"Green is the prime color of the world, and that from which its loveliness arises."

- Pedro Calderon de la Barca

Are we tourists in a foreign land or students looking to find a second home?

It feels really strange to be typing this post right now because I'm currently sitting in Newark Airport waiting for my flight back home to Chicago. It's been a long day but surprisingly doesn't feel too long, probably because of the change in time zones. I can't explain what first came to mind when I stepped off the plane back into the United States, but that's probably just because my mind is spinning a bit to begin with.

Now that classes have begun and I’m settling into structured routine, here is a glimpse into a standard Wednesday as an American studying in Buenos Aires with a few key occurrences that illustrate how important it is to maintain a sense of humor:

It is no secret that I love San Antonio.  In fact, it is the very opposite of a secret.  I talk about San Antonio more than anyone has a right to, certainly more than anyone around me wants to hear.  I love the food, the music, the art, the skyline.  I especially love the people.

Children's sandaled feet, running across the gravel yard.  They release a joyous shriek and toss a deflated soccer ball across the fence.  It is our space and their space, a garden big enough for the two of us.  When they rest on the steps, I smell the heady scent of Indian spices - coriander, mint, curry powder - drifting from their hair and skin and clothes.

Italians are known for their passion, their family-oriented lifestyles, their interest in community.  Maybe, knowing those things, I should have anticipated the generosity, but I am certain I expected Romans to be cold towards Americans.

El Cerro San Cristobal 

Hola amigos :) We went on our first real solo adventure (meaning without the guidance of our wonderful IES staff) this week--and it was AWESOME! Not only did it feel great to be able to navigate the city, but the place we went, El Cerro San Cristobal, was absolutely beautiful. Cerro in Spanish means hill. This "hill" is very close to our center of operations and hosts some of the most beautiful views of Santaigo and the Andes.