Greetings from Buenos Aires!

Hello families and friends! Thank you for reading our group's very first blog post! We are so excited to share with you all the amazing experiences, people, places, and food that surrounds us. 

When we all signed up for this trip to Argentina several months ago, we knew we were going to be in for an amazing time. For many in our group, it is the furthest they have been from home. Traveling to far-off locales can be daunting for some, especially when a different language is involved. There is a level of courage one must possess in order to leave home and venture to an unfamiliar country half way around the world. For those that do, the benefits and knowledge that comes with such travel can never be replicated in the classroom. In the 3 days we have been here, your sons have been fearless. They have wasted no time in diving into all that our friends from Colegio del Salvador have offered. 

After a very long travel night, we were ecstatic to finally reach our final destination Saturday morning. Although most of us did not sleep well on the plane and were a bit sluggish, we quickly rebounded as the moment hit us-We are finally in Argentina! Eugenia embraced us with hugs and kisses at the airport and a van promptly drove us to the school to meet our host families. As we entered the school and walked past the unfurled, student made, "Welcome to Argentina BC High" banner, we were met by the most welcoming and friendly group of students and families. After quick pleasantries, the boys grabbed their bags and went off in 8 different directions with their hosts. 

While Jenny and I settled into our own apartments, the boys were already off exploring, eating, and socializing with their brothers. They quickly learned that the local porteños (what local Argentinians are called) operate on a much different time frame than we do at home. It isn't uncommon for locals to eat dinner around 9 or 10pm and stay up late socializing. Some of the boys experienced that on the very first night we were here. Needless to say, everyone slept like a rock that first night! Sunday was another opportunity for the boys and their families to do more exploring and eating. Jenny and I explored the San Telmo outdoor fair and food court and did some scouting for some possible local adventures. In the evening, we attended Mass at the church located at CS for a special invocation and blessing not just for BC High, but for Loyola of Los Angeles, and Georgetown Prep who are also part of the exchange program with CS. (see pictures below)

The boys attended class this morning with their brothers followed the first class with Jenny and me.  It was the first opportunity for us to hear from them on how their first weekend in BA went. We were elated to hear of all the wonderful opportunities that they've had and all the food they've eaten in just the first weekend! They seemed genuinely and completely pleased with their experiences so far. A fantastic gentleman named Fefo and his colleague Pablo, both former chaperones for the BC High/CS exchange, gave us a thorough tour of the school as well. Everyone is speaking lots of Spanish, sleeping well and looks great. The only concern expressed by them seems to be the weight they are going to gain due to how much their families are feeding them!

So as we conclude our third day, I just wanted to express gratitude to you, the parents, for making it possible for your sons to come to Argentina. They are all excellent young men. Thank you also to the Hyde Center for coordinating what will end up being one of the best experiences of ALL of our lives. Lastly, I want to express tremendous gratitude to the community of Colegio del Salvador for how they have treated Jenny and myself, but more importantly, how they have been taking care of our boys. They simply could not be any more gracious in welcoming us into their community. I realize it is still early in our trip but if this is how the fist three days have been, then I know the rest of our time in this amazing city will be absolutely unforgettable. 

-G. Goso                   

p.s. A few of the boys have asked to post a blog entry so please be on the lookout for their stories in the next few days!