Prior to Arrival in Salta

I’ve officially talked with my contact in Buenos Aires (chances are we may never actually meet in person) and am now excited about going to Salta. I won’t lie—I was pretty anxious about the travel experience and being in Buenos Aires all alone—but I’ve managed to make the most of it without getting mugged!

For a brief overview of the center I’ll be working at (to the best of my knowledge at least)…The center is within a network of other community centers, as the population surrounding the center is not as supportive. The people there are mostly volunteers, and mostly mothers. They provide lunch every day, and it is this alone that keeps residents coming back. Volunteers have been slack recently, but whenever they are around, activities are consistently organized for the kids. However, I have been told a lot depends on the support and help of the mothers. The community consists of about 300 residents, which differs extremely from the almost 400,000 residents in the city of Salta.

I have a few ideas about projects I want to pursue while I’m there, but I’ve been told not to go into the field with too many expectations, or else you will be disappointed. Also, do not make promises, especially to the kids!

So tomorrow I have an 18 bus ride to Salta…it may not sound too great, but my seat will stretch out into a flat bed, which is much better than an airplane seat, so I won’t complain. Wish me luck!