Coming to Buenos Aires, I was shocked to learn the correct pronunciation of words, the normal cheek to cheek greetings for locals, the disregard for traffic regulations, low preference for punctuality, and slower operation processes (specifically COTO). These aspects characterized the culture in Buenos Aires; and in order to communicate through my presence, I assimilated.
I didn’t necessarily bring back these practices to the States, but I did bring back the perspective that no one culture is better than the other. Definitely a phenomenal experience, explore five more of my  Top 20 Moments Before Midyear 2016 below:
6. Exploring Buenos Aires & Outlying Cities: San Isidro & El Tigre: A great part about the abroad program that I attended was that I had the opportunity to not only explore the metropolitan areas of Buenos Aires, such as Puerto Maderno or Florida Street, but I had the opportunity to explore outlying cities, such as San Isidro & El Tigre.
(Above: Puerto Maderno, Below: Obelisco de Buenos Aires)
GalerĂas PacĂfico (Above) is a upscale shopping center with a plethora of stores, select dining places, and art decor throughout the center. Interestingly, this is another place that connected me with my Las Vegas roots. Although it’s very European and similar to Harrod’s in London, the location reminded much of the Forum Shops at Caesar’s Palace here in Las Vegas.
A course assignment brought me to the shopping center, located on Florida Street (some sections below). Florida Street is a downtown pedestrian street pedestrianized in the 1970’s and is one of the city’s major tourist attractions.
Football is one of the biggest sports in America. Futbol is THEE SPORT in South America & Buenos Aires who has two major teams: River and Boca. Literally, a couple weeks before leaving the city, I realized I lived a short distance away from the stadium (below) for the River Team.
Seemingly, after moving from China, I couldn’t escape China. My apartment was literally 2 seconds across the street from a Chinese Grab & Go place and I lived a few minutes away from the Buenos Aires Chinese Barrio, or neighborhood.
I was trying really hard to speak Chinese to some people at the stores…it didn’t work, so I just resorted to silence and taking pictures of various art and various buildings.
Named “Tigre” for the jaguars that used to be hunted in the region during the early years of the town, Tigre sits on an island created by small streams and rivers. Boating on the river early one Thursday morning was the way that I seen the town.
Although Tigre is a town in the Buenos Aires Province, it was definitely a relaxing getaway from the “hustle & bustle” of the  city, where I resided.
San Isidro is another town in the Buenos Aires province, also a peaceful retreat from the bustle of the city. Biking throughout the town was bittersweet, as it was not the coolest of days when my group and I explored the town.
Exploring cathedrals, museums, and historic cobbled streets, San Isidro is known as one of the most affluent neighborhoods in Argentina. We all need a little bougie, here and there, eh?
When I moved abroad (both in London & Shanghai), I became comfortable with staying in the vicinity of my residence; nevertheless, in moving and exploring Buenos Aires, I finally realized the value in finding out what’s close to you and making it close to you!
7. Suffering from Mosquito Bites: A phenomena that tested my patience and made me more tolerant to the unavoidable in life were mosquitoes. This was my first time in life that I had to deal with mosquitoes and it was quite an irritable experience—either waking up to bites or coming home after a day at my school facility to mosquito bites. Throughout this experience showed that some things you simply can’t control; and if you could control some aspect of some things, everything you can’t control in its entirety.
8. Daily Dinners & Argentine Cuisine: EVERY NIGHT, my homestay mother made a full course dinner. The courses were often protein heavy and were often baked or broiled. Additionally, my “madre” made THE BEST SALADS. I rarely took pictures of my food whilst in Buenos Aires, but when I did (as below), they were worth seeing.
Every night, I ended dinner with a “Gracias por la comida”. Each dinner enlightened me to the importance of EXPRESSING your gratitude and VALUING interaction with those you cherish.
Above: Delicious Steak & Fries from Kansas
9. Discovery of Tortas: Another discovery that I’m craving right now is a “Jamon y Queso Torta,” or savory pies with ham and cheese, that I would typically purchase from “Maru Botana.” Cuisine-wise, this second best thing that happened to me this year. When you travel, find specialty foods that connect you with that particular destination.
10. Discovery of Chimmichurri: During my first dinner with my homestay mother and brothers, I turned down their first offer of “Chimmicurri”, but a few minutes later I tried the herbal seasoning and ultimately fell in love with this seasoning that GOES WITH EVERYTHING. BE OPEN TO CULTURAL FOODS (if you’re not allergic), even if its similar to something you don’t mess with in your normal diet.
*************
Five Insights & Inspirations to Spark the Second Half of Your 2016!
- There is value in finding out what’s close to you and making it close to you! Explore!
- Some things you simply can’t control; and even if you could control some aspect of some things, everything you can’t control in its entirety. Do your part, make your mark!
- Express your gratitude more and value more interaction with those you cherish.
- BE OPEN TO CULTURAL FOODS (if you’re not allergic), even if its similar to something you don’t mess with in your normal diet.
- Find specialty foods that connect you with the  particular destination you reside or visit.
