Return to Córdoba

This past weekend I was able to return to Córdoba for a quick trip to my old home of six weeks.  I missed everyone so much, I just had to come back!  Three main events were happening this weekend- my friend Gonzalo's birthday, my AIESEC buddy Irupe's thesis defense, and la despedida (going away party) of my friend Jess (the other trainee from the United States).  These three events served as the perfect weekend for me to come back to visit.

My trip began with a 10-hour bus ride through the campo (farmland) of Argentina.  It was quite the trip as I was sitting next to a really big man who snored the entire 10 hours.  I never have very good luck when it comes to public transportation!  The next day I met up with my friend Charlie and we bought decorations for Gonzalo's birthday (what good friends we are! haha).  Gonzalo was pleasantly surprised when he arrived home from work to see what we had done!

Gonzalo with his birthday decorations

The next day was Irupe's thesis defense.  For an undergraduate degree in Argentina, the last semester is spent writing a thesis and then presenting it in front of your professors.  Irupe is also a marketing major so it was interesting to see how the university system varies between the United States and Argentina.  Her presentation reminded me of the many times that I had to give marketing presentations when I studied in Spain (but obviously hers was a lot more well-developed)!  After the presentation, the professors discuss whether or not you deserve to pass while you nervously outside for the final verdict.  So stressful!  Irupe passed with a great review and we were able to celebrate her accomplishments after.

In Argentina, it is a tradition to throw eggs, flour, yerba, cereal, and anything else gross you could possibly think of on the graduate when their thesis is approved.  They also cut your hair (if you are a guy) and your clothes (girls and guys).  Kind of an interesting (but hilarious) way of congratulating someone for all the hard work that they have done!  Jess and I were able to take part in this wonderful tradition by throwing eggs and pouring flour on our friend.  As you can tell in the photo below, no one showed Irupe any mercy...

Jess and me with the graduate!

Iru getting egged

The next day we went to Alta Gracia, a small town outside of Córdoba.  We were able to visit the house of Che Guevara, where I learned a lot about the Argentinian view of Che.  A very educational day trip!

Me in Che's house

Che's house

My final day in Córdoba was filled with a trip to Villa General Belgrano and la Cumbrecita. Villa General Belgrano is a German town outside of the city characterized by its typically Bavarian style architecture.  We only had about 20 minutes in the city before our bus to La Cumbrecita, so we just walked down the main street and admired the uniquely-styled buildings.  

At la Cumbrecita, we ate lunch and then hiked to la Cascada Grande (the big waterfall).  I actually found out about this town on Pinterest- such a great resource haha!  I was not disappointed as the hike was beautiful and the waterfall did not disappoint.  We kept joking that we were going to find Frodo because the scenery looked exactly like in the movie the Lord of the Rings.

Cumbrecita Candid

It was such a great weekend in Córdoba.  I was so happy to be able to see my friends again and it was even harder leaving this time because I do not know when the next time I will see them will be.  I'm hoping that one day they will all come visit me in the United States.  A lot of them made promises that they will so I'm going to hold them to it! :)