Smile and nod

¡Hola! Me llamo Malissa, or Mal, as I'm affectionately known among many of my friends back home. Turns out that's not the most flattering apodo in the Spanish-speaking world, but nonetheless it serves as the inspiration for the title of this blog, which will provide a glimpse into my life as an honorary porteña. During my five months in Buenos Aires, there will inevitably be malentendidos, as I live with a local family and attend mainstream classes at the public university, all while relying on my still-less-than-fluent language skills (not to mention my tendency to use the Andalusian Spanish accent, which, to the great amusement of my host family, sometimes transforms my gracias into "grathias"). The first two days have been overwhelming to say the least; let's just say ¿cómo? is the most utilized word in my vocabulary and I respond with an all-encompassing smile/laugh at pretty much everything anyone says to me. However, I'm also hopeful that by the end of this grand adventure I'll be much more knowledgeable, or entendida, with an expert understanding of this amazing city and this country's culture.

I'm still unsure what direction I'll go with this blog (my main concern at the moment is which direction I need to take the subte each time I leave my neighborhood), and my sisters' suggestion that I keep a fashion blog may be slightly complicated by the fact that I don't even have a mirror in my room, BUT I will do my best to post updates of my new experiences and misadventures. Stay in touch!

Making new friends already!!