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Highlights and Challenges of Living Abroad
Traveling the world can have both its wonderful and horrible moments. One of the main reasons to travel especially for those adventure-types like me is to learn about cultures, people, history, languages and customs. Aside from assimilation, being a foreigner is figuring out to fit in often uncomfortable situations that can potentially lead to a well-rounded perspective of that country or how you view life in general. It’s a lot of work but worth it if you can get past your fears and frustrations.
My most recent adventure was to Buenos Aires, Argentina. I had visited this bustling South American city almost seven years ago and although it was familiar, a lot had change despite the obvious (i.e. technology). However, this time I was staying for a extended period of time, between 2-3 months, volunteering with an NGO on their communications team maintaining their blog among other things. Luckily, much of my work was flexible in that I could present ideas to the team and given the green light to write about anything. But through this freedom came with some challenges. So below is a list of “Things I Won’t/Will Miss about Buenos Aires”:
Won’t: The ‘sh’ in replace of ‘ll’ pronunciation in Spanish - what can I say, it was pet peeve!
Will: All you can eat gelato everywhere, even by delivery!
Won’t: Tiled sidewalks - if you stepped on a loose tile, oftentimes you would end up getting a splash of dirty water up your legs.
Will: Nightlife - I mean endless partying seven days a week into the early hours of the AM (i.e. 7AM), that’s what I’m talking about!
Won’t: Little to no vegetables with your meal - when you go out, plan to get your fill of meat, carbs and booze but nothing healthy.
Will: The relaxed and laid back vibe - the people seem to be happier and more content with doing less which was easy to shadow without feeling guilty.
Won’t: Blue vs. Black market - if you are a tourist you are going to get screwed either way but if it matters that much to you remember to bring cash (i.e. USD).
Will: Malbec wine - nuff said!
Won’t: Short men - I’m a 5′ 7″ female and barely met anyone who were my height or taller, not a big deal but girls, you’ve been warned!
Will: Friendly, not creepy taxi drivers
Won’t: Super sweet and running consistency of yogurt - I might as well drink it and that’s not my version of yogurt (i.e. I prefer Greek style, thick).
Will: Tango - both the dance and music!
Won’t: Not enough parks - some parks had exercise equipment and places to sit but not much room to run around or play a game of futbol without safety issues.
Will: Kiosks - they have everything and are plenty of them all over the city open late!
Won’t: Need to know where you’re going when you get on a bus - they calculate your fare by this information but for a tourist who doesn’t speak the language makes it all that more challenging.
Will: Recoleta and San Telmo - out of all the barrios (neighborhoods) in BsAs, I will missed these two the most!