Endearing Qualities

HOLA!!! Time is moving quickly. I bought my bus tickets for Buenos Aires this coming weekend and Jacob and my tickets for Iguazu Falls on  May 11th yesterday. Having the next 8 or so weeks planned out and having these trips to look forward to is making it seem like I'll be home in no time. Although it's comforting to feel like I'll be home shortly, there are also things about Argentina that have grown on me and that I will miss when I leave. Besides Grido Helado chocolate con almendras (almonds) ice cream, dulce de leche, and Cofler Blocks chocolate, there are some very endearing qualities about my host family that I will miss, and that have made me very happy this past week. The first of these is always Jorgito because every time he is around, I cannot help but smile. We have so much fun playing together and he loves taking pictures with me on my I Phone. Secondly, I LOVE my host brothers. We are now at the point were we make fun of each other and joke around a lot. They like to try and pull the wool over my eyes daily. Nico even helped me with a very important paper that I had due this week which I couldn't have been more grateful for. Seba is just always impressing me with his kindness and maturity as well. He is 13 years old, but is rarely sassy and no matter what I ask him for help with or don't understand, he has never once been less than willing to assist me and make me laugh while doing it. I have had some endearing moments with my host parents this past week as well. Graciela and I have been sitting down with coffee and talking a lot about life. We celebrated her 6 year of cancer remission with a cascada brinda (waterfall toast) last week. It makes me proud to know such a strong woman who takes care of herself and has overcome the thing that has taken too many amazing women from my life. Raul, being the comedian he is, has decided that he and I should learn the Tango together and has been  joking with me about how I need to eat less sweets in preparation for my novio (boyfriend) being here so soon. Last night, Graciela and Raul went out on a date to a Tango show. It amazes me that even after nearly 40 years together, they still go on dates and every night when Raul gets home from work, he acts like it's the first time he's seen Graciela in days. Because the parents were gone for dinner, Nico and Seba cooked dinner for me. They made hamburgers and said that the next time we are left alone for a meal, it is my turn to cook for them. I cannot decide what American dish to make for the family though because all of their food is so good. I have felt so at home lately. It of course, is not the same as being at home with my own siblings or hanging out with Hope and Paul. Or having coffee with my mom in the mornings. I do miss everyone from home so much, but I've been at peace with being here and am finding happiness in the little things and endearing qualities that are making Argentina a place to be missed when I'm home again.
Muchos besitos!
Alex