One of the most interesting things I learned during this trip so far is honestly how Argentina’s healthcare system is even still functioning with the amount of economic pressure it faces. During presentations from both the Omint Group and the administrators at Austral University, they openly admitted that they almost wake up every morning praying that the system doesn’t just collapse on itself. That statement really stuck with me because, despite all the issues we learned about, inflation, unequal funding, overcrowding, and limited resources, the healthcare system still continues to operate and provide care for millions of people everyday. It made me realize how much effort doctors, administrators, unions, clinics, and hospitals is required just to keep everything running.
Toda itself was probably the most fun day of the trip so far because we traveled to Colonia Uruguay. We woke up bright and early and took about a one-hour boat ride across the water, which honestly felt really quick. Once we arrived, we started a tour through the city with a local guide who taught us about Uruguay’s culture and quality of living. One random, but memorable, thing she explained was how a certain species of bird builds giant ball shaped nests on top of lamp posts and becomes extremely territorial over its area. It was one of those oddly specific facts that for some reason I just am really interested in, and also, one of the birds attacked me at one point, so that was weird.
As the tour continues, me and a few friends may have bent the rules a bit and wandered off into a store because we wanted to do some shopping. I ended getting some souvenirs and gifts, but in the process we completely lost the group. After a little jogging round the city trying to find everyone again, we eventually made it back just in time to continue the tour and catch the bus to the other part of town. Later, we all ate lunch together and then had around two hours of free time to explore. Colonia was honestly beautiful. The town had a relaxed atmosphere, great food, and really cool small shops. I know my mom and my girlfriends mom are going to love the souvenirs I got them. After taking the ferry back to Argentina, the group ended the night at a restaurant that somehow served one of the best burgers I have ever had in my life, which was surprising because I really thought that just steak was their thing.
Lastly, I just got to give it up to my boy Jason for having the most swag on the trip. My guy is always putting on the button down shirts with the Bryson Dechambeau hat and looking as tough as ever. Muy está de moda.