Whew. The hardest part is over. I was extremely nervous about the initial arrival in Buenos Aires and now, finally, I have made it to Argentina safely and without much trouble. I think the scariest part was entering the airport, right after customs. I remembered that Sol told me to take a remi to the hostel. So I, trying to seem patient and calm, glanced around the small airport, not seeing what I was supposed to see. After walking only a few more steps I noticed the taxi/remi booth and I retrieved the address of the hostel as quickly as I could from my backpack. They were communicating to me in Spanish. I had just walked off a 12 hour/overnight flight. I still needed to brush my teeth and wake up...the last thing I wanted to do was began communicating in my beginner-Spanish. Unfortunately, and fortunately, I had no other option. The lady at the booth handed me a ticket and I waited for the driver to arrive. He, as well, spoke no English. I was so incredibly tired. He was very kind, however, and took me straight to the address I had scribed on my paper. I stepped out of the taxi expecting to waltz into the hostel, book my room, and make quick friends with my bed. As my taxi driver, Walter by name, knocked on the door, I realized it would not be that easy. The hostel was closed.
Hmmm.
What to do now?
I asked him in Spanish if he knew of another hostel? I had no address with me, and no way of contacting anyone, (not without Internet access). This "winging-it" idea was a lot more difficult than anticipated.
Fortunately, Walter was so kind. He knew of another hostel and drove me to it. It is called "Sudamerika Hostel & Suites." As I checked in, I realized this hostel would be half the cost of the other. Alright! I put my luggage in the 4-person room and I was greeted by two ladies who were just as sweet as Walter. They asked if I wanted to go shopping with them but I had to decline because I was still fantasizing about an incredible siesta!
As I looked for a plug in for my computer I noticed the outlet was not compatible. I could have cried. How was I going to reach anyone? How was I going to check in-and locate of few of the Argentine contacts Sol so kindly shared with me?
Saved again- I went to the front desk to ask for an adapter and she handed one to me, free of charge. SIGH. What a relief!
After the computer was up and running, I was feeling a little less disconnected and out of place. Sol's friend Melina messaged me and we made plans to meet up ...
I had an incredible (delicious and huge!) lunch and then coffee at a famous coffee hang-out. Melina had mercy on me and saw that my eyelids were fighting with gravity. I was walked back to the hostel re-coup. Today is only day one :)
Friday I will meet my host family, and Sunday is orientation.
I have a feeling I will be pretty busy between school arranged events and everything that Melina and her friends have planned.
What an adventure.
(I have been speaking in English to Melina and her friends. I'm too tired for more Spanish today!)
