The Tour Guide...Facilitator...Go For

Yes, the Remiss service arrived promptly though they never did answer the phone. However time was spent in needless northamerican worry. Standing at International Arrivals while watching those coming from Rome, Madrid, Sao Paolo, London, Miami, Atlanta make their way out of customs to the waiting crowd, the kisses, hugs, screams, tears all brought tears to my eyes. I was swept into those moments of reconnecting between loved ones. And there was some difference in the way people entered the scene that had a bit of a cultural hint to it. I am sure you know what I am about to say but those coming from Rome, Madrid, Sao Paolo or the latins from Miami were more demonstrative.

Standing, waiting, I am thinking..."oh, I should have brought a sign with their names...I could have schmaltzed it up a bit... pictures... yes, pictures of the arrival." Alas, what each received was just me with a big kiss, hug, and warm welcome. And since the arrivals yesterday were all in from Michigan or Chicago, WARM welcome was the most important. I reassured myself that was enough.

Though the actual retreat experience doesn't begin until Thursday when I am truly on, I was aware of wanting to assist in anyway possible on day one to ease entry. This may have been more for me than them. I found myself feeling proud of this land, wanting to share my delight, wanting to see the excitement in their eyes seeing for the first time what have become familiar sights to me. Though questions were asked that I could not answer there were many queries to which I could respond comfortably.

As tour guide I thought about Maslow's hierarchy and went about the business of meeting those needs. Shelter ... I escorted each to her apartment. Food (and wine...did Maslow forget wine in his hierarchy???)...this meant a trip to Puerto Madero's La Parolaccia for lunch. Clothing...It was a walk down Florida, past the Galerias Pacifica...to point out the best places to shop. And back to Food again... I couldn't imagine not stocking up on staples (which includes wine) at the local grocery store. Throughout the day I was, as la terapeuta, thinking about belonging, community, self esteem and how I could begin to foster those with the group. The self actualization part was for another day. I was tired and opted to stay home last night to conserve energy! It was time for those interested to venture out and experience Buenos Aires nightlife on their own.