I am sitting right now in the only place open on a Sunday and, luckily, has Wi-Fi!! Mendoza is literally a ghost-town on Sundays until about 9 PM, when people begin to eat dinner. Sunday is an absolute day of rest...most supermarkets are not even open. It's definitely an experience unlike anything I have encountered in the US where I know that I can at least buy some water, if necessary.
So, a quick update on me being here--I am staying with my grandmother in Godoy Cruz, which is a safe and "nice" area of Mendoza. We live in an apartment about 2 blocks from one of the most important streets here, Av. San Martin. Unlike back home where I walk everywhere on my own, here I have to be slightly careful. I do not look like most Argentine young ladies...I am tall, athletic built, and have a "Yankee"-looking face. I stick out like a sore thumb. And just like whenever there is someone new in your surroundings, everyone begins to pay attention to every little thing the new person does. Therefore, I generally walk around with my grandmother. But, it's lovely being here with her. I can see that she is much happier now that she has someone around.
The major difference about living here compared to back in the US is that I feel absolutely disconnected...most people do not have internet in the places they live (like my grandmother), no one has internet on their phones, most people's cell phones are pre-paid for texts and calls so there is always a limit to how many and how often you can talk to people, and TV is generally not something that is necessary to own. Most news is through word of mouth or the radio (although, with my Kindle I can easily get The New York Times. YES!). It is definitely a major difference from my life back in the US with my BlackBerry, HDTV, and unlimited texts and calls. Right now it feels SO strange...but I'm sure in another 2 weeks it'll begin to feel normal.
My computer battery is about to run out so I've got to go. But, I will write more tomorrow! And some pictures will be included soon. much love.
k bye.
Gabi! I am so excited that you will be blogging while you are in Argentina. I am happy to hear that you are able to spend time with your grandma and live in such a beautiful country! I would not be surprised at all if in a few short weeks you end up prefering the absence of TV/internet/phone as you get used to it all.
ReplyDeleteI cannot wait to hear more and will be following you with your updates :)
LOVE YOU GABI!
LOVE YOU MICHELLE!
ReplyDelete