A few random observations

--most of the buses are equipped with whistles (not referee whistles, but more like kids' whistles that can make all kinds of tones) which they use as standard horns, or as a way to greet their fellow bus drives as they pass. Makes the ride a little more interesting.

--for the William Safire Memorial Language column

--tiempo is both "time" as well as "weather." This is very confusing for me.

--"country" refers not to the countryside (that would be "campo") but the suburban enclaves (often gated) outside of Buenos Aires. See

--the two big rivals (way, way bigger than Red Sox vs. Yankees) played to a tie on Sunday: Boca Juniors and River (pronounced just like that flowing body of water, even though the team's stadium sits next to the Rio de la Plata).

--The "docentes" -- the non-teaching school staff was on strike today so Jonah and Aviva had no school. The Jardin, for some unknown reason, was not affected.

--While Jonah, Aviva, and Eve were off at violin/viola lessons Ruthie and I walked to the Jumbo and bought our favorite fish -- salmon -- and came home and made a very lovely dinner. "We'll have to remember this and do it again," she said. Agreed.