It's official! We're moving to Buenos Aires, Argentina for the next two years! We are very excited to begin this adventure. But first, I have to improve my Spanish. I tested at a level 1 on a scale of 0-5 (5 being native fluency -- and yes, you can actually attain a level 0). For my position, I am supposed to attain level 2 proficiency, so we won't be leaving just yet. My instructor said that in about 3 mos., which is what we have to work with, he thinks I could have level 3 fluency, which is exciting.
This past week was eventful. Tues. my class had a ceremony where each of us was given our post assignment. It was a bit of a surprise, because although we were able to cite our preferences, I wasn't sure where I'd ultimately be sent. Luckily, Neil and I got our top pick.
At the last minute, we had put a different country at the top, and I had been regretting it, so I am SO happy we were posted to Buenos Aires. I think it will be a great place for us to start out in my new career. A lot of people we know have ties there and want to visit. I am looking forward to perfecting my Spanish. I am also looking forward to learning the tango! From what I've heard, there is a lot to do there and it looks like a beautiful city. It's called "the Paris of South America" for a reason!
Thursday was the RATATAT show! It was AMAZING!! I love their sound. I wonder if any other fan has played exclusively their music at their wedding reception?
We saw Ratatat at the Black Cat in D.C. with a bunch of friends, including my brother (it was his birthday!). It was SO awesome to hear them live. Here is a short clip I found from Thurs. night. It's funny because the guy on the right has a pretty reserved stage presence and the guy on the left is a total showman. The keyboardist rocks out, too.
My favorite song of theirs is "Montanita." They performed it during the encore. It was so incredible. Here is a recording of it from last year.
Friday I had my formal swearing-in ceremony. It was pretty cool; my family came out for it and we had a nice lunch afterward. The room where the swearing-in was held was beautiful and all the rooms in that part of the building were decorated in antiques. Here is a pic of Neil and me before the ceremony.
The painting behind us is famous for the fact that it is unfinished. Here's the Wiki:" 'Treaty of Paris' (unfinished painting). Left to right: John Jay, John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, Henry Laurens, and William Temple Franklin. The British commissioners refused to pose, and the picture was never finished."
Hope you're enjoying General Conference!
9 comments:
Congratulations!
I had to be sworn in when I worked for the Census Bureau, and election officials are sworn in, too. I kind of get goose bumps swearing that I will uphold the constitution of the United States.
Your family was glad to be there too. We are proud of you and look forward to you leaving....so we can visit you that is. :>)
I heard from Les!! I'm so excited for you guys! Que bueno, chica! That painting is awesome by the way and your suit is h-o-t. You're gonna be so great!
I have been so excited for you! What a life- my goodness! I can't wait to get blog updates from overseas.
Also, I am such a Ratatat fan ever since you clued me in. How cool to have been there!
What a fun and exciting time for you- I can't even imagine all the cool things you are about to see and do!
We are sad we missed Ratatat I knew it was awesome. Argentina is going to be amazing but were glad to hear that you have about 3 months left.
yeah!!!! So, my idea: I miss speaking spanish, so lets get some time 1x a week and speak for an hour. like go out to eat and we can ONLY speaka spanish? Ah, so cool for you!!!
How exciting, I have heard really great things about Argentina, I am sure you will love it there. Congratulations starting out on this new part of your life. Oh you are going to have really great stories to tell, can't wait!
Linda, thanks. It is pretty exciting to realize the responsibility there.
Mom, glad you and the fam could come. I'm sure you're eager to get me there so you can get you there!
NG, thank you. I thought my suit in that pic from so far away makes me look kind of mannish.
Stephanie, thank you! I am excited to keep you all posted (literally) on the happenings in BA. I don't know why more bands don't tour in Hawaii. It's a win-win!
Lacey, I wish you could've come to Ratatat with us and wish you could've made your Pinback show, too. I am so ready for you all to be home!
Lol, Mel! I would love the practice. This could be really funny. Perhaps we should invite people who actually know the language haha. They would totally make fun of us. Ok, I know we'd be fine on our own!
Bille, thank you! Yeah, I keep hearing wonderful things. Like that they have great ice cream there! I feel like I'm going on a mission. You'll have to give me tips for such a thing.
Hey, came across your blog via MJ's Rocktastica! I've known MJ for a good bit. Welcome to the FS! It's a lot of fun and not always sane! I'm sure I will be seeing you around in some country sooner or later...
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