After a three day weekend, I was so excited to get near a computer where I could check my emails and message board! I love hearing from all of my Texas friends. Here's a short recap of my weekend. Please see all those photos I have updated! SATURDAY, APRIL 29, 2006 Adriana, who is the Deputy Head of Northlands Primary, picked me up Saturday afternoon for my first trip into the city and downtown. I visited the captial and saw some sights down there. I think I was on the widest avenue in the world- 9 de Juilo-which is 16 lanes wide! In just about every area of town, there are many fairs and markets on the weekend where vendors sell their crafts, but I did not buy anything. Adriana also took me to La Boca (see the pictures) and Puerto Madero (the main port). Afterwards, ate delicious raviolis the Mrs. Brizuela recommended. Adriana explained that on the 29th of each month they eat pasta and put money under the dinner plate-all in the hope of becoming wealthy. I had never heard of that tradition. SUNDAY, APRIL 30, 2006 Luckily, the flat I am staying in is just around the corner from a train station so I took the train into town to meet a teacher here, Maria. We ate lunch at the Yacht Club then she showed me around her neighborhood, Recoleta. I loved this area!! I visited this amazing cemetary in the city where famous politicians and writers are buried. The cemetary consists of many paths with one beautiful mausoleum after another. Many mausoleums had windows or stained glass and when you peak through you can see the dusty coffins inside. Sounds a little creapy, but I really enjoyed it (see the pictures!). After walking around Recoleta, Maria and I went to a nearby mall for some window shopping and coffee. Believe it or not, I didn't buy a thing....yet! MONDAY, MAY 2, 2006 I went around town with Cecilia's mother and sister, Pato. We first drove around Palermo, an area with enormous city parks. Since it was a holiday, many people were out exercising, rollerblading, bike riding, and such. We drove around the "Wall Street" part of town where all the banks and other businesses are. Most of the buildings were very historic and looked like palaces. Quite a contrast to DFW! We had lunch in this trendy part of town called Palermo Hollywood then we walked down a touristy street called Florida. Once again, I did not purchase a thing (partially because the best stores were closed for Labor Day). I have 8 days left and can not believe it. 8 days! Just when I am settling in. I have plans to go shopping after school tomorrow (FINALLY!!) and then maybe to the theater on Saturday. As for school, everything is going very well. I think I know most of the kids by name now. Today, I gave the year two class a spelling test and had to be careful of some slight variations in the way I pronounce words. They tell me I have an accent, which I never knew I had! The staff saw my video on Friday and thought the school was so modern and wonderful. Tomorrow, I will show it to the students. Hope all is well back home! Sorry if this long entry has given you heavy eyes... Alison HAPPY HAPPY BIRTHDAY AUSTIN!!