Our group arrived in Buenos Aires around 10 a.m. local time this morning. Although this was my first experience traveling abroad, I was pleasantly surprised by how smoothly everything went at the airport, from clearing customs to collecting our luggage and boarding the bus. It was different from my airport experiences back home, like Philadelphia, where waiting for bags can feel like forever.

As we drove into the city, one of the first things we noticed was how wide the roads are. The main road had four or more lanes in each direction, with space for public transportation running between them. I was surprised by the efficient and orderly traffic given the city’s size and pace.

After settling into the hotel, we joined our IES hosts for lunch. The staff were incredibly kind and welcoming, helping us feel comfortable right away. They offered us a selection of meats, comparable to meals I’ve had in the United States, with various sauces and toppings for the meal. After lunch, we listened to a helpful orientation that introduced us to key safety tips for our time in the city.

With the rest of the day open, we explored the city, walking around and checking out a nearby park. Compared to my experiences in cities in the U.S., Buenos Aires felt quieter and more relaxed. Although the streets were never empty of cars or motorcycles, people didn’t seem to be in a rush. Hardly anyone was walking around glued to their phones, and it made the city feel more present and connected.