last week i also started work at the Argentimes. so far, it's basically been an orientation of the cultural, social and political history of Argentina. and man, this country is fuuuuuuucked up. wars, coup d'etats, economic crises--you name it, they've experienced it. and in the recent past, at that. it's actually kind of funny because the more i learn about this country's tumultous past, the more i want to be part of it and the more i begin to criticize the US. in fact, as of now there isn't a single thing i miss about the US, especially the disgusting consumer mindset and the apathy of our people to question their government and demand action. It seems as though everyone here is incredibly politically charged and opinionated, and that is so invigorating for me that I can't wait to get out there and learn as much as i possibly can. i'll get to cover all kinds of topics, from news and political editorials to restaurant reviews and nightlife. i can't think of a better way to experience this city that has so much left to uncover.
i suppose that after my third week here, the "sheen" so to speak has started to wear off. i no longer feel like i'm somewhere new, and have really begun to settle into my life here. i'm absolutely crazy about my roommates, there is such buena onda in the house it's crazy. people ask us if it gets hectic with so many people in the house but it doesn't at all. we all like to cook and do so together often, and we are cooking for some argentine girls we met at a party this thursday, as well as having an asado on sunday afternoon.
i'm also really crazy about living in such a culturally vibrant city. this weekend there was a music festival at the centro cultural called Ciudad Emergente, which was an indie rock/pop music festival with art and photography installations. it was SO my scene--hipsters everywhere, awesome music and pretty things to look at everywhere you went. the weather was absolutely amazing as well, with sunshine and temperatures in the mid 60s. i went to the markets this weekend and got an old Ciro Algeria book that's bound in leather and over a hundred years old, and some antique sun glasses plus something for my mom for her birthday.
but even through all these new experiences i am having, i feel like the road to finding myself is going to be a long one. being 23 just seems like such a goddamn confusing age, i'm not really a grown-up but definitely not a kid, and not knowing what i want can get really frustrating. for as much fun as i am having, i can't help but feel restless at the same time, waiting for something but having no idea what that something is. i think that traveling is the best thing i could be doing right now, especially alone, because the occasional loneliness mixed in with the accidental connection with a total stranger is teaching me more than any classroom or work environment ever could. i'm living in every single moment and taking it all for what it is, emerging into myself one day at a time.
