October 27th

The disparities between U.S. and Argentine school systems are vast. Lets just say I am incredibly grateful for the school systems of the U.S. My first day of school only 2 of my 4 teachers were present. Students were burning papers in the middle of class and throwing crumpled up papers in the fanblades (which were landing on students heads, including mine) for at least a good 20 minutes. The teacher did absolutely nothing.  The students show no respect whatsoever, and the teachers let the students take advantage of them. It was utter chaos.The private school I attended for 2 days (private school should have higher standards,right?) had 10 subjects distributed throughout the week, and instead of students moving to different classrooms, the teachers move. Honestly, there is no way on earth I am going to be able to deal with this 6 hours a day everday. I was quite upset and talked to my host family about this. They were very understanding and I am trying to transfer to the university here to study languages. It's very close to my house and I am going to talk to the teacher and director of the school to see if this is possible.
Today is the national census of Argentina, and no one has to attend school. Also, the previous president Nestor Kirchner (from 2003-2007) passed away today from a heart condition at the age of 60. There will be no school tomorrow in light of this. Kirchner's wife, Cristina Kirchner is the current president. Each presidential term here is 4 years, and the next election is in March. Instead of a White House in Argentina, there is a Casa Rosada (Pink House) which is located in Buenos Aires. I went to a Rotary Club Asado (BBQ) last night and didn't get home until 3.It's difficult for my body to stay up so late and wake up so early, and get almost no sleep on the weekends. I'm constantly tired, but it's worth it. I'm still adjusting to the time change and long days here. I wake up and my mind still thinks I'm in California.
Since I last wrote, I attended a very elegant quinceanera, and learned how to dance southamerican style. The popular music here is reggaeton, cumbia, and american music. Daddy Yankee is well liked. I did some pretty intense hiking in the mountains near my house.Every Sunday, my family has an asado with all different types of meat, including chorizo, morcilla, costilla,vacilo,and lomo en tira. I had the wonderful privilege of accompanying my host parents to the carniceria to purchase the meat, which definitely scarred me a little bit. There is this huge grinder that cuts through the bloody bones of meat, and splatters all over the floor. I am easily grossed out. Argentines eat EVERY part of the cow. We have meat everyday. My iron levels will no longer be low!
I also went 4 wheeling a couple days ago with my host cousin and toured the city that I live in. There are stray dogs everywhere, and some were chasing us.I'm glad I have my rabies shots!
I met the most attractive man in the entire world a couple days ago at a restaurant. He was our waiter, and i kid you not, he has the most beautiful teeth and accent in the entire world.
I am reading my first legitimate book in spanish, "Herede, un fantasma."
I am still loving the plethora of kisses I get everyday. I wish everyone in the world had the affection that Argentines have.
I have been having weird dreams, which is totally normal because I always have super vivid and abnormal dreams.
At night, the wind is SUPER intense. The sounds I hear at night consist of very strong spurts of wind, and dogs barking.