Despite recent looting, protests, strikes, and civil unrest, the Christmas spirit was alive and well in Córdoba, Argentina.
For a country facing an economic crisis, people were surprisingly generous with their spending. The uplifting part is that, despite the challenges, most people in the province seemed genuinely happy.
Last year was tough for me—it was my first Christmas in Argentina, and my spouse, Zach, was in New York. This year, I was fortunate to spend the holidays with him, but it was bittersweet. After twelve years together—of which we’ve been legally married for a year and nine months—we’ve mutually decided to end our marriage. The stress of living abroad, combined with the financial and emotional challenges, led us to make this difficult choice. However, we have remained friends and will continue to live together. We still care deeply for each other and will support one another as we adjust to life in Argentina.
We enjoyed a quiet Christmas Eve dinner with our friend Brian. We decided to keep things low-key this year, unlike our big Thanksgiving celebration, partly due to budget constraints and partly because of our recent breakup—but we still had a wonderful time.
After dinner, we relaxed in the living room and watched a few movies. Being huge sci-fi fans, we chose Terminator Salvation and Pandorum on my Blu-ray player.
Later, we went outside to watch the fireworks. In Argentina, people light fireworks at midnight as if it were New Year’s Eve. I captured some video footage, which I’ve added below the photo of the fireworks.
With most of our friends either visiting family in the States or in nearby provinces, I expect New Year’s Eve to be pretty quiet. Honestly, I can’t wait to say goodbye to 2013 and welcome 2014.
I hope all my friends, both in the States and Argentina, and of course, my readers from around the world, had a fantastic Christmas and a very Happy New Year!
Espero que todo se arregle y que el próximo año sea mil veces mejor,Feliz 2014¡¡¡¡ :-)
ReplyDeleteHola Laura! Gracias por tus deseos y espero que tambien te vaya bien el 2014.
DeleteThe news about your divorce really caught me by surprise. I hope is for the best and I wish you both the best in this 2014
ReplyDeleteHi, thank you so much. It's been tough on us because we do still care about each other and due to the circumstances, we are still living under the same roof. However, I felt that I had done so much for my ex over the last 12 years, including this huge move to Argentina. Unfortunately, the transition to a different country took its toll and he shut down emotionally. I didn't really feel that it was fair for me to be with someone who couldn't be there for me on an emotional level. Although he and I are trying to work things out as friends, I feel like I'm ready to move on with my life.
DeleteOh my! Although it's sad that you've decided to end such a great marriage, I'm totally amazed that you've ended it in such a cordial fashion, and that you've remained friends despite the separation. I've seen a few friends who have divorced and are friends with their former partners, but it took them some time to achieve that level of friendship again. That fact made me realize that even at the most tragic of events, a glimmer of joy can still arise. Thank you so much for sharing this with us!
ReplyDeleteCurtis Arnold @ Divorce Mortgage Canada
Hi Curtis,
DeleteYes. It is indeed sad that the marriage ended. I wish it hadn't but fortunately we still care so much about each other that we are still able to remain great friends. Now the tough part is moving on while still living under the same roof hahaha.