We had the chance to make it now it’s over, it’s over, it can’t be over.  

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wZmvJknzLfU&feature=related 

My break-up with Buenos Aires

Listening to similar songs on the 108 bus on the way home from class tonight, I couldn’t help but to tear up a bit and blame it on the warm breeze blowing on my face from the open window.  I recognize that I’ve been here for a while, but can it really be over?  

In four months, I’ve made leaps and bounds as a traveler, a student, and marginal improvement as a person.  I’ve come to know a city that has an understated way of being sophisticated.  By day, it’s too bright and loud to be appreciated.  By night, it’s too loud and slightly too dangerous to take it all in.  But, at twilight, it’s soft spoken, tangible, and honest.  

I ride the bus with doctors who are coming off of a long shift, young businesspeople with their iPods tightly secured in place, teenage mothers in too tight, nearly transparent shirts kissing their baby’s forehead, and a mix of others, resting their heads against the window because they are tired from a long day a work, or reading novels to pass the time.  

On the sidewalk, parents walk with grocery bags full of ingredients back to their apartments to feed their children who are scootering along their sides.  Couples canoodle on the corner and shamelessly kiss their partners.  Kioscos with their bright lights distribute beverages and ice creams to passers-by.  Apartments light up as their owners return for the evening, while dogs are ecstatic to being going for their evening walk.  And, for some unknown reason, there are some with a extra little bounce in their steps.  It’s something special, to accidentally stumble upon someone having a great moment.  

As I knew I was teary-eyed and smiling for no apparent reason on the bus, I hope that someone looked at me and thought not about questioning my mental health, but experienced some joy from my obvious happiness.  

I was greeted at my home on Salguero by my host parents, their son and his wife.  The four of them have been so helpful in my learning about this country and traveling advise.  They are great people.  We have shared many a meals together, and tonight’s feast was no exception.  Asked to request our favorite meals from our time in AR, my housemate and I were both treated to our favorite meals, hers chorizo, and mine a lentil stew.  Good conversation and good food contributed to a great evening. 

Though I am upset that I can’t spend time with my real family this holiday week, I’m am thankful for my time here and the benefits I’ve gained from spending time abroad.  

Thanks, Argentina and Buenos Aires, for all you’ve shown me.  

Now, I guess I should start packing…

Location: Buenos Aires, Argentina