On Sunday, students spent the day with their host families. Below is Nia Carter’s description of her day:
Today was a wonderful day in Mar del Plata. The school didn't have any planned activities so I was able to sleep in until 10:00 AM. When I did wake up I was able to enjoy breakfast with my new host family. I have only been staying with them for two days and yesterday I had to leave before they got up so today was a nice treat. My host sister, Martina, and I watched a movie after breakfast and were able to talk and get to know each other more.
Around 3:00 PM, we ate lunch, which was made without meat due to the fact that I am a vegetarian (something very uncommon to Argentinians!). While we were eating I was able to talk with my host brother and father about their time living in the United States and what they liked most about it. We, eventually, reached a language barrier because their father does not speak English very well and he did not understand my butchered version of Spanish. As we tried to communicate we were able to find a nice medium that was workable for everyone so that no one was left out of the conversation. Seeing as my family spent some time living in the United States, my host mom, brother, and sister are able to speak English very well. They addressed me in English and I responded in Spanish.
Martina and I then went to have tea at Maria's house where almost all of the Norfolk Academy students and their hosts were hanging out. It was nice being able to see everyone and spend time with them. We were able to catch each other up on what we did the previous night after we separated. I enjoyed hearing the exaggerated stories and the even more exaggerated replies. I always enjoy the time that I am able to spend with the Norfolk Academy students because they make this trip more fun; we have all bonded a lot.
When it was time to say our goodbyes, my host mom came to collect me and Martina. On the ride back to the house Martina told her mom about everything that happened at tea and about her day. It was so normal and it helped me draw another parallel between Argentine life and my life.
Today made me realize how much I love Argentina. We only have a few more days here and I hope to make the best of them. I was glad to have a whole day of relaxation but I am excited to go to school tomorrow and learn more about the culture and regular life for those who attend Holy Trinity College. Today was definitely one of my favorite days here in Mar del Plata.
Today was a wonderful day in Mar del Plata. The school didn't have any planned activities so I was able to sleep in until 10:00 AM. When I did wake up I was able to enjoy breakfast with my new host family. I have only been staying with them for two days and yesterday I had to leave before they got up so today was a nice treat. My host sister, Martina, and I watched a movie after breakfast and were able to talk and get to know each other more.
Around 3:00 PM, we ate lunch, which was made without meat due to the fact that I am a vegetarian (something very uncommon to Argentinians!). While we were eating I was able to talk with my host brother and father about their time living in the United States and what they liked most about it. We, eventually, reached a language barrier because their father does not speak English very well and he did not understand my butchered version of Spanish. As we tried to communicate we were able to find a nice medium that was workable for everyone so that no one was left out of the conversation. Seeing as my family spent some time living in the United States, my host mom, brother, and sister are able to speak English very well. They addressed me in English and I responded in Spanish.
Martina and I then went to have tea at Maria's house where almost all of the Norfolk Academy students and their hosts were hanging out. It was nice being able to see everyone and spend time with them. We were able to catch each other up on what we did the previous night after we separated. I enjoyed hearing the exaggerated stories and the even more exaggerated replies. I always enjoy the time that I am able to spend with the Norfolk Academy students because they make this trip more fun; we have all bonded a lot.
When it was time to say our goodbyes, my host mom came to collect me and Martina. On the ride back to the house Martina told her mom about everything that happened at tea and about her day. It was so normal and it helped me draw another parallel between Argentine life and my life.
Today made me realize how much I love Argentina. We only have a few more days here and I hope to make the best of them. I was glad to have a whole day of relaxation but I am excited to go to school tomorrow and learn more about the culture and regular life for those who attend Holy Trinity College. Today was definitely one of my favorite days here in Mar del Plata.