How does an Argentine commit suicide? He climbs to the top of his ego, then jumps.
(Joke overheard in Buenos Aires)
I find Argentina´s national psyche fascinating. Of course, as an outsider, it is difficult to define, pretentious even. But as a former European, I feel a connexion with this country. Argentinians like to eat (late), drink (good wines), smoke, dance, listen to music, talk and hang out in groups, seem to value their family, and love kids. A lot of places in Buenos Aires remind me of Europe: the cobblestone streets, the small cars, the sidewalk cafés, the pharmacies selling l´Oréal products, the bakeries with their medialunas (croissants). I feel culturally closer to an Argentinian than, let´s say, a Peruvian or a Costa Rican.
Last time we were in Argentina we stumbled upon a country in chaos, because of the sudden peso devaluation. Yet, people were friendly and keen to explain what was going on, and how they were dealing with the situation. Seven years later, the peso is a bit more stable, yet it is easy to see people´s concerns for the economy. Aren´t we all worried… It seems that Argentinian are more reluctant to save and that they want to enjoy spending their money. There are credit cards´ advertising everywhere, and it reminds me of North America. Have fun with your money before it disappear? Live like there is no tomorrow?
Below, several Argentinian icons: the fútbol and Maradona, the tango, Buenos Aires, Eva Perón and the Che.
Ah, the Tango at last. But still no pictures of interesting cuisine. Surely you have not been eating at that McDonald’s! (Horrors!) No, no I would not accuse you of that.
Thank you again for your wonderful pictures and interesting stories. You are a movable gift to us all.
Ah, beautiful! I love those wall paintings. And yes, I always hear about how European the Argentinians are, and it’s interesting that you immediately feel that connectedness! Great joke, too! 🙂
My blog is back to public for now:) I hope you’ll enjoy reading them.
Fasinating culture, and in fact may be what Americans once were just a short time ago??
Zhu, are they friendly? How about communication because I saw some travel problems, not many can speak English so it might be challenging for me if I chose to travel there.
You have fun Zhu 😀
Thanks for the great photos. They like football down there? Go figure. Been following along with your journey, but not thinking of anything good to say but wow. So – Wow!
I heard a lot about how European Argentina is, it must be like a taste of home for you!
I’m falling so far behind on my blog reading… I hope to catch up with your adventures soon.
Hi Zhu,
Fascinating.
I think that South A merica would have a lot to offer a traveler, but Argentina interests me a lot.I think that I could easily get caught up in this country… once I get my rusty Spanish working again, that is !
Bises
Unbelievable. I was just talking about Argentina (and Buenos Aires in particular) at work, and I would say I said at least 80% of the things you mentioned here… And I hadn’t read this post yet, of course. 😉