Tango and more in Buenos Aires!

I studied Spanish only in High School, but not since then. So I thought it would be a great idea to take Spanish classes in South America. I decided to go to Argentina, because I wanted to experience the people and culture of Argentina. I was a bit nervous and very excited, curious about the people and culture.

I knew all of the stereotypes – Tango, soccer and meat eating. I have eaten a lot of meat, watched several Boca, River and Superclasico ‘futbol’ matches and have combined my Spanish course with Tango classes! In fact I spent one of my first afternoons in a Tango class organized by the school, dancing Tango with another student from the school. I was a bit unaccustomed to dancing so close and intimately, but it was funny, and obviously no problem once you got used to it!

The school in which I’ve been taking my Spanish classes offers lots of activities after school. For example, one evening we went to see Rent, an American musical, in Spanish of course, set in modern times, about young adults in the US. I liked the Rock music and the modern choreography very much – and it was good for my Spanish, as it was all in Spanish!

Later on I went to a concert of ‘Bomba del Tiempo’, which is a group of musicians playing mainly percussion instruments and creating incredible rhythms. The crowd really got into the spirit!

To get more of a “flavor” of what it is like here in Argentina I have opted to live in a family ‘homestay’. We really have spoken a lot and have even gone out for meals together. I’ve learned LOTS about local customs and have improved my Spanish loads! My ‘family’ have really become very special friends to me.

I also enjoyed the classes at the school here in Buenos Aires – they’ve been pretty cool, much better than the classes I took back home in high school and college. The teachers are very friendly, professional and some of them also now feel like my life-long friends!

My stay in Argentina has been the experience of a lifetime. I feel like I have been embraced by an entire city. I am leaving my second home…

Mark Rodriguez (USA)