Argentina: Kamika Patel (Discoveries & Reflections)

Discoveries & Reflections: Take it Easy

Before my time in Argentina, I tended to rush through a lot of activities that weren’t related to school or work. I would attempt to make my dinner as efficiently as possible and then eat it in a matter of minutes. I was always taking long, fast strides to get to class quickly (and partially because I hate being in the Midwest cold), the fastest to get ready in the morning, and the fastest talker, as I would expect that people may be bored of the conversation and want it to end as soon as it can.

Now, I’m grateful that while the people around me also seem to often be moving at a pace designed to get from one place to the next as quickly as possible, Buenos Aires is different.

During the IES program orientation week where we were welcomed to the capital city and discussed standard rules and what might be considered cultural shocks, we were warned that time goes slower in Argentina compared to the States.

“Expect people to show up a little late. Showing up early to a party is weird. The bus will come when it comes, there is no set schedule. No one will ask you to leave the restaurant or café even if you have sat there for hours.”

Before leaving the capital city, I sat at a window table in a café with one of my friends from Argentina for almost three hours while we sipped on our coffees and ate Medialunas con Jamon y Queso. No one said anything to us about clearing out the table. We were never asked if we wanted the check; instead, I usually spend a frustrating few minutes trying to make awkward eye contact with the waiter so I can ask for the check long after finishing eating. While this appears to be a funny, small detail, the difference it makes is touching.

While at times it can be anxiety-inducing, I love that I move at a slower pace because I’m able to take everything in. I look forward to long, rabbit-hole conversations with my friends over hot meals. I love taking in the sunlight that streams through the branches of the trees on walks home.

And another thing I’ve noticed and grown accustomed to about the pace of life in Buenos Aires is that people walk slowly. They walk slowly and in the middle of the sidewalk, making it difficult to navigate the back and forth of finding an opening and getting by. Sometimes, it turns into an awkward little dance where I have forgotten to slow down quickly enough, and instead, I’m stepping behind someone, shuffling my feet, trying not to seem urgent but also trying not to seem like I’m following them. I have a habit of walking fast, so I would run into this problem several times a day.

So, I try to walk slowly, especially lately. As my time in Buenos Aires is coming to an end, I’ve been soaking in all of the little reminders of last times and return plans. While there’s nothing original about wanting to slow down and appreciate the present moment, I believe it is an all-important sentiment to live a healthy, happy life.

The nice thing about it is that while I walk slowly to appreciate and reflect on my time in Buenos Aires, I can just blame it on the bus for being fashionably late.

 

Kamika Patel

Major: International Studies & Communications (Certs. in Educational Policy and Business)

Hometown: Suburbs of Chicago, Illinois

Program: IES Latin American Societies and Cultures; Buenos Aires, Argentina