Wednesday, December 12, 2007

Narrow Escape

The alarm went off at 6:30 and I struggled to get up at 7. Rose called and we chatted for few minutes before I ran out of the door to catch the 29. It was a beautiful morning here in Buenos Aires. The sun was out and temperature was still cool. I made a quick dash for a company called Accenture on Paseo Colon but once I found out that the two students weren’t around I immediately stopped feeling so bad for being 5 minutes late for the first class. Just to make sure there aren’t any misunderstandings I called Dublin to have the sectary speak to the security person. I waited for 45 minutes like I was instructed to in the small lobby. One of the students, Diego, showed up just as I was getting ready to leave. He felt very bad that he wasn’t aware of the class and I had to wait all morning. Since Diego had a meeting scheduled in 10 minutes, we briefly exchanged greetings, I handed him my card and left. I was in such a good mood that I was almost sprinting down the street. The new blue and white Argentine flag danced proudly in the light breeze just outside of the Casa Rosada. It was such a beautiful sight; I had to get my camera out try to snatch few pictures. Minutes later, I walked around the Casa Rosada to Plaza de Mayo, one of my favorite places in the city surrounded by magnificent buildings. I, of course, proceeded on taking more pictures. I took 25 de Mayo to Dublin Institute to browse through more teaching material and make copies for my classes. Time went by quickly as I worked feverishly through piles of books and papers. By 1pm I was crossing 9 de Julio again, supposedly the widest street in the world. I can’t help but to feel how proud one must be to be a resident of this amazing city. Rio might be the cidade maravilhosa with its beaches and mountains but Buenos Aires has breathtaking architecture everywhere you look and absolutely the sweetest people on the planet. I remember just few nights ago when the bus took Rose and I around Plaza de Mayo with lights shining perfectly on the newly renovated Casa Rosada we shook our heads in disbelief, what a beautiful place! Then Rose said, “I had such a good time in Rio but now I have come to my senses. This is the place I love and it almost felt as if I just cheated on her.” Well, this is the place we both love and I fall in love with her over and over again every day.

I had another interview today with a company called English Services not far from where I live. Mariana, who interviewed me, was a very nice lady. She told me about the company and its many impressive clients. I liked her and the company a lot but it’s only possible for me to work there if I am willing to commit to extend my staying until June or August of next year. God, I love this place so much I would move here in a New York minute if I could. I’m starting to freak out about leaving already and it’s only going to get harder as I get to know the students.

Sandwicheria, perfumeria, tapiceria, cerveseria, pescateria but my favorite one is always going to be the zapateria! While Rio was crowded with shoes stores everywhere you look, Comme il Faut, is the ultimate death trap for tango dancers. I escaped Brazil with only one pair of nice sandals and two pairs of havanianas, I have never manage to leave Comme il Faut empty handed…that is until this afternoon! I couldn’t believe it! I went, I saw, I tried and I left! I was so proud of myself I’ve never left that place in a better mood. But of course, I had to make an impulsive purchase only minutes later. You’ll never guess it…a wok! Don’t even ask. I only have two months left and I bought a wok. Now I feel like I should stay here longer just so I could make better use of it. Anyways, I have to enjoy it while I can. Last time was a narrow escape. I think only Rose knew how hard it was. Not sure how lucky I’ll be this time around…

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