place. People actually took the time to make the parks here look nice and worth staying in.
Shortly after, Erika got a text from Maddy. So we met up!
She gave us a little tour of the city. She even took us by her house and to her university via bus. It’s crazy how big her campus is compared to where I’m going to be taking my classes. Although all the buildings for the different facultades are spread out, I think it could still be…three times the size of my film school? It’s in a very open area. It was nice and very different from Buenos Aires, where everything is so compact and close to each other.
Mendoza is very different from Buenos Aires. It’s definitely calmer, breathe-able and much cleaner. I didn’t have to look down every two seconds to check whether I was about to step on doggy poo or not. The city itself isn’t as crowded and the streets aren’t as heavily filled with cars. There are a lot more trees in Mendoza, too; the streets are lined with them. And you can hear running water! We walked over canals and streets are bordered with deep concrete ditches that had small streams of water running along them. It was definitely refreshing.
After a long day of walking, we were on the way back to the hostel when Erika wanted to buy a tomato and I remembered I needed to buy a converter for my laptop. She got her tomato... The guy I asked in the electronics shop completely spazzed and said stuff like I needed to bring in my laptop or a manual so he can check which one to give me…when there’s only one converter… So…I couldn’t re-charge my comp.
But anyway, I did what I could before my computer died. I uploaded pictures for uneventful July and wrote my blog for yesterday. While I was doing this the black cat at the hostel ran up to me and sat herself down on my lap and fell asleep. It was funny. Aww… I wish my cats did that. It was refreshing…to see a cat.
Just that made me happy.
Day 25: Midnight Trip to Mendoza
I woke up to the sounds of silence this morning. It was absolutely amazing to not wake up to the door slamming and the keys rattling signaling that the maid had walked in for duty. I woke up a couple of minutes before my alarm clock. It felt just like Soka again.
I met up with Erika to buy bus tickets to come back to Buenos Aires from Mendoza, since she had only bought tickets for the trip there. It was interesting. They have 3 different types of services on the buses: semi-cama, cama, and full. We got there the camas to go there because it was only a few $$ difference from the semi-cama, and it was actually better. So we bought 2 tickets for A$306. That’s pretty cheap in my opinion. I was slightly afraid because I realized that the station we were leaving from was Retiro, one of the danger zones that my program had warned me about.
I chanted for nothing bad to happen to us.
Later on, we met at the C subway line. I had never been to the C line before, so it was a completely new experience. I personally like the subs in this line better because they have handles that people can hold onto, not just poles. Anyway, we stepped out of the station and it was completely a different world. I wondered whether we were still in Buenos Aires or not. The streets were much wider; the sidewalks were wider, but still congested vendors and people. The atmosphere was much different, slightly more mysterious and less cosmopolitan.
We walked to the omnibus station…and I swear to pesos in my pocket, it looked like an airport. There were 75 platforms and double-decker buses coming and going throughout the terminal, while on the inside there were small shops and kiosks, cafes and restaurants serving customers who were on the go. We looked up at the TV and found ourselves looking up at the arrivals and departures of buses that were coming and going.
The moment we stepped outside to the platforms [which, by the way, were just parking spots with numbers on them] we were completely shocked at how much the area looked like a private airport terminal. People were just waiting around, turning around to see if their buses were coming on time. Ours came right at the minute it was supposed to leave. Erika and I were slightly worried up until that point, not wanting to miss our ride.
First and foremost about the buses, the world of service and transportation will NEVER surpass what we experienced on the bus to Mendoza. We got the cama seating which allows for our seats to recline pretty far back. When we got on, we were given a couple of sandwiches, which were absolutely delicious. We thought this was our dinner…until we stopped at 10pm in the middle nowhere at a café to have steak, mashed potatoes and flan for dinner. When we got back on, we were given pastries for the morning.
The seats are much bigger than first class seating in airplanes, and without a doubt much more comfortable, coming with a nice leg rest and large food tray. It was amazing. Oh, and they showed movies and music videos, too, which were bizarrely English/American movies/music videos. It was probably the most comfortable transportation I will ever take in a lifetime.
P.S. I’ve posted pictures from July in one post and back-dated it. If you just scroll down to “23 Weeks” on the right-hand column and click “Screenshots,” you’ll be able to see them. Or just click here.
I met up with Erika to buy bus tickets to come back to Buenos Aires from Mendoza, since she had only bought tickets for the trip there. It was interesting. They have 3 different types of services on the buses: semi-cama, cama, and full. We got there the camas to go there because it was only a few $$ difference from the semi-cama, and it was actually better. So we bought 2 tickets for A$306. That’s pretty cheap in my opinion. I was slightly afraid because I realized that the station we were leaving from was Retiro, one of the danger zones that my program had warned me about.
