-I do not remember if I have mentioned this before, but my host mom is a criminal judge here in Montevideo and I am learning more and more that she is kind of a big deal. One thing worth mentioning is that the court system in Uruguay is VERY different than the one in the US. I do not know a lot about all the differences, but the few that I know are pretty big differences. For example, judges are not elected, they are appointed. Also, judges do not use an actual court room-all of their work is done out of an office and they meet with their "clients"(I do not know the proper term...I am not studying law. haha) in a small office as well. And the maximum penalty that they can give is 30 years in prison.
-In addition to being a judge, my host mom also teaches law at my university. She often talks about her cases and her students, because she loves what she does and wants to share that with me. This topic typically would not interest me, but I have learned a lot from her and I love hearing her talk about her passions. She has mentioned several times since I have been here that she wants me to come to work with her someday so that I can get to know what she does a little better, and have the chance to see where she works. So, since I do not have class on Fridays, we decided that would be the perfect day. She had just met with the several members of a very important case the day before-resulting in her name being on the news throughout the day-so I was very curious. Here are some pictures from this experience:
<Here is a picture of Gaby's desk. Everything is done on paper! I cannot imagine. It stressed me out a little. Each "packet" of papers is a different case.>
<Gaby hard at work>
<This picture is just for fun. It was posted in the bathroom. haha. I found it rather ironic. It means:"Please do not steal the toilet paper. Thank you.">
2. Museo Blanes
This week, I went on another field trip with my Spanish Language class to an art museum. I just love field trips! Why do they cease to be valuable learning experiences once you reach college-THEY DON'T! But it is very rare to go on a field trip with a college class. So I am soaking them all in this semester. This museum is located in an old house in a beautiful old neighborhood of Montevideo called "Prado." If I am being honest, the museum was really not much to see. There were three small exhibits that could be completely viewed in a half an hour or less. However, the museum also has a beautiful outdoor garden, which was by far my favorite part. Here are a couple pictures from this adventure:
<You cannot really tell, but the flowers that are most abundant in this garden are wisteria and hydrangeas(have not yet bloomed), which are my two favorite kinds of flowers!>
3. Quality time with Abuela
Anyone who knows me well...or even not that well...knows that the way to my heart is through good food. Abuela has mastered this. haha. Twice during this week, I ate a meal with her. The first time, she was hanging out at our house and Gaby was getting ready to leave for work and Abuela said she was going back to her house to eat with her boyfriend. Gaby got onto her and told her that she needs to invite me, her "granddaughter" because, I was going to have to eat alone. So I went to her house and had fresh fish and vegetables and salad. It was delicious! They sure know how to cook! And then they told me they would always invite me over from now on when they are going to have a meal-Best. News. Ever! The next day or so, Abuela invited me over for "panchos y cervesa"(hot dogs and beer) at her house. It was a simple but yummy meal. And then we were both craving ice cream, but she didn;t have any, so we walked to an ice cream shop a few blocks down the road. I think I may have found someone who loves ice cream almost as much as me. Score!
4. Also, this happened:
There is not much need for an explanation here. A fire, comfy socks, local treats, and tea makes me into one happy girl. But sitting by the fire with a cup of tea always makes me think of my family-my dad because he makes the fire, my mom because she loves us to have a fire in the house and she loves tea, my sister just because, and Toby because he loves the fire just as much as we do and I love to snuggle with him by the fire.
What can I say? It was a pretty stellar week.
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