The time has finally come for me to leave Argentina. Preparing for my trip back, I've made a list of the things that I love—the things that I will miss—about living in Argentina.
· Asados: First and foremost. Asados are not only a fantastic excuse to eat an inadvisable amount of delicious red meat and cow bits, but they are an opportunity for friends to gather and spend the day together.
· All things sweet: dulce de leche, chocotorta, alfajores, panaderias in general....mmmm
· Fernet
· Dogs that don't need leashes and loyally follow their masters around or wait patiently outside shops
· Greeting everyone with a kiss
· The wait staff at Sarkis (and, of course, the comida)
· Jacaranda trees
· Long walks through the city
· Dancing
· Saying "hello" and "goodbye" to every person individually
· Shopping on the subte (One day, I was making a mental “to do” list on my commute on the subte. As soon as I remembered that I had to pick up a sewing kit before going home, someone put one on my lap: amazing!)
· Mate: As with many Argentine traditions and rituals, sharing mate is social in nature and can be oh-so addicting
· Meriendas
· The hours: I'm a pre-programmed night owl
· Long dinners with lots of wine that turn into your night out
· Talking to the fruit and vegetable guy to find out what's the freshest of the day, hearing about the butcher's latest concert, and generally having personal relationships w the people you get your food from
· Empanadas
· It's OK to show up late
· Spending quality time with friends without binge drinking (or even drinking at all)
· Your job is not your life or identity
· Cafe cortados
· Less materialism
· Snack food: frutigran, marroc, 3D chips, Paso de los Toros Pomelo, sandwiches de miga, twistos
· Free delivery...for EVERYTHING (pizza, ice cream, McDonalds, booze)
· Patience and understanding for those learning Spanish
· The parks, especially the Bosques de Palermo
· The waiter will not bother you or try and rush you through your lunch or dinner
· There's always a kiosko open somewhere...and they probably have it
· Bold fashion choices
· I got to be "exotic"....being a blondie (and a foreigner) in Argentina was a lot of fun
· Embracing creative outlets (release your inner artist!!!)
· Beautiful gene pool
· It's a highly social city: There's always something going on, and someone to go to it with (cumple, asado, despedida, 2x1 mondays at freddo...always something on the agenda!)
· Roof terraces with parillas
· Interesting graffiti/art
· Public transportation that goes everywhere (at pretty much anytime)
· Ice cream
…and finally of course…
· The people I've met here, Argies and extranjeros alike: YOU are the reason I fell head-over-heels for this crazy place
