So after much procrastination, I finally took my computer to a place to have it looked at. The guy confirmed my suspiscions that the hard disk was dead and that the only thing that could be done would be to replace it. He then tried to look at the hard disk, and I realized that besides the cost of a new one down here plus a new operating system, that I probably knew as much about computers as he did.
He told me the hard disk could be replaced but that they did not have one there and it could be difficult to find one for my computer (since it is so old). I proceeded to tell him my computer ës una mierda¨y que ¨no vale la peña¨. He laughed and asked if that was all the spanish I had learned here in BsAs. I told him yes.
Because electronics are SO expensive down here, I will have to wait for my return to the states to get a new computer. So in addition to the ¨Keep Carrie Fed¨fund I am running, there is now also the ¨Help Carrie buy a new computer¨fund as well.
Here is a link again to my photos on Facebook. Hopefully it works for ya´ll this time!
jueves, 27 de septiembre de 2007
miércoles, 26 de septiembre de 2007
Leche
As the saying goes ¨There´s no use crying over spilled milk¨. Well what do you do if it happens twice in one day?
One of the interesting things about Argentina is the way they package their foods. In the US we buy our ketchup and mustard in bottles, mayo in jars, laundry detergent and milk in jugs. Here EVERYTHING is in bags. I suppose it is because people simply buy the jar/jug/bottle once and then simply refill it once it runs out. It´s cheaper and it does reduce the amount of space needed for garbage (space being another topic I will elaborate on sometime in the future).
Milk as it turns out is sold in three packages here: jug (1qt sized), box or bag. The cheapest way to buy milk is in the bag. (If you are unsure as to why I buy milk in the bags please read the entry below). Needless to say yesterday when I was at Carrefour (the French Wal-mart) I placed my bags of milk in my shopping basket (although not quite as secure as I should have) and proceeded to the check-out. About 10 steps later one of the bags of milk fell out of my basket and EXPLODED (like a water balloon) all over the floor. I was full of vergüenza (embarassment) becuase this happened right in front of the check-out lanes. That was spilled milk situation #1.
So you get your bag milk home and decide you want a glass. You cut a small part of the corner off and CAREFULLY pour it into a glass. If you are smart, you have a pitcher or some other container to pour the rest of the milk in and return it to the fridge. If you are me, your house has nothing of the sort, you don´t feel like making an investment in a pitcher and delicately place the milk the side door of the fridge, propping it ever so carefully as to prevent it from leaking everywhere. But alas, you come to notice later that the fridge door has been shut perhaps a bit too violently by either you, a roommate or a guest (not accustomed to such a novelty as bag milk) and it has, despite your best efforts, still proceeded to spill all over the floor. This was spilled milk situation #2 yesterday.
I did not proceed to get upset over all of my spilled milk. I just found it amusing that yesterday was obviously not meant for me and my milk.
One of the interesting things about Argentina is the way they package their foods. In the US we buy our ketchup and mustard in bottles, mayo in jars, laundry detergent and milk in jugs. Here EVERYTHING is in bags. I suppose it is because people simply buy the jar/jug/bottle once and then simply refill it once it runs out. It´s cheaper and it does reduce the amount of space needed for garbage (space being another topic I will elaborate on sometime in the future).
Milk as it turns out is sold in three packages here: jug (1qt sized), box or bag. The cheapest way to buy milk is in the bag. (If you are unsure as to why I buy milk in the bags please read the entry below). Needless to say yesterday when I was at Carrefour (the French Wal-mart) I placed my bags of milk in my shopping basket (although not quite as secure as I should have) and proceeded to the check-out. About 10 steps later one of the bags of milk fell out of my basket and EXPLODED (like a water balloon) all over the floor. I was full of vergüenza (embarassment) becuase this happened right in front of the check-out lanes. That was spilled milk situation #1.
So you get your bag milk home and decide you want a glass. You cut a small part of the corner off and CAREFULLY pour it into a glass. If you are smart, you have a pitcher or some other container to pour the rest of the milk in and return it to the fridge. If you are me, your house has nothing of the sort, you don´t feel like making an investment in a pitcher and delicately place the milk the side door of the fridge, propping it ever so carefully as to prevent it from leaking everywhere. But alas, you come to notice later that the fridge door has been shut perhaps a bit too violently by either you, a roommate or a guest (not accustomed to such a novelty as bag milk) and it has, despite your best efforts, still proceeded to spill all over the floor. This was spilled milk situation #2 yesterday.
I did not proceed to get upset over all of my spilled milk. I just found it amusing that yesterday was obviously not meant for me and my milk.
martes, 25 de septiembre de 2007
Dos meses!
Saturday was the 2 month mark for me being down here in BsAs. It also was the day I finally felt adjusted to the city as my new home.
Friday was the official first day of Primavera (spring) it was also the Dia del Estudiante. Basically instead of having a spring break, the students here only get 1 day off. But boy do they make it count.
I had been told that on the day of the student all of the jovenes (teens) flock to the park to soak up the sun. Meredith and I had decided to go to the Recoleta Cemetary and then throw in a park. Suffice it to say, we had to walk quite a while before we could find some grass that was not taken over by the sea of students on their day off. We were also not aware that Plaza Francia (where we were) was playing host to the majority of the Dia del Estudiante festivities (concerts and give-aways such as condoms and granola bars). It was quite entertaining seeing all of these people absolutely drunk at 4pm playing their guitars, drinking their mate and doing capoeria.
