It's cold here!

Things I am getting used to:

-The COLD! I thought that being from Minnesota, and having spent the last two winters in Chicago, I would be able to laugh in the face of whatever Buenos Aires could offer. Alas, coming directly from 90-degree weather and worse on my way through Minnesota, Chicago, and Miami has turned me into a friolenta. Also, because it doesn't get too cold for too long here, the houses are not designed to hold heat very well, and indoor heating is limited. There is supposed to be "frio POLAR" this week, and my poor little jean jacket is looking nervous...

-The time. Aside from getting used to the 24-hour clock, I am realizing that nothing here starts on time. The first time I got lost on the way to church and arrived half an hour late, I thought I would die of embarrassment, but about half of the congregation arrived even later than I did! It's nice not to feel rushed all the time, though, and no matter what else anyone may have to do, the most important thing is to be able to spend time talking to whoever is in front of them.

-Greeting people: it's polite to always greet EVERYONE when you enter a room, and when you leave a group of people, it's important to say goodbye to everyone individually with a kiss on the cheek. this of course makes everything take longer,(see 'time') but gives you more time to chat and get to know people. I kind of like it!