In the last five days, I've had my first really long flight, traveled to three countries - Qatar, Brazil and Argentina (although I do must admit that we were just in the airport or just staying in the plane), did a totally made up 'Malaysian Dance' (now it really reminds me of the things that we had to do in the pre-departure camp), and so many other things.
The flight to Argentina was really long. Alright, it was not really really long as the flight to USA would've been longer but hey, this is the first time I've ever been stuck in an airplane for more than 10 hours! In the airport in Malaysia, due to some 'baggage overweight' problem, I had to take out my 'dodol' and 'serunding' and some of my Malaysia pamphlets... I was kind of sad when I had to take them out because the first thing that I bought so that I can bring to Argentina was the 'dodol'. Sigh... Well, luckily I brought along like sooo many of those little wooden fans and they love it! I gave all the volunteers one each and to some of my primas (girl cousin) and mi abuela (grandmother) here.
In the orientation/survival camp, apparently each of the participant would have to perform something representing their country in a talent show. We had to do it in group according to countries or we can do it solo. Well, I didn't know that before... Anyway, we did in a group. The three girls from Malaysia which is me, Carwen and Tushaani choreograph this mixed dancing routine where we combine dances of the Malay, Indian and Chinese. It was a two minutes performance and we scored nine out of ten... Well, not bad considering that it was really last minute and that we basically had no idea what we were dancing...
I sucked at the camp. I wasn't communicating with the other participants. I don't know why I was like that. I really want to blame my tiredness but I know it's no excuse. But I really hope I will be better here in my host community.
The things that I notice in Argentina is that everyone loves dancing. Well, my host sister don't really like dancing but almost every Argentinian I met just dances when a song is played. In fact they have this thing called 'cumbio' and all the kids in my neighborhood know how to dance 'cumbio'. It's really huge among the kids in Palpala, where I'm being hosted.
I should post a video of it here soon.
My host family. They are really nice! We have three dogs that sometimes scare the hell out of me - they are really friendly dogs but I've never had any dogs nor can we find dogs in the place where I live back home so I'm still afraid of them. But they also have cats and oh I really love cats! Yesterday we had asado. It's like barbeque - Argentinian style! - as welcoming party for me. And this Friday is my host father's birthday so we are planning to watch the Star Wars in 3D that is playing in cinemas nowadays. Apparently my host father is a fan of action movies, sci-fi etc. And he's huge fan of Star Wars. The timing is perfect! And my host mother's birthday is just near the corner too so I will have to find something for her birthday present.
I'm starting school soon so I think there will be more that I will update. Until then, I hope I will pick up more Spanish so I can communicate more smoothly with my school firends.
See you!
Peace XOXO mArIaNi
