Mendoza

I have been in Mendoza now for exactly a month. At first I didn't think I was going to want to blog about living here, but as the days pass, I realize more and more how great blogging can be. It helps me not only process my day to day experiences, but also lets me catalog each day that I am here, allowing me to share my adventures with the people I love.

A month ago today, I arrived in Mendoza, Argentina. So much has happened since the day Franca met me at the airport and together we drove to Nicol's work and surprised her. I have had the opportunity to live with Nicol's family, getting to know her mom and sister intimately, gone through the process of apartment searching without Craigslist, started classes, but most importantly I have gotten to wake up in the same city as Nicol everyday for the past month!

I have been in classes for the past three weeks, and am loving every moment of them. The teachers are great, the other students are extremely friendly, and the material is at my perfect level. In the mornings I have grammar class with three other students, and in the afternoon I have conversation class with four other students. Everyday after class I really feel like I have learned something, and can directly see my spanish improving outside of the classroom. Talk about getting your money's worth!!! In addition to classes, the school has weekly activities, ranging from a free class on identifying fake money, to a wine tour. So far I have gone on a wine and olive oil tour, took the fake money class!, and gone for a wine tasting. I am excited to see what activities are available this week!!!

Today also marks my second week in my apartment. I am really loving it. It is a loft, with a living room, kitchen, bathroom and bedroom. I even have a place to put my hammock!!! I have already had several dinner parties here, one with Nicol's family, one with the Con Rouge soccer team (my soccer team here), and one with kids from my school. Its wonderful to have a space to entertain people! As a house warming present, Lili (Nicol's mom) got me some wonderful herbs, so now I have a small collection of herbs to aid me in my cooking!!! In addition to my herbs at the apartment, Nicol and I planted a vegetable garden in her mom's backyard. We are so excited about our plants, everyday after I get out of class and she gets off from work we check our plants, water them, take out weeds, and pray they keep growinggg!!!!!

Well there is a short recap of my time so far, of course many events are missing, but from now on I will try and post regularly.