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A Heartfelt Flashback: Cherishing the Joyous Moments (Part I)

Just like in many captivating movies and shows, we're employing the storytelling technique of a "flashback" to share a precious account from your children's perspective.

Why the flashback? The last few days have been an absolute whirlwind of joy, excitement, learning experiences, and general enjoyment of Buenos Aires. Our time together has been so wonderfully busy that finding a moment to have the kids write an entry proved to be quite challenging. 

Imagine a kaleidoscope of vibrant colors, laughter that echoes through the hallways (the other hotel guests can act as witnesses!) and the constant hum of enthusiastic conversations. 

The bonds formed and the memories created are an integral part of your sons and daughters educational journey.

The flashback allows us to pause for a moment and delve into the rich tapestry of those days gone by, to relive those magical moments and share them with you. Your children’s words (and images!) are a testament to the love and dedication they bring to every new challenge and adventure, and a celebration of their collective accomplishments.

As we wrap up this incredible journey together, I encourage you to take this opportunity to reconnect with the profound happiness and fulfillment that your children have been immersed in. Encourage them to share their stories… Once they got the opportunity to rest up a bit, of course.

Thank you for entrusting us with your children's education and allowing us to be a part of their lives. It has been our privilege and joy!  We hope this entry serves as a testament to the inolvidables moments lived in 🇦🇷🇦🇷🇦🇷 Argentina 🇦🇷🇦🇷🇦🇷


I took this photo last Friday, our last day in Cordoba. Throughout the day, both Poly and San Martin students shared sadness over our soon departure from the city. Even though I knew that my time with my amazing new friends would soon be coming to an end, we still made the most out of our last day. After school, we toured Estadio Kempes, the home of the Argentinian national soccer team. We then enjoyed a scenic sunset walk, as seen in the photo. At 8, we and the San Martin students reunited for Shabbat dinner, which was then followed by a San Martin home basketball game. For dinner, we had delicious Lomitos, and to finish the night, all the Poly students and host students hung out for one last night of fun and games. Reflecting on my time in Cordoba, I am extremely grateful for the amazing people I met and I am very thankful for the experiences we shared throughout the week (and I really wish we had more time in Cordoba). Brandon



The past week in Cordoba has been amazing. Although I met my host a little late, I always felt welcome and loved by my host family. I spent lots of 

my afternoons talking with Cata and hanging out with other girls. Despite only knowing them for a week, I feel like I have know Cata and the others for all my life. They never failed to make me smile and treat me as their close friend, which made it even harder to say goodbye. Our second to last night in Cordoba, Beyonce, her host Caro, Jose, my host Cata, and I went out to a restaurant for merienda. We ate lots of common merienda food and also cakes that we were able to choose our own toppings for. We had an amazing night filled with lots of laughter and it was an unforgettable experience. I loved getting to know everyone during my week long hope stay and am in love with how caring and friendly the people are. My time in Cordoba was always filled with laughter, friends, amazing food, and I will miss it a lot. Kate 



The last day in Cordoba was bittersweet. My host family graciously gifted me a box of alfajores and took me out for one final outing. The picture above is a photo of the pizzeria we had lunch at. Although the pizza may look small, after two slices I was stuffed. I can say it was 10/10 and the best pizza I've ever had. The cheese stuffed crust was also very delicious. In the end, at the airport right before heading off to Buenos Aires, all the host families had a bittersweet farewell. Córdoba will be missed! Beyonce


On one of our last nights in Córdoba, the whole crew got together at Lilie’s host Valentina’s house to enjoy some of our last moments together as a whole group and make pizzas. Our Argentinian friends introduced us to chocotorta, a very delicious dessert. We talked, laughed, ate, and just appreciated each other and the connections we made during our lovely time in Córdoba. Milla



Two of our hosts from Cordoba are in the picture: Naza and Eiti. I took it at a social event with all the Americans and their hosts. The two drawstrings each in separate mouths deeply symbolize the profound connection formed between the hosts and the yankees. This night was a great finisher to our time in Cordoba and I couldn’t have asked for a better time with our host families. Adios Cordoba y Buenos Aires

Nat



Córdoba — On Thursday, we visited La Perla, a clandestine center where the government secretly tortured and killed thousands of desaparecidos during the last Argentine dictatorship. This is one of many doors standing upright in a museum space commemorating the human rights violations and deaths that occurred there. This door depicts the symbol worn by the Argentinian fútbol team, which boasts a star for each World Cup won. When this piece was created, Argentina had won two World Cups, their first being the 1978 World Cup hosted in Argentina during the dictatorship (1976-1983). By leaving the first star blank, the door represents the deep sorrow and regret felt in the wake of the dictatorship and recognizes the harm in celebrating Argentina’s victory during such dark times for the Argentina people. In fact, the 1978 World Cup stadium was situated 10 blocks away from a center in Buenos Aires where people were being tortured and killed like at La Perla. Evelyn




Estadio Kempes 

One of my favorite places that we had the opportunity to visit was the Kempes stadium, which is home to the Argentinian national team. After school on Friday, we scheduled an impromptu tour of the stadium. As I walked through the doors of the museum, I could not have guessed the incredible history that would greet me. I could never have guessed that I would have seen a Maradona-worn Napoli jersey, nor would I have guessed that I would have the opportunity to sit in the same seat that Messi sits in before games, which is always the 12th seat from the left by the way. I would not have guessed that I would have had the opportunity to walk onto the field through the players tunnel with a couple of my newest friends. Argentina has been a story of surprises, and having the opportunity to visit such a spectacular landmark was most definitely one of the best. - Jesse Benitez


On our last day in Buenos Aires, we visited a memorial park. Before we entered this sobering and beautiful area, we were able to catch a glimpse of the river plata (Río de la Plata). It was one of the most majestic sights I have ever seen. For goodness sake’s, I thought it was the ocean when I first saw it! I pointed it out to Beyoncé and managed to snap a few pictures as the bus zoomed by. I can’t wait to paint it when I get back, and I can’t wait to someday return. Thanks Buenos Aires, you were unforgettable! Kiki















Comments

Rcaragher said…
Oh my, such heartfelt tributes and gratitude... and deep connections with your dearest of friends in Cordoba (as evidenced by the drawstrings analogy- quite literally). From La Perla, to Estadio Kempes, to pizza nights, the expansive and shimmering river Rio de la Plata (can't wait to see that painting)- quite an adventure and simultaneously a story of surprises!

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