- November 17, 1999
- Washington, DC
My last few weeks in Argentina were perhaps my busiest, aside from my travels. I completed all of my exams and managed to work through the university's bureaucracy so that I'd get credit for them. The University of Belgrano made U. of D. look organized. On my last Friday in Buenos Aires my host brother Jim, my host dad, and I took a ride around the city, including stopping for a visit on one of Argentina's icebreakers. Being a southern cone nation with interests in Antarctica Argentina has a real reason to have such a ship. We were given a personal tour of the vessel and were even awarded the traditional had worn by sailors of that ship. It's similar to the American version, but all in Spanish with the words "Armada Argentina" proudly displayed across the front. Later that evening we had a special dinner with my host parents and when they went off to bed around ten Jim and I held our own going away party.
We brewed up a mean batch of sangr�a, broke out some cookies, and invited over our closest friends. Among those who came to see me were Laura and Maya, both students from Paris. Here's a good shot of us enjoying the ambiance.
I left Buenos Aires on Saturday, flew overnight through Santiago, Chile, and on to Cancun, Mexico. From there I made my way to M�rida, the "White City" were Er�n and her family live. There were all very happy to have me, especially it seemed her mother. The last time I went to visit was three years ago and at the time I spoke almost no Spanish. Because her mother speaks limited English we couldn't really chat much. I think she was overjoyed to finally be able to converse with someone she'd hear so much about but never gotten to know. Er�n and I had a good time catching up on old friends, who's where, who's doing what, and so on. Below is a nice shot of Er
�n and her mother at the beach of Puerto Progreso on the Gulf coast where we went for good seafood on Monday.
Back now in DC I look back on the entire experience and recommend it to everyone, i.e.: Josh, go to France. Understanding another part of the world has been a genuinely enriching experience, broadening my vision of myself and of our nation, and giving my a more refined sense of direction in what I would like to do with my life. I would like to take just a moment to thank all of you who sent me letters and wrote to me while I was away, your letters always made my day. Scott thank you especially for the weekly sports beat, and Mom and Dad for sending on the trip of my life.
Love always,
Jon