La Cumbre Hermosa (by Kathleen )

We are now in La Cumbre which means "the summit".  It is the highest point in the area, which is around 60 km from Cordoba. It doesn't get very hot in the summer or very cold in winter so it has become a touristic town.  It is indeed beautiful.  The small mountains aside the town are lovely and since it is almost always sunny the light is beautiful.

We were met last night, when we arrived by Mike, who had a Hoosier shirt on!  He is from Indiana, went to the university there, but has lived in Argentina for over two decades. He took us to probably the best place we have stayed, a posada, recently remodeled.  Very pretty, great rooms.

This afternoon I had lunch with a couple who were each born in Hungary but as children, their families moved to Argentina.  We had a wonderful conversation and lunch after they drove me around the area.  Francisco writes about the history of civil aviation in Argentina and last year visited Wisconsin to attend the  Oshosh fly-in.  Juliana wore an Argentina in Oshosh tee shirt.  As usual, this indeed is a small world.

Tomorrow we head to Capilla de Monte but will treasure our short time in La Cumbre.

History and Economics (By Kathleen)

Some thoughts on history and economics in Argentina

This is a beautiful country, rich in resources yet challenged to govern itself in ways that will make the best uses of its human and material gifts.  It's recent history, if I can say the 1970s are recent, is very much present as well.

Today we are in Chemical (the name of a local tree) and visited a church that had a memorial to two of its priests who were killed in 1976.  Their bishop came to investigate and a few weeks later he was killed in a car crash that most consider another murder.  Our Rotarian host told us that Pope Francis, as bishop, had proposed one of the two for sainthood and now they are hopeful that, given his position, that process will move forward.

Many of the books in the museum there have the title Never Again.  

So the country did indeed change from a dictatorship to a democracy but continues to zig zag around many political and economic issues.  I have to say, given what is going on in Congress, we can understand some of the issues here.  I plan to do much more reading on these when I return to the US.  For now, I just observe.

Meanwhile I continue to be impressed by the industriousness of the people.  Yesterday we visited a coop winery in Chilicito.  It was amazing.  I have taken pictures of not only the factory but the wines.  I plan to look for these in Milwaukee .  That winery is challenged by water issues related to a potential mining project.  That is a whole story in itself.

For now, Argentina continues to fascinate.

Kathleen 

Manufacturing Saftey

While in Belle Ville we had the wonderful opportunity to learn about and tour a large manufacturing company that specializes in farm equipment. For Paul, Ellis and Molly this was a tour of great interest. 

For Paul, who works inspecting safety levels for OSHA, his eyes were locked in on the high number of non-compliant safety issues (based on USA safety standards). Paul's main concern was the safety of employees who were being exposed to possible hazardous materials and machines, operating unsafe equipment and not wearing proper protective equipment.

For Ellis, farming is a large part of his family. His uncle own his own dairy farm and his cousin owns his own cash crop farm. Ellis has a deep knowledge of both dairy and field farming techniques. Ellis zoned in on the construction and use of equipment, exportation to other countries and ease of operating.

For Molly, an employee of a metal fabrication company, she was focused on the operations of the factory. How employees were working, how parts were being stored, what machines were being used and what types of processes they used in each department. For example, Molly was interested in the painting process. She asked if the company "powder painted" their parts. The company owner informed her that each part, no matter the size, is washed and then painted by hand! 

This tour was wonderful- one of our favorites, actually. It was eye-opening and enlightening to see how manufacturing process varies between the US and Argentina. Thank you, Belle Ville, for giving us this opportunity.

Are you homesick?

Many of the people we have talked to, both from the United States and from Argentina, have asked if we are homesick yet. The answer changes from day-to-day for each of us.

On one hand, we are so busy in Argentina that we don't often have the chance to think about what's going on at home. Between Rotary meetings, company tours, getting to know our host families and exploring new cities we have little time to think about anything other than the exchange program. 

