Hello all! One thing I can say with certain that this trio taught me is that I am definitely not a morning person. Justly, to say I was excited to sleep in today, would be an understatement. Knowing that we had a late 1 pm start, a group of us ventured over to La Boca to explore the stands and shops of this colorful neighborhood. Little did we know, there was a CABJ “futball” game that day, making the neighborhood filled with even more energy and excitement as locals waited for their team to play. There was something for everyone in the town square: jewelry, pottery, souvenirs, artwork, crocheted goods, and more. We all left the town with wallets slightly more empty than when we came.
After our visit turned shopping spree, we gathered as a full group to visit two very important museums in Buenos Aires: the Museo de la Inmigración, and the Ambrosetti Ethnographic Museum. At the former, we learned how immigrants migrated to Argentina, their patterns, and how they were processed. Compared to the US, the patterns and most of the processings were very similar, however, some aspects differ. For example, the US in the past and present, has and still does turn away many immigrants. In Argentina, immigration is seen as a human right, therefore no one is turned away. Awaiting the migrants in both the US and Argentina was a dormitory-style building for them to stay in while their papers were being processed. The Argentinian immigrants were met with dorms with a tiled inside with large windows and large open vents to allow for quick and easy sanitation. During their time in the dorm, they would be taught trades and skills expected of them as new Argentinians. They would be prepared for jobs that the Argentinian government believed the country needed. Both the US and Argentina focused on controlling immigration flow so as to not spread foreign diseases to the rest of the country. In both histories, immigrants have had to learn different languages to communicate with those in their new country.
After learning all about the history of people who came to populate the country, we went on to learn the archeological and historical background of these people, and especially of the natives in the region. A large exhibit in the museum was dedicated to a certain dance regalia. Adorn in silver, this celebratory attire dates from colonial to baroque times. Associated with the native people and with Christian holidays, this practice is alive in an adjacent form with the native tribes of the Andes. Unfortunately, this specific dance and costume is no longer used. Following our history of the dancers of light, we saw another exhibit with archeological remains dating from 5000 years ago. These remains were from native populations, from the Inca civilization, and from the Spanish conquistadors. There were pottery, dolls, and clothing as well as ritualistic items.
Following our museum visit, we had a lovely dinner with several Pitt alumni who are living in Buenos Aires. It was heartwarming to hear how they still have a strong love for our school, several thousand miles away. Overall, it has been a lovely night. Despite all the fun today brought, there is a bittersweet taste in the air (or shall I say, in the Aires) as our time winds down. Nevertheless, I am determined to make the most out of my last few moments in this beautiful country.
