La Ultima Semana

It doesn´t seem possible that we are now in our final week as a Team in BsAs. It has been a very full, enriching and uplifting experience in many ways. What stands out most are the people - both the Rotarians and other folks here in BsAs but also my teammates. In the second week we shaped up our Team presentation and discovered what our message is . . . although the 4 of us come from very different professions and skill sets, we have a strong commonality in our deep interest in service, direct service and education to the poor, especially children. That is the basis of our presentation, and that is what makes it stand out. It´s nice to be around people who care and who have respect for the underserved. For me, I want to emphasize the tie between poverty in society and the environment. A sustainable use of resources offers better health and way of life for the poor. I am inspired by my teammates to pursue this further and find a project that truely can make a difference small or large, and give me energy to do more. I do see Rotary as part of a pathway to achieve this.

Tengo la suerte, I have the luck, to have met some very special people here, like my hosts Raquel and Alfonso, who have shared their lives for a glimpse of time with me, staying up late, sipping Torrontes white wine, enjoying interesting discussion about politics, culture and environment - and all in spanish. They speak more slowly and rudimentary for me but we are still able to get through some deeper ideas. Oscar, Miriam, and Hugo stand out for our night out at a local tangueria, where the average age was probably 60, to dance the tango and milonga. It was a warm and happy night. Hugo ended up surprising us the next week with custom made artwork of the 5 of us in the midst of the tango with a handsome partner, he drew the figures (he is a professional cartoonist) and inserted our faces from digital photographs. I also met the one and only Asian Rotarian in this District, Jose. He is originally from Korea and has made his home here in the clothing business, though he is now retired. He took special care in making sure I felt comfortable and welcomed.

Our last week awaits us and will bring new stories. I will stay one extra week and already have tickets to the Argentine province of Salta in the northwest part of the country. It´s only a 20 hour bus ride. Alfonso is contacting Rotary clubs in Salta for me to connect with . . . That will be another adventure!