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Dear Exchange Community,

I know that I can speak on behalf of our Walker students when I say that our time spent in Argentina was truly special. We met so many wonderful families and we experienced so many aspects of Argentine culture. We would like to extend our deepest gratitude to our peers and colleagues at the Westminster Schools who shared this Exchange with us. Furthermore, we would like to thank all of our friends and families in Rafaela and more specifically the La Plaza School community, for opening their homes and hearts to receive us.


Here, we would like to share with you some pictures of our travels. We hope you enjoy!

Until 2009!!!!

Saludos,

Turismo Rural

Dear Argentina Trip Participants and Friends

Today, the students had a once in a lifetime experience. During our Rural Tourism trip we were witness to a live birth of a calf. In fact, many of us had a hand in bringing the young calf into the world. It was fascinating! The whole process took around a half our and in the end the Gaucho decided to name the calf Atlanta.

Afterward, we ate Asado and the students had an opportunity to take a carriage ride around the farm. Earlier in the day, the students learned how honey is harvested and how a milk farm works. A long and eventful day!

Bye the way, I am working on having the Noticiero post news in English!!!!

Saludos,

Brad

By plane, By foot, By car, By bus

Dear Argentina Exchange Community,

These days it seems we have found every possible means to see the beautify of Argentina and more specifically, Rafaela. We arrived into Buenos Aires and ultimately to Rafaela by plane. We saw the landscape between Rafaela and Rosario via bus. Yesterday, we walked the city of Rafaela and visited the Museum the Court House, the Plaza Central and the Cathedral..all by foot. Tomorrow, we will go to see the Turismo Rural and finally on Saturday, we will experience the Omnibus as we return for an overnight trip to Buenos Aires.

Before we set our minds forward, we look to the activities from yesterday and for today. I am awaiting a beautiful picture of our group during our 1 hour 1/2 presentation of musical instruments from around the continent. It was a fascination presentation which was both musical and informative. The students were able to try the different musical instruments and finally we receive a private concert from some famous figures.

Today, we will be on the radio at 1pm and at 5pm. This will be a wonderful test of our communication skills. I know that the kids will do a fantastic job!

We will let you know how it all goes a little later....

ps, please take the time to look through the Westminster blog. I hope you enjoy.

Westminster Blog

Saludos,

Brad Brown

El dia en el campo

Dear Parents,

This weekend was full of outdoor adventure for our group. The students were invited to the Dominino Farm for an authentic Asado. The students danced and ate together with the entire grade. The teachers were off to the Rosetti Farm about 2 hours away. There, we were given a tour of the farm which included a thorough explanation of its function. We also benefitted from the skills of the Asadero as we enjoyed an authentic lunch. The students will make a post about their experience soon!!!

Dancing Gauchos and Flying Horses

Dear Parents,

Yesterday, we had the pleasure of watching a very nice dance presentation displaying some of the traditional dances of Argentina. It included a group of about 20 young kids dressed in clothing characteristic of Gauchos.

Our students were somewhat relieved when they realized that they would not be asked to participate. I was disappointed as I was sure that them dancing would provide some very comical pictures.

I later had the opportunity to visit the local Polo Club where I watched them train 3 beautiful horses for Hipico which is the equivalent to steeplechase in English. In the evening, the students went to eat at the house of one of the La Plaza students.

Meanwhile, I was invited to share with one of the University English classes about our school system in the United States. Finally, the students gathered at another house where they sang and danced together.

I was invitd to eat at the house of one of the Profesoras to dine with her family. We discussed sports, travel, and local politics. I will be very suprised if we are not all 10 pounds heavier when we return. The food here is divine! !La comida es divina!

Saludos,

Flags, Shopping and Politics

Dear Parents,

As you will have read from my last email, yesterday we spent an eventful day in Rosario. Here are some pictures of our experience including some shots of the National Monument, the Peotonal and finally images from the Paro total del autopista. (Complete roadblock on the freeway between Rafaela and Rosario) We took an alternate route which involved some travel over a dirt road. No danger involved but an interesting political/social and economic event for the students to see.

Links

CNN Farmers Strike

Traffic woes in Santa Fe

Saludos,

Brad Brown

Our Adventure in Argentina

Dear Parents,

This blog was created to allow you to share a day by day account of our experience here in Argentina. We will be posting images and comments telling you about the activities that we are participating in and memories that are being formed. We hope you enjoy!

Day 1 La Plaza School


Today, we received a warm welcome from the faculty and student body of La Plaza School. After a brief orientation, a quick lesson about the Argentinian school system, the students were off to class. At around 1pm, the students were released to their houses to eat together with family. For many of the students in our group, the day ended with P.E featuring Shannon and Blair playing handball. This evening, the students have free time with their families.

Tomorrow.......off to Rosario bright and early.