I chanted for nothing bad to happen to us.
Later on, we met at the C subway line. I had never been to the C line before, so it was a completely new experience. I personally like the subs in this line better because they have handles that people can hold onto, not just poles. Anyway, we stepped out of the station and it was completely a different world. I wondered whether we were still in Buenos Aires or not. The streets were much wider; the sidewalks were wider, but still congested vendors and people. The atmosphere was much different, slightly more mysterious and less cosmopolitan.
We walked to the omnibus station…and I swear to pesos in my pocket, it looked like an airport. There were 75 platforms and double-decker buses coming and going throughout the terminal, while on the inside there were small shops and kiosks, cafes and restaurants serving customers who were on the go. We looked up at the TV and found ourselves looking up at the arrivals and departures of buses that were coming and going.
The moment we stepped outside to the platforms [which, by the way, were just parking spots with numbers on them] we were completely shocked at how much the area looked like a private airport terminal. People were just waiting around, turning around to see if their buses were coming on time. Ours came right at the minute it was supposed to leave. Erika and I were slightly worried up until that point, not wanting to miss our ride.
First and foremost about the buses, the world of service and transportation will NEVER surpass what we experienced on the bus to Mendoza. We got the cama seating which allows for our seats to recline pretty far back. When we got on, we were given a couple of sandwiches, which were absolutely delicious. We thought this was our dinner…until we stopped at 10pm in the middle nowhere at a café to have steak, mashed potatoes and flan for dinner. When we got back on, we were given pastries for the morning.
The seats are much bigger than first class seating in airplanes, and without a doubt much more comfortable, coming with a nice leg rest and large food tray. It was amazing. Oh, and they showed movies and music videos, too, which were bizarrely English/American movies/music videos. It was probably the most comfortable transportation I will ever take in a lifetime.
P.S. I’ve posted pictures from July in one post and back-dated it. If you just scroll down to “23 Weeks” on the right-hand column and click “Screenshots,” you’ll be able to see them. Or just click here.
Day 24: Conversation With Kami-Sama v(=_=)v
Dear Kusho,
This is your conscious speaking. You’ve been out of touch for a few days now. Where are you! You must be really stressed. Last time you tuned out of your head was back in February when you completely ignored me and your body. What is it this time? Nothing’s started yet. Oh, there you are.
Kusho: Whoaa. Are you Kami-sama*”
Conscious: No. I am not. I am your conscious.
Kusho: Aw… can I call you Kami-sama?
Conscious: No, you may not—
Kusho: Kami-sama, why are you talking to me, after not replying to me for so long?
Conscious: (=_=)
Kusho: Why do you make that face at me, Kami-sama?
Kami-sama: …aren’t you a Buddhist?
Kusho: v(=_=)v
Kami-sama: … How was your day today?
Kusho: It was a good day. I learned many things.
Kami-sama: What did you learn?
Kusho: I learned that first impressions are always important, so always SMILE.
Kami-sama: What made you realized this?
Kusho: I was on the subway, listening to a really good song that reminded me to have a good time, and I started smiling. I started bouncing to the beat and people were watching me. But, they were smiling too. Dialoguing is one thing, but facial expressions are another way of connecting. Smiles are contagious!
Kami-sama: Mmhmm. What else did you learn?
Kusho: I learned how to jump off of the cliff of uncertainty and into the depths of the unknown.
Kami-sama: What’s the story behind this one?
Kusho: I was really reluctant to go to class today because I hadn’t received any syllabus or readings for it. But, I took the step into the university and waited outside the classroom. I found myself sitting next to a classmate. I started talking to her and she helped me remember to not be afraid to tap someone on the shoulder and talk to them.
Kami-sama: Lesson well learned.
Kusho: Mmhmm. And I was totally wrong about that class. Now, I don’t know what to do between the two classes I have to take outside of FUC, which one to take. Hah…decisions, decisions. Kami-sama, what should I do?
Kami-sama: I’m only your conscious…
Kusho: You know, I had the worst nightmare. All of my friends were crazy angry and attacking me. It was scary. It made me finally made sense. We each have a good and a bad within us. It reminded me of this one story that my district leader had told me about, a story she had heard from someone else:
“An old Cherokee chief was telling his grandson about the battle the old man was waging within himself. He said, ‘it is between two wolves, my son. One is an evil wolf: anger, envy, sorrow, greed, self-pity, guilt, resentment, lies, false pride, superiority, and ego. The other is the good wolf: joy, peace, love, hope, serenity, humility, empathy, generosity, truth, compassion, and faith.’ The boy took this in for a few minutes and then said, ‘Which wolf won, grandfather?’ The old Cherokee replied simply, ‘The one I fed.’”