On the other hand, when we have moments of downtime our minds often wander to what we have in the United States. When you're sleeping in the bedroom of your host family's daughter, riding on a bus for twelve hours through the night, eating new food that you're not familiar with or struggling to form sentences in Spanish frustration can develop. Luckily, we have a solid team that makes each other laugh and reminds each other of the incredible opportunity we are experiencing in Argentina that others would die to have.

Each of us has a job in the United States, family, friends, pets, significant others and daily responsibilities that we are missing. When each team member was asked what they miss most in the United States, they said:

Ellis- Traditional, American meals (pizza, hamburger, ect)

Paul- A healthy daily breakfast and my pillow

Katy- Eight hours, daily, of sleep

Kathleen- A structured daily schedule/knowing what to expect throughout the day

Molly- Working out daily and sleeping in my own bed

So, in the end, are we homesick? No. Do we miss our daily lives in the United States? Of course. But... we are living in the moment and soaking in every experience we have in Argentina! 

To Rotary International, and each of our sponsoring clubs- Fond du Lac Morning, Ripon, Hardford, Amigos de Milwaukee and Rotary Club of Milwaukee- thank you for putting us in a situation where we get the chance of becoming homesick! Thanks for your commitment to the Rotary mission and development of young professionals throughout the United States. That passion is what allows us to be here.

justicia, agua, y arte

I'm in Famatina, La Rioja Province. It's way up in the mountains; we can see some snow capped mountains up here! It's another beautiful view surrounding us in the north of Argentina. I'm sitting in a Panadareia run by three women having a "cortado" and some bolas de fraile (Spanish for OMG that's really good). I can tell they were just made.

Yesterday we met with the city council, mayor, and toured the cultural center, walnut orchard and farm, and a tomato sauce processing plant. We hiked (and it was no easy terrain) up the mountains following the stations of the cross which end with a giant cross about 1580km above sea level. Finally, we visited a protest site in the mountains.

This area is very rich in minerals and precious metals--specifically gold and platinum. We were hiking on granite and could see the mineral content as we hiked. At our evening meeting we learned the geological history (beginning with Pangea and ending with 20 million years ago--yours truly tried to translate that for my team. I thought my brain was going to explode when we covered the first 25 million years and he flipped to the 30 million years ago slide).

The cliff notes version: Pangea--enter earthquakes and volcanic activity and tectonic plate movement. S. America seprates from Africa, takes a turn toward the South Pole...brrrrrrr...cold....glaciers. More earthquakes and volcanoes, don't forget tectonic plate movement and boom...S. America is closer to where it is now. Glaciers and movement (not to mention several million years) compress the different type of rock and carbon. Glaciers melt...and voila! Famatina is a valley between the north and south Sierras which lead to the Andes. I can now say "tectonic plate" in Spanish.

I digress...so precious metal = cash. Cash makes the government happy. Government wants to mine. Problem: If there is mining the people of Famatina and the other "valley pueblos" will lose their primary source of potable water. BIG PROBLEM.

Probably the most profound for me as we became more aware of the issue and the community integration was the artwork. The art around Famatina is profound. It tells stories of the indigenous people and their commitment to the earth. It speaks of the importance of water to this community and the people. The colors and figures drew me in and communicated the pain, fear, and distress of the people concerning mining and lack of water. It also communicated a humility and almost selflessness of the people, as the art was not just about the "people" and what they want (I'm not in anyway minimizing the importance of water...)but a profound respect for the earth and who the land belongs to. The people are very spiritual--connected to a creator and an earth to be taken care of as it takes care of the people. I was engaged and touched by these murals around town.


Justice is one of my core values that I am passionate about; especially issues surrounding access. Whether it is access to water, food, health care, education--why do some have access to "x" and others not? Who "owns" the: land, water, the distribution of resources, etc are questions I ask.

This issue is central in the community of Famatina. There have been protests, every where you go you see "Famatina no toca!" signs. The protest site has flags, posters, ribbons to mark where their "handmade" irrigation canal (no pipes people...dug, in the ground, sophisticated yet very simple irrigation to get water from the mountain to the people in town) The council people and mayor talked about this as their central issue to deal with. It wasn't clear who is driving the mining project: the Argentine government or private business. Then we watched a video on the protest/issues and it was clear that the US and Canada in particular are offering mega $$ for the export of these metals. I was a bit embarrassed.

