Today soon after we got back from the Dr.'s office, the chicas told us they were going to a nearby restaurant for lunch to see Fernando on TV. I joined the outing imagining that there would be a quick interview on the mid-day news. Little did I know that he was going to be one of the guests on "Almorzando con Mirtha Legrand." In trying to explain her status in Argentine society, I was told she is like a Barbara Walters. But she's such an icon here that people refer to her by one name, "Mirtha," or "la Senora." She spent the first 30 minutes of the 1.5 hour show promoting a variety of products, including the dress she was wearing. After about 10 close-ups of the dress, the chicas told me that she is over 80 years old! She was a movie star here, then started this program 40 years ago. Finally, they got to the lunch, where the guests were introduced. Since this weekend is Father's day, all the guests were men, and there was a theme of children and fatherhood. I quickly learned that on this show, everything is grand, everything is marvelous, and then you move on to the next subject. The whole thing looked painful and artificial. But, Fernando got some publicity for his research and his foundation.
When Fernando got back to the office, everyone gathered around to hear how it went from the inside. I didn't understand most of what was said because he was mostly using Argentine slang. I did figure out that the whole thing had been quite tiring and stressful. Understandably, it's awkward to try to eat on national television while trying to get a word in edgewise with very camera hungry company.
The whole thing has educated me about a piece of Argentine culture, that I may not have been exposed to without sharing a house with Argentines. On that subject, I decided not to take the homestay option, and I'm finally moving into my apartment tomorrow!!!
When Fernando got back to the office, everyone gathered around to hear how it went from the inside. I didn't understand most of what was said because he was mostly using Argentine slang. I did figure out that the whole thing had been quite tiring and stressful. Understandably, it's awkward to try to eat on national television while trying to get a word in edgewise with very camera hungry company.
The whole thing has educated me about a piece of Argentine culture, that I may not have been exposed to without sharing a house with Argentines. On that subject, I decided not to take the homestay option, and I'm finally moving into my apartment tomorrow!!!
1 comment:
edith-- you are hilarious. i loved reading this little ancedote into argentinian culture. keep finding them and report! can't wait to hear about the host family...:)
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