Kami-sama: Mmhmm…
Kusho: All you’ve been saying is “Mmhmm…” Don’t you have anything else better to say?
Kami-sama: Open your eyes. That’s what YOU always say.
Kusho: …
Kami-sama: Well, it seems you’re sane enough. I’ll leave you be. Remember to keep in touch sometimes.
Kusho: Aww, leaving already?
Kami-sama: I’m in your head. Just remember not to turn it off the next time you stress yourself out. Chau, kid
Kusho: Wait, Kami-sama.
Kami-sama: ?
Kusho: v(=_=)v
Kami-sama: …
Kusho: v(=_=)v
Kami-sama: v(=_=)v
(* = Kami-sama means God)
P.S. I'm going to Mendoza with Erika so I may not post until Monday. But I'll be writing every day and post it later. Peace out.
This is your conscious speaking. You’ve been out of touch for a few days now. Where are you! You must be really stressed. Last time you tuned out of your head was back in February when you completely ignored me and your body. What is it this time? Nothing’s started yet. Oh, there you are.
Kusho: Whoaa. Are you Kami-sama*”
Conscious: No. I am not. I am your conscious.
Kusho: Aw… can I call you Kami-sama?
Conscious: No, you may not—
Kusho: Kami-sama, why are you talking to me, after not replying to me for so long?
Conscious: (=_=)
Kusho: Why do you make that face at me, Kami-sama?
Kami-sama: …aren’t you a Buddhist?
Kusho: v(=_=)v
Kami-sama: … How was your day today?
Kusho: It was a good day. I learned many things.
Kami-sama: What did you learn?
Kusho: I learned that first impressions are always important, so always SMILE.
Kami-sama: What made you realized this?
Kusho: I was on the subway, listening to a really good song that reminded me to have a good time, and I started smiling. I started bouncing to the beat and people were watching me. But, they were smiling too. Dialoguing is one thing, but facial expressions are another way of connecting. Smiles are contagious!
Kami-sama: Mmhmm. What else did you learn?
Kusho: I learned how to jump off of the cliff of uncertainty and into the depths of the unknown.
Kami-sama: What’s the story behind this one?
Kusho: I was really reluctant to go to class today because I hadn’t received any syllabus or readings for it. But, I took the step into the university and waited outside the classroom. I found myself sitting next to a classmate. I started talking to her and she helped me remember to not be afraid to tap someone on the shoulder and talk to them.
Kami-sama: Lesson well learned.
Kusho: Mmhmm. And I was totally wrong about that class. Now, I don’t know what to do between the two classes I have to take outside of FUC, which one to take. Hah…decisions, decisions. Kami-sama, what should I do?
Kami-sama: I’m only your conscious…
Kusho: You know, I had the worst nightmare. All of my friends were crazy angry and attacking me. It was scary. It made me finally made sense. We each have a good and a bad within us. It reminded me of this one story that my district leader had told me about, a story she had heard from someone else:
“An old Cherokee chief was telling his grandson about the battle the old man was waging within himself. He said, ‘it is between two wolves, my son. One is an evil wolf: anger, envy, sorrow, greed, self-pity, guilt, resentment, lies, false pride, superiority, and ego. The other is the good wolf: joy, peace, love, hope, serenity, humility, empathy, generosity, truth, compassion, and faith.’ The boy took this in for a few minutes and then said, ‘Which wolf won, grandfather?’ The old Cherokee replied simply, ‘The one I fed.’”
Kami-sama: Mmhmm…
Kusho: All you’ve been saying is “Mmhmm…” Don’t you have anything else better to say?
Kami-sama: Open your eyes. That’s what YOU always say.
Kusho: …
Kami-sama: Well, it seems you’re sane enough. I’ll leave you be. Remember to keep in touch sometimes.
Kusho: Aww, leaving already?
Kami-sama: I’m in your head. Just remember not to turn it off the next time you stress yourself out. Chau, kid
Kusho: Wait, Kami-sama.
Kami-sama: ?
Kusho: v(=_=)v
Kami-sama: …
Kusho: v(=_=)v
Kami-sama: v(=_=)v
(* = Kami-sama means God)
P.S. I'm going to Mendoza with Erika so I may not post until Monday. But I'll be writing every day and post it later. Peace out.
Day 23: Thinking Too Much
The more I think about the situation I’m in [the fact that I’m studying abroad in a country where English is not the primary language, taking university level courses], the more my eyes open up to this rude awakening that I’m having.
I’m starting to get nervous about classes.
