Fe y Alegria: Milton Lanza Junio 21-24

In Salta we had a wonderful experience learning every nook and cranny of the mountains and surrounding area. Friday we got to go to the mountain called the "Devils Throat". We got to climb, look in awe, take pictures and laugh there. The mountain had been carved by a waterfall than no longer existed. It took us about ten minutes to get into this ravine styled space  in the wall. It continues to amaze me the wonders of the natural world. On this day we got to also see the "amphitheater". A mountain chiseled in a way that allows sound amplification. It was shaped just like a huge bowl in the wall. In addition, we met Sofia the Llama and feed her (for those daring enough). We stopped at a cliff drop-off. Only few were adventurous enough to step closer to the edge. In addition to all of these things, we got to see a place called the three crosses. There stands three crosses, hence the name. There we climbed up another mountain type area. I speak for all of us that it was very tiring all the riding in the van. But, extremely worth it in the end! The more we know.

Fe y Alegria: Ryan Painchaud Junio 28

Last Wednesday we went to Fe y Alegría to do community service and paint murals.  When we arrived at the school, the kids warmly greeted us and were extremely excited.  After a few ice breakers, we were divided into three groups to design the murals that we would be painting later.  While in my group, I was forced to use a little artistic creativity, but more importantly, I got to know the kids of the school.  I could relate to them a lot because they were my age, and we became great friends instantly.  In between painting the three murals we played basketball, soccer, and volleyball with our new friends.  What was so surprising to me was that all of the kids wanted to take picture with us and get our numbers on whatsapp.  We have never received this much attention and we all felt like celebrities.  At the end of the day we finished with traditional dance lessons.  The girls attempted to teach the dances to us clueless gringos, but were unsuccessful for the most part.  Although I may not have picked up the dances, I had an extremely fun time.  After the dancing we took more pictures with the kids and then took the bus to the hotel.  It was by far the most fun day in Salta.  From my point of view, it was too fun to be called community service.  We mostly connected with the kids and had an unforgettable day.  To the students, it was extremely special because they don't get to meet new people all the time.  They all live in poverty and live in horrible conditions.  At the end of the day I realized that community service doesn't need to be a boring hassle; you can make a huge difference just by making the forgotten people feel remembered.  Although I most likely will never see these kids again, we formed a relationship that will last forever.  Salta opened my eyes, and I hope BCH continues to serve there in future years.

Fe y Alegria: Patrick Phelan Junio 21-24

Our time At Fe y Alegria started with a tour of the surrounding neighborhood. It became immediately clear just how poor and without resources the area was. Dogs ran up and down the dirt roads and kids from the school revealed how drugs and gangs had a firm grasp on the area. The school itself is referred to by the community as "the yellow school" because of its yellow walls, protected from graffiti and vandalism by a surrounding barb wire fence. We began talking to kids from the school, who seemed very unfamiliar with Boston and the United States as a whole. Even buenos Aires seemed to be a world away for the students. It felt like the best thing we could provide the students was a bit of exposure to the world that existed beyond Salta. We painted murals and repaired walls, but still it felt as though that was our biggest contribution. Kids asked to take pictures with all of us; clearly, very few people ever visited the school and our presence was a big deal. We danced to Argentine songs. The kids of Fe y Alegria taught us choreography and though we were completely uncoordinated, it had everyone laughing. We were unable to provide a traditional American song to teach them in return, so we then decided on the "Cupid Shuffle", a crowd pleasing classic at Bar Mitzvahs, Weddings, and other parties in the States. We were glad to get to know all the kids of Fe y Alegria, hopefully we made the impact on their lives that they made on ours. 

