Villa María- La Vida Tranquila- Here to stay?!?!?!?

This morning the train woke me up very early - around 6 am.  I couldn't go back to sleep, and I didn't know what time Caro and her grandparents usually wake up, so I decided to check on the wifi.  Still not working. So I turned on the TV and watched El Chavo del Ocho (sound familiar, dad?) 

A little later, Caro's grandfather woke up and went to the kitchen to have breakfast and read the paper.  I joined him, ans we talked.  We talked about Villa María, about his family, about the past, about a lot of things.  We talked for about two hours until Caro and her grandmother got up. We ate (small toast and coffee) and Caro and I went back to her house. Since today was a national holiday (Columbus Day, though here it's called Día de la Raza), the whole day was very relaxing- we bought pasta to make for lunch, Caro's mom showed me pictures and videos from Caro's sweet 15, After lunch, I took a nap on their Paraguayan hammock.  Then Caro and I went to running.  We ran 2 km and did some other exercises. There were a lot of people exercising too. I told Caro it was so peaceful in Villa María, that I would like to stay! Later we went back to her grandparent's house and relaxed until it was time for me to go to the Bus Terminal.

When we got to the terminal, I couldn't see my bus. I kept looking, but I couldn't find it.  I went to the help window to ask, and they told me it had just left! WHAT??? Now I really am going to stay in Villa María! The man at the help desk told me that I could get a new ticket for another bus in an hour (free of charge).  I said thank you and texted Caro and my host family.  Caro came to pick me up and we went back to her house, so that I wouldn't have to wait at the terminal.  She lives 2 minutes away.  I borrowed their shower so that I could freshen up, and when we went back to my terminal, I had my ticket replaced and I got on the bus.  Goodbye Villa María.  I truly enjoyed it.

VILLA MARÍA!!!!! NEW LOOK!!! WEEKEND WITH THE CATENAS!!!!!!

Today's the day! Today I woke up and went to the Bus Terminal at around 8:45/9ish. I bought a 2 liter Coke to contribute to the asado. Then, with ticket in hand, I waited for my bus to arrive- it didn't take long.  I put my backpack with the luggage and got on.  The drive wasn't bad at all- around three hours or so.

When I arrived in Villa María, I called Caro to ask her where she was.  She was behind me! I met her younger brother Italo and we went to the grocery store to buy a couple of last minute things for the asado.  We found asado-flavored potato chips...only in Argentina! After shopping, we Caro took us to the riverside, where her family was waiting.




Meeting Caro's family was fun.  They are so friendly! We waited a little for Caro's father to show up with the tables, but once he came, we got started with the asado.  I learned how to do it step by step (future blog post).  When it was ready, we all sat down to eat-- THERE WAS SO MUCH!!!!!! And it wasn't over yet, because after the meat, Caro, her grandmother and I went to go buy artisanal ice cream. And after the ice cream, we ate a fruit tart (pasta frola) made by Renzo, Caro's older brother. It was delicious!!! As you can imagine, we were so full!  I took a walk with Caro's parents while the rest played cards.  We planned to go kayaking tomorrow. That will be fun! We also talked about Caro (naturally- what else would parents talk about?) When we came back, we cleaned up and they took me to their house so that I could put my things down.  They have a keyboard! I was so happy! After a little while, we went out again and went to the hair salon they own.  Caro cut my hair and gave me a new look!  I like it!

Afterwards, we continued my "tour." Villa María is a small town, but it is important.  A lot of agricultural and economic assets.  It's also very peaceful.  We stopped by the Jesus statue--sure it's not Christ the Redeemer of Rio de Janeiro, but it's still good!  We visited the Cathedral, and other places. Finally, Caro and I got some empanadas and ate at her grandparents' house.  That's also where we settled down for the night.  The wifi didn't work well, so I was getting ready to sleep, but I noticed Batman was on TV (I have always always always loved Batman!), so I watched it until I was too sleepy. Can't wait for tomorrow.