Shopping and Friendship Expeditions

Let´s hear it for the shopping centers of the world! I am typically not a big shopper (finances have a bit to do with it, and patience as well), but the exchange rate is so favorable here that I had to take advantage. Yesterday my grandmother and I went to a shopping center called Galerias Pacificas which is absolutely gorgeous. Not so much because of the stores there, but because of the decorations and the architecture. The center of the mall is domed and has paintings all over the ceilings. There are also painting that have been commissioned from local artists hanging all over the rest of the mall. And the lit up Christmas tree is of course a nice touch. I bought souvenirs and gifts for family and friends, and also managed to sneak in a gift for myself as well. Afterwards we walked out onto Florida, a nearby street open only to pedestrians that also houses many little shops. It reminds me a little of Third Street, except without all the big chain stores like Urban Outfitter and the GAP.

I stopped by my other grandparents´ house later on for a merienda, the official Argentine term for the afternoon tea that makes up the fourth official meal of the day. I had some tea and cookies my grandmother had bought, had a lovely conversation with my grandparents, and was on my way.

Last night was my first encounter with all my childhood friends. Micaela, Brenda, and Lucia (all of whom I´ve known since I was a fetus more or less), took me out for dinner at a nearby restaurant/bar. It was so amazing to be able to just sit and chat with them for hours. I got all caught up with new details of their lives, and we discovered that there´s really only so much that you can share via email. The rest, the best parts usually, have to be shared in person. I always think that it´s going to be awkward to see them again. I´m gone for two years at a time, and so much happens in that time that I´m not sure what the first encounter will be like. But I have to say that luckily I have yet to be disappointed. Friendships here are so different than the ones in the U.S. The level of intimacy, the manner in which people treat each other, the openness that people exhibit, the physical affection that people show, these are always stark differences. I get the best of both worlds by being able to have friends in several continents!

We stayed out until the early morn, which was kind of unfortunate since they had exams all this week. I guess when good conversation is flowing you just lose track of time. I hope they get a chance to visit L.A. soon so I can show them around they way they always so graciously take me out.

Today also contained a fair amount of shopping. It´s funny, we never start out with the intention of going shopping, and yet when we´ve really got no other plan my grandma and I seem to end up there. At least I´ve got good company. And this time we added another person to the bunch. Raquel, one of the other family grandmas, came with us to shop around and stayed for lunch. When she left, grandma and I stuck around and made a few other purchases.

My dinner dates were grandma Perla and Ubaldo again. They are too funny when they´re together. We went out to a restaurant that happened to be close to my dad´s old offices, so I tried to take a few pictures there. Although I had a flash on, it was pretty dark so I´m not sure the pictures will turn out. Here´s hoping.

Much love to all of you.