Classes y Cena

Today was the final day of intensive language classes. We have a test on Tuesday, but from now on our classes will only be twice a week. We're done reviewing all the grammar and now get to delve into some literature from Buenos Aires. I can already tell that my Spanish has improved and my Anki vocab deck has grown to about 300 words already. I catch myself using new words almost every day. I have to read the introduction and first chapter to two books by class time next week. 

It has been fun, but I am really looking forward to the change in daily routine. More than three hours in a classroom every day has been exhausting. Today I brought my mate to class, which made a world of difference. I was quite alert all hour, to say the least, haha. I can now say that I now know first hand why porteños are all about the mate.

The other fabulous thing about no longer being in class from 2:30 to 5:30 is that my eating schedule can return to normal. I don't wake up early enough for breakfast, go to class around when I'd eat lunch, then sit in the classroom all day. After class today, we went out for pizza since we were so hungry. I had a pizza with palm hearts, mozzarella & Roquefort cheeses. And a Quilmes - duh. It was awesome. (Sorry, no photo today. Here's the one from the website of the pizza place though...)

I'm getting used to the slower pace of life and service around here, too. I've realized that there is a certain charm to the extended meal. I feel like Americans miss out on that sometimes. We've got places to be, we have plans, we've scheduled a time slot to be at this restaurant. But here, waiters mind their own business until you catch their eye. There's no rush to leave. There's an emphasis only on the present and on the art of conversation. I can really dig it.