Yesterday in my Sport and Culture in Contemporary Argentina class, my professor, Eduardo, asked us to think about one word that describes Argentinians. After spending a month in Buenos Aires, my first thought was "passion", as I have first-hand witnessed the intensity of daily life here. However, after some more debate and consideration, I finalized my answer to be expressive." In all aspects of life, Argentines are not afraid to express themselves, and I have especially noticed this utter resolve to be true to themselves this week throughout my adventures in Buenos Aires.
To start off the week, our program took us on a day-trip to the esteemed city of Tigre, just an hour by train away from the capital. We took a lovely boat tour around the delta, learning about the simple and eco-friendly way of living of the residents, before heading to a restaurant off the shore for lunch. It was admirable to witness the dedication in the humble lifestyle. Everything these residents of Tigre would ever need can be found somewhere on a boat! My favorite part of this trip, though, was visiting the local artisan market. It was heartwarming to see how the hard-work of the artists can create such a beautiful community. Each vendor was so passionate about their own products and ideas, and through art they are able to display their creativity. I bought a crochet top from the sweetest lady, and she said that she and her daughter hand-make each item! She also made sure to emphasize how talented her daughter was.
Later on in the week, I finally made the quick trip to the infamous Bond Street, a hidden gem filled with color and edge. I have never seen so many tattoo parlors in one area, and it was so exciting to see the artists perform their work through the windows. Two of my friends even chose to be canvases themselves, getting a tattoo to commemorate their time in Argentina. There were also so many different clothing stores, ranging from those that only sold vintage streetwear to stores that resemble an exponentially more intense Hot Topic. Bond Street is such a safe space for Argentines to completely be themselves, and it was a really refreshing scene as compared to the overall elegance and organization in the day lit streets of Buenos Aires.
Argentine expressiveness is not always in a pleasant, creative way, though. After being recommended by multiple different people, my friends and I finally booked a reservation at the renowned Uptown and The Bronx. Its savvy interior and innovative subway train entrance won me over before I even sat down at the table, but I fell in love the moment I had a bite of the bbq ribs. The food was outrageously good, and the ambiance was indescribable. However, our meal was soon interrupted by the neighboring table, where a couple was fighting vehemently. The police even had to get involved, dragging the couple outside of the restaurant. I have never seen such a blatantly expressive argument in a public area, and while I don't know the details of the situation, it was very interesting to witness such passion and vigor.
I can't talk about the meaning of being Argentine without describing my experience with the passion and expressiveness in being an hincha and through mate. As a class field trip, we visited La Boca, one of the most famous neighborhoods. Home to the Boca Juniors and the wildest fan base in the world (in my opinion), La Boca was an unforgettable experience. The streets were filled with blue and yellow, the colors of Boca Juniors, both on the walls of buildings and the clothing of its residents. The outside of La Bombonera, the Boca Juniors stadium, was continuously crowded with fans. My professor told me that most of the people there were residents who visit the stadium every day, expressing their undying love for the club. Every single Argentine is able to express their passion for their unofficial religion, futbol, by supporting their favorite club, and they are never afraid to go all out.
Another key component of Argentina is mate, the unofficial national drink. We were able to go to a mate tasting and making event, where I got to experiment with different herbs and ingredients to concoct my perfect tea. Mate is incredibly important to the culture of Argentina, as it connects every single person into one community. Messi drinks mate; those living in the streets drink mate; the Pope drinks mate.
There is no single activity that unites the expressive will of Argentines more than drinking mate and futbol, and it was such an amazing cultural experience to witness. See you next week for another Wu Back Wednesday!
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