The first day was so long we didn't have the energy to post to the blog, although we figured you were wondering how this would go. Well after a great breakfast with Maria of "medi-lunas" (crescent shaped rolls), coffee with milk (the coffee here is made strong, so Paul has succumbed to using milk) and apples, we headed off for the subte (subway) a short ten minute walk followed by a twenty minute walk on the other end of the ride. We were trying to get there by 8:00 am for the qualification exam.

The school was teeming with people. Our email contact found us on the way in and helped us sign up and pay the fees. Then Jane headed off for the exam, but it was determined that if she wanted to have class at the same time as Paul, she would have to be held back. So by nine it was determined that we would have class daily, at least for the first few weeks, at 2:00 pm, lasting until 6:00 pm.

We headed off to find a cafe' to read and prepare for class. On every intersection there seems to be at least one cafe'. We found ourselves at the Tea Connection where WIFI for internet connection is available, as it is in most bars and cafes'. From our short experience, it always is free and is in many more places than in the US. We passed the time with email and reading the Buenos Aires Herald, an English language newspaper. It has a real international focus, as well as key stories of Argentina news and political action and a sorry attempt at international sports.

At one o'clock we returned for the introductory lunch and then the start of class at two o'clock. Very light sandwiches, juice and water were served. The school director and staff made all the necessary speeches and introductions. All the students and staff are very young. They seem to be just out of college or just finishing some graduate degree. It seems to be a real mix of nationalities and sexes.

When we arrived at our classroom at 2:00 pm for class, we met Richardo (Richard) from England and Patricio (Patrick) from Sweden. The four of us will be the class. Our instructor turns out to be Veronica Barbera, a very experienced, but youngish and attractive teacher. We start out with introductions and small discussions of why we are here. Then she starts speaking Spanish and off we go!

The boys are bright, Jane is confident and re-awakening high school Spanish discussion memories and Paul is finding himself in a fog of la's, el's and an occasional ellos. Four fast hours later we are done. Jane and Paul set out on their walk home. (We decided that we would walk either to or fro school for exercise) It takes us about an hour to walk, finding the sidewalks full of people. After dropping our backpacks at the house we headed for the local cafe' for beer to clear our heads before a late dinner with Maria.

It was a long day, but now we are off and running, or shall we say learning. Chao!