I’ve done it – I’ve cheated the system. This semester, instead of returning to the frozen tundra that is Madison, Wisconsin, I am studying abroad in sunny and beautiful Buenos Aires, Argentina. Just in time for Wisconsin temperatures to plummet and Argentina temperatures to rise! Don’t get me wrong, I love Wisconsin more and more every year, and I am and will always be a diehard Badger. But Wisconsin winters are absolutely brutal, and by January I am definitely ready to make the change from my heavy-duty snow boots to some dainty sandals.
I arrived in Buenos Aires just over two weeks ago, and despite the myriad of luxurious high-rises, modern office buildings, and McDonalds on every block, I couldn’t help noticing how different the city was from every single place I’ve visited in the States.
Besides the fact that every sign is written in español (duh), one of the most notable traits of the city is its seamless mixture of the very, very old and the very, very new. A two-minute drive from the old, traditional village of Boca, for example, brings you to the bustling and contemporary city of Puerto Madero; two areas so close together yet so utterly and completely incomparable. In case anyone is thinking of visiting BA anytime soon (and I’d highly recommend it), I’ve compiled a small list of some of its other unique qualities:
1. Pay close attention to what you order.
The food here is ridiculously amazing, but be careful: EVERY dish here includes ham in some way, shape or form. So, even if the menu does not specify that a particular meal includes jamón, chances are it does, and in large quantities.
2. Watch your step!
A common profession here seems to be dog walking. People are often seen walking five or six dogs at the same time, and though it is adorable and extremely picture-worthy, this equates to a lot of doggy doo-doo on the sidewalks. I’ve noticed these dog-walkers are not too keen on cleaning up after their pooches, so walk with purpose to avoid any accidents.
3. Rest up for the weekends.
Everything in BA happens later than in the States: coffee shops open later in the mornings, dinner isn’t until 10 p.m., and clubs don’t get busy until at least 2 a.m. Make sure to be very well-rested for your big nights out, because clubs stay open well past sunrise.
4. Soak up the sun.
But be smart. The palm trees and perpetually sunny weather will put you in the mood to tan your heart out, but be careful! The ozone layer is especially thin over Buenos Aires and the surrounding cities, so it’s especially important to lather up before catching some rays.
5. Go shopping!
Buenos Aires has some of the best shopping in the world, so go exploring! The leather goods are particularly remarkable, as many of them are hand-crafted and unlike the mass-produced goods we see in the States. Neighborhoods like Palermo Soho are famous for their high-end and fashion-forward boutiques, and definitely worth checking out.