I don’t quite know what it is that’s getting me so nervous, and you know, I don’ think it’s even the classes I’ll be taking at FUC, the film school. It’s more about the one class I have to take outside of FUC that I’m worried about. It’s very unfortunate that I missed the first couple of classes for both the classes I’m trying out. I think if I had gone to the first class for both of them, I’d feel much better, since I would actually know what’s going on. I don’t know what to expect of these classes, but I think I just need to give it some time for me to get settled.
It’s great that COPA is allowing us to try out these classes, but it’s very hard to coordinate among 4 [5 options in my case] different universities with very different policies on registration and try-out periods. I’m in this predicament partially because the class schedules for FUC didn’t get released until mid-last week, when all classes started last week and after registration had ended. So, I had to choose classes that I wasn’t even sure would fit into my schedule. It was pretty hard to coordinate. But apparently, a lot of universities here don’t have the class schedules till a week before their classes start…
Imagine having to do that at SUA… It’s definitely a different system here than in the U.S.
Anyway, I’m going to attempt to see my advisor tomorrow or Thursday and see what I can do to alleviate some of this unnecessary stress before next week when the rest of my classes at FUC start. It’s definitely stressing me out far too early on in the semester, so much so that I have a headache.
On a good note, this weekend is a holiday weekend, so there are no classes Monday. Erika and I are planning a trip to Mendoza, which is a 12 and half hour bus ride from here. It’s gonna be fun. I’ve heard crazy rumors about the buses here, so I don’t know what to expect. Regardless, it’ll be a chance to see Argentina outside of Buenos Aires, the grand metropolis. Something to calm my nerves before classes start.
I never realized till today how uptight I was, so stuck to routine and a pocket planner. I realized that outside of school, I am almost nothing. I look back on high school when I used to use IB as an excuse for not doing things like getting a job or doing club activities. I solely concentrated on my academics [and I hated it, I only did well because I competed for the better grades among my friends]. And at Soka, I got more involved within the school, but I hardly ever left campus because I had used academics and responsibilities on campus as an excuse.
Now that I’m here, with nothing, I realized I’m a coward. I don’t have the courage to step out and explore. Some days I do just for the spontaneity, but most of the time I lack action. I don’t know how to have a good time. I’m afraid of stepping out of routine, and stepping into the unknown. It’s human nature to be cautious around the unknown, but this is definitely karma biting me in the ass, and I’m seeing it now for a reason.
It’s time to break down some walls inside my mind. And this headache, too…
P.S. In this week’s COMUNICADO from COPA, there were 5 wallets reported stolen over this past week. Uwa, right? I know.
I’m starting to get nervous about classes.
I don’t quite know what it is that’s getting me so nervous, and you know, I don’ think it’s even the classes I’ll be taking at FUC, the film school. It’s more about the one class I have to take outside of FUC that I’m worried about. It’s very unfortunate that I missed the first couple of classes for both the classes I’m trying out. I think if I had gone to the first class for both of them, I’d feel much better, since I would actually know what’s going on. I don’t know what to expect of these classes, but I think I just need to give it some time for me to get settled.
It’s great that COPA is allowing us to try out these classes, but it’s very hard to coordinate among 4 [5 options in my case] different universities with very different policies on registration and try-out periods. I’m in this predicament partially because the class schedules for FUC didn’t get released until mid-last week, when all classes started last week and after registration had ended. So, I had to choose classes that I wasn’t even sure would fit into my schedule. It was pretty hard to coordinate. But apparently, a lot of universities here don’t have the class schedules till a week before their classes start…
Imagine having to do that at SUA… It’s definitely a different system here than in the U.S.
Anyway, I’m going to attempt to see my advisor tomorrow or Thursday and see what I can do to alleviate some of this unnecessary stress before next week when the rest of my classes at FUC start. It’s definitely stressing me out far too early on in the semester, so much so that I have a headache.
On a good note, this weekend is a holiday weekend, so there are no classes Monday. Erika and I are planning a trip to Mendoza, which is a 12 and half hour bus ride from here. It’s gonna be fun. I’ve heard crazy rumors about the buses here, so I don’t know what to expect. Regardless, it’ll be a chance to see Argentina outside of Buenos Aires, the grand metropolis. Something to calm my nerves before classes start.
I never realized till today how uptight I was, so stuck to routine and a pocket planner. I realized that outside of school, I am almost nothing. I look back on high school when I used to use IB as an excuse for not doing things like getting a job or doing club activities. I solely concentrated on my academics [and I hated it, I only did well because I competed for the better grades among my friends]. And at Soka, I got more involved within the school, but I hardly ever left campus because I had used academics and responsibilities on campus as an excuse.
