Orientation (Or, The Whale)

The next day was Saturday, and the group was heading to an estancia (its stationery claims it’s “Elevage Hotels and Resorts”) for the weekend for Orientation. I fully intended to wake up at seven in order to get to the bus stop from which we were leaving (a five minute walk from where I live) by 8:30 as requested. Sadly, this did not happen - I apparently forgot to change the time on my cell phone (though it was set to automatic, so it really ought to have known), and it therefore did not wake me up. My host mother did. At 8:05. I showered and ran. It was kind of a sucky start, but I did manage to get to the bus more or less on time. Still, let’s keep a tally: this was the first time I was late to an organized event. It won’t be the last.

The schedule at the estancia was more or less as follows: Food, free time, food, orientation talk, recreational activities, food, orientation talk, food (Saturday). Food, orientation talk, food, recreational activity, orientation talk, food, return, food (Sunday). Clearly, the focus was on eating. I suppose the orientation stuff had some value as well.

During dinner on Saturday, I sat next to Diego, one of the sub-directors of COPA who’s in charge of academics and teaches the lit class half the time (the other lit professor is named Max). All the COPA people seemed helpful, but he was particularly nice/funny/sensible/adorable. He likes Oscar Wilde, and when I told him I really enjoyed the short story “Borges y yo” he started quoting it at me. I can only hope he doesn’t ever try to tell our class that a dog represents a lesbian lover, like certain other Spanish literature professors I could name. (The first day of class, he asked us whether we had any previous experience with literature. I told him I had lost confidence in it after having been told this “symbol” by my last professor. He said he hoped I didn’t lose confidence in him. We shall see, but I’m betting not, because I’m pretty sure he’s infallible. I’ve e-mailed him the story to see if I can get a second opinion, though. I will let you know when he responds - I’m sure you’re all biting your nails.)

But yeah, the estancia was really cool. It was plainsy and there was a vegetable garden and animals wandering around. Plus an old bar sort of thing (no longer functioning, but there for the rustic aesthetics of it all). I sort of forgot to take pictures, but that’s what the MyFace is for - I’ll steal some once others have put them up and post them here eventually for your viewing pleasure.

I would also just like to note that the hotel there had heated floors. (!) It was kind of amazing. When/if I get a house, it is going to have heated floors. Period. (It also had WiFi, an added bonus the luxuries of which I don’t have in the Buenos Aires apartment to which I returned Sunday evening.)