Buenos Aires is a city like I have never seen before. One thing that really caught me off guard was the Argentinian’s homes. I expected them to live in houses like we’re used to, but I was wrong. In the United States, we’re used to seeing neighborhoods with spaced-out houses and yards. In Buenos Aires, it appears to be the opposite. The houses seem to be run down and are incredibly close to one another. It resembles the houses you would see in Rio de Janeiro. They are very compact and stacked on top of one another. Knowing that Argentina is a very European country, I expected them to resemble that of Italy or Spain. And after seeing Buenos Aires I can say that this is true. The buildings and atmosphere remind me very much of Barcelona. They look ancient and artistic, something I’m not used to seeing at home. I’m very excited to walk through the city and explore the various shops and markets the city has to offer. I believe going into a grocery store in a different country, as simple as it is, is a very eye-opening experience to the difference in cultures we have. 

One thing that I am most excited about visiting Buenos Aires is the array of delicious food they have to offer. I love a good steak, so being in Buenos Aires, a place known to have some of the best steaks in the world, I’m in heaven. When we first arrived we had an amazing barbecue lunch that was one of the most delicious lunches I’ve ever had. The moment I stepped out of the elevator I got hit with a wave of one of the best smells I’ve ever experienced. We were lucky enough to try the infamous Argentina chorizo, and it was absolutely delicious. I can not wait to try the many other delicious foods Argentina has to offer.

Another experience that I am very much looking forward to is finding out what it’s like to be of legal drinking age. As we know in the United States the drinking age is 21, while in Argentina the drinking age is 18. I wonder how these differences in legal age affect the culture around drinking. Living in the US all my life I would often see people visibly intoxicated, whether it is at a sporting event, dinner, or even a family gathering. I feel being under the influence is something that Americans have accepted into their culture, and isn’t looked down upon nearly as much as it is in Argentina. As we’ve discussed in the orientation being drunk is something that almost everyone in Argentina will judge you for, I’ve gotten the feeling that they have drinks in a social environment, like a party or a nightclub, but they never seem to drink purely to get drunk, unlike many Americans. The difference in legal age could very well play into the different viewpoints Argentina and America have on alcohol.