So to start out my weekend the first event of any consequence was the Argentina vs. Peru World Cup 2010 Qualifier Match. Because it was held in Buenos Aires (and because I LOVE futbol--this was my 11th futbol match attended since being in South America) I HAD to go see it!
And of course Leonel Messi being the best player in the world (he's Argentine :p) forced me to attend! I found a great priced ticked on the Argentine version of ebay. The price was about $70, a good amount for a futbol match (more than all the others combined, but at $5 a game its hard for an activity like that to get expensive...).
BUT, the quality of the ticket in a US stadium would be $1000 or more. No joke. As you can see from the photo, I was at midfield on the 12th row--not too shabby! And, Argentina won 2-1 after a goal in the 92th minute (stoppage time, last 30 seconds before the game ended!). Needless to say the crazy storm that ensued after made it an interesting second half..
Sunday I had planned a trip to Rosario, Argentina's second largest city (I know I said it was Córdoba; apparently there is a competition for which one is vying for 2nd largest at 1 million; no one is close to Buenos Aires at 12 million!). I woke up around 8 and headed to the bus station for the 4 hour ride. I arrived to warm 75 degree sunshine in Rosario. So far so good! I touched base with my CS host Ele, and got to her house.
We hung out a while before going to the Monument to the Flag, and explored the area. We decided that we wanted to have an asado, so a small group of 5 of us went to this sweet little "grill" spot to eat and enjoy fine drinks. We stayed there until about 2 before heading home. Boy did I sleep well...
Monday I got up a little later and headed out on my own! Ele had to study for an exam, and I didn't mind. I saw all there was to see in Rosario: Monument to the flag, the Basilica to the Virgin of Rosario (there are so many virgins in Catholicism...I wonder if Muslims try to compete with all their virgins too? Probably not...)
After many hours of exploring I returned back tired! I took a little nap, and around 10 some friends came over. We made empanadas and had some good conversation, before at midnight I headed back to the bus station to come home. Monday was a holiday, as the day that America was established, or rather, discovered by Columbus. I neglected to remember that, so ALL the tickets for the buses were sold out except one at the 1:10 a.m. bus back to BA. I got in at 5:30 and made it home. I took a 1 hour nap before heading back out for an 8 o'clock appointment with immigrations. Needless to say they were missing information for my residency, so I have to wait another week to actually be a resident. Then of course I leave 2 weeks after that, so go figure....
Some rather EXCITING news coming up--my wonderful girlfriend Laura North arrives today (in about 8 hours :o). SO, I can guarantee you I won't be posting for the 2 weeks. But hey, I'll get a free chance after she leaves to keep you guys updated! Some trips Laura and I are going on:
4 days in Uruguay; 2 in Colonia de Sacramento (1 of the most beautiful cities in the world!) and 2 in Montevideo.
4 days in Uruguay; 2 in Colonia de Sacramento (1 of the most beautiful cities in the world!) and 2 in Montevideo.
4 days in Mendoza and Córdoba (Mendoza=wine capital of S. America; Córdoba=really cool :p)
6 days in Buenos Aires (Botanical Garden, Zoo, Plazas, Restaurants, birthday party--I turn 21 on the 21st!!)
So hopefully you still enjoy my blog and will read later. It should be worth it!! For those faithful readers and posters, thanks a lot, and i hope to hear from you more~~Benjamín
Those are some awesome pictures of architecture of BA. Have fun while Laura visits!
ReplyDeleteWow, you really are all about that futbol! Fun that you've seen so many matches.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad Laura is there safely and we look forward to pics and posts of all your travels.
Don't forget the stained-glass windows:)!