Argentina is known for soccer, its architecture, its gauchos and its passionate people. Whether they are arguing politics or who will win the next soccer match, they are enthused in their conversation. Young people are very involved in politics and are well educated, thanks to a country that will give them a free education in any of its well known universities.
Although it is a young population, there is still diversity because many Europeans moved there after World War II, and so often more languages are spoken than just Spanish- the national language. And even when they are out of the country fellow Spanish speakers can always tell an Argentinian accent by the way they say their "y's", its a more Portuguese J sound.
I came to know Argentina through my Aunt Marcela who lives there in La Plata, a mere hour from Buenos Aires, pictured above. I came to love Argentina because of the culture. People rarely watch TV, as most often, they are too busy debating. Car accidents are taken care of by the drivers getting out of their vehicle and screaming at one another until they are tired, then they go home. When their soccer team wins, it's like a holiday for Argentinians and you can hear car horns blaring throughout the city signifying their joy.
Argentinians are loud and mostly unapologetic for it. But they also have a national pride that rivals most South American countries. Both my father and my aunt were born in Bolivia, but to this day if we mention that we are Bolivian, my Aunt Marcela will give us a verbal assault for at least twenty minutes.
She's used to the city and her way of life and she loves Argentina more than Bolivia, because in Bolivia, social class is always an issue. In Argentina, everyone is accepted, and everyone is up for arguments. We would visit both countries when I was younger, and I always hated to leave Argentina. From their drinkable yogurt to their passion for fried stakes, they are a beautifully cultured an diverse nation.
No comments:
Post a Comment