speaking what i mean.: New House/Dad/Gay Pride/Cooking

I can't believe it's November 9th. (I know I just stated this, but please refrain from reminding me.)

Okay so I've been in a new place for the past 10 days. I'm really glad I moved... I have complete freedom here, as I feel like I should. My room is much bigger here, and it's really cozy and lovely. There are three girls from France, a guy from Germany, and a guy from Spain. It's funny how the only native Spanish speaker is the one from Spain, but all communication takes place in Spanish. I really am so proud of myself for improving my Spanish so much while being here, I love love love speaking Spanish.

My dad got here last Thursday, he is here on a house exchange for three weeks. It's nice to be able to hang out with him as a person, not just a father. He lives a few blocks from me. Friday night him and I along with my friend Patrizio went to this DELICIOUS asado that my dad's friends invited us to. It was so gourmet and classy. The best wine and dessert and coffe, but the meat (the asado itself) was so fantastic. Honestly I can't remember the last time I had meat that great. It was cooked perfectly and I cannot express how nom nom nommy it was.

Saturday was a march for Gay Pride. SO CROWDED. Apparently it's one of the biggest gay pride festivals in...the world? I mean it was definitley pretty packed so I may believe that. I put a roll of film in my camera as I walked over with some of my housemates and thus commenced my second roll of film here in Argentina. The people gathered in Plaza de Mayo, of course. This is where people always get together in Buenos Aires. What I really like is that there are constantly protests from all sectors of society, and anyone can get out and speak. It's always empowering to be around it.

I need to pick a day sometime to describe a "typical day" because honestly every day is so packed of awesome happenings, I never know what to pick and choose. So far today I woke up with the lovely Riley by my side and we made delicious scrambled eggs with tomato and basil and avacado. This brings me to my next topic:

COOKING:

I've been doing a ton of cooking in Argentina, due to the fact that I live on my own and do NOT have any sort of meal plan (the idea of having a meal plan feels distant and absurd). I've gotten pretty good at making basic things, and making them taste good. Last night Riley and I made a yummy soup with a chicken broth base, terragon, potatoes, onion, garlic, tomatoes, and terragon. We offered it to a few of my housemates who were full, but as soon as one tried it the rest wanted some too. We felt very proud of ourselves. Last time Riley was here we made two delicious pizzas, one of which we offered to our friends when they came over to chat and drink wine/beer with us. I've also made empanadas a few time with John. Milanesas (like thinly cut meat) are so so cheap and delicious... Making real mash potatoes... Rice dishes... Fancy pasta sauces... I've realized I love cooking. I think it's somewhat therapeutic for me, because if I'm doing a lot of work or just bored, I look forward to taking a break to cook a meal...and I always feel relaxed and happy while doing so. I'm excited because next semester I know I am going to cook all. the. time. (Also look forward to cooking a lot for my family over break.)

This weekend I am going to Cordoba, as paid for by BC. It's the second largest city in Argentina, and we're going to spend a lot of time in a national park, which means NATURE. I really miss nature a whole lot, and it's going to be so fantastic to get out of the city for a weekend. I plan on taking lotsa lotsa pictures.

I've realized that I basically have sketches of all of my closest friends here (still have some to go) and that makes me happy.