I have Been in Córdoba for two weeks now so I figured its time to put up some pictures from Escobar.
“Squad” This was the crew of senior boys that Dan and I got pretty close with. Every time I curse, insult someone, talk to a girl, or complain about the Argentine government these guys get credit for all the necessary vocabulary.
Feriados – or holidays – are abundant, particularly in the spring (now). Today was a celebration of the Día del Maestra (Teacher day), there were several ceremonies but the kindergarten students made the photo stream. Parents came and the students prepared a video for the teachers. I was in charge of the sound/ video.
Recess from Dan’s perspective. – This photo was taken on Dan’s first full day in Escobar, his reentry into Spanish consisted of hoards of primary girls screaming questions at him.
GOOOOL! Handball is a popular sport in Argentina. This was the championship game that the senior boys missed school one day to play. They won and were awarded city champs. (They are the players in white, except the goalie, who is on the other team).
When I take photos it’s usually a practical thing: to remember… When Dan does its more of an art, so I will be certain to steal many of his photos and give him some credit from time to time. Here are a few from the Sunday asado (see post A Sunday in September).
Here are Diego and Dameon grilling the meat. I must point out the one of these guys is a top administrator for the school, the other is a maintenance guy. Most people there this day would not understand why I would mention such a thing, people are taken at face value- they are not defined by their job. When I take photos it’s usually a practical thing: to remember… When Dan does its more of an art, so I will be certain to steal many of his photos and give him some credit from time to time. Here are a few from the Sunday asado (see post A Sunday in September).
Here is La Boca, home of Boca Juniors soccer team. The neighborhood is famous for its Italian influence, particularly from the city of Genoa. Many immigrants lived there because of the port. Since our arrival the question we have been asked most is which soccer team we cheer for. After visiting La Boca and Nuñez neighborhoods (home of rival River Plate), I found my answer in Boca Juniors.
Photo credit to Dan
Also Dan
I actually took this one…
And this one.
Feriados – or holidays – are abundant, particularly in the spring (now). Today was a celebration of the Día del Maestra (Teacher day), there were several ceremonies but the kindergarten students made the photo stream. Parents came and the students prepared a video for the teachers. I was in charge of the sound/ video.
The selfie culture is still going strong in Argentina.
A huge aspect of Vicentian life is community, and nothing is more central to community than sharing meals. Today I made Spanish tortillas, thinking Gabriel (the older Spanish priest) might appreciate them. After his first bite he shook his head and said, “they’re better in Spain, the potatoes are undercooked.” Nothing like community living!
Another day I made Juicy Lucy’s. They received less complaints. Photo credit Dan.
We made a friend at an English institute Dan and I taught at (don’t worry I didn’t teach spelling or grammar, just conversation). She is a reporter for a local political radio station. She invited us to hear a speech by a candidate running for governor. She warned us that his speech would be difficult to understand because he is very dramatic and often yells, but in reality his message was perfectly clear. It was the same empty political promises you hear all over the world. Note: If you look closely in the picture of the political event you can see a sign in the background that says “Club A-“. This event took place in the gym at the club where I played basketball.
Our friend made sure to get a one on one interview with him after the charade.
This is one of the teams I played basketball for “Club Independiente”. One day I walked into the gym and told the coach I wanted to play basketball, he invited me to practice that night and from then on I was part of the team, could not have been more welcomed.
The coach and two of the veteran players.
This is Marcela and her daughter. She was the first woman (art teacher) to put me to work and welcome me into the school. This was a Saturday when she took us to the river with her daughter while her other daughter was at a birthday party. Great friends.
This was one of those first days with her art class.
A day with the young kids. Also happened to be the worst allergy day of the spring. A wonderful memory.
Turns out Fútbol skills do not translate to hockey
Our first major move could not have been smoother. The school happened to have a conference in a town outside Córdoba the weekend we were planning on leaving. We hitched a ride on the bus with teachers from all over Buenos Aires to Carlos Paz. We shared a final meal with Hugo, and then caught a local bus into the city for 20 pesos (less than two dollars). Not too bad for a 700km / 440 miles. This photo was taken as the priests, and all their holiness walked out of our lives…
To Be Determined 