Weekend Excursion: David Doremus

As two holidays approached to create the long weekend, Martin de Güemes on Friday, flag day on Monday, Nacho’s family decided to take me to their farm. I did not know what to expect, I had  never lived or worked on a farm before. I imagined that his Argentinian family had some surprises for me, and I was right. We were up early Friday to take on the long car ride to the farm. For nacho and I, the trip was quick as we slept the whole way. We arrived at noon with hot empanadas awaiting us, and they were “muy bueno”, a phrase I find my self using quite frequently here. A tour around the farm followed the lunch and I was able to see how big and beautiful their second home was. We saddled the horses and we rode around the large amount of farmland they had. My horse’s name was “come-caminos”. I soon found out why they called her that as she ate everything in sight, and I mean everything. From hay, soybeans, to an old tree, it was all fair game for the horse. We relaxed for a bit outside after with snacks, games, mate, and talking with one another. I took out the drone and got some great video of the landscape surrounding the farm, a nice new way for Nacho’s family to see the farm. An Argentinian card game of “Jodete” followed dinner, and we headed to bed after. Just like every other morning in Argentina, I ate breakfast with the family but Nacho’s father told me that they would put me to work that day, “Perfecto” I said, not knowing what they had in mind. I put on my farm clothes and followed them out the door. Awaiting for us were a couple of Nacho’s father’s workers who had gathered up all the cows with their “one of a kind” calls. There were many cows all in one place, something very different for any kid from Boston. We then worked the ring to weigh the cows who seemed under weight, so far so good. Then, his father says that their were five or six cows that we needed to cut the “juevos” from. “Huh,” I said, “you don't mean their testicles do you?” “Por sopuesto!” he answered. I was a bit shocked, but like every other activity in Argentina, I went in with an open mind. The first cow was lined up and roped at the neck, the gate was opened and the worker whipped back the cow like a pro as another worker kneeled on its neck on the ground. As for me, I had the worst job and held the bag as I watched the man cut the balls and throw them at me like it was a tennis ball. I have been a meat eating lover my whole life, but watching that happen made me question why I am. Nacho took the next cow and was overpowered by it as the roped slipped from his hands leaving nasty looking gashes in them. It was then my turn and I successfully whipped back the bulls neck and brought it to the ground. After all the cows nuts had been cut off, they said it was time for me to ride one, like a bull. We brought a cow to the ground, tightly wrapped a rope with my hand underneath, and I rode off like a rag doll as I fell to the ground. After lunch we went hunting for amarillos on horses as the other workers rode on a tractor hooked up to a water tank. We looked for holes in the fields and flooded them with water, as the amarillo came up for air, we grabbed them by the tail and threw them in the bucket. I thought of it as the farm version of fishing, you need patience, and it is a lot of fun when you finally get one. After a long day and more horse riding, I had some much needed sleep. The next day we mounted the horses but I upgraded to a new, more advanced horse, for I was an expert by then. After a long ride, we came back to a nice big asado lunch, one of my favorite meals here in Argentina. It was big spread of all kinds of meats, including the “jeuvos”, something I dreaded to end up having to eat. The large testicle stared at me in the face as it sat on my plate, everyone laughed as I was quite hesitant to take a bite. Like every other situation I have been faced with here, I embraced the culture and took a nice big chunk and said. “muy bueno”. It really was quite good, but the thought of what I was eating contradicted the taste. We then headed out for another long horse ride, visited the cows who were in the highlands, everything was beautiful and we had a great time. On the way back we also saw the ten or so bulls that he had. They were huge, magnificent creatures. One bull that they called the “bad bull” went face to face with Nacho’s father who took out a red jacket and waved it around like he was a torero. Although it was a little scary as the bull kicked the dirt and looked as if it would charge, it was also very funny and his father ended up winning the stand off. We left early the next morning for the house back in the city to wrap up our farm trip. This was one trip I truly will never forget. The farm had taught me many life lessons and the one thing I would want to tell any kid heading somewhere new is, “do not be afraid of change, and always have an open mind before coming to a conclusion, even if it means eating some ‘juevos’”. 

Recoleta Cemetery: Mark Vaccaro Junio 27

Recoleta cemetery 

Today we went to the recoleta cemetery. It was as big as city block and filled with mausoleums. It felt more like a museum than a cemetery because everything seemed like it was on display rather than a place to rest. All of them looked very expensive, but none of them looked like they were supposed to overshadow the others. It was kind of creepy how you could see the caustic inside of them. There were a lot of stray cats throughout the area. The cemetery was arranged in a grid like structure with streets like most major cities. It seemed old and run down. 

Mark Vaccaro '18

Weekend excursion: George Bailey

Junio 17-20

The hustle of the first week awarded us with a four day vacation. On Thursday evening, Buenos Aires seemed to be relieved from its arduous routine. On Friday and Monday, Argentina commemorated Martin Guemes and Manuel Belgrano, heroes from the revolutionary war with Spain. On Friday afternoon, Andrea, Javier, Nico, and I boarded an Aerolineas Argentinas flight to San Carlos de Bariloche, a small city in the region of Patagonia. So far, this is the southern most destination in the entire world that I have ever traveled to. I was taken aback by the beauty of the mountains, glacial lakes, and natural landscape. After the extremely stressful Junior year I endured, I had finally found peace. On Saturday, adventure awaited. Our destination: San Martin de los Andes, a sleepy town tucked away in the mountains 3 hours north of Bariloche. The first road we traveled was the famous Argentina route 40, which begins at the Avenida Nueve de Julio in Buenos Aires and extends thousands of miles across multiple Argentine provinces to the region of Patagonia. We stopped various times to view the breathtaking scenery. There were no sounds at all- just the silence of nature. This was the peace I was looking for. I was away from the clamor of Morrissey Boulevard in Dorchester, the influence of report cards and standardized tests, and the looming college application process. When I encounter stressful issues in the coming months, I have Patagonia to return to in my memory. The landscape is very similar to that of North America, but the shape of the mountains, the plants, and the juxtaposition of dense forest and desert plains cannot be found anywhere else in the world. We reached San Martin de los Andes five hours after departing from Bariloche and stopped for lunch. Javier is quite the driver- he conquered the treacherous mountain roads as if it was Morrissey Boulevard.

