The Full Story

Argentinian Culture

Oh wow, there is so much to talk about in this section that I don’t think I can just focus on one! Thanks to our program we got to experience the Argetnianan culture in so many ways.

Gaucho Day

Mark riding a horse is off my bucket list. Gaucho day was a whole experience. Right when we got there my breath was taken away and I was instantly at peace. We kept mentioning to each other how we felt like we were at a retreat. First, we walked around and were given some delicious empanadas. Then we got to ride horses out in the field which was so therapeutic and neat. Once we returned we all headed out to the infinity pool which overlooked their crops. This farm was all supplied with their own sustainable livestock and crops which I really noticed in the quality of their food when we were served some of the most amazing meats and fresh dishes in their beautiful yard. Then to close everything up we got to learn a traditional dance, listen to some live music, and got to experience a unique performance. This day overall was so relaxing and provided such a safe space. It was so cool to see a whole different lifestyle as we met a 7-year-old boy who lived on the farm and had his own horse and was training to run the herd himself. It is very neat to see an unconventional way of life that you wouldn’t think about when you are in the city.

Soccer With Locals

I am so honored to say that I played soccer against local Argentinans in Argentina! This was one of the biggest highlights from the trip overall. Our class was mixed in with locals who were a mix of ages, but mainly our age, and we got to play a couple of rounds of a pick up game. This was super fun because we got to hear some of their slang and how they communicate with each other when they are playing rather than your typical textbook Spanish. This really helped me feel more like a local. We were able to meet locals who were our age and see what their daily lives were like. This comparison was so neat and fun because they really took us in and showed us around, yes we all hung out after the soccer event too! I felt like I was at a summer camp and a kid again in the best way possible. One of my biggest recommendations if visiting is to find a pick up game, because it was truly one of the most fun

ARE YOU READY TO TANGOOO?

Hello, from a girl who struggles with catching a beat when dancing. It is all A OKAY now because we had the luxury of not only going to a tango show but also learning how to tango ourselves! The first night landing in Argentina we got to see a beautiful tango show and really see what the culture was all about. I will say that I was shocked at first because it was not what I envisioned. I think I previously had a very typical movie idea of what Tango was about but I learned that Tango is way more complex than the simple swirls and side steps I got from movies. There are leg kicks, picking up, and just all sorts of excitement! Alongside the dancing, we got to experience the opera that went along with the night. I was not aware of the type of music and was pleasantly surprised at the most elegant voices. They really do it all. While watching this show we were served a traditional Argentinian meal and got a lot of steak, wine, and THE BEST ICE CREAM I HAVE EVER EATEN! If you ever make your way to Argentina, you need to try their dulce de leche ice cream. It is nothing like you have had in the states, it is so creamy and refreshing, wow I am wishing I had a cup with me right now.

If I talk about it any more I might cry, so move along… another night we got to actually dance ourselves! We had a lovely instructor who taught us how to listen with our bodies and trust the flow. It was beautiful to learn how it’s so popular to connect with others through the body which is huge in Argentina. They gave beautiful demonstrations and really taught us the power of pausing while dancing and thinking less rather than trying to control the flow of dancing. I think that was one of the most beautiful things about the Argentina culture overall, is the major life lessons embedded in their fun social events such as Tango and applying them to your outside life.