Now that I’m here, with nothing, I realized I’m a coward. I don’t have the courage to step out and explore. Some days I do just for the spontaneity, but most of the time I lack action. I don’t know how to have a good time. I’m afraid of stepping out of routine, and stepping into the unknown. It’s human nature to be cautious around the unknown, but this is definitely karma biting me in the ass, and I’m seeing it now for a reason.
It’s time to break down some walls inside my mind. And this headache, too…
P.S. In this week’s COMUNICADO from COPA, there were 5 wallets reported stolen over this past week. Uwa, right? I know.
Day 22: The Academic Challenge…
So, today [last night too actually], I did a little calculating with my GPA and grades. I need to get all A’s [A/A+’s, not A-’s] either this semester or at least do well enough this semester and get all A’s next semester back at SUA, in order to bring my GPA back up to a 3.5. I’m kind of mad at myself for not putting in that extra effort for those “required” courses. Oye, makes me so angry. -__-;; Yes, so I’ve decided, or rather re-determined, I’m gonna work hard, much harder than usual in academics this semester, mainly because I have the time. And, I’m going to get all those A’s, and bring myself up.
Well. Aside from this rude awakening, I decided to take a trip to Chinatown, more in depth, and it turned out, half the stores were closed, probably because the festival they had over the weekend for the opening of the Olympics. But, I found more [smaller] Asian marts, some slightly cheaper than the one I went to before. So bought a small lunch there, and ate it in the park.
Oh! I bought Paradise Kiss, a manga that I absolutely, absolutely love, by Ai Yazawa. And it’s in Castellano, not just Spanish! So, I was happy I was able to READ some Castellano [because the books I bought thus far are more traditional Spanish, than Castellano] and to be able to read MANGA again. So, when I was in the park, eating lunch, I was reading ParaKiss and learning new phrases like “qué hice yo para merecer esto” which means “what did I do to deserve this?” XD You know, manga here are the same price as Japan, and they maintain the size of the book. I think Americans are the only ones who try to rip manga-buyers off.
So, while I was reading and eating, I somehow got distracted and started looking around at the park I was sitting in. It was different than the ones I’d been to. There was more concrete. I can imagine a lot of street performers tangoing and break-dancing there. Then, I had this idea. I wanted to make a movie. Right there. So, I took out my cell and started texting people in my film track. 4-5 months to create a short film IN ARGENTINA. How exciting, right? It’s definitely a national and international endeavor, working with students from all over the U.S., filming in a country that we’re not from.
Makes my heart race happy thoughts.
ANYWAY, I’ve decided to give myself a weekly budget. Because I have to pay for everything [food, water, pesos for my cell, laundry services, transportation, plus the extra I want to use] money goes fast. I realized back at SUA how much I needed to watch my spending [especially that one month I was in debt], but here, I’ve become more conscious of it because it’s not just about using it for that extra thing that I want; it’s for survival.
It’s gonna be slightly difficult, since there’s a slightly big difference between what I’ve been spending up till now and what I am allotting myself starting this week. But, I think I’ve got my pesos down for my cell phone since I put enough to hopefully last me the semester [if I don’t make anymore long distance calls]. So, no need for that. I can do it.
Outside of all the exciting things that happened to day, I had class at 9pm. Since night classes were offered here, I decided to experience what it was like to take a night class, especially since I’m more of a night person than a morning person. So, 8:20 came rolling around, and I left. USAL is only about 10 blocks down. While I was walking, it started thundering.
WOW. I didn’t think it was possible to hear thunder or rain here.
But, I was happy about it. I missed walking in the light drizzle at night [it was quite a normal thing for me back at SUA]. Rain is definitely much appreciated for me at night than in the day. There’s something about how the light reflects off of the wet asphalt of the streets that bring about a love for the city. Something so nostalgic about it.
Anyway, I got to the university, and I asked the security guy where the classroom was, and he didn’t understand me. So, I kept repeating “V202, V202.” He finally understood and pointed the way. So, this V202, I got from the secretary of the uni. But, it was the wrong classroom. I was totally lost. So, I had to go to the counter and ask where the class was. Even though I arrived 5 minutes early, I ended up finally sitting in the class 5 minutes late. And the professor knew. I had to explain to her my situation, and she seemed cool about it, though she had to mention that the class was an annual class and not a semester class, so I had already missed half of the material, which was fine.
So, I was sitting there, and I started to get worried, because in this class, everyone has to talk and a lot of what they were saying made no sense to me. I think they were reviewing stuff from last semester. But, it was interesting, to go over prehistory, in Spanish. About halfway through the class, I was ready to call it quits. I didn’t think I would be able to take the class and pass. A little hard to understand, but then I thought I’m sure with a little background reading, I would understand it. I just lacked the vocabulary to fully comprehend what was going on [luckily, a lot of the words are cognates].
