Argentina is an interesting melting pot of European and Latin cultures. Prior to moving to this vast and impressive country in 2005, we had visited four times. Even though we had spent some quality time getting to know the place, we knew when we decided to move abroad that uncharted waters were ahead. Kissing on the cheek instead of the hand shake, people gathering around to drink mate instead of coffee; these were obvious differences.

But the inconspicuous, culturally-different ways of doing things didn’t become glaringly obvious until living in Bariloche, Patagonia full-time. Our continual immersion has helped us to see where our upbringing living in the United States is much different than our Argentine neighbors.

Here are 15 variations in the way to live that living in Bariloche taught me:

1. Family is # 1: Time for family is put at the top of the list for the majority of the Argentine culture. It is common to see an elderly person being guided by their grandchild, a young sibling walking hand in hand with an adolescent sibling or a teenager walking arm in arm with their mother or father.

2. Football (or futbol) is a close second: When I say football this means what the United States calls soccer. Football is a national pastime that literally closes down the country during important games. We were driving from Buenos Aires to Bariloche and were able to shave hours off of our usual time during the 2006 World Cup because there was absolutely no one on the road and all of the police stops were shut down.

3. Mate is an acceptable reason to take a break: Mate, the group-oriented tea, is a common reason for a person to stop what they’re doing, relax a little and enjoy conversation with friends and co-workers. In all professions, from the cement worker to the office executive, it is commonplace to see the gourd and thermos, the mate tools of the trade, sitting near-by, waiting to be used.

4. The Argentines are passionate: The reason that the elderly, young and rich are fine with swearing is because passion lends itself to passionate words being said. The Argentine people are passionate about everything. Whether it is politics, their favorite football team or if it will snow soon, their opinion is a vibrant and energetic one. Their passion overflows into everything they do, which makes things such as seeing a music concert or football game that much more fun. We were fortunate enough to see Pearl Jam in Buenos Aires a few years ago. The crowds enthusiasm literally brought Eddie to tears and he exclaimed to the crowd after a break “You guys are the best crowd we have ever played for.” I believe he meant it.

5. The siesta is taken seriously: When it is siesta time, it is siesta time. Everything shuts down. It is a time for family, for relaxing, for doing whatever you find appropriate for the four hours of chill time. Once you become adjusted to the business hours it is a nice thing for quality of life. Important things such as taking time for yourself and family are not suddenly being fit into the fifteen minutes before bed each night.

6. Plastic surgery is common and acceptable: Argentina has one of the highest per capita rates of experiencing the plastic surgeon’s trance. That is why it is common to see 60-, sometimes 70-year old women (and men), looking as if they are in their twenties from behind. Some of the best surgeons are found in the greater Buenos Aires area. It is so common, in fact, that the major Argentine insurance company, OSDE, offers full coverage of plastic surgery for only an additional $100 to the normal plan.

7. Greetings aren’t always the same: For example, when passing a person while riding a bike you say chau not hola.

8. Changing the internal clock is vital: It is considered afternoon (tarde) until 7 or 8 pm, literally.

9. Customer service is a bit different: Such as the banks charging you to make a deposit into your account.

10. Would you like payments with that?: You can make payments (cuotas) on almost anything you purchase using a credit or debit card; i.e. groceries, gas, a package of gum.

11. Don’t bank on changing the clock: Daylight savings varies depending on a last minute decision by the various Argentine provinces. For example, the last two years the province that Bariloche is in, Rio Negro, has voted to not spring forward with the changing of the seasons. Buenos Aires decided for 2009, two days before the scheduled change, to go with Rio Negro and not move the clock forward.

12. Nice ride, is it for sale?: A car for sale is indicated by a plastic jug on top of the car, not the common “For Sale” sign that we are used to in the United States.

13. No checks allowed: Instead of writing checks to pay for bills you pay for them in person, usually at the grocery store (and there is no other option). 

14. Bad words are good words: Everyone swears, even the cute, little old lady that is a devout Catholic.

15. Apolitically Correct: There is no such thing as being politically correct; if you are chubby your nickname is Gordo (fat), if ugly – feo, if skinny – flaco, if dark skinned – negro.  People say it how it is.  Don’t take anything personal.

These cultural differences have made our experience of living in a new land funny, interesting and, at times, frustrating but it’s also part of the reason that venturing into the unknown is so good for me. I really feel that my time here has broadened my horizons. 

Thanks to Argentina I have realized a “For Sale” sign in a car window is silly…a jug on top of an automobile is much easier to see from far away.

Shanie Matthews

www.BarilocheVacationRental.com

www.shaniematthews.com

www.livinginpatagonia.com