While planning this 8-month journey around the globe, we wanted to really immerse ourselves in a different (preferably Spanish-speaking) culture. Argentina seemed our best choice (can’t beat the exchange rate!) and our intuition proved accurate. Though we struggled with the language at first, I recall words of a former colleague in times of mental difficulty (i.e. inadequate revenue growth). “Push yourself. Make yourself uncomfortable.” With that same spirit, we survived. We ordered off Spanish menus, we learned the ‘vos’ tense spoken in Argentina alone, and we phoned for taxis regularly– always with a silent prayer that they would actually show up! Incidentally, don’t even think about driving a car in B.A. Not even your best NYC cabbie could keep up with the Argentinean taxi drivers. There are no rules. Pedestrians have no rights. The lines on the roads mean nothing.
It goes without saying the steak will be missed. I know I speak for myself when I say that I am strongly considering conversion to Vegetarianism upon our departure. I can’t fathom going back to the tough stuff. The culinary experience overall was a lovely surprise. I could go on and on about the steak, but I think you get the point. In all seriousness, while the steak is phenomenal, Argentina is much more than good cows-- wonderful people, great architecture, fantastic nightlife, very good museums, and great wine.
Final Thoughts
Leaving your safety zone is not easy, and there are certainly moments of longing for peanut butter and good quality sushi, but being away from the comforts of home has also been surprisingly liberating. I have already disposed of some of the clothes and toiletries I originally packed for the trip, and slowly, I find myself becoming more and more of a minimalist. By the time we reach India, I may be down to a duffle bag.
As we sit on the plane to Brazil, we vow to return to Argentina again, perhaps with our children (if for no other reason than its fine qualiy beef).
Hasta Luego Argentina!
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