After class, I asked the professor where I can get the reading material for the class. She said she would gather everything for me, for Wednesday, which is when our next class is. I’m so glad she’s nice. At first, she kind of scared me, because when I walked in late, she tips her glasses down and says, “Y Señorita, ¿cuál es tu situación?” But, yes. She reminds me of my high school world history teacher. She was really strict, but was a great teacher with a dry sense of humor.
So, I think I’m going to officially register for this.
It’ll no doubt be a challenge for me, on all different levels, but I think it’ll be for the best in the end… hopefully. So, here I am, a person who used to study for the wrong reasons, trying to turn things around to study for the right reasons. Straight A’s would be nice [really, really nice]…but I have to remember what’s most important is what I get out of the class and how I can apply it to how I live my life.
All my energy that used to be channeled to extracurricular activities, work, and academics, will be channeled for this one semester towards this academic endeavor, all while enjoying what Argentina has to offer.
Ganbarou!
Well. Aside from this rude awakening, I decided to take a trip to Chinatown, more in depth, and it turned out, half the stores were closed, probably because the festival they had over the weekend for the opening of the Olympics. But, I found more [smaller] Asian marts, some slightly cheaper than the one I went to before. So bought a small lunch there, and ate it in the park.
Oh! I bought Paradise Kiss, a manga that I absolutely, absolutely love, by Ai Yazawa. And it’s in Castellano, not just Spanish! So, I was happy I was able to READ some Castellano [because the books I bought thus far are more traditional Spanish, than Castellano] and to be able to read MANGA again. So, when I was in the park, eating lunch, I was reading ParaKiss and learning new phrases like “qué hice yo para merecer esto” which means “what did I do to deserve this?” XD You know, manga here are the same price as Japan, and they maintain the size of the book. I think Americans are the only ones who try to rip manga-buyers off.
So, while I was reading and eating, I somehow got distracted and started looking around at the park I was sitting in. It was different than the ones I’d been to. There was more concrete. I can imagine a lot of street performers tangoing and break-dancing there. Then, I had this idea. I wanted to make a movie. Right there. So, I took out my cell and started texting people in my film track. 4-5 months to create a short film IN ARGENTINA. How exciting, right? It’s definitely a national and international endeavor, working with students from all over the U.S., filming in a country that we’re not from.
Makes my heart race happy thoughts.
ANYWAY, I’ve decided to give myself a weekly budget. Because I have to pay for everything [food, water, pesos for my cell, laundry services, transportation, plus the extra I want to use] money goes fast. I realized back at SUA how much I needed to watch my spending [especially that one month I was in debt], but here, I’ve become more conscious of it because it’s not just about using it for that extra thing that I want; it’s for survival.
It’s gonna be slightly difficult, since there’s a slightly big difference between what I’ve been spending up till now and what I am allotting myself starting this week. But, I think I’ve got my pesos down for my cell phone since I put enough to hopefully last me the semester [if I don’t make anymore long distance calls]. So, no need for that. I can do it.
Outside of all the exciting things that happened to day, I had class at 9pm. Since night classes were offered here, I decided to experience what it was like to take a night class, especially since I’m more of a night person than a morning person. So, 8:20 came rolling around, and I left. USAL is only about 10 blocks down. While I was walking, it started thundering.
WOW. I didn’t think it was possible to hear thunder or rain here.
But, I was happy about it. I missed walking in the light drizzle at night [it was quite a normal thing for me back at SUA]. Rain is definitely much appreciated for me at night than in the day. There’s something about how the light reflects off of the wet asphalt of the streets that bring about a love for the city. Something so nostalgic about it.
Anyway, I got to the university, and I asked the security guy where the classroom was, and he didn’t understand me. So, I kept repeating “V202, V202.” He finally understood and pointed the way. So, this V202, I got from the secretary of the uni. But, it was the wrong classroom. I was totally lost. So, I had to go to the counter and ask where the class was. Even though I arrived 5 minutes early, I ended up finally sitting in the class 5 minutes late. And the professor knew. I had to explain to her my situation, and she seemed cool about it, though she had to mention that the class was an annual class and not a semester class, so I had already missed half of the material, which was fine.
So, I was sitting there, and I started to get worried, because in this class, everyone has to talk and a lot of what they were saying made no sense to me. I think they were reviewing stuff from last semester. But, it was interesting, to go over prehistory, in Spanish. About halfway through the class, I was ready to call it quits. I didn’t think I would be able to take the class and pass. A little hard to understand, but then I thought I’m sure with a little background reading, I would understand it. I just lacked the vocabulary to fully comprehend what was going on [luckily, a lot of the words are cognates].
