Why did I choose to study abroad in Buenos Aires?
Let me start with the setting: located in South America, Argentina holds so much more than the city of Buenos Aires. The Andes are to the West, Patagonia is in the South, Iguazu Falls are just North, and Uruguay is a short ferry Northeast. Not to mention the variety of other surrounding destinations such as the horse ranches of the Pampas, the cool colonial Córdoba, the incredible lake of Bariloche, and more. I have already made my way out to the Andes to catch the last bit of Spring skiing, and this weekend I am heading out to Uruguay to escape the busy city and camp in La Paz.
Knowing I am not much of a big-city person, I was hesitant about heading to Buenos Aires to live in a city with about 15 million people. However, after learning more about the culture, I found myself drawn to the vibrant atmosphere of street fairs, local cuisine, and the energy in music and dance (tango!).
So far in my being here, I have found my ways of finding peace amongst the hustle and bustle. My favorite has been EcoBici, a free bike-share program that Buenos Aires has setup throughout the city, with stations of these infamous green bikes every few blocks to encourage greener living. Not only are they environmentally awesome but they are a great way to get active outside while exploring the city, rather than on a crowded bus or subway. There are several main roads with bike paths that are separated by a curb which is comforting, since the cars and busses drive a bit crazy here.
I also have found my peace in the Bosques de Palermo, the biggest park that is close to where I live. There are gravel trails that I especially appreciate for running longer distance, and the park holds a beautiful rose garden in the middle where there are currently a lot of little ducklings! On the warm, sunny days I enjoy laying back on a park bench or people-watching, with all the families, roller-skaters, bikers, street performers, food carts... It is a fun experience every time I go there.
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| Passing by this cathedral on my EcoBici ride home. |
Let me start with the setting: located in South America, Argentina holds so much more than the city of Buenos Aires. The Andes are to the West, Patagonia is in the South, Iguazu Falls are just North, and Uruguay is a short ferry Northeast. Not to mention the variety of other surrounding destinations such as the horse ranches of the Pampas, the cool colonial Córdoba, the incredible lake of Bariloche, and more. I have already made my way out to the Andes to catch the last bit of Spring skiing, and this weekend I am heading out to Uruguay to escape the busy city and camp in La Paz.
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| Soaking up the sun in the city park |
Knowing I am not much of a big-city person, I was hesitant about heading to Buenos Aires to live in a city with about 15 million people. However, after learning more about the culture, I found myself drawn to the vibrant atmosphere of street fairs, local cuisine, and the energy in music and dance (tango!).
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| Parrilla - classic Argentine grilled meats |
So far in my being here, I have found my ways of finding peace amongst the hustle and bustle. My favorite has been EcoBici, a free bike-share program that Buenos Aires has setup throughout the city, with stations of these infamous green bikes every few blocks to encourage greener living. Not only are they environmentally awesome but they are a great way to get active outside while exploring the city, rather than on a crowded bus or subway. There are several main roads with bike paths that are separated by a curb which is comforting, since the cars and busses drive a bit crazy here.
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| EcoBici! |
I also have found my peace in the Bosques de Palermo, the biggest park that is close to where I live. There are gravel trails that I especially appreciate for running longer distance, and the park holds a beautiful rose garden in the middle where there are currently a lot of little ducklings! On the warm, sunny days I enjoy laying back on a park bench or people-watching, with all the families, roller-skaters, bikers, street performers, food carts... It is a fun experience every time I go there.
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| Entering the rose garden in the Bosques de Palermo |
Thus, I can say that although I still am not a city person (I will forever be a nature girl), Buenos Aires has provided me with spaces and activities that I appreciate. Even in Seattle (my hometown), our bike-share program costs some money to use; so Buenos Aires is doing it well with what it offers. There is so much more I have to explore, with such a dense city, rich with culture, and immersing myself into it continues to fill me with excitement.
¡Buenísimo!
Viv S. is the Fall 2017 MOJO Photographer in Buenos Aires, Argentina. She us currently a Sophomore
studying Sociology at University of San Diego.