Andrew Anderson ´10
Sitting in a panadería outside the college early on Friday night, only around 10:30, I frantically try to look up what in the world I had for dessert last night (zapallo en almibar for your information, which is delicious, its pumpkin in sugar, anyway alas this is a tangent) after God only knows how many coffees, I look up to a few kisses on the cheek from several girls. I give up on explaining the dessert and step outside to mingle with the 20 or so students outside saying goodbye to Amelia, who works at the panadería (to give you an idea of how much coffee I´ve been drinking, yes I do already know her name). Outside it is a bit chilly, something I haven´t really gotten used to yet, so I tighten the scarf tied around my neck (yes a scarf in June!!!). Ahh more kisses and attempts to explain field hockey to Americans along with discussions of the Hand of God (just Google it) make the conversation flow easily, but we have to rise early in the morning to go to the campo. We say our goodbyes and the crowd begins to break up. Several begin a walk to the centro (or downtown shopping-esque area), Others take the bus to some party or in our case home. No one drives. In Argentina you have to be 18 to drive a car. Something we take for granted in Phoenix is the ability to go somewhere, and you parents not having to pick your kid up and drive them to the middle of nowhere/some kids house in North-North Scottsdale. But with the ability to drive 45 minutes to school, we also lose something. We lose the ability to all go grab a coffee and danish in the middle of the night together. Gone is the neighborhood aspect that comes with everyone being able to walk to school.
Imagine that, hanging out because we don´t live 2 hours apart
Maybe what I am awestruck most by is the sense of community. I mean Brophy has community and brotherhood like no other, trust me I know that, but there is something about living within walking distance of everyone, or at the very most a short trip on the bus that we miss out on. So from now on, I´m walking to North-North Scottsdale, it´ll just be a weekend trip.
Andrew Anderson ´10
Andrew,
I know what you mean about that community! Maybe you'll want to study "New Urbanism" in college, and join the movement to make more walkable, livable cities and towns. Isn't that what life should be like? I look forward to hearing more about Argentina. Keep eating that pumpkin, and bring the recipe home! hanks for posting your thoughts. - Ms. Cardinali
Dewey,
Great blog. I noticed the same things about community in El Salvador. I hope everything is well in Argentina... hopefully you guys get back before I go to the Great White North.
Wilson