Kyle Berg

I´ve had more wine in 2 weeks here than in all my previous 25 years. I´m starting to enjoy it! Saturday, Roger & Michelle hosted our Fiesta de Vino–Wine Party for all you norteamericanos. They had a beautiful penthouse apartment in Palermo and we enjoyed a beautiful night on the balcony. It´s a good thing I´m big, because I had 7 glasses of wine. Everyone brought a bottle and our group of 15 people (mas o menos) polished off 20 bottles. My senses were still with me at the end of the night, but a few more glasses might have been pushing it.

I had an interesting dicussion with a 71 year old Argentine man and a 29 year old chica named Veronica–in Castellano too! Somehow, I mentioned that a woman´s religious belief is the most important characteristic for me. Veronica maintained that religion isn´t important as long as they are a good person, have a good heart, and their actions match what they say. There´s no need to explain my position, but suffice it to say, we were not in agreement. I wouln´t describe it as shock, but it was interesting to see the suprise on her face after I disclosed how I believe it´s essential that a man and woman do not live together until after marriage. Here´s my theory: While I´m not a supermodel and not Rico Suave, I´m not ugly or socially awkward either. Because we had pleasant conversation for 20-25 minutes priory to discussing this topic, I think it caught her off guard to see a “normal” guy speaking about this particular conviction. Just a guess.

The end of the night was a bit triste because I had to say goodbye to Anthony and Oli. Anthony is headed back to DC, but is considering an extended return to BA. It would be great to see him again while I´m still in Argentina. Oli has a new job in Switzerland and is heading back via Santiago, Chile. I really enjoyed getting to know him the last couple days and wish we´d had more time together. My time here will be great for meeting new friends, but will also have a lot of goodbyes because I´m outstaying everyone.