Finally, we visited a winery in Chilecito. Their wine is all "Fair Trade" certified. We got into a great discussion about how the mining/water issue would affect their company. This winery is one of the biggest in the country; situated in a very small town. The town's economy and job growth depend upon this business. We were fortunate to have a very open discussion about the issues which affect them/Argentina and US as well as the importance of Fair Trade. What impressed me and I'm not sure I knew this before, were the projects funded because of the fair trade distribution. The winery was able to build a school and created wells for potable water for nearby cities. I asked if they considered adding this information in their literature. I wonder if, in addition to the labor, growth, and production side of Fair Trade, if more people in the US would be more attuned to the justice issues and perhaps commit to FairTrade if there was more awareness of the outreach projects.

I don't have to think about access in my life; no matter how committed I am to access as a social justice issue. I have fresh water with no imminent threats. I don't have my art supplies here; however, I found myself imaging what my artwork would look like from the perspective of solidarity with these people.

I continue to ask the questions: Who does the land/water belong to? How can I be more aware of what I have and what is being taken away from others? How do I contribute to creating access for those who have none?

I listened to people share their perspectives, I observed the art speak profoundly; my words don't do either justice. I am grateful for my passion of social justice to be tapped and always reminded how I am a part of a global community.

**I have some great pictures of the artwork and etc...I'll load them and update this blog as soon as I can get to a PC**

pocas palabras de Educacion

One of the main goals of this experience is professional.  I have been fortunate to have visited many schools: primary, secondary, and universities.  In addition to visiting classrooms (and having some fun singing with the younger kids and quizzing the older kids to help me learn conjugations in Spanish), I've been able to talk with Principals and higher education professionals.

I'm finding my job in the United States really doesn't exist here in Argentina.  I explain what I do and then finally always end up with the easy explanation: I teach teachers.  I help principals with education.  It gets lost in translation whether or not I am supervisory (no) or if I work for the government (also no).  From what I understand is that people that do similar things to my work have those other roles.  There doesn't appear to be various educational programs/publishers or an "educational business" sect in the professional world here in Argentina.

Similarities and differences?  Kids are kids are kids...no matter where I've been in the world, kids are kids!  Bright eyed little ones eager to learn and questioning faces which say, "Who is this crazy lady who speaks the worst Spanish I've ever heard?"  (Actually, one student did say to me, "Why did your mom not teach you how to talk?  She was 4; we're both off the hook.)  In the schools we  have visited, English seems to be compulsory beginning at age 4.

Technology is different.  Some schools are sparse with technology...maybe a dated computer lab, but no access in classrooms.  There are other schools who have received netbooks from the government--1 for each student.  It's not clear how school's are selected for this; it's not a public vs. private thing; we've seen both.  It's not a socio-economic thing...we've seen very poor schools with computers and very wealthy schools with computers.  This is confusing to me how this program works.

Materials are VERY different.  Teachers create their own or have few samples of materials from other countries which they photocopy.  A lot of the instruction is teacher-led, lecture...kids copy/repeat type.  I don't think "gradual release" methodology has made it to Argentina...yet.

I was able to share with some of the principals the reading program with which I work at Achieve3000.  They were fascinated that the program places students at their reading level.  From what I've been able to understand, they don't really have diagnostic assessments for reading.  They do; however, categorize books by independent level.  We visited a library in Marcos Juarez where the children's section is organized by color for the kids to choose an appropriate book.

I'm still interested in continuing education/in-service training of teachers and if this happens or how teachers develop as instructional leaders.  I'm hoping to gain some more experiences related to this in the next 2 weeks.

Off to the next city!

Molly´s Summary of Week One in Argentina!

Everyone wishes for a once in a lifetime experience but so few get the chance to have it happen. 

To put the experiences we have had in the first week of our trip is impossible. The people we have met, the places we have been and the homes we have stayed in are all incredible. The Argentine spirit is strong and powerful. The people are involved, caring and unbelievably intelligent. 

