Dinner tonight

At dinner tonight we were honored to enjoy our meal and dessert with some wonderful people. We had a wonderful time! 

A trip to university

This afternoon our whole group was able to visit a local public university. I'm still amazed that the education system is free here. I asked about the programs and services available. Since my father is an administrator in charge of housing I also asked about housing. While the education is free here, there is no housing provided. This is a problem the university recognizes since their goal is to encourage students to study abroad and attract international students. It was neat to visit the different places in the university and we even got to take our picture on the stage for graduation. Looks like we are moving up in the education system here. We have moved from pre school to university. 

A Reflection on Two Special Days

Today in the US there is the annual celebration of Memorial Day, a day to remember the great sacrifice of those who have defended the freedom of that country 

But yesterday, upon arrival in Caseros, we were invited to the Rotary club of Caseros North and this was a special lunch indeed, not only because other Rotarians were present (I counted at least three current club Presidents in attendance) but because it was 25 May, the Day of the First National Government. This is the anniversary of the revolution that took place in 1810 when the people rose up against the power of Spain and established the first free committee of governance for this country. The Viceroy of Spain was expelled and the county would now move inexorably toward full independence in 1816, Independence Day celebrated on 9 July. 

While the situations are different and while the forms of Independence vary, it strikes me as important that two great nations celebrate these holidays closely together and that the will of people to be free and the will to defend that freedom, is stronger than any force which opposes them. 

And so yesterday I was moved as the people gathered in that Rotary Club sang their National Anthem with strength and fervor. 

Long may freedom reign for all people in the world.  

One more week

As our third week comes to an end I'm having a hard time imagining meeting a whole new set of people. It seems as if we just get into the groove of people in one city and then it's time to leave. This morning over breakfast with our host family we talked (in broken Spanish and English) about being sad to leave. It's never easy to say goodbye to people who have taken care of your needs for a week. This week Alfredo and Susana have more than taken care of us on a superficial level. They have opened their doors to their home and their hearts. They are kind and welcoming and we can't say thank you enough for all they have done. They truly represent the kid was and caring people found here in Argentina. I'm so thankful for their hospitality and proud to call them mama y papa! Thank you so much for everything. 

St. Patrick's Church

Today we visited St. Patrick's Church in Mercedes. We've visited many churches on our trip but this visit was different because we were given the opportunity to see the workings of a 100 year old pipe organ, climb inside the bell tower and see the mechanisms behind a giant clock on the facade of the church! We also had the pleasure of hearing some Beethoven played on the piano by one of the priests! It was a very fun visit and one I will remember for a while. 

Amy and I inside the clock tower.

100 year old pipe organ and the largest in South America.

The gigantic bells that ring out over the town of Mercedes.

Visits

Here are just a few photos of places we visited while in Mercedes. This week was very busy with many new experiences. Three weeks have passed by so quickly, I'm amazed we are leaving Mercedes tomorrow already. 

Silversmith in San Antonio

Nautilus trimmed with silver

Chocolate factory

Local artist

A very special word of thanks.

As we prepare to leave Mercedes on Sunday and move to our fourth and final host families, it is hard not to stop and thank all those who have opened their hearts, their homes and their lives to us over the past few weeks. We are deeply grateful to all the Rotarians who have been so generous toward us and who have shown that the spirit of Rotary lives strong in this part of the world. 

Given this surfeit of generosity therefore it is perhaps a little dangerous to pick out one person for a special word of thanks. But if there is one person who has gone over and above in showing that Rotary spirit it is Alfredo Borzi from here in Mercedes.  

Alfredo happens to be the father of one of the Argentinian team currently visiting Pennsylvania. A Past Assistant Disrict Governor, Past president of two different clubs and Rotarian extraordinaire, Alfredo had one of the busiest Rotary weeks I have ever seen. He worked hard on putting together two clubs here in Mercedes to host the German and US teams. Meanwhile he was busy helping organize the District conference from last weekend and he was charged with caring for the representative from the RI President who was flying in from Peru. All week he has coordinated and organized things for us, got the clubs working together and even made the bus run on as close to time as you can get in Argentina. 

Without Alfredo this week would not have been the level of experience it was nor the fun that it turned out to be. For all that and for truly exemplifying the Rotary spirit of service above self, we offer to him a special word of thanks. 

At District Conference

With the Mayor of Mercedes

Being recognized by the District Governor

In conversation with the DG and the RI representative. 

Thank you for everything Alfredo.