A Taste of Culture

I was not planning on blogging again this soon, but I just have to share my adventures from this weekend. My favorite things that I have done so far happened this weekend, and I got a bigger glimpse into the culture that is present here in Uruguay. I can't wait to learn and discover more.

SATURDAY:
-We spent most of the day relaxing and just hanging out in the house. I am always up for that as I am always tired.
-Gaby, Abuela and I went to the mall so that I could buy a phone. On the way, we stopped by the gym that they go to so that I could take a look around. The trip to the mall was not all that exciting except that I got to hang out with some awesome women. When we were done, we found a little place in the mall to rest, have coffee, and enjoy each other's company(and that we did).                   

SUNDAY:
I woke up in the morning and went to a club soccer game with my older host sister, Valentina. She was going to cheer on her friends and she invited me to go with her. Of course, I accepted. I love soccer and new adventures! It was great to get to meet some of her friends and just hang out and watch a good game on a beautiful day. I couldn't really keep up with conversation enough to talk and make new friends, so I just enjoyed being there. It was also fun to observe the culture surrounding games like greeting friends and drinking mate(a type of tea that is very customary for Uruguayans to drink). It is winter here but it was a gorgeous day when we arrived at the field. I almost took off my jacket at one point. But about halfway through the game, it started to get dark, foggy and cold. I made sure to take a couple of pictures while I was there to share with you all and I realized afterwards, that they made the perfect before and after pictures. haha.

 

When we got back home after the game, we had an "asado": a traditional barbecue. It is customary for Urugayan families to gather together and have an asado on Sunday afternoons. Abuela and her "novio"(boyfriend) came over and we all cooked and ate together. It was so much fun and such a great taste of Uruguay's cuisine and customs. Here is a look at some of the food...yummmm.
                      
As you can tell, Uruguayans love their meat. We had chorizo, ribs(although they are cut differently than they are in the US), and gizzards. My favorite meat was the chorizo, but don't worry, I tried it all! In the  picture on the right, you can see thick slices of provolone cheese cooking over the fire. Who knew? Delish!



 Some munchies before lunch: bread, cheese, green olives, peanuts, oregano flavored potato chips(yum), and salami. Oh! And a charming picture of Abuela and her novio.

 
 

Here are some more pictures of the fam and the food. Too good not to share. And also features is a lovely and delicious torte cooked by Abuela(and some dulce de leche ice cream)! 

Thanks for reading! Talk to you soon. 

Week 1 Snippets

Disclaimer:{There are no pictures in the post because I have none to share. Sorry. I will work on thatfor next time. Also, I am a little scatter brained so this post might be hard to follow}

-I cannot believe that I have been in Uruguay for a week! In some ways it has gone by fast and in others, it has felt very long. But despite what seems true, the truth is that I have made it through week one. Yippee! That in itself is an accomplishment. To sum up this week in a single word, this week has been TIRING. You do not realize how much energy it takes for your body to adapt to a different language, culture, environment, and appetite until you are experiencing it.

-When I am not sleeping, I have spent much of my time getting to know and spending time with my host family. That are incredible. I have been so blessed to be welcomed into their home as a new member. My Uruguayan family consists of a grandma, a mom, two college aged daughters, and a yellow lab named Toto. They have been really patient with me in my struggles to communicate and understand. I am thankful for them. You will hear more about them in the future but I have a small story to share about "Abuela" that will give you a glimpse into my experiences this week.

-Although I am getting by pretty well with my Spanish and I have not found myself stressed or filled with anxiety over the language barrier, I find myself longing for moments when words are not necessary(Side Note: This includes ALL words, even words in English). There was one specific experience this week that fit into this category and it has been running through my mind since then. The other day, I was finally able to visit with Abuela, who lives next door, amd get a tour of her house. She is always beying complimentary of me and her joy is contageous. However, she is probably the person that I understand the least out of all the members of my family. Before I went to her house, she had mentioned a couple of times that she plays the piano and wants to teach me. I, of course, was estatic at hearing this and excited to learn from her. As she was guiding me through her house, we came upon her piano and we stopped what we were doing to sit and mess around on it a bit. Let me be clear...I do no know how to play the piano...at all. But it did not matter. Abuela taught me how to play a simple duet with her and we were content just sitting with one another and soaking up the music that we were creating. For fifteen minutes or so, no words were exchanged as we played together, she played for me, and her and her boyfriend demonstrated a typical dance. Music is a tie that binds. This simple event filled me up and provided me with much needed energy when I was feeling overloaded with information.

-Last thing. I guess I should talk about school since I came here to study. Right now, I am taking a two week class as I wait for the semester to start. It is four hours a day, which I never would have been able to tolerate at home, but I am grateful for it. It has given be confidence and encouragment as I begin a life in a new and forwign place. There are only three other students in my class so we are enjoying getting to know one another. I also love my professor. She is very patient with us and very laid back. Well, I am going to go because I am about to take the bus home by myself for the first time today! Please pray that everything goes smoothly and I make it home without complications. Thanks for listening, friends!  

Hoy es el día: {Today is the day}

July 20, 2013 has been running through my brain for months now, looming in the future. But after today, I will think about this day in the past tense as the day when I left Cary, NC on a 5 month adventure in South America. I have been thinking about how I would communicate my thoughts and feelings as I prepare to leave this country, but I am still lacking the answers. When asked how I am feeling, I just smile and say, "a mixture of everything." I told my dad this morning that as much as I remind myself that I will be gone for 5 months, it has become evident that I don't really know what that means. As I finish saying goodbye to the people I love, I might cry, I might laugh, I might smile. My emotions and expressions are unpredictable, but what I can predict is that my life will look a lot different when I step back into this city in December.

In case my goodbyes have come up short and I haven't effectively expressed my love for you all, let me just take a minute to talk about this summer. I was thinking back on my summer yesterday and was reminded of how great it has been. It has been "the summer of being loved well." When I came home looking for a job, this community loved me well and provided me with ample opportunities. When I told my parents that I was going to spend my last week in the US at a camp in Virginia, they loved me well and let me go, even when it was hard. When I continued to fail by losing my phone, getting a ticket, and making mistakes, I felt continually loved and cared for by my family, friends, and Christ. I am so grateful for the people that have been walking through life with me. We will continue to walk together over the next five months, it will just look different. I have also felt loved my my host family who is preparing to welcome me when I arrive in Montevideo. Talking to them has provided me with peace and has made it easier for me to let go.

Here are some fun facts about my home away from home:

-Uruguay is slightly smaller than the state of Washington
-You may think it is hot here, but it is currently Winter in Uruguay!
-They are known for meat, rice, wool, and leather.
-Uruguay won the first World Cup.
-Although I am taking a 9 hour flight from Miami to Montevideo, there is only a 1 hour time difference.

I will do my best to care for you all by keeping you updated on my life and allowing you to share in my adventures with me.

Much love,
Courtney