After class, I asked the professor where I can get the reading material for the class. She said she would gather everything for me, for Wednesday, which is when our next class is. I’m so glad she’s nice. At first, she kind of scared me, because when I walked in late, she tips her glasses down and says, “Y Señorita, ¿cuál es tu situación?” But, yes. She reminds me of my high school world history teacher. She was really strict, but was a great teacher with a dry sense of humor.
So, I think I’m going to officially register for this.
It’ll no doubt be a challenge for me, on all different levels, but I think it’ll be for the best in the end… hopefully. So, here I am, a person who used to study for the wrong reasons, trying to turn things around to study for the right reasons. Straight A’s would be nice [really, really nice]…but I have to remember what’s most important is what I get out of the class and how I can apply it to how I live my life.
All my energy that used to be channeled to extracurricular activities, work, and academics, will be channeled for this one semester towards this academic endeavor, all while enjoying what Argentina has to offer.
Ganbarou!
Day 21: Letter to My Twin Soka Brothers and Sisters [1/5]
Dear 2010 Study Abroaders to Be,
Exactly 2 years ago, 2010ers from all over the world swarmed across the SUA campus for orientation. 2 years ago, we were only freshmen who had yet to experience what life at SUA was like. 2 years ago, 2010 Dynasty came to be. I love you guys.
I’ve decided every 10th day of the month, I will write a blog with some helpful tips for your coming study abroad experience. Stuff that I wish I had known when I came here. I was just going to write one at the end, but then I realized I don’t have a memory capacity that will remember everything till the end. Readers’ discretion: This is just solely based on my experience and experiences of other people in my program in Buenos Aires.
The Things They Don’t Tell You At Orientation [or maybe they do]:
That’s all I can think of at the moment. Well, if I forgot anything, it’ll be in next month’s Letter to My Twin Soka Brothers And Sisters. I downloaded a new song. It took almost 15 minutes to download, what with the internet connection fazing in and out. But, it was worth it. Here’s the message that it came with from the lead vocal of the band. I can’t believe week 3 is over, and week 4 is starting. A new adventure waits beyond the horizon.
GIFT. Sakurai's message: I wonder... “Which might be the most beautiful color? Which might be the most shining color?” This song starts with these words. Needless to say, at the Olympic Games, what is shining the most beautifully is the “gold medal.” However, I think that other than the radiance called “gold / silver / bronze,” which only the winners are awarded with, there exists, more importantly, a radiance which has more value. I believe that among the people who couldn't gain a victory, and among the people who give their best in their everyday lives where there’s usually no victory or defeat, each one possesses a radiance that does not lose to any medal. If this song can become a help for everyone to discover the radiance that lies within them there could be no greater joy for me. – translated by Mr_Children on Jpopmusic.com
Chiheisen no saki ni tadoritsuite mo / Atarashii chiheisen ga hirogaru dake / “Mou yame ni shiyou ka?” / Jibun no mune ni kiku to / “Mada aruki tsuzuketai” to henji ga kikoeta yo / ... / Ichiban kirei na iro tte nan darou? / Ichiban hikatteru mono tte nan darou? / Boku wa dakishimeru / Kimi ga kureta GIFT wo / Itsumademo mune no oku de / Hora hikatterun dayo / Hikari tsuzuken dayo
“Even if we arrive at the edge of the horizon / A new horizon stretches on from there / I ask my heart / ‘Ready to call it quits?’ / And I heard it say back / That it wants to keep on going / … / What is the most beautiful color? / What is that which shines brightest? / I keep the gift you gave me, always, deep in my heart / See, how it shines now / It can still shine on” – “Gift” by Mr. Children, translated by Brian Stewart & Takako Sakuma
End – Week 3: Holding Onto Sanity
Exactly 2 years ago, 2010ers from all over the world swarmed across the SUA campus for orientation. 2 years ago, we were only freshmen who had yet to experience what life at SUA was like. 2 years ago, 2010 Dynasty came to be. I love you guys.
I’ve decided every 10th day of the month, I will write a blog with some helpful tips for your coming study abroad experience. Stuff that I wish I had known when I came here. I was just going to write one at the end, but then I realized I don’t have a memory capacity that will remember everything till the end. Readers’ discretion: This is just solely based on my experience and experiences of other people in my program in Buenos Aires.
The Things They Don’t Tell You At Orientation [or maybe they do]:
- One bag is sufficient to live out of, but two might be better. It’s better to under-pack two bags than to bring one bag.
- Vacuum-seal bags help fit more in luggage, but it can also add more weight because there’s more space to put more stuff in.
- If you went to the FNCC and got one of those pouches for your name tags, it’s a great money holder that you can hide under your shirt. Money belts are great also. Or wristbands that you can slide bills under. Or your sock, pretend your tying your shoe laces when you need the money.
