Like the United States, Argentina was a place many Europeans immigrated to while looking for a better life. Argentina had such an unexpected influx of immigrants that they did not have enough housing as the population grew. In response, the government threw together housing made of wood, covered the outsides with sheets of tin, and used any paint on hand to color the front of the housing. Each family was allotted a small room, but even this was not enough. Some families only had housing for the day or night, and another family lived there for the opposite, or people even slept while being suspended by ropes. This neighborhood became known as the famous La Boca.

Another area we visited was La Plaza de Mayo, where the capital buildings are. We saw the Pink house where the president works, as well as a monument celebrating their independence from Spain in 1810. The person who helped them win their independence was Saint Martin, who also helped Chile, Peru, and Ecuador gain freedom from Spain. After he died, his remains became memorialized in a mausoleum in the church next to the square. Similar to Argentina, the US gained their independence, but instead from the United Kingdom in 1776.

One difference between Argentine and American history is that Argentina is a Catholic country, rooted in religion, and America states a separation of church and state in its constitution. As I mentioned, we visited a church that is very important to the state and is where the late Pope Francis held mass before he was elevated to the papal role. Over the past few days visiting hospitals, I noticed that both had principles of Christianity and decorations promoting them. With crosses on walls, and the Virgin Mary in the lobby, the influence is evident.