first week

***Disclaimer: since I'm writing this post in the middle of the night, it won't be a literary masterpiece, but I want to write down and share my first experiences. ***

I've been in Mendoza for a week now. I think it's been the most exciting week of my life so far. And maybe the most difficult one too. Even though everything went smoothly, from the flight to the accommodation to the university, I didn't feel well because my whole life, my daily routine, and my surroundings changed completely within 24 hours.

I spent the first four nights at Hotel Mallorca, where I had a typical Argentine breakfast every morning consisting of Tortita, Dulce De Leche, and fresh fruit. To be honest, eating has been a challenge for me in the past week because I chewed every bite for about 3 hours. This was partly due to my excitement and partly because the food is quite dry.

Unfortunately, my hotel room didn't have windows, so I immediately went outside to get to know the city and enjoy the summer. I was very impressed by the many trees growing along the streets. I also noticed that there were queues everywhere, whether at the supermarket, in front of the store where you can buy your bus card, at the mobile phone shop... but it's just normal and doesn't seem to bother anyone, so it wasn't difficult for me to be more patient.

On the second day, I visited the university. It is located within a large campus where all the faculties are housed. The next day, I had the first meeting of my faculty, where I got to know the other exchange students. I soon joined forces with two German girls and a Brazilian girl, and we walked through the large Parque General San Martín and then had a bite to eat. Coincidentally, all four of us are vegetarians (and studying in a country known for its fatty steaks 👍). That same evening, I also met my tutor, who is very kind and helpful, and she told me a lot about Mendoza and university life.

Moving into my apartment was a bit difficult for me because I had just gotten used to the hotel and the surroundings. My apartment is located quite far from the city center, but very close to the university. Of course, I didn't expect the apartment to have European standards, but at first, it was difficult to feel at home (I'm writing as if I've been here for months, but I've only slept here for three nights haha). There were no curtains, and everything is a bit old and run-down, but it's crazy how quickly you get used to things. It also seems to me that I'm learning not to take everything so seriously and not to be so perfectionistic because even though my room is not as nice as back home, I have everything I need to live. My landlords are a couple from Buenos Aires who are also studying, and my roommates are from Ecuador and southern Argentina, so it looks good for learning Spanish.

On Sunday, I visited the Museo Fundacional, the founding museum. I don't know why Mr. Mendoza decided to build a city in the middle of nowhere, but now it's where I study. At the end of the 19th century, there was a strong earthquake, and the entire city was destroyed. During the reconstruction, the streets were built wider, trees were planted, and large squares were created. After visiting the museum, we went up to one of the few skyscrapers here and enjoyed a great view of the mountains and the city. Unfortunately, you can't see Aconcagua from Mendoza.

I have already had two days of university. I had two French courses and one Contemporary American History course. To be honest, I don't understand much in the latter, but hopefully, it will improve. I don't have any other choice, I have to take a Spanish course. I have also had lunch at the Comedor, the cafeteria, with the other exchange girls. The lasagna they served today would make an Italian roll in their grave (instead of noodles, there were pancakes inside), but it only cost 1€ and didn't taste bad at all.

I'm writing this blog so that my readers can imagine what I'm experiencing and how I'm doing here, but to be honest, it's impossible to convey how it really is. I did research Argentina, Mendoza, and the university beforehand, but all expectations have been thrown out the window. Everything is just different, especially when you're alone. I'm lucky to have an Argentine tutor and to have met people from the beginning, but there is still a lack of familiarity. You have to get used to the food, the money, the public transportation, the language, and at the same time, you have to remember which courses you need at the university, which room to go to, how the online systems work... my whole life is turned upside down, and it's okay to feel overwhelmed and anxious about what's to come. I don't have any other choice but to go out and talk to people because it gives me support and also gives me confidence that I'm not completely alone.

See you later ☀️