- Don’t exchange all of your dollars at the airport. Some places give you less than the exchange rate. There are other exchange offices to check out.
- Check the weather conditions so you can pack accordingly. You don’t want to bring just t-shirts and a light jacket when it’s going to get down to 30ºF.
- Buy a map and guide. It’ll help you find things to do, as well as help you get accustomed to some of the street names, especially if you know where you’ll be living.
- Keep a journal. It’ll keep you sane for the first few weeks that you’re here.
- Practice speaking. You can learn all the grammar and vocabulary you want, but in the end, you need to be able to speak to communicate. Read a book aloud, or just have a conversation with someone that knows the language daily.
- Keep track of your money. How much you spend, how much you withdraw, how much is in your wallet, how much is in your bank. It’s slightly hard to know realistically how much you’re spending because it’s a different currency.
- Ask the locals where the best affordable places to eat/drink/hang out are. The guide books only tell you the best, regardless of price. The locals always know best.
- Avoid English whenever you can. People will come up to you knowing you know English and they’ll try to practice with you. It’s hard, but it’s the only way you can improve your language skills.
- Call a radio taxi. I dunno if this only pertains to Buenos Aires, but never hail a taxi off the streets. It’s safer to call for one.
- Get your host family a small gift that you can give them when you arrive. You’ll be staying for 5 months. It’d be nice to come bearing gifts.
- Don’t forget to pack an umbrella, Q-tips, and hand sanitizer.
- Check expiration dates. Very…important.
- Take a couple of locks and keys with you. You can store anything important like emergency money and anything valuable in your suitcase and lock it so that no one will steal anything.
- Be careful where you take your camera out. People are always looking to steal them.
- Some restaurants charge for the use of utensils and bread service. This will be listed as “cubierto” on your bill.
- Don’t leave your stuff when you leave to go the bathroom. Bush’s daughter when she came to visit Buenos Aires got robbed like that.
- Bring a laundry bag to put all your dirty clothes in, so when you need to do your laundry, you can just lug that to the washers/driers.
- Save your coins. If you plan on using public transportation, that’s usually all you can use.
- Pre-paid cell phones are cheap, both in price and in quality. You’re only there temporarily so there’s really no need to get a fancy expensive one. Just one that calls out, receives calls, and has texting. People in my program have already lost or gotten theirs stolen.
- Don’t be afraid to open up and reach out. My assistant program director told me that he’s seen many different types of people from different schools, but Soka always managed to have very friendly and open people. That’s saying something. So, be not afraid of not being able to clearly communicate. Those who want to hear you out will understand you.
That’s all I can think of at the moment. Well, if I forgot anything, it’ll be in next month’s Letter to My Twin Soka Brothers And Sisters. I downloaded a new song. It took almost 15 minutes to download, what with the internet connection fazing in and out. But, it was worth it. Here’s the message that it came with from the lead vocal of the band. I can’t believe week 3 is over, and week 4 is starting. A new adventure waits beyond the horizon.
GIFT. Sakurai's message: I wonder... “Which might be the most beautiful color? Which might be the most shining color?” This song starts with these words. Needless to say, at the Olympic Games, what is shining the most beautifully is the “gold medal.” However, I think that other than the radiance called “gold / silver / bronze,” which only the winners are awarded with, there exists, more importantly, a radiance which has more value. I believe that among the people who couldn't gain a victory, and among the people who give their best in their everyday lives where there’s usually no victory or defeat, each one possesses a radiance that does not lose to any medal. If this song can become a help for everyone to discover the radiance that lies within them there could be no greater joy for me. – translated by Mr_Children on Jpopmusic.com
Chiheisen no saki ni tadoritsuite mo / Atarashii chiheisen ga hirogaru dake / “Mou yame ni shiyou ka?” / Jibun no mune ni kiku to / “Mada aruki tsuzuketai” to henji ga kikoeta yo / ... / Ichiban kirei na iro tte nan darou? / Ichiban hikatteru mono tte nan darou? / Boku wa dakishimeru / Kimi ga kureta GIFT wo / Itsumademo mune no oku de / Hora hikatterun dayo / Hikari tsuzuken dayo
“Even if we arrive at the edge of the horizon / A new horizon stretches on from there / I ask my heart / ‘Ready to call it quits?’ / And I heard it say back / That it wants to keep on going / … / What is the most beautiful color? / What is that which shines brightest? / I keep the gift you gave me, always, deep in my heart / See, how it shines now / It can still shine on” – “Gift” by Mr. Children, translated by Brian Stewart & Takako Sakuma
End – Week 3: Holding Onto Sanity
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