Ashley- School days!

Classes have finally begun! Monday was my first day, and everything went well. My Introduction to Human Rights class is really interesting and consists of about 10% international students, which can be a good thing, but about half of those are Americans...I don't want to be around Americans while I'm here! Then I had a Latin American Literature class, in which we did nothing other than sign up for the times we want to take the smaller "practical application" class that coincides with the general seminar. After that I went to my art class about the change in the architecture and art in Buenos Aires during Marcelo T. de Alvear's presidency (1920's), but the professor never showed up and we all left after thirty minutes...great.

As exciting as the first day of classes is the first holiday, which was Tuesday! It was the 'Feriado del 24 de marzo,' an official holiday which, I believe, commenced in order to appease the middle class (especially the left-leaning party members) after La Guerra Sucia (the Dirty War; It pertains to the large population that "disappeared" in the late 1970's. Look up Isabel Peron's presidency for more information). Of course there were tons of protests/marches, many organized by students at my university (don't worry Mom and Dad, I didn't participate). Also, there is a huge strike in one of the nearby provinces on sending meat into the city, which includes a blockade on one of the country's major highways. I believe it is supposed to end tomorrow, but who knows. Anyway, it was an interesting day to walk through the city. I passed through Recoleta, which is a really nice barrio and stumbled upon the cemetery (which is more like a small village; the coffins are housed in small edifices), where I saw Evita's grave, covered in flowers. Unfortunately, it wasn't possible to see inside of it. It was kind of strange to think that a bunch of buildings that basically house boxes full of goop (deteriorated bodies) has become such a huge tourist attraction. Unfortunately, I didn't take my camera, but I'm sure I'll go back again!

Wednesday I only had one class (art) and it didn't start until 9pm...The teacher did show up this time, but I think I might drop the class. It seems pretty technical and right now I'm enrolled in 20 hours and only need 12. It would be nice to have a day off in the middle of the week and to not be in class until 11.

Today I had my literature class again. I understood most of the lecture, and I made a friend in the class the other day who I can ask for repetition if need be...It seems like it's going to be a really good class. My teacher mentioned a couple of poems/articles that I've already read in Spanish classes previously, so I know I can't be totally out of the loop!

On another note, I'm still in the hostel, but my apartment will be ready by Wednesday at the very latest! YES! It's nice to meet people from all around the world (so far I've roomed with lots of Brazilians, Australians, Norwegians, Koreans, and Americans), but I'm ready to have my own space...where I don't have to pull my huge suitcase out of a locker that starts at my neckline everytime I need to change my clothes. I guess I'll at least come out of it with buff arms :). Also, the apartment is WAY closer to my school. It's probably about a twenty minute walk as compared to an hour and twenty minute walk. One nice thing about the city's lateness in schedule is that it's quite safe to walk around at night. I actually feel just as safe (or safer) walking on well-lit and occupied streets at night as I do taking the bus or subway. And right now the weather is great, apart from some serious humidity.

I think that's about all for now, folks, but expect some pictures of the apartment as soon as I move in...Thanks for tuning in!