Las Afueras

Julie, Susana, Josh & I took a scenic train to the suburbs. It was inexplicably nice to be out of the city even for just a day. We could get on and off the train wherever we wanted. We first stopped at San Isidro to eat and explore a market, then Delta where we took a boat around some of the rivers. There were lots of quaint and colorful houses off of the river, and people boating canoes that seemed to be built 100 years ago.

Buenos Aires is the stereotypical large city - dirty, loud, crowded, and polluted. Multiple times a day I witness people throwing their trash on the sidewalk, and the cartoneros disperse the bagged trash all over when searching for recyclables. The extensive bus system means copious amounts of emissions and the sheer number of people implies noise and crowds. Needless to say, it was good to get out for a day.

Buenos Aires Skyline

The job hunt is proving extremely difficult. I have a few English teaching jobs which I am completely unqualified to do, and the 4 hours a week probably won't pay the rent. Although it is interesting, and I have already learned some things about Argentine culture. I think on this weeks agenda will be informing the students that although in Argentina they say "besos" at the end of an email to someone they have never met, the English translation to kisses is a bit weird and slightly inappropriate in business communication.