My first host family in CORDOBA was a warm, welcoming family. Jorge and his wife worked with me to practice Spanish and become familiar with my new surroundings. Our schedule in Cordoba was exhausting- most days we woke up at 6:00 AM, went to companies and meetings all day/night and arrived home around 1:00 AM... The next day! The Argentina schedule is very different from the US. Argentines- adults and children of all ages- wake up early and stay up late. The usual day goes like this:

8:00 AM work

12:00 - 2:00 PM lunch and social time

2:00 - 4:00 PM siesta (nap at home)

4:00 - 6:00/8:00 PM work again

6:00/8:00 - 10:00 PM home with family

10:00 - midnight dinner

The word that comes to mind when I look at their schedule is WHOA! It's difficult to keep up with, but we have quickly adjusted. Unfortunately we have not indulged in many siestas because our days are so busy. If we aren't visiting companies or in meetings our free time is spent catching up with family. 

When we arrived in Cordoba our trip coordinator from Argentina, Vicky, met with our team and our host families to walk through an art fair. We then met for a dinner of sushi, traditional Argentine ¨chowders´´ (as we would consider them in the U.S.A.) and wine! Below is our table of Ellis, Rafa, Paul, Vicky and myself.

In Cordoba we had the chance to meet with many important city officials for discussions about economy, politics and other interesting topics. Below is a photo of our group meeting with an Argentine judge who gave us a tour of the court room and shared stories of interesting trials- past and upcoming.

(photo of myself at a Rotary meeting in Cordoba with the Fond du Lac morning Rotary Club´s flag)  

After leaving Cordoba we arrived in our second city- RIO CUARTO! We were immediately welcomed by outgoing, friendly faces. The people of Rio Cuarto were exactly what we needed. We had fun, laughed and enjoyed outgoing activities- like Pilates and golf. My host home was beautiful. Diego, his wife and their three young sons welcomed me with open arms. 

In Rio Cuarto our team visited Nourishing Hope Foundation. The workshop informed us on their efforts to fight against child malnourishment. We met mothers, children and employees who work together to correct issues within the city. We also visited the orthopedic "bank" that was created by doctors who are Rotary members. At the bank city residents can receive medical devices at no cost- walkers, beds, crutches, wheel chairs, ect. Below is a photo of our team and the Nourishing Hope Foundation team.

Two of our hosts, Hector and Marcelo, are people who will forever stick in our minds. There were almost no moments where they didn't have us laughing! We spent a significant amount of time at their golf club and were given the royal treatment. Below is our team at a Rotary meeting with Hector and Marcelo.

From Rio Cuarto we took the bus to VILLA MARIA. One of my favorite memories took place shortly after we arrived. I met a Rotary member, a woman whose name I never even got, who was wearing a beautiful golf and silver ring. The ring was two silver bands with a gold 'M' in the middle. I told her, in Spanish, how much I loved her ring. She looked into my eyes, smiled, took the ring off and placed it on my finger. She told me she wears it in memory of her mother, Maria and she wanted me to have it as a gift. My heart melted. It was a very special moment of true kindness that is the best example of Argentine people.

While in Villa Maria our team visited a cheese factory and learned about the manufacturing process. Below is the photo of our team decked out in cheese factory clothing! On Saturday night we had the chance to go out with Geno, my host mother's 21 year old daughter. We met her friends, relaxed with cocktails and went to the disco. In Argentina young people don't "go out" until 3:00 AM!!! They arrive home between 6:00-7:00 AM! Also below is a photo of our team with a Villa Maria Rotary member and Geno, our wonderful translator.

On Sunday April 28 we arrived in MARCOS JUAREZ. We were tired, but ready to continue on. My host was a petite, single woman who had participated in the Rotary Exchange eight years ago. Her team went to Ohio from Argentina. It was wonderful to stay with someone who understood what we were going through- overtired, homesick and slightly overwhelmed from time-to-time. My host, Lucia, gave me alone time in her home and constantly offered to do whatever she could to make me feel at home. The night we arrived we were treated to an incredible feast of homemade pizzas on the grill! It was delicious!

