Q&A

1. Schools

I've never been to a school here but from what I hear they are alright. They have public schools that are divided into two groups: primaria and secundaria. Public schooling is all free through university studies. You have to test into different graduate programs but it's all free. Lots of people come to Buenos Aires from Peru, Bolivia, and Paraguay for the free schooling. The dedication to scholarly pursuits seem about as much as the schooling costs. Lots of people have to retake years in secundaria. I think it's because of their home situations and the cultures of their families. It would be hard to break out a strong culture. Not many people read here. Not even writing and reading texts. The biggest social media, WhatsApp, is used to communicate using short voice recordings. Therefore, the need to read, write, punctuate and spell words is effectively bypassed. Interesting huh? Genius business strategy, terrible human development move. 

The most common schooling in Zarate is technical school. The factories here work together with the schools to provide technical training to the advanced students. The factories hire these students right out of secundaria.

All students study basic English. In richer areas, they study German as well. 

Most people do not finish secundaria and therefore aren't able to go to college. The majority of people drop out for bad grades, lack of interest, lack of support, the need to work and eat.

2. Dress

Oh yeah, it's different. People seem to dress less modestly here, depending heavily on their economic state. In poor areas, shirts are optional in the summer. Women always have some sort of undergarment on but that's about it. I'm not sure how many lessons I've taught to men without shirts. Right now, kids under the age of 8 run around with only underwear on. In wealthier areas, they are more conservative. Almost everyone wears two articles of clothing.

Girls shoes are weird here. They have 3 or 4-inch soles. Not heels, soles. It's like Chinese rice picking boots that have a huge sole to keep your feet out of the water. 

3. Unexpected Blessing

I have been able to observe a lot of family situations. Watching how couples treat each other and how big of an influence fathers can have in their homes has been an interesting side blessing. My gratitude and respect for you and dad have grown a lot and I feel more and more a determination to be a good son, brother, husband, and father. I think watching people and talking with people and working with people has helped me understand that people are important. 

4. Music?

y sí!!!! Still on the Christmas playlist. My companion asked me yesterday "do you ever just walk?" I responded, "I mean I can but why would I do that?" That's a good indicator of how I'm feeling. 

Hope that answers the questions well enough. Thanks for your email. I love you!

Elder Smith