Play Clothes Made of Curtains

While last week-end consisted of seeking out adventures, this week-end was filled with appreciation of the arts. On Friday, I went to the Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes (the museum of fine arts), which was just a 30 minute walk from my apartment. It was free, which was great, but not air-conditioned. It was very big so we did not have time to look through all of the exhibits before we were dead on our feet, but I did look through all of the Argentine art. It was separated into sections, i.e. realism, modern art, optical illusions (those were awesome), etc. My favorites to look at were the mixed media works. All of the intricate detail, free usage of color, and careful selection of textures really added depth to the works. The harsh realities depicted in the war paintings were so detailed and busy that I had to stare at some of them for five minutes, looking at each individual facial expression and human interaction. I appreciated how although there seems to be a bone thin ideal for women in the fashion world of Buenos Aires, a lot of the painters from Buenos Aires depicted women with more natural bodies, instead of trying to make the imaginary characters live up to the same standard as society. Every time I am immersed in a music or dance performance, a theatrical production, or an art museum, I am instantly inspired to reach deep down inside myself and create beautiful and original works of art. Unfortunately, it does not usually take too long for me to decide that I do not have the natural talent to create wonders like those of these renowned artists. Maybe that's the silly conclusion that hinders all of us. Next time I return to this museum, I want to explore the European exhibits on the lower level.

As I was sitting around in my pajamas trying yet again to figure out my class schedule, I had an unexpected visit from my host mom's daughter, María Sol, as well as María's husband Pablo, her daughter Juanita (who I have met once before), and Juanita's friend from school, Sol. We all had a lovely dinner and I was so glad that I was finally meeting other members of the family. We talked about the traumatic situation in Japan among other things. They told me to tip waiters 10% (that's being generous), but not to tip cab drivers at all because it is not their social custom. Sometimes at restaurants there is a "cubierto" or cover charge, which includes table service, bread, etc. However, I've heard from locals here that this means you do not have to tip, and from others that you still have to since this cover does not go to the servers. I think the topic is a bit ambiguous. After dinner around 12:30 I went out with some friends. We had a good time talking and meeting friends of friends (including someone from Peru), and then decided to leave on the early side while everyone else was still out.. At 4:30 AM. This country is nuts. A Beatles museum just opened recently in Buenos Aires! I don't know much about it and they do not have an official website yet, so I have to do some investigating to find out their hours. I am excited to go :)

Last night a few friends and I went to see The Sound of Music at an opera theater. It was marvelous. I find it comical that they translate names of movies and plays from the United States in their own way instead of using the literal translations. Instead of "El Sonido de Música" (literally: The Sound of Music), they changed the name to "La Novicia Rebelde" (The Rebel Novice). It was helpful that my first theatre experience in Argentina involved a production that I was already familiar with. I understood almost all of the words of the songs and dialogue, but I couldn't tell if that was because I had memorized the songs, or because I was comprehending the Spanish. They added a few songs but most of them were the same as in the English version. I was wondering beforehand how they were going to perform "Do Re Mi" because it would make no sense translated literally since the lyrics are based on the formation of English words (i.e. doe- a deer a female deer, ray- a drop of golden sun, me- a name I call myself..). They ended up changing the song by using Spanish words to match with the notes, which I was so excited to hear (i.e. re-pitiendo sin cesar, mi-canción aprenderá..). I smiled during the entire production. It brought back memories from watching The Sound of Music with family and friends, and also memories from playing Maria in our junior high rendition of the play. The Von Trapp children did a magnificent job. They were right on time with everything and I could understand their Spanish a lot better than the Spanish of other small children I have encountered here. The nuns, the orchestra, the costumes, the scenery, everything.. was perfect. Just like being inspired to paint while in the Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes, la Novicia Rebelde made me want to sing and dance and frolic on grassy hills. My doorman recommended that I see Dracula next.

Random collection of wrapping up thoughts: Sometimes when I miss home, I listen to this music: Regina Spektor, Paul Baribeau, All Time Low, and playlists that my friends have made for me. The dog Tango and I had a conversation today, which was pretty philosophical, I must say. When I came home the other day, a bag of granola cereal and a box of South American Zen tea was sitting on my bed. My mamá is such a sweet person. I like the subway a lot now, but it only runs til 11, which is often a problem. I just feel like it's shadier to wait at a street corner bus stop at 4 AM than it is to be waiting inside the subway station. Last thought.. I have a theory that there is a secret ghost living in the computer room closet. One time I opened the door to the room, and I heard a huge BANG from inside. The ghost just probably doesn't want me to know it's there yet. Maybe it's shy. Or quite malicious.