A ride on the metro in Buenos Aires will give you an inaccurate view of the personality and heart of the Argentinian people. At first glance they seem suspicious, drained, and unwelcoming. This is due to them being an over worked population fighting against a weak economy and putting up with consistent political turmoil. Petty crime is also frequent which places people on their guard. What a traveler can easily miss if they don’t take the time to peel past this outer exterior, is a vibrant, passionate, and incredibly loyal people.
Before arriving in Argentina, I was told of Argentinians fierce sense of loyalty. Once you are weighed, measured, and found not wanting, you will be welcomed into a group of dedicated friends. This devotion begins with the family and extends to normally very large friend groups. Siblings and childhood friends remain close throughout their lifetimes and often are found socializing multiple times a week. They share a deep rooted love of futbol and most have supported the same team since they could first walk. They bond through sharing a gourd of mate, grilling large slabs of beef on the parrilla at their weekly asados, and dancing until the not so wee hours in the morning at one of the plethora of boliches. I hold a deep respect for their way of life and wish that my countrymen could set work aside a bit more and take a few ques from the Argentinians.
I have been in this country for 2.5 months now and the people I am surrounded by have been nothing but warm, helpful, and incredibly welcoming. I find myself laughing almost every day and haven’t met one person I don’t genuinely like. The Taiwanese have firmly held the honor of being my favorite nationality for a long time now. Well, they have to move over because they have to share the winner’s seat with the Argentinians.
I could go into detail about all the places I have visited in Buenos Aires, yet that isn’t what my time here has been about. What really matters is the people.
To the friends I have made here,
Thank you for being so accepting and open to a strange Yankee like myself. I am so thankful to have met you all and look forward to sharing a lifetime of friendship. So cheers to years of laughter and most definitely lots and lots of food.
Love,
The Gringa
Before arriving in Argentina, I was told of Argentinians fierce sense of loyalty. Once you are weighed, measured, and found not wanting, you will be welcomed into a group of dedicated friends. This devotion begins with the family and extends to normally very large friend groups. Siblings and childhood friends remain close throughout their lifetimes and often are found socializing multiple times a week. They share a deep rooted love of futbol and most have supported the same team since they could first walk. They bond through sharing a gourd of mate, grilling large slabs of beef on the parrilla at their weekly asados, and dancing until the not so wee hours in the morning at one of the plethora of boliches. I hold a deep respect for their way of life and wish that my countrymen could set work aside a bit more and take a few ques from the Argentinians.
I have been in this country for 2.5 months now and the people I am surrounded by have been nothing but warm, helpful, and incredibly welcoming. I find myself laughing almost every day and haven’t met one person I don’t genuinely like. The Taiwanese have firmly held the honor of being my favorite nationality for a long time now. Well, they have to move over because they have to share the winner’s seat with the Argentinians.
I could go into detail about all the places I have visited in Buenos Aires, yet that isn’t what my time here has been about. What really matters is the people.
To the friends I have made here,
Thank you for being so accepting and open to a strange Yankee like myself. I am so thankful to have met you all and look forward to sharing a lifetime of friendship. So cheers to years of laughter and most definitely lots and lots of food.
Love,
The Gringa
