Back in BA

We've been back for a couple weeks now and I've started a new routine, mainly consisting of school, exercising, language exchanges, and nights out.  I'm also going to start volunteer work next week.  What could be bad??


Thought I would share a couple of the cool things I did last week: 1) A blind dinner theater show and 2) a genuine Argentine BBQ (called "asado" here).  First, the blind theater.  Well, it is what it sounds like - me, pitch black, beautiful singing, and an interesting meal, sans utensils.  At first it felt really funky, especially when I was practically in a conga line being led to my table and then nearly sat on the floor instead of my chair.  After a few minutes though, I adjusted surprisingly well and knew exactly where my wine glass was.  Clearly the most important thing on the table!  


Dinner went from left to right and all 7 courses were on the table from the get-go.  That turned out to mean that at some point during the meal, all 4 of us at the table put our elbow, hand, or something else in the cake before it was actually time to eat it.  Delicious.    


All in all, it was pretty incredible and just a fascinating night. I was especially impressed with the waiters.  The actors had their sight, but the waiters did not and they poured the wine with amazing precision.  At the end, the lights came on and we were given menus (woohoo, we had guessed every course correctly).  Although my curiosity was obviously satisfied, I do think they could have left that up to our imaginations.  


Now the asado.  I went with a friend of my Uncle Howie's, who lives here in BA part time and has been wonderful to me.  The asado was at the apartment of his good friend in Recoleta, in a great outdoor space.  It was filled with delightful food, company, and wine and I sincerely enjoyed being there.  I even got to speak a lot of Spanish.  There were mountains of meat - all different types, but not a hamburger or hot dog in sight.  More like black pudding, chorizo, sweet bread, steak, pork - you get the point.  The meat options are a big difference between an Argentine asado and a BBQ back home (which I also looove), but I was trying to figure out a way to better describe how they differ.  Well, sorry to say that I couldn't really come to a conclusion.  I think you just have to experience it.  Anyway, what a treat!


Since I've been back, I also went to a couple concerts, including an indoor festival with local BA indie bands that Cait and I went to with my former professor and her friends.  Again, lots of Spanish speaking!  Actually that night we were not allowed to speak any English.  Besides that, the scene is pretty much identical to what you see in NY.  If you can, check out a one-man band called Coiffeur.  He makes insanely beautiful music.   


Tonight Cait and I and a few of our friends are off to Cordoba, about a 10 hour bus ride away.  We are heading there for Oktoberfest, which promises to be a really fun time.  We'll let you know next week!


My parents arrive on Thursday and I am very excited to have them here!!  I already have lots of good ideas planned and can't wait for it.  As a reminder, visitors are always welcome. :)