Ruth Robinson in Ramos Mejía, Buenos Aires and Plaza Huincuil, Neuquen

I’m sitting here trying to begin writing about my experience in Argentina and I am making no headway! Primarily due to the fact, that I have no notion where to start. So many experiences stick out, several learning curves encountered, an abundance of wonderful friends made and a definite growth into the person I wasn’t quite sure I had the ability to be.

Coming here was a big decision to make. I loved the sound of South America, but to be totally honest I wasn’t even aware that Argentina is indeed a country in this continent! That will give you some insight into my general lack of world knowledge! Being competitively involved in horse riding was going to be the prime sacrifice I had to be willing to make and believe me I bestowed many hours of thought to this. The adventure of it all and the risk as such, enthused me to make the big step, and on the 7^th of March off I flew! Little did I know I was going to make such amazing friends from that flight which left our capital Dublin.

Upon arrival in Buenos Aires we were total ‘rookies’. Many of the group with not one word in Spanish, and those of us who had studied it had no idea how to go about implementing our moderate knowledge! We required the aid of a map to get food for god sake! And to make matters worse I can’t even read maps! The joys of coming from Westmeath! The humidity in the city consumed each and every one of us. The Gringros had well and truly hit Palermo. Next stop Baradero!

Off we set in a double decker to Baradero to embark on a crash course in Spanish and indeed an insight into the complex culture. Before long the boys sussed out a nice bar a stones throw from our hostel and swiftly took the place over! The LITRES of beer on offer were far superior to our miniscule pints in Ireland, and for half the price too! Those who smoked had them coming out through their nostrils due to the value in comparison to our money eating country. We learned Spanish by the bucket load and also became skilled as camp counsellors. Unfortunately our change of environment didn’t quite agree with the majority, and many hours were spent bent over the toilet, or indeed running frantically to get there on time! I think it brought us closer! We enjoyed every moment, most memorably Tim Forans lament to Jerry Cronin! So after an intense two weeks it was time to go our separate ways which was both sad and exciting all at once.

My first placement was in Buenos Aires in an area called Ramos Mejia which is an hour from Palermo. A born and bred country girl, first impressions were rather worrying. I was in an apartment in a very busy town which was not so easy on the eye. Initial anxiousness was quickly eased by the caring nature of the family who I soon became a part of. I decided it may not be my ideal location but I was going to do everything in my power to make the most of it! My first day at the Orange Day School was daunting. Kids running and screaming everywhere, questions in Spanish coming from all angles! Smiling and nodding was all I could do. My timetable was sorted and it was straight to it. Landed into classes with no notion what to do, so initially head shoulders knees and toes became my saviour! It was totally up to me what I wanted to do with the kids in the classes, so it was high time to stimulate my imagination. Luckily my host mum was an English teacher of young kids and she really helped me with sound advice and ideas. It didn’t take long to relate to the children, and the rewards were abundant. The love and affection they express is so fulfilling. I couldn’t help falling head over heels in love with them all. My five weeks there were fantastic, I worked mostly in the primary school; however every Thursday I went to the Kindergarden. Singing twinkle twinkle with 2 year olds who are wondering where in earth their mammy has gone is just amazing!

Before I headed south to my next placement in the province in Neuquen, I had my first experience as a camp counsellor in Torre Blanca. It was hard work but thoroughly enjoyable. The location was incredible, so peaceful in the heart of the countryside where I belong! I had finally escaped from the city! My group were teenagers who were at the peak of their development, and hormones were bouncing off the walls! They were difficult to manage, but a lot of fun all the same.

So on the Wednesday night Fernando took me to Reteiro to catch my 17 hour bus to my new home in Cultural Co. I felt as though I was starting the adventure all over again and heading for the unknown! Thursday midday i arrived exhausted and felt filthy; not the ideal state to meet your family for the first time. They welcomed me with yummy ravioles for lunch. On the Saturday night my host mum was celebrating her birthday, and I attended the wildest party ever! It was in a shed custom made for assado. Food and drink was in abundance and they danced the night (morning) away like I’ve never seen before! On Sunday I woke up at 5.30…..in the evening!! A record for me! I soon realised I was going to enjoy the banter on offer in my new location. I started work that Monday in the Rainbow institute which was completely different to my first placement. The classes are smaller and a more laid back atmosphere which I was thankful for. So at present I am working with all ages, for the most part over 7 years of age which is easier than two year olds swinging off you! With the more advcanced classes I can now discuss interesting topics with them which is really refreshing. I am now certain that I want to be a languages teacher and I’m so excited.

Apart from the working end of things I have travelled to some great plaves. One bank holiday weekend we all took off to cordoba which is a fabulous city. Possibly the craziest weekend in my life thus far! One of the funniest occurrences was chanting Irlandese Irlandese on the streets at 5am in the morning with a bunch of argies we didn’t even know! Melissa walsh and I also took off to the mountains to go on a horse riding trek with a mad man called marcela. He reckoned I looked just like his ex, a girl from England and we had such craic all day. I was also extremely proud of Melissa who never rode a horse before but despite this navigated her way perfectly around the beautiful cordoba terrain. A trip to Villa La Angostura with Monica, the lady who owns the institute at present was mind blowing. The lakes, forests and mountains took my breath away. Then it was high time we changed our visas and off to Iguazu Falls we took. This is a must for anyone who comes to Argentina, they are truly amazing! We thought so highly of them we decided to get our faces blown off by one in a speed boat! Right in under it we went and it was thrilling. Melissa and I also went rafting down the Iguazu River, with thee hottest instructor I’ve ever set eyes on! After Iguazu we set off to Rio De Janeiro and what an experience it was. More hotties, beaches and beautiful sights. The street party in Lapa was one of the highlights. The rain poured out of the heavens and we partied to beating drums like soul sisters!

So for now it’s the gym and school every day; and of course progressing continuously with my Spanish which is great. Trips to Mendoza and Salta are on the cards before I head for home sweet home. Without doubt, this has been and still is thee most amazing experience of my life and I’m so grateful to have had this opportunity!! Viva la vida!!