To get to Argentina, my journey involved one car, three planes and four airports. When I got on the plane, the flight attendants casually walked around and talked to passengers. There was a lot of hugging. The air was buzzing with excitement and warmth. I could already tell that I was entering a different culture!
The first days in Argentina felt like the first days of school. You know what that feels like. You are meeting new people, nervous to see if they will like you, and every sight and sound is new! I missed the smells and the people from home. However, I was excited about my new adventure.
At first, fitting in was hard. I am a very shy person, which can make meeting people very hard. Well, that was one of the challenges I had to face. Traveling abroad pushes you out of your bubble. This is like being thrown into the snow with no jacket. How uncomfortable!
One day, a simple smile from a young girl made me feel warm and welcomed. I was walking around a park close to my apartment and I saw her bright smile shining directly at me. I did not know her, but it made me remember that I was walking with others who have families and favorite foods. People just like me!
I started feeling at home more every day. I loved the crazy, Argentine traditions, such as midnight snacks or cookies with three meals a day. What a dream!