The two month mark has been bittersweet for me as well. I now relize I am almost half done with my time here. I have also realized that I´ve spend almost half of my money in that time as well. I´ve gotten a bit better about not spending it all on cabs (the collectivos or buses are now my friends) and I eat at home more than I eat out. I might have to start sacraficing food to be able to take the few small side trips I have planned though. Unless anyone feels like donating to the ¨Keep Carrie fed while in Argentina¨ Fund (HINT HINT MOM AND DAD!)
This weekend looks to be promising with real sight-seeing in the city (and free I might add) so hopefully I will have something more to write about in the coming days.
Friday was the official first day of Primavera (spring) it was also the Dia del Estudiante. Basically instead of having a spring break, the students here only get 1 day off. But boy do they make it count.
I had been told that on the day of the student all of the jovenes (teens) flock to the park to soak up the sun. Meredith and I had decided to go to the Recoleta Cemetary and then throw in a park. Suffice it to say, we had to walk quite a while before we could find some grass that was not taken over by the sea of students on their day off. We were also not aware that Plaza Francia (where we were) was playing host to the majority of the Dia del Estudiante festivities (concerts and give-aways such as condoms and granola bars). It was quite entertaining seeing all of these people absolutely drunk at 4pm playing their guitars, drinking their mate and doing capoeria.
The two month mark has been bittersweet for me as well. I now relize I am almost half done with my time here. I have also realized that I´ve spend almost half of my money in that time as well. I´ve gotten a bit better about not spending it all on cabs (the collectivos or buses are now my friends) and I eat at home more than I eat out. I might have to start sacraficing food to be able to take the few small side trips I have planned though. Unless anyone feels like donating to the ¨Keep Carrie fed while in Argentina¨ Fund (HINT HINT MOM AND DAD!)
This weekend looks to be promising with real sight-seeing in the city (and free I might add) so hopefully I will have something more to write about in the coming days.
lunes, 17 de septiembre de 2007
El Correo
If you think the US postal system is slow and inefficent, you´ve never dealt with Correo Argentino. Let´s just say there are 3.5hrs of my time here in BsAs that I will never get back. And the most frustrating part is the package that was sent to me basically is of no use.
I recieved a new charger for my computer just in time for my computer´s hard drive to decide to stop working. Just my luck no?
Once again the weather has turned cold and rainy. Where is this wonderful springtime I´ve been promised?
On a happier note- the rain made for a fun day of ultimate in the mud. It reminded me of being a kid and playing in the mud and needing to be hosed off before coming in the house.
Parcials (mid-terms) have started as well. I have my first one this Weds. I´m anxious to see how it goes and how harshly they grade international students (and their spanish grammar). Hopefully it will not be too bad.
I recieved a new charger for my computer just in time for my computer´s hard drive to decide to stop working. Just my luck no?
Once again the weather has turned cold and rainy. Where is this wonderful springtime I´ve been promised?
On a happier note- the rain made for a fun day of ultimate in the mud. It reminded me of being a kid and playing in the mud and needing to be hosed off before coming in the house.
Parcials (mid-terms) have started as well. I have my first one this Weds. I´m anxious to see how it goes and how harshly they grade international students (and their spanish grammar). Hopefully it will not be too bad.
martes, 4 de septiembre de 2007
New York City in BsAs
I keep finding things that SHOULD belong in NYC here in BsAs. For instance, yesterday I was walking around the Barancas de Belgrano (a large park near my apartment on the way to school) and noticed a minature version of the Statue of Liberty. Not to mention the top half of the Chrysler building they have for their Manhattan Café, China Town (where I live) and a giant obleisk (kind of like the one in Central Park).
Other random things to note: I have been successful in finding two of the food items I miss from the US. The peanut butter I found in the asian grocery store and I was thrilled to find Newman´s Own Ranch Dressing. Something yummy to dip my chicken nuggets and pizza in at last! Now if only I could find plain tortilla chips to eat with guacamole!
My roommate Molly and I went to a Greek Restaurant last week because we were DYING for some hummus. I guess we shouldn´t of been that surprised when they brought white bread instead of pita bread to eat with it. It was fun smashing the plates and dancing, but there was not the same joy and atmosphere as the Greek festivals at home :(
lunes, 3 de septiembre de 2007
Primavera!
Spring is here! (or so I hope) The weather has finally turned warm (and humid). I can´t explain how happy I am to be able to wear my flip flops (the sign that I am a true american/arizona girl). Hopefully it will stay like this so I can walk around the city and the parks more.
the city has a very distinct smell i´ve noticed when it´s warmer and honestly it´s not such a nice one. mostly it smells of the dog-poo that´s everywhere. it´s a good subtle reminder to watch your step everywhere you go though.
On a side note- there was a reporter from rolling stone at ultimate on sat to do a story. supposdly they are going to call me to speak to a woman about the sport. we´ll see how well i interview in spanish. i´ll make sure to post the story whenever it comes out!
the city has a very distinct smell i´ve noticed when it´s warmer and honestly it´s not such a nice one. mostly it smells of the dog-poo that´s everywhere. it´s a good subtle reminder to watch your step everywhere you go though.
On a side note- there was a reporter from rolling stone at ultimate on sat to do a story. supposdly they are going to call me to speak to a woman about the sport. we´ll see how well i interview in spanish. i´ll make sure to post the story whenever it comes out!
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