Lucia took me to visit a marketing company that I shared intense conversation with. The company's team and I played conversation ping pong- we constantly went back and forth with ideas, strategies and stories. We discussed the importance of social media in marketing and how to best utilize it. 

Molly´s summary of WEEK TWO coming soon! So check back!

Country of Contrasts (by Kathleen)

Katy has described where we are this May 3rd so I will just describe impressions.  The Tinogasta area reminds me of many places in the western US, especially New México, Arizona, and parts of Southern California.  We are about 200 kilometers from where the Spanish crossed the Andes into modern day Argentina and the town we are staying in is on that trail.  We visited one of the military stations and, of course, a church, just 20 minutes from here that must be something like what the Spanish put up in North America.  Beautiful but against an unforgiving landscape.

Yesterday we visited several schools, primary and secondary.  The children were so responsive and bright-eyed and eager.  Most people don't want to leave their towns but there is little work here.  What is ubiquitous is the Internet and wifi so the children are on net books often.  The government supplies these to all the poorest public schools though some complain that they don't have the computer power that they should.  And of course we saw many children playing computer games during recess!  At least I think it was recess. 

This is certainly a country of contrasts and I can't help comparing here to the US.  Cordoba , the big city, very urban and fast paced.  Then Rio Cuarta, Villa  Maria, Marcos Juaraz, Belle Ville,  similar to the Midwest.  Many farms, farm companies etc.  Actually that area looks a lot like Illinois.

Now we are in "the. West" -- a mere 13 hour bus ride from the southern part of Cordoba province!  Life is slower and maybef I can say, more Spanish in style.  They take siestas  and less formal.

Enjoying the time and what I am learning.

Kathleen

Bonita, tranquila, y silencia

The backdrop of where I am sitting as I write this is a blue sky, 360 degrees of mountains, a desert valley, a few trees with fern type leaves, and the sound of the waterfalls and streams flowing down the mountain.  Our travels have taken us outside of the Cordoba province in the north western part of the country.  We are near Tinogasta (where we are all in the same house for the first time!), on the other side of the mountain range I'm looking at is Chile. 

The north is more of what I pictured in my own stereotypes of what Argentina would "look like".  Here I feel much more in a different country and culture than in the south.  The south has many more European influences--architecturally, commercially, etc.  In Tinogasta, the indigenous influence is apparent in people and surroundings. 

We visited 2 schools--much more of a focus on agriculture, wine-making (yum!), and domestics.  Going to university is not a reality for most of the students as in our other visits.  He kids were delightful...we were offered an afternoon "tea" at the high School so they could practice setting the table, serving, etc for their test coming up.  Charming kids.

 Culturally, in the north of the country, I'm finding many differences than our last days in Cordoba and in the south of the province.  As in any city, Cordoba is fast paced...the smaller towns (30-50,000 people) we visited were much like our suburbs--many activities, commitments, etc, but less rushing as in the city. Here in the north, it was clear for me from the moment we walked off the bus, at the pace here reflects a much more relaxed, easy-going lifestyle. 

I guess i forgot to mention why I am blogging with this backdrop...we are at a natural thermal spring pool...several graduated pools of naturally flowing and thermal spring water.  It's magnificent!  Each pool as you move up the mountain gets hotter and hotter.  The last pool was quite "caliente"...we could only stay in it for a few minutes.  The mineral water and thermal energy has healing properties: improves arterial pressure, exfoliates skin, improves kidney functioning, cleanses and calms...seriously, it's glorious.

  Our days have been very full--many experiences, conversations, food, etc...all have been so wonderful.  The language is challenging for all of us, but its getting better.  I am just enjoying soaking up all that I can in experiencing the culture...and its exhausting in all of the best ways. swimming, soaking in thermal pools, grilling out what we needed as we are approaching our 1/2 way mark of the experience. 

I believe the best way to experience and learn a culture and language is to be immersed in it.  I guess I better go immerse myself back into the pools, take in my beautiful surroundings...and remember that this is the beautiful, relaxing, and quiet life of the northern people of Tinogasta, Argentina. 

