Ahh, no puedo creer.

No es posible que me falta solamente un mes. No puedo creer que tengo solamente tres findes mas aca en Argentina. Es incrieble como paso el tiempo. Queria hablar sobre cualquier cosa y ademas un poco sobre mis pensamientos de las diferencias en vivir aca y vivir en el Northwest. As I have been pondering my time before medical school and after graduation, I was thinking of traveling or living abroad for the two years I want to take off from school. While I find myself spending a lot of time in Rosario I am comparing more and more the things I like and the things I miss between Argentina (Rosario) and Portland/Tacoma or the Northwest.

One thing that I feel I love about Argentina and Rosario is the laid back atmosphere and social aspect. It seems that not only is mate a complete part of the culture but the whole concept and idea of taking a break, talking and relaxing is integrated into this culture. That is one thing I really enjoy, I look forward to the sundays in the park, drinking mate and hanging out with friends. I also enjoy the aspect that friends get together and just talk or do whatever every single weeknight. And yes, I do that too with my friends back home but it seems more easy here or at least that it is always expected. Other aspects of sharing and generosity in general spark my interest. Another quality I like about being down here is the simple aspect of living, Im not sure if it is due to the peso and dollar difference, but living simpler seems to go hand in hand with the more relaxed attitude.

I could go on talking about the things I enjoy and love thus far about Argentina/Rosario. But in the back of my mind I keep thinking about the things I do miss (apart from friends and family). One aspect is the political correctness or attitude of treating everyone with respect/equality in the Northwest. That sense of liberal and equality in terms of not saying "gay", not calling people certain names, etc. is something that has always been a part of my life and the way I live. I try to improve myself by being nicer and treating everyone with respect, etc. Here, I feel that the words and phrases I do pick up on are complete opposite. I know that it is part of the culture and something that is not truly meant to hurt someone, but where do you draw the line? Or am I just a person that has the opportunity to think about these kind of prejudices? Can you travel to third world countries and expect that the thoughts and ideals of treating/respecting everyone in the same manner will be the same? I have kind of thought about this and had difficulties because I can tell someone in the US easily to not say "Oh, that is so gay" and explain why it offends me. But here, if someone uses "es un maricon" when talking to their one year old boy because he cries but saying it in a loving and friendly manner, I dont think I would be able to explain why it feels weird to here that term and for this culture to understand. (Maybe in certain areas of Buenos Aires because it is a big city, but not rural areas or for that matter even Rosario). This falls in general into other areas about the physical qualities and talking so directly to people, what happened to a little white lie? It obviously skipped over Argentina because stating directly and telling someone they are fat, skinny, etc is common. And I definitely feel weird about this too, but than again gordo, etc is also used in the affectionate way as well.

Another aspect that I miss in general about the Northwest is the outdoorsy atmosphere and the ability to be with friends who will go hiking with me on the weekend. I am going to cut my rant short for now, because I tried to procrastinate my homework but should start it now that it is almost midnight.

I guess I really should not be too worried or preoccupied or thinking about this. I just always seem to think in the future, but need to realize I have another year of school, after that I can figure out how I feel about possibly returning to live/work for a year or just travel, etc.

Besos, nos vemos.