Day 6 & 7 24 & 25 Deciembre, 2008

After finishing class on Wednesday 24/12, the school held a simple Feliz Navidad party for staff and students. A bottle or two of bubbly, small gifts and many laughs , in Spanish of course. Great people, staff & students alike. Pictures below of some of the staff, our professora is on the right hoisting her glass.

After the party, back on the bus with the rest of Buenos Aires, headed for home. Our bus stop is across the Plaza de Mayo from the Casa Rojado, home of Argentina’s beloved (not) Presidenta Christina Kirchener Yes, it’s pink.

Most shops are shuttered by noon for the holiday.. In preparation for the Christmas Eve party with Liliana’s family, we took a long siesta. After staying up until midnight every night, walking everywhere, dealing with the bus rides and communicating (or not) constantly in Spanish, we’re exhausted every afternoon.

Guests started arriving by 9:00 P.M. Both of Liliana’s daughters with spouses and baby, and old family friends. They were all as gracious as Liliana and the daughter of her best friend spoke perfect English. Dinner was served around 10:30 P.M. with liters of Quilme Lager and Argentine Malbec wine. I remembered that Chilean wine was well received everywhere else, but not in Argentina. Ask any Argentine, they’re very clear about where the best wine comes from and it isn’t Chile..

About 11:45 P.M., champagne glasses were set out but not filled until a couple minutes to midnight. At midnight, the toasting began. Outside sounded and looked like World War III. The entire skyline was filled with skyrockets and there were firecrackers going off in the streets….big firecrackers more like military ordinance. Liliana’s 5th floor small balcony has an unobstructed view to the east and there were skyrockets as far as you could see in all directions. Meanwhile back in the apartment, the toasting continued , hugging , kissing and mucho tears. Turns out that Liliana’s friend of 40 years, Juan had just lost his wife December 10th, and this was his first Christmas without her in 40 years. She was also Liliana’s best friend, their children had grown up together, etc. I’m guessing that Liliana probably told us earlier in the week, but we failed to understand. Here’s a picture of family and friends about 1:00 A.M. Juan is the gentleman on the left. He is as wonderful a man as he appears.

About 2:00 the party broke up, the younger ones left and the remaining viejos cleaned up the living room and continued to visit. Juan and his daughter stayed over in the living room , which was a good thing.



Click on “LOCATION “ below for a Google Maps view of the school.



.