I am completely worn out. It's been pretty tranquilo here in New Jersey since I've gotten home, yet I'm still recovering from my semester abroad in Buenos Aires. I simply think that sleeping 4-5 hours a night and often going to sleep at 5 just hasn't sat so well with my body, and I'm dealing with it now.
That being said, although it was sad to say good bye to Argentina, my home for the last 4 months, it's great being back home, where I can enjoy the summer. Even more so, I have gone into NYC every day since I've been back and it's been strange. I have walked through the city in complete awe, just thinking how amazing of a city NY is. This would be an outlook most likely shared by a tourist. I was wandering the streets, admiring the city as if I had never been there in my life. Sure, Buenos Aires is great, a huge city, but it seemed like a town in comparison to NY. One could say I had experienced some reverse culture shock. I also realized just how much more expensive things are, especially produce or subway tickets, for example.
Nevertheless, I was ready to come home and to come back to my real life. The semester abroad in Buenos Aires was very far from reality, yet that shouldn't take away from how enjoyable and meaningful it was.
Anyway, a little summary of my experience the last 4.5 months:
Worst of Buenos Aires (in no particular order):
- Lack of organization
-Very little gets done
-Extreme Filth
-Insecurity- though thankfully, I managed to avoid crime
-Lack of variety in the food department (kosher)
Best of Buenos Aires (in no particular order):
- Meat
-Ice cream
-Laid-back lifestyle
-kiss greeting- in reality, I'm not such a fan, but I love the idea of it, how society includes everyone in a greeting
-Cultural activities- fairs, festivals, shows...
- nightlife
So I loved many elements of the city of Buenos Aires, including a huge vibrant Jewish community as well.
So could I live in Buenos Aires, at least for a longer period of time? Yes. Would I want to live in Buenos Aires for a longer period of time? Absolutely not. When the vast majority of locals with whom you speak tell you that the economy will completely collapse and that crime continues to rise, it doesn't sound too appealing. Add that to the fact that my attempts to find an Argentine girlfriend failed miserably.
But it's ok- my lack of desire to want to live there didn't affect my incredible semester. I would say that Argentina remains a wonderful country to visit and to study, but being a permanent resident isn't for me.
Regarding this blog, I admit sometimes, I exaggerated a bit in poking fun at Argentina but it was simply for comic effect. I hope you enjoyed following my experience for the past few months. If you wish to hear more about it, ask next time you see me.
Until then, as they say in Argentina, Chau Chau!
Ariel
