I am not a fan of big cities generally – dirty and noisy and generally the same. I did fall a little bit in love with Buenos Aires though. Perhaps it was the fact that things didnt always work properly or the way the drivers optimistically turned the little streets into 2 lane highways hooting furiously at anyone who got in their way (or heaven forbid, parked). The bookshops of all variety on Corrientes kept me occupied for hours, and the old fashioned cafes dotted about the little cobbled streets were just charming.

The bus station is however not the nicest place to be. I got hustled the second the taxi pulled up – an enterprising young girl popped the trunk of the cab and whisked out my case in a second. How she managed it I dont know I could barely lift the damn thing! When I went to take the case she smiled broadly waiting for her cash. Feeling annoyed at having been had I smiled and attempted to move on. At which point her minder appeared from the shadows and explained that I needed to pay her for the huge service.  Inside the terminal there were dozens of similar types. I let them give their spiel and in my best spanglish simply said “no entiendo” and disappointed, they moved n.

What can I tell you about the bus journey? Well it was 13.5 hours! I didnt eat the sandwich they provided which is just as well as when it was light enough to see by, I saw that it was covered in mould (nice!). However the bus was very comfortable and the staff pleasant and helpful.

I arrived in Anatuya (pronounced anyatoosha) dazed, tired and excited. P came from Haciendo Camino to meet me and show me around. My first impression of the town was that it is small, quaint and has a fresh country smell.  I comment to P that it is not as hot as I expected – he smiled and said that today was not a normal day. temperatures can and often do get above 50 degrees. Oh crap. How is my pale English skin going to cope with that? I will need a tent to cover me up!

The hotel room is small, adequate but  has no window other than onto an internal courtyard and feels very hot. There is air conditioning though thank goodness so I should be able to sleep.

 

First stop is the childrens home – the children mob P and cover him with kisses. Then on to Haciendo Camino to meet the staff and the local women. The local dialect is quite different to anything I have been used to and I understand barely a few words. Everyone bombards me with questions and my head is spinning.When I explain I speak very little Spanish someone asks – so why did you come here? Good question – what can a person who has been office based for so many years truly have to offer in this setting when they dont understand what is being said?!

By now I am feeling totally overwhelmed and head back to the hotel and out in search of lunch. Finding a cafe I ask for a Hamburger. There is a brief discussion whereby I think she explains they dont take cards – thats ok I said. However after half an hour no hamburger appears instead I am offered some plain crackers wth my coffee.  I want to cry (I am so hungry and tired!) and I wonder how I am truly going to cope for the next month.

I am not shocked by the conditions in Anatuya or the difficulties the people here face – it is what I expected. More than anything else I am completely moved by the work that Hacindo Camino does and the love and dedication they express.  On top of which, the children at the Hogar (home) are polite and bright and so positive I want to hug them all. However  I see I am going to have to work pretty hard at my Spanish if I am going to be any use to anyone and not be too lonely.

Culture shock?  Yes it has been a big, big culture shock.