Amistad, Amor, y Argentina

Another city in the South of Argentina, Villa Maria--another wonderful group of people to receive us.  Unfortunately we were only here for a day and a half.  The group toured a cheese factory, which is one of the industries which has brought jobs and resources to Villa Maria.

In the afternoon, we experienced more traditional Argentinian life--present and past.  Villa Maria is very much a farming town (looks a lot like Iowa driving through--Anyone who knows Haywood Bank's "I-80 song" it's like that except it's 'cows, cows, cows, Villa Ma-ri-a...) We drove out into the country...down a long dirt road...to a place called "La Isolina--Club de Campo"  (Even if you can't read Spanish...Isolina...yeah it was off the beaten path to say the least).

Campo is a farm, this hidden place was just a treasure! Beautiful land, verdent, trees, flowers, farm-ish things and horses.  We were treated to an authentic Carne Asada lunch...um...YUM.  Then the Cabelleros came with the horses.  We were able to ride the horses!  I love horseback riding!  Unfortunately, I had a fall earlier in the morning; riding a horse was not my best choice; however, I thought...well...by bruise is going to be there whether I ride the horse or not and how many times will I ride a horse in Argentina??!!  Even though I love horseback riding, I said to the Caberllero, "NO SOLA!" (Not by myself).  The others and the Caberlleros got a kick out of me so he kept letting go and my horse would freak out and then I would yell, "POR FAVOR! NO SOLA!" it was quite entertaining (for my team mates).

Finally, a group of traditional Argentine dancers came and danced for us.  It was very simple dancing movements, but nonetheless beautiful in it's simplicity.  There is constant eye contact with the dancers.  There is a part of the dance where the woman turns in a circle and the man does a cross between a tap-dance, Irish line dance, and very Latin American hip movement solo.  I liked this...I'm guessing it has something to do with the Gouchos attracting the woman, but for me it seemed more relational; almost a celebration for the woman, expressed through the feet (oh...and hips...in Gouchos ha ha)

I have experienced the culture here to be very love-centered--for family, for friendship, community, etc.  The Argentines are not afraid to express this aspect of their culture either.  For example, when you great someone or are greeted, you kiss the person on 1 cheek ("NOT 2 cheeks like the Spaniards"--which we are reminded often).  It doesn't matter if you just saw the person or if you met for 5 minutes in the street...you greet with a kiss.  There is a closeness and energy about the culture and love/respect/friendship.  It's like a "You only live once" motto with a "and you only live with these friends and family once" twist.  This was true with the (ahem...my) interpretation of the traditional dance...the eye contact, the male solo, the end of the dance always ended with an abrupt, yet graceful pose with the arms intertwined.  We also shared Mate together; a very traditional beverage (it's like a soupy tea) that is passed in a gourd-like mug with a special straw.  It is passed between people to share.  There was something very comforting about the warmth and taste of the Mate...very much again reflective of the culture I have experienced.

I love how the arts can express a culture; especially dance--no words are necessary.  I've been thinking about how my culture, as I understand/experience it, would be represented in a movement.  Polka?  Country Line Dancing?  Hip Hop?  Square Dancing?  Modern? None of those seem to fit, at least for me.  What would tell the story of the energy and values which are expressed in our North American culture...that doesn't use words; that extends beyond language barriers.  No say...una pregunta por la otro dia...


(Still having a hard time with photos...I'll at some point update with more pictures and video, but for now the collages will have to do)

Villa María and Marcos Juárez

We just arrived in Marcos Juares, a town of about 30,000.  Again, this town is considered, by Argentines, a small town.  I will have to ask but now I wonder if there are no tiny towns but the custom here is to gather in bigger centers.

Here we are closer to Rosario than Cordoba so we are sort of their mid west.  And just as in many Midwestern towns,  people are very friendly and helpful.

My host family picked me up and we spent an hour getting to know each other.   I am struck by how proud they are of the Rotary clubs in the area.

Now I am ready for a siesta so will log off and promise to write more.

