HI! I am Sarah Stephen, and I am studying abroad in Argentina, Chile, and Peru for my international business class. The trip started in Buenos Aires, Argentina; once my flight landed there, we immediately started seeing the city. The first stop was the Plaza de Mayo and Casa Rosada. This is essentially the White House of Argentina— but pink! We learned about the history of Argentina, including one of the main avenues being named after their independence day on July 9th, 1816. We then went to a market and the La Boca neighborhood. This neighborhood was very colorful and is the location of the Boca Juniors football team. The day ended with a tango show and dinner.
Our second day in Argentina involved going to a ranch outside of the city to learn more about the gaucho culture. We went on a horseback ride as soon as we got there. We then ate empanadas and listened to more traditional music before having time to explore. I was able to watch the horses and play with the dogs at the ranch. There were parakeets in all of the trees, too! After that, we ate a barbeque lunch with so much sausage, chicken, steak, and pork. I don’t think I have ever eaten that much meat in one sitting. The steak tenderloin and pork were some of the best I have ever had. We then learned more about folklore and music of rural Argentina before heading to a Venezuelan restaurant near the hotel for dinner.
Our last day in Buenos Aires included a boat ride on the river and going to a soccer game for Boca Jr. The boat ride showed us a different part of Buenos Aires, and we went to a market after with many stores and restaurants. I enjoyed being able to get out of the main city to explore Buenos Aires more. The soccer game was so much fun as well! I was able to gain an appreciation for the soccer culture in South America because the atmosphere was electric! Overall, this day emphasized that it is in fact winter in Argentina because it was so cold.
Now on to Santiago, Chile!
-Sarah Stephen Foshee