Hello everyone! Today was my first full day in Rosario, and it was a pretty full one. Bibianna, the woman I'll be working with down here took me to do a few things and show me around and introduced me to someone my own age so I will have some people to hang out with and stuff. She introduced me to Sofia, someone she knew through the work she does with the indigenous people in the northern part of this region of Argentina. It was really nice, mind you, Bibianna was great too, but she wants to make sure I know some people my own age - which is fine with me! Sofia invited me over to have lunch with her and her brother today and we talked about a million different things, including the Argentine view of the U.S. and the U.S. view of Argentina/Argentines. It was interesting hearing that they hear quite a bit about the U.S. here when we hear nothing about them. Not the first time I've heard this but anyhow...

The U.S. isn't really liked much in Argentina, the government and its decicions anyway, but I can't blame them to be honest, considering the history of U.S. imperialism in Latin America and in the region in general, it's very logical. Also, they don't get many Americans here in Rosario, tourists probably stick to Buenos Aires as a rule which is really unfortunate to be honest. The Lonely Planet for Argentina and this region of South America has VERY little information on Rosario, I guess that's probably why. I should write to Lonely Planet and tell them I'm here hah! The information from the Lonely Planet is sadly INCREDIBLY outdated as well, so no one can really have good info and coming here alone without knowing anyone is pretty crazy.

Both Bibiana and Sofia thought it was pretty crazy of me to do it alone - and brave. They kept asking you really don't know ANYONE? And not living with a family or someone else at least makes things really weird. Anyhow, my apartment is great - I have a view of the city that is good here up on the 10th floor, and I can see the river from the kitchen and shower.

Argentina plays their second match of the World Cup tomorrow at 830am local time (an ungodly hour) and apparently if I'm trying to sleep then, I won't be able to as there will be people in the streets shouting, etc. Sofia invited me over to watch the match and I think I'll take her up on it - it's more fun to watch a game with someone else than alone... she's also inviting over another friend of hers so I'll know four people in Rosario besides the shopkeepers at the grocery and fruits/veggies store YAY! Lame, I know but it will keep getting better at least.

Well this is all for now. Talk to you all soon! Un abrazo chau