My first journey in Argentina came to a close on December 17. What is it that I have to show for five months in a city full of so much life? Not much physically. I shaved my beard, my tan was mostly non-existent, I didn’t fill suitcases with souvenirs or paintings. So what’s the difference between the Will who landed in Buenos Aires on July 22, 2010 and the Will who landed on American soil December 18, 2010? Whatever it is that’s changed in me, I carry it within.
 |
| Agustín, Brian, Cara and I at a teammate's going away party. (Te quiero Dani Torres). |
First and foremost, I walk with the affection and friendships of many new people in my life. My transition and daily life in Buenos Aires was made so full of love by the humor, sarcasm and warmth of Anahí and Juan José, my host family. Though we might spend all the day apart – we’d always reconvene for an enjoyable dinner together where we’d dine with stout or wine and pizza, pasta, beef or whatever Anahí had prepared. Coming home from night classes at 10 o’clock to a kitchen full of family and food was a joy.
 |
| Juan, Anahí and I at a gala a few weeks before my departure. |
More extended family formed for me with the ultimate Frisbee community I joined. Every Saturday I counted on a full day of sun, competition and usually a team meal. My classmates at the Catholic University and at FLACSO all wove their way into my life slowly but surely. We stuck together for birthdays, travel, evenings out, exams, exploration and practicing the beautiful Spanish language.
 |
| My Argentine, Colombian, Peruvian and American frisbee family. |
I invested myself in Buenos Aires. Admittedly, I did less travel in country than my average peer in the program. As I looked back at my goals at the beginning of the semester, however, I soon realized why it played out that way. Most of my goals were oriented around people and the city itself. They included making friends, choosing great classes, learning songs, learning history, learning tongue twisters and the like. My ability to communicate was sharpened as I gained fluency in Spanish. I feel better able to relate to people with which I don’t share much in common on the surface. I made more friends than I could’ve hoped. And yes, I learned a tong twister.
 |
| Team Sapukay after our first game of donning our uniforms! |
The greatest discovery I made was through the test of my adaptability. Living in the seventeenth largest metropolis in the world was an enormous change for me. At first, I felt very out of place and overwhelmed. Over time, I became comfortable with my surroundings and using the public transit that spans Buenos Aires. I found it even exhilarating to learn a shortcut or better root across the bustling city. What’s more, I grew to love the city. I grew to love the lifestyle, the schedule, the rhythm of life, the sayings, the meaning of friendship, the parks and the open and vocal passerby. I answered a crucial question in my journey towards my future. Can I adjust and thrive in a new city, an enormous city, one with a different language? I know that answer is yes and that Buenos Aires is one of them! Thank you from this intrepid pedestrian from a small town for reading along! Happy New Year.
 |
| An evening out at Puerta Roja en San Telmo for Brian's birthday. Kayla, Tom, Sarah, Tiffany and Brian were my closest American friends while away! |
 |
| My host brother Juan and I on the right with his sister Sabrina and her boyfriend Gabriel. |