Amigos, Familia, y communidad

We took a bus to our second stop: Rio Cuarto-- about 150 miles away from Cordoba, in the souther part of the province.  The people in Cordoba told us that we were going to the "small towns" in the south.  Guessing the size of Rio Cuarto, I'd say it's similar to Madison, WI, but with more buildings. (not so much a "small town"!)  We were again greeted warmly by our new families.  We quickly discovered that the English is limited--great!  More immersion = better language skills!

My Familia de Rio Cuarto were just magnificent!  Hospitable, kind, and really made me feel welcome and a part of their home.  Marcelo, mi "Papa" is a general surgeon, specializing in GI.  Carla, mi "Madre" is a divorce/family lawyer.  They have three kids: Juan Ignacio (I didn't meet him; he's away studying medicine), Coti who is 17, and Sofia who is 14.  Very sweet and intelligent girls.  It was good for us because they are learning English and I Spanish so we helped each other out.

I also have a picture of Hector Mario--a good friend of Marcelo (also a doctor).  He was with us a lot too.  I feel like he was the "great uncle" (actually more like a way too young Grandpa).

I also spent some time with Sofia (as all 17 year-olds...Coti is in a lot of activities, hangs with friends; she was not home often in those two days) and invited her to go shopping "in the center" (en el Centro) with Molly and me.  She seemed delighted to go with us.  We went to an Artisan fair and then to the center.  Between Sofi's English and my Spanish...we did quite well buying things.  :-)


We had the opportunity to visit a new social services project in Rio Cuarto: Casa de Amistad.  This project targets children, in the surrounding neighborhood, who are affected by malnutrition.   The area Rotary Club is very involved with this project.  Mothers and their children under 5 come to the center and receive services of: prevention education, nutritional meals, fine motor and speech therapies, etc.  They also have a volunteer Physician and Dentist who assist.  They are really doing amazing work!  The center has only been open a year and they have 16 families participating in the program.  They want to spread prevention strategies to eradicate the malnutrition issues for the future.

I was very interested in their work and their project.  Funding, of course, is the main road block for them.  They depend upon the Rotary Club and other donations to sustain the project.  I was particularly impressed at the commitment to educating the parents.  I was able to talk with some of the women about if there are any discussions about effects of malnutrition and learning too.

On 4/26 Marcelo invited me to come observe a surgery with him at the clinic that Hector Mario started and runs.  The clinic provides care for people who may be in more need.  Although Argentina has medical/health care access for all; there is still somewhat of a "classist" system.

The surgery...was... AMAZING.  The patient was getting a laproscopic "Gall Bladder-ectomy" (All my technical terminology of course).  I thought I'd be in the gallery watching...oh no.  There is no gallery.  I was there...RIGHT THERE...I mean like next to the anesthesiologist looking over the curtain and the monitor.  RIGHT THERE.  I was mesmerized...seeing the body from the inside...the liver, the stomach.  Watching these tiny instruments carefully maneuver; careful and precise.  This may sound a little weird, but I was moved at the healing aspect and it seemed like a different form of art.   I have much more descriptive words, but I will spare those who are not head-over-heals with GI anatomy.

The operating room and Casa de Amistad were really the first things I have observed that would be consistent with my "stereotype" of a "third-world" country.  The OR was sparse and very simple; a bit dated almost.  And yet...Doctors and nurses still scrub in, still ensure a sterile environment, still are active participants in the patient's healing.

The Casa de Amistad and OR experiences provided me with more opportunities to reflect on "Stuff"...literally "stuff"...how much do we need?  What can be shared among the whole?  To whom are we in service?  Yeah...those "light" questions that one ponders about while negotiating 2 languages and early mornings and late nights.

I'm not advocating we get rid of technically and medically advanced resources; however, my "Papi" had the same desired outcome with what seemed to me as "less".  As I carry around my several bags...one with about 6 different cords for electronics, etc...I am reminded of this...what stuff do I need?  What can be shared among the whole?  What is the desired outcome and can I do with what is necessary and not always what is wanted/

I really adored this family, city, people we met...todo! Everything!  I didn't want to leave them!  We joked that we (the GSE team) were going to protest in the morning that we left: "Sin salir Rio Cuarto!  Sin salir Rio Cuarto!"

