The countdown and the greeting

Friends (Amigos)

Time in the states is running low. I have 3 more days left of waiting. My international traveling will commence and I will embrace every moment of it with open arms. I am anticipating all the new culture to be explored and the people observe. How this journey has taken me from the day I decided I was going to apply to CIEE Buenos Aires. The packing continues and I have officially decided to buy my host family some Frango Mints (Chicago trademark) and the lovely card game of UNO! Something for them to bond with me as I desperately try to explain myself and the game!

Now my host family, I was lucky to receive an email from them on Friday!!! It was the coolest feeling I have ever felt! I was so excited that I quickly read it through like 5 times!!! I am lucky to be living in Buenos Aires with my new host mom and two older siblings (and a dog!!!!) She described the house, my room, the area around it and how excited they were to get to know me! I am always in denial when I hear that. They want to get to know me? Really? Where do I even begin!!?? They seem amazing on paper and I am so thrilled to meet them on Feb 24th! The things we will talk about and the places I will see with them by my side. Maybe so, maybe not. But I will only hope for the best!

This weekend, my family celebrated my birthday early ( I turn 21 while abroad, like 2 days in. My birthday is the 25th). It was fun to see friends and family! They were so gracious and kind. My brother and his lovely girlfriend bought me this flip camera which is small and compact so I can film some of my adventures! They are too good to me! I also received a journal and luggage tags from uncle and aunt and money from the rest of the fam. They are too good to me. Thank you all!


I am thrilled to being so close to departure and now it is 72 hours until my Spanish soul takes ahold of me.

Above is a recent picture of my loving American family. They will be missed.

Until next time,

Chau!