Dance lessons under the mountains 6.22.16

Hola Amigos,

We had a wonderful day at Fe y Alegria today. The boys will tell you about it in a blog later this evening but I wanted to share some sweet and funny pictures from the boys dance lesson that capped off our time at the school. The boys were taught a traditional gaucho dance from the Salta area and then, taught the young ladies of the school to do the Cupid Shuffle.  Both of these were priceless.  Enjoy and you're welcome.

Be well,

Marian y Elena

Post Script: A Dilemma 6.21.16

And, in case you had not heard- there was a soccer match last night! We were vastly outnumbered and outplayed but, we cheered on. Until the first half was over and sleep sounded really good!

Early flights and new friends 6.21.16

Hola Amigos,

We are back after the Feria Nacional.  This time from Salta, Argentina. This beautiful town, nestled in the mountains, is a two hour flight from Buenos Aires and the home of our service at Fe y Alegria.  After catching a very early flight, we landed here and toured the lovely little city, with its many churches and eclectic mix of architectural building styles (Spanish, Middle Eastern, Italian). Empanadas and pizza followed then we began the mission we had really come here for- meeting and witnessing daily life at the Fe Y Alegria school.

We toured the large campus of the school and then the town the surrounds it. Shocking poverty and a way of life none of us have previously witnessed was all around. What truly struck us was the joy and appreciation for life that the people there had.  Most of the students and their families live difficult lives yet they were very excited for our visit and welcomed us warmly.  The boys talked to the students and then played a mixed match of rugby together on a local field. This was clearly a bonding experience and all had a great time!

We are back to Fe y Algeria today for a full day. They have some fun plans for us! Stay tuned...

Be Well,
Marian y Elena

La Boca and Flag Day 6.15-16.16

Hola Amigos,

Miércoles was a busy day for us as we had our first sightseeing trip as a group.  We went to the La Boca neighborhood of Buenos Aires and had a nice lunch together. Ryan made a new friend and David purchased his tango attire (aka fedora). We will be tangoing in style in a few weeks when we meet up with the ladies from Fontbonne for our lesson!  We also toured the soccer stadium (one word: wow!) and walked down the most colorful street in Buenos Aires!

Jueves brought the Flag Day celebration in which we observed the fourth graders at Colegio del Salvador promise to honor the flag in front of the seniors and parents.  The school rector (President) gave us some moving words and great advice.  We then toured Universidad del Salvador (USAL). Don't be surprised if your son wants to come back for a semester exchange here! It was impressive!

The boys will be blogging from now on. We need to put those fellows to work- no more lounging around eating empanadas and playing futbol all day! We will keep the pictures coming but I am sure you are looking forward to hearing about his experience from the boys!

Be well,
Marian y Elena

Buenos Aires Tuesday 6.14.16

Hola Amigos!

We are having a great time here. We have settled in and have spent some quality time at Collegio del Salvador. Yesterday, we had a special class on futbol and another on Argentine politics. Today, we had mate and geography classes. We also participated in a special mass, in which we participated in my offering a Prayer of the Faithful, written by our group en Espanol. We received a blessing at the end of Mass, which continued the wonderful Argentine hospitality, making us feel welcome and loved. Finally, today the boys assisted their host brothers in preparing for a debate in English with other local schools. Tomorrow, the adventures continue as we head to La Boca, where we will tour the neighborhood and see the soccer stadium.  Who knew Argentines likes soccer so much?

We are all thinking of you and wishing you well. The boys are happy, well fed and having a great time!  Here are some photos of our day.

Be well!
Marian y Elena

The Eagles have landed! 11 Junio

Our flight into Buenos Aires was long but smooth.  It was an emotional reunion with host brothers and their excited families today. I couldn't help but snap a few pictures of our tired boys because the energy upon our arrival at Colllegio del Salvador was great!  We are now settling into our homes for the next four weeks. It is amazing to be here after all our planning and preparing! We are starting to adjust to life south of the Equator, even if today was muy frio at 30 degrees F.

I speak for all members of the trip when I say that we owe all of you many thanks for making this trip happen. From the dedicated parents, who sacrificed to send your boys here to the Hyde Center staff to all the folks at Collegio del Salvador - we take fond thoughts of you with us on this adventure! Muchos gracias from Buenos Aires! Don't worry- we will make sure the boys bring you home some nice mementos of the trip :)

Have a wonderful weekend everyone.
Elena Gourlis