Argentina

Argentina is a colorful, loud country with (in my opinion) the most beautiful Spanish in the world. Historically, Argentina has Italian influence. Having lived in Italy during my college years and being fluent in Italian at the time, I smiled in Argentina to hear the Spanish language singing in ways more similar to Italian than Mexican. 

There are a few things that are consistent across Argentina – mate and meat. At any time of day, but especially the early evening when Argentinians get off work, the country can be seen gathering on steps in public spaces socializing and drinking mate with their bombillas. Perhaps the caffeine from the mate is why the Argentinians eat dinner so late – or that could also be another echo of their European past. As far as meat goes, Argentinians are gouchos at heart and cattle ranching is their pride.  A must do in Argentina is to enjoy parrillas. As you go further along in the everlasting plates of meat and glasses of red wine with an ice cube, you will find yourself needing the few extra hours after dinner to digest before going out dancing. 

The Argentinian economy has had many ups and downs over the years. Some will remember when Argentina just refused to repay the IMF it’s debt (and sadly looks like it’s happening again now.) While their economy is not as bad as Venezuela’s right now, Jordan and I saw and were explained to that many Chileans spend hours on the bus to cross the boarder into Argentina to buy their goods because the cost of everything in Argentina is so much cheaper than Chile (one of the best economies in South America.) 

Sidebar: when Jordan and I went to Argentina, there were many women wearing green bandanas or had green bandanas tied to their backpacks. Being a Catholic country, abortion was illegal in Argentina at the time we went. The green bandanas were the women protesting their right to choice. Argentina had many problems with overflowing maternity wards and abandoned babies due to this. I’m beyond happy to report that December 30th, 2020, the Argentinian senate voted to approve abortion and a woman’s right to choice!!!! For us in America, this is a major Pussy Power accomplishment. 

Jordan and I spent almost two months in Argentina. We traveled from Buenos Aires and saw the vibrant life of the Portenos. We went to Cordoba to sit on steps with the local university students. We traveled to the smallest of farm towns for a WorkAway and learned how neighbors steal water and by opportunity will take anything laying on the side of the road. We learned the word “alhambra,” or a piece of wire that can fix just about anything from a car to a ladder (like the one we used to re-paint the farmhouse.) We went to Mendoza, and throughly enjoyed the South American hostel life and the fruits of the Malbec Grape. 

Like much of South America, a traveler must remember that these countries are very very big. Expect to spend hours on uncomfortable Greyhound busses, passing though small towns and encountering few who speak English, even in the cities.