5/24/2015

A week into the trip, we are becoming more accustomed to our new  Argentinian lifestyle; we are experts on the public transportation system, gradually learning the language, and know to never expect anything other than carne. We spent the first half of today exploring the San Telmo market and its rich culture.  The market- similar to a flee market in the U.S.A- was composed of endless tables and tents stretching in every direction in sight.  The locals were selling everything from food and drinks to art to clothing and accessories.  I used the time to buy my mother a purse and my father a hand carved, wooden wine holder.

In the process of getting my family gifts I quickly learned the culture of the market.  After traveling through many other countries with my family I assumed that bargaining would be commonplace.  While this is true to some degree at any market anywhere in the world, I noted that it was not as prevalent here.  Luckily, most prices were reasonable from the start.

In addition to the diverse array of goods, we ran into different street performers at every corner, including musical groups of sizes ranging from one to ten playing different instruments and singing, magicians, puppeteers, and dancers.  They were very talented and a big hit with the crowds, contributing to the fun and unique character of the market.

For lunch, we grabbed the city’s favorite street food- chorizos.  Made up of a grilled sausage cut in half on bread, this authentic “fast food” also comes with the option of toppings including veggies, chimichurri, and different sauces.  Although I can’t imagine that I would be happy to learn the ingredients of the somewhat suspect-looking sausage, I allowed myself to ignorantly close my eyes and continue to enjoy the juicy and delicious mid-day meal.

When we were ready to go back to the hotel we realized we had spent all of our pesos enjoying the market and that we would have to walk back!  Luckily, the excitement of the city streets persisted the entire journey back. We were surrounded by independence day festivals, street market, and bustling cafes and restaurants.  After an unusually lively Sunday, we were happy to return to the hotel for a siesta before getting dinner.

5/26/2015

Today was packed with excursions, class, and a huge dinner.  We started the day in the Jewish neighborhoods of Buenos Aires.  We had to bring our passport along with us because all of the facilities are maximum security as a result of a history of terrorist attacks.  Our first stop was AMIA, the Jewish community center and one of the victims of a major attack in the 90s.   To commemorate the victims, a plaque of names and a large art memorial donated by an Israeli artist stand in the outdoor entry “room” of the facility.  The art piece is composed of nine pillars (like a Hanukia) and illustrates different images from different perspectives.

We learned that AMIA stands at the center of daily Jewish life because 80-90% of the 300,000 Jews in Argentina reside in Buenos Aires.  Many of these people came to escape the Russian pogroms and the last years of the second world war.

Next, we made a stop at the local shopping mall where we got to see the only kosher McDonalds outside of Israel!

After a quick snack, we visited the central synagogue.  It was large and intricate, built much like a church.  We learned about Jewish history and customs from a staff member and were able to look through the synagogue’s museum.  Although I do not have any family in Argentina, I have Jewish family members who immigrated to other parts of the world to escape persecution.  Therefore, it was particularly interesting for me to learn how these people built their new lives, and how their descendants live today.

Next, we saw another memorial to the victims of the terrorist attacks and another developing historical memorial.

After the excursion,we headed back to the hotel for a class discussion with a local political scientist/historian.  I was particularly interested to learn about the evolution of Peronism in the country, as well as the similarities and differences in political party structure here and in the U.S..

Finally, we ended a long day with a delicious group dinner at a nearby authentic restaurant!