La primaria familia de Córdoba

Meet my Córdoba host family

We arrived through customs in Córdoba in somewhat of a flurry.  All of our Rotarian host families were there to greet us warmly.  My host mom (Madre de Cordoba is what I called her), Ana, was there with her best friend, Media.

Ana and her husband, Carlos live in a suburb of Córdoba.  I'd say similar to Wauwatosa, right on the border.  They have a boxer, Fidél and 3 cats.  I just met Tobi...he'd come in the window at night and cuddle next to me!  They also have 2 daughters, but they live near the university.

Ana and Carlos do not speak any English. I was thrilled because immersion is the only was to go when learning a language.  They were very patient with me and would correct my grammar when I completed my thought.  This was so helpful!  It allowed me to access the words I did know and then make new associations with better grammar. I decided I now speak: "Spgerlish". When I don't know a word or that awkward pause when you can't remember a word you used 5 sec ago...the German slips in.  I barely notice, but Ana would look at me and say, "that's not a Spanish word"

Ana is very proud of her garden; it is beautiful! She has lemon, lime and orange tress.  I saw a pomegranate tree and said, "Oh!  I didn't know these grow on trees!" She looked at me like I was nuts and said, "where do your pomegranates come from?"  "El supermercado!" We both had a good laugh.

I'm very chatty in the morning with them...my brain has recharged and the Spanish flows better.  Our days our packed, lots of listening and translating, and late nights!  Ana likes to talk, A LOT.  When I'd get home at 12 or 1...I could barely remember English let alone Spanish.  She didn't mind at all...she would talk and answer her own questions.

It was a great 1st family experience!  I know we all had very different ones.

Tranquila en la tarde con Amigos

Wow!  Fewer than 24 hours in Argentina and we've been busy!  Today we had wonderful hosts...at the main university, a federal justice, several wonderful Rotarian guides...even a bus tour of Córdoba!  We had a couple hours of free time just the four of us and 2 hosts...we wanted some down time--outdoor cafe, some refreshments, and nice conversation!  Molly and I remarked that this was really the first time we've talked casually as a team, outside of our formal meetings and preparation time.  It was nice.  The weather has been perfect...great for sitting outside.  I thnk this is the recharge we needed for tonight---our first presentation night!

Más luego....con fotos!

So we have made it to  Dallas and love the warm air that greeted us.  More to come.  Now we are repacking so we have the right items at hand for the flight to Santiago.  I am practicing using this blog and finding the program a bit touchy.  It doesn't know if I'm writing in English or Spanish.

If only it could speak Espaniol for me!

WHAT IS ROTARY GSE?

Many people have asked - - Many people have wondered!

Here is your answer: The Rotary Foundation’s Group Study Exchange (GSE) program is a unique cultural and vocational exchange opportunity for businesspeople and professionals between the ages of 25 and 40 who are in the early stages of their careers. The program provides travel grants for teams to exchange visits in paired areas of different countries. For four to six weeks, team members experience the host country's culture and institutions, observe how their vocations are practiced abroad, develop personal and professional relationships, and exchange ideas.

In a typical four-week tour, applicants participate in five full days of vocational visits, 15 to 20 club presentations, 10 to 15 formal visits and social events, two to three days at the district conference, three to four hours per day of cultural and site tours and three to four hours per day of free time with host families.

For each team member, the Foundation provides the most economical round-trip airline ticket between the home and host countries. Rotarians in the host area provide for meals, lodging, and group travel within their district.

Click here for more information!

Cinco días...

It's almost here...our departure date! I've been packing, packing and packing.
I have a friend who really, really, wants to come...think anyone would notice?  (I think she's asking the same thing)    La escritura siguiente será de Argentina!  Buen viaje!


 

1 Month Away!

I can barely believe that it is March 21st and in just 1 month we are on our way to Cordoba!  I look forward to our team sharing our experiences on the blog; it should be very interesting.  We are all getting ready for our Bon Voyage party for the 25th.  We have last minute preparations on our presentation and all the little details needed to embark on this month-long experience in Argentina.  Buen Viaje!