The past weekend I traveled to Catamarca a province in the North West of Argentina. I was in a small town called Fimbila seven kilometers from the border of Chile; I could literally see the mountains of Chile in the distance. The little town based its economy of vineyards and the hot springs nestled up against the bare mountains. In the center lay the plaza key to all communities in Argentina. Surrounding the plaza where commercial buildings which consisted mostly of little convenient stores, a bakery, a butcher, and a police station. On the West side of the plaza laid the church also key to Argentine culture.
We had traveled during the night and arrived shortly after the sun had risen. We, being a group of about 200 Rotarians, inbound and outbound exchange students from all over the world. We got the busses and the townspeople came to great us. I think we doubled the population within seconds. Exchange students began to wrap their flags over their shoulders to shield themselves from the cold. The towns marching band was there to greet us as we paraded into the center of the town. I’m sure anyone that didn’t know what was going on would have thought we were all crazy. Flags from all over the world waved in the crisp winter air and languages from all over filled the silence of the little town. I think everyone that day experienced some sort of culture shock. As we gathered in the plaza the town leaders met to greet us. The women of the town put together little goodie bags of sweets. That day we visited the termas (hot springs). The termas where nestled up against the mountain and water trickled down into little pools which each had different temperatures. We ate bread and drank tea a traditional part of the gaucho (Argentine cowboys) culture.
That evening the town gathered in the school the women of the little town cooked for us and the children dance and sang traditional gaucho style. A sense of community rang in the air. We all sat around talking about our experiences so far and exchanging pins from our countries. That night I was asked to walk. I didn’t really understand but said sure. A nice boy from Germany walked me up to the stage with about 20 other girls. I proceeded to walk off the stage when everyone started to yell at me. I was so confused. We all twirled around a few more times than once again I proceeded to walk off the stage and again everyone in the crowd yelled at me to stay on stage. Then it accrued to me what we were doing; it was a beauty contest and we were being graded. At this point I felt so embarrassed. Yet surprisingly I won Miss Elegancia (Elegance). Four other girls and I were given little sashes. I have no idea how I won considering I walked of the stage just about four times; oh well something took look back and laugh at. I had a fantastic time and am very grateful; not only for how welcoming the community was but for Rotaries hard work to organize the event.
We had traveled during the night and arrived shortly after the sun had risen. We, being a group of about 200 Rotarians, inbound and outbound exchange students from all over the world. We got the busses and the townspeople came to great us. I think we doubled the population within seconds. Exchange students began to wrap their flags over their shoulders to shield themselves from the cold. The towns marching band was there to greet us as we paraded into the center of the town. I’m sure anyone that didn’t know what was going on would have thought we were all crazy. Flags from all over the world waved in the crisp winter air and languages from all over filled the silence of the little town. I think everyone that day experienced some sort of culture shock. As we gathered in the plaza the town leaders met to greet us. The women of the town put together little goodie bags of sweets. That day we visited the termas (hot springs). The termas where nestled up against the mountain and water trickled down into little pools which each had different temperatures. We ate bread and drank tea a traditional part of the gaucho (Argentine cowboys) culture.
That evening the town gathered in the school the women of the little town cooked for us and the children dance and sang traditional gaucho style. A sense of community rang in the air. We all sat around talking about our experiences so far and exchanging pins from our countries. That night I was asked to walk. I didn’t really understand but said sure. A nice boy from Germany walked me up to the stage with about 20 other girls. I proceeded to walk off the stage when everyone started to yell at me. I was so confused. We all twirled around a few more times than once again I proceeded to walk off the stage and again everyone in the crowd yelled at me to stay on stage. Then it accrued to me what we were doing; it was a beauty contest and we were being graded. At this point I felt so embarrassed. Yet surprisingly I won Miss Elegancia (Elegance). Four other girls and I were given little sashes. I have no idea how I won considering I walked of the stage just about four times; oh well something took look back and laugh at. I had a fantastic time and am very grateful; not only for how welcoming the community was but for Rotaries hard work to organize the event.
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