Submitted by Brittany Meindl on the 2013 winter session study abroad program in Argentina sponsored by the Department of Foreign Languages and Literatures, Latin American Studies and the Department of Geography…
Being in Argentina, it is hard to escape the love the Argentineans have for their country’s dance- the Tango. This beautiful and graceful dance originated in Argentina, but has influences from European and African culture. As part of our program, we were able to have private tango lessons for our group. We split into two sections and we were taught step by step the easiest parts of the tango. I do not have an ounce of rhythm in me, but that didn’t stop me from trying! I had so much fun learning each of the moves to this complicated dance. The instructors were so patient with all of us; you could tell not one of us had done this before. Because of the lack of males in the program, I was able to pretend to be a guy and learn some of the male steps, too. It was a blast! I think I might even try to take some lessons at home when I get back to the States!
After two days of lessons, the whole pack of us headed over to Carlos Gardel St. (who is actually the most prominent figure in the history of tango) to see a tango show. Our group dressed up in the most elegant attire we brought and got ready for a once in a lifetime performance. We received an exquisite three-course dinner. Then the curtain opened and we were graced with a full hour and a half of amazing dancing. Watching the performers move together so flawlessly made it look so simple, but as I found out during the lessons, it definitely was not. I could not believe the fast paced flips and turns they made! Each step was perfect; it was as though they were floating across the stage. I believe tango lessons are very much needed!
This past weekend we traveled south to a colder region, Calafate. It was difficult to pack long pants, sweatshirts and a jacket when I was so used to soaking up the warm Buenos Aires sun. On Friday afternoon, we headed out to the mountains to visit an estancia, which we had been discussing for a while now. An estancia is similar to a farm. The whole experience was once again, unbelievable. First, we took a hike to a small lake. The water against the backdrop of the mountains had to be some of the most beautiful scenery I had ever seen. It was so peaceful sitting in the fields and watching the waves hit the rocks. We were then brought back to the estancia to see sheep herding and we were even able to see one get sheered! The wool was thick and unbelievably soft. Next we all gathered into the restaurant to eat an amazing meal of chorizo and lamb with my favorite dessert- panqueques con dulce de leche.
Saturday morning we awoke at 8:00 for our main excursion to Los Glaciares National Park. Just when I thought I could not see anything more beautiful, I laid my eyes upon the Moreno Glacier. It was huge! Our group was lucky enough to see the glacier from many angles. The most amazing part was when we boarded a boat to see the glacier close up. That is when I truly realized how giant this glacier actually is. Not only that, but its masses of ice crash into the lake with astounding roars! The chunks that fall create huge waves that rocked the boat. It was an astounding sight to see. We were then able to explore the Andes Mountains a little more and to see the Moreno Glacier from other sides. I have to admit, even though I dislike the cold, Calafate was one of my favorite trips.