Hola dia tres! It’s muy loca to say we’ve been in this beautiful city of Buenos Aires for this long already. However, this city just got even more beautiful. I grabbed a juicy apple from the hotel’s breakfast this morning then we were off to the prestige healthcare governing organization for Buenos Aires- the Ministry of Health. While attending, we received a lecture from the current deputy of the Ministry, Dr. Daniel Ferrante, hearing his duties, concerns, and ideas for what’s next within the healthcare system.
We were lucky enough to have the honor of being present in the Ministry and what a room to be in. We were surrounded by historical artwork with figures of lead entities such as Jose de San Martin who liberated the country. As Dr. Ferrante began he described his roles within the Ministry and how he affects the everyday being of CABA’s healthcare. Dr. Ferrante also expressed the challenges he faces in his role and their initiative during the global pandemic- COVID-19. He expressed greatly to exclude politics when conducting his role, however, it’s hard to avoid when each province has its own regulations of healthcare. This caused a rise in difficulty maintaining the spreading virus including vaccine distributions. The Ministry thankfully was able to manage the complexity, however, as many other places had as well, protests and demonstrations were on the rise. Buenos Aires, the capital, Paris of Argentina with 3.3 million citizens had to go on lockdown leaving folks to wonder what’s next? Lastly, Ferrante mentioned their next steps in the healthcare system with one being to increase the quality of primary care for folks. They hope to increase these numbers in the near future.
After a lunch break with this amazing, sauceless pizza (crazy right)… we first got to tour the timeless neighborhood of La Boca. This gorgeous town is painted various different colors along with street art that brightens the south side of Buenos Aires. While there, we had time to explore the shops and I was able to purchase souvenirs for my family back home. I of course had to buy something leather, so I got my boyfriend a new wallet which is an amazing quality! I also got a pink fur hat for myself… along with a few other things. The next stop we had was San Telmo. We explored this industrial warehouse filled with market like shops almost like Region Terminal Market in Philly! The smell of beef made my stomach growl. Finally, we visited Plaza de Mayo and had the amazing opportunity to witness the flag ritual of Buenos Aries. Each morning and night, soldiers of CABA raise/ take down their national flag while a trumpet plays along. It was an such a site to see the tradition, perfect timing. To end the night, a couple of the girls and I went for some steak at La Parilla that was muy bueno and the waiter- excellente!
Being able to travel deeper around the city was such an experience. Our tour guide let us know some history as well and I truly feel closer to the area. We will be meeting up with her again tomorrow for a walking tour and I cannot wait! We still have a beautiful week ahead of us with so much to share. Until then, hasta luego!
