Arrival

Wow.

After some exciting events, I am safely in Buenos Aires. Flew from Chicago to La Guardia no problem. Transferred to JFK no problem. Checked in, went through security, and found my gate no problem. After some time I noticed the other people at the gate becoming frantic and talking fast in Spanish. Turns out our flight was cancelled and we had to run to the American Airlines desk. When it was my turn at the desk, the guy started becoming angry and was called "el diablo.¨ Whatever, he got my a ticket and said I better run to the gate because the plane was leaving now ¡ fantastic. Went through security again, sprinted the length of the airport, bounded down 2 flights on the escalator, sprinted some more, climbed 2 flights on the escalator, and finally made it to the gate. What fun! The flight was fine, just slept. When I arrived in Buenos Aires and went to baggage claim, I heard my name being called. I found my cousin Damian (he works for Delta airlines). I was told they lost my bags and would not get them for another day. This did not surprise at all!

For the rest of the day, I hung out with Damian, his brother Gustavo, and Gustavo´s girlfriend Jackie. We had lunch, went to the mall to buy a shirt for me, and took a nap. That night, the entire family ate dinner together. Lito and Juanita, Miguel and Faustina, Ruben, Damian, Gustavo, Jackie, Sarita, Juanita´s mom, and some other woman....It was all very nice and we talked about the families. My spanish has been very good. They understand. I just have to work on my vocab and they obviously speak much faster than I do. For those that care, I had pasta with meat sauce. I say this becuase all of the food in Buenos Aires is amazing. Some of the city looks familiar too. I am even by the blockbuster/Chabad that I was near two years ago. Last night, Damian and I rented a movie - Nine Frances. It was very good and was about corruption and bribes in Argentina. Damian said it was very representative of society.

I am at an internet cafe now and have the day to myself. Everything is great. I am going to get some lunch, walk around, and enjoy the warm weather.

Ciao!