You know you are in Rosario when...

Its been so long since I have written! I have been very busy this week, as well as extremely sick for the past few days! Yay. Everyone and their dog has been generously been sharing a wonderful cold...un gran resfriado. Thank goodness, I am feeling much better now, and ready to take on an adventurous excursion this weekend, to the province of Cordoba!! In the meantime, here are some of Rosario’s most distinguishing features..at least from the perspective of an American exchange student...haha.

You know you are in Rosario when...

1) There are stray dogs eveeerrrrywhere. And we’re not just talking famished, mangy, mutt-like dogs...I have even seen some beautiful, healthy golden retrievers roaming freely! Que interesante.

2) You eat unbelievable amounts of bread on a daily basis. Pastries and toast for breakfast, several small loaves with lunch, more pastries with coffee in the afternoon, several more small loaves or toast with dinner, and often, some form of sweet bread for dessert. Not to mention that the actual meal that is lunch or dinner itself, is often made of bread as well -- pizza, empanadas, breaded chicken, etc. I think I am going to turn into a huge media luna before I get out of this place.   :)

3) Speaking of food...you know you are in Rosario when you can order delivery ice cream! Yes, please!! One huge carton, 4 flavors, at your doorstep in about 25 minutes. And only about 16 pesos..tip not necessary. That was about $1 per person, for the 4 of us. What a way to live. 

4) You are reading Twilight, and singing “Mmm-aaat went the little green frog one day...” all in Castellano, por supuesto.

5) “Che” is a household name, thrown out in everyday conversation, sort of like “Pre” in Eugene.

6) The only way to adequately classify the local city-scape is to mention both the beautiful, intricate, classy, European design structure, as well as the familiar sight of broken windows, endless graffiti, and litter, litter, litter...

7) Depending on what part of town you are in, a small adorable child rips your freakin heart out at least once a day, asking if you have any money or if you want to buy one of their little handmade cosas. I feel heartless pretty much everyday...I have to say “no, gracias” all too often.

8) Most people that “go out” at night, don’t return until around 7 in the morning. NO JOKE. These people are nuts. And it’s not just like the teenagers, or young people, we’re talking 40 year-old mothers out all night at the bars and dance clubs. It is so wild. Even my ancient host mother, usually hits the hay around 1 or 2. This city does not sleep...ever.

This is all I got right now, but I’m sure I will think of more at a later date! Ciao! More updates to come...