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!