This week has been all over the place. I have survived another semester of Holy Cross enrollment, and more so from thousands of miles away. Moreover, we spontaneously scored coveted tickets to a Boca Juniors soccer game. We bought jerseys outside of the stadium, known as la Bombonera as it looks like a box of chocolates, and joined the sea of blue and yellow. We claimed our standing room surrounded by avid fans who encouraged us to chant and jump throughout the entire game. The stadium erupted as Boca broke the tie during the last few minutes and the celebration spilled into the streets.
We continued taking advantage of the mild sixty-degree weather at the Ecoparque, a former zoo turned ecological park. The non-native species have been brought home and the rest are now enjoying better living conditions, including the free roaming maras which appear to be a cross between a guinea pig and a rabbit. We also celebrated a fellow Holy Cross friend’s birthday with delicious homemade empanadas and cake.
Throughout the week we took breaks from the festivities to study for our midterm exam and participate in volunteer work. I interviewed families, along with an organization that constructs bathrooms, to see if they qualify to receive one. As we traveled outside of the city to the villa, I found myself in a beautiful train station, a stark contrast to what I was about to see. Dirt roads, horses and carriages, stray dogs, and makeshift houses. The people welcomed us with open arms, kindness, and gratitude. This experience opened my eyes to another side of Argentina, humbling me and provoking a hunger to do more.
