Today we embarked on a cultural tour of Buenos Aires. We began in La Boca, a vibrant neighborhood known for its bold colors, artistic flair, and deep-rooted love of soccer. This passion was reflected in the commemorative statues, murals, and team colors that decorated buildings, streets, and even light poles. Next, we visited San Telmo, where we explored a bustling shopping district filled with local, family-run businesses. It was a great opportunity to experience Argentine culture up close, as we browsed unique trinkets and traditional foods.

We wrapped up the morning at Plaza de Mayo, where we saw the iconic Pink House, Argentina’s version of the White House, alongside a stunning church where Pope Francis led mass before his time as Pope. In the afternoon, we went on a graffiti tour through different neighborhoods, learning about the political and social messages behind the street art. Each mural told a story, offering insight into the voices and values of the local community.

After learning more about Argentine culture, one clear similarity to the U.S. is the political system—Argentina is also a democracy, and citizens vote to elect their president. However, a key difference lies in the political climate and public trust. In Argentina, there’s often more visible polarization and widespread frustration with corruption, which we learned about at Plaza de Mayo when hearing about the weekly protests held there. This tension influences how people engage with politics and express their opinions, whether through public demonstrations or powerful street art like the graffiti we saw. It was interesting to see how democracy can appear similar on paper but feel very different in practice, shaped by each country’s unique history and challenges.