Let me just say that outdoor sports are not my forte... this weekend we went to Uspallata in the mountains (which was insanely beautiful), but the activity side of it all was a real killer. For some reason I decided to sign up for mountain biking... sounded leisurely and fun? Yeah, no. Long story short, I have never in my life felt so out of shape. While the view was unreal, I couldn't even take it in while trying to pant my way up the mountain. Since when do people not consider drinking wine on top of a mountain (via car) not the best way to go? But seriously, it was suicide riding.. when I got to the top you would have thought I ran a marathon. Anyways, we were about 3,500 meters high in the mountains... so we were forewarned before the trip that the altitude might effect our health (not to drink the night before, etc) well some poor girl from Hawaii's 21st was the night before.. so the next morning we had a 2 mile hike up the mountain, and every time our guide stopped to give us some geographic fact, the girl was yacking off the mountain (lol..ew?) I seriously wanted to die for her... they gave her the option to hike back to the bus, but she was a real trooper and toughed it out.. wasn't an easy hike. Special thanks to Nas, Joris Voorn, and Bob Marley for the uphill entertainment. But anyways, this country, mama mia.. I've fallen in love. The weather/trees/people/wine/culture... beautiful! I got to spend an amazing afternoon in the park with my friend Sharay (Holland), where we literally laid in the trees by the lake/listened to music/drank wine/cheese/bread for hours.. one of the most incredible days ever. I really love it here... and my Spanish is getting better and better ;) Ciao

By far one of the most amazing days.. This morning I went to a modern Art Museum/Winery in the middle of the mountains that was literally breathtaking (pics to come!). Then, we went to this house in the countryside where we were served wine and champagne all day (malbec.. delicioso!) The house was on acres and acres of land in the mountains.. so beautiful. We sat outside as they prepared this huge meal, searving us empanadas while we waited (wine in hand, of course). Afterwards, we rode horses through the mountains! If you know me, I am not a big animal fan... but I have to say, it was quite an experience... I was a little freaked out, but my horse was cool (thankfully) Anyways, they had Argentinian dancers who did a little medly for us when we got back.. and then I tried to join in, pretending I knew how to tango.. (great pics) Will post pics tmrw. Absolutely love it here! Ciao

I debated sharing this story, but it has received rave reviews in Argentina, so here you go... I went to take a shower the first night here, and the knobs read "F" and "C"... this house is extremely outdated to say the least, so with that being said, I prepared myself for the worst. I don't know whether it was because I was deliriously tired, or just out of my mind, but I thought that "C" stood for cold, and "F" for like fahrenheit?? No clue.. I'd been lost in translation all day anyways. So I literally stood in the bathroom with the "F" knob turned on all the way just waiting for the slightest feeling of warmth.... no luck, obviously. I finally came to the false realization that they don't have hot water, and that I would have to suck it up and get in. In all honesty, the water was cold as ICE... I was seriously a mexican jumping bean trying to take a shower.... wow. Next morning, I'm walking with Kendel, and I'm like... "get this, they don't have hot water..." needless to say, she informs me that I am an idiot and "F" is for frio, "C" for calor... whatever. Anywaysss, I am currently at sitting at an amazing cafe with the girls and highspeed wifi... perfecto! I absolutely love it here, everyone is so beautiful and welcoming... I'm off to do a little shopping.. ciao ciao!

¿Habla Ingles¡? I have never in my life met so many people who do not know one word of English... woah. I landed in Argentina last night and was greeting by the sweetest woman in the world (my host mom for the next 7 weeks), only to find out she speaks ¨zero ingles¨... and as far as my Spanish goes, well, I pretty much can meet and greet. So needless to say, the car ride home was ridiculously entertaining. I told her my name, that I am from Dallas, and that I was muy cansado... good times. I was hoping she would turn on the radio to break the awkward silence, but instead she just continued to talk. At first I think she thought I would understand at least something in Spanish, but after the look on my face, and realizing all I had to say back to everything was ´si,´ she knew it was hopeless. However... alas, a Christmas miracle! Kendel lives next door to me. When I saw her, I seriously felt like I had seen God... and luckily, for me, Kendel´s spanish is pretty good... Honestly, I feel like I will really learn a ton of Spanish being in this situation... I am pretty much forced to figure it out. Anyways, Argentina is beautiful! The people, the city, everything... and the food, ah! mucho mucho bueno. Ever since I got here, my host mom will not stop feeding me, and I love it! Dinner literally lasts 2 hours, and of course, coffee and tea afterwards. Today I went on a drive through the city, had the biggest Stella ever, went to the park, and sat outside eating... the weather is amazing, 70 degrees all day. Everything is done outside and I love it.. reminds me a little bit of Lincoln Rd. in Miami... all the restaurants are patio style outside.. the shopping, street performers, etc. I haven´t discovered half this city! I start classes tomorrow and I cannot wait because I really need to stop embarrassing myself.. mi espanol es muy mal, lo siento. Will update tomorrow. Buenos noches.

I don't know why, but I always seem to end up on the flights from hell. So I flew 10 hours this morning from Dallas to Chile, with a connecting flight to Argentina. Upon arriving, everyone had to go through a swine flu check, and then proceed to the gate for Argentina. By the time I had gone through the flu check, everyone was literally sprinting towards the gate trying to catch the plane before it left. Running with my life on my back, I made it to the gate only to see them shutting the door, and shaking their heads at me and the six others who didn't make it in time. As I stood there looking at the plane I am supposed to be on, they tell me it's too late, and I will have to get on the next flight that leaves......... 7 hours later. So, what an eventful day at the Chile airport. I shopped in Dutyfree for a good hour, slept with my godsend pillow on a row of chairs, went to eat twice, and watched Blood Diamond... I am still currently waiting to board my plane. I feel like I've been up for days. Can't wait to finally arrive in Argentina. Keeping my fingers crossed.