Argentina: A Hidden Gem

When I studied abroad in Buenos Aires, Argentina, I went out of my comfort zone and got the most out of the experience. I learned about the culture in Argentina and how people there are so passionate that it brought out a side of me that no other experience can. I learned so much about how Argentina operates on a daily basis. I was able to see many differences in lifestyle and norms in society that made me appreciate what I have in the U.S. and what I grew to love in Argentina. I developed so much more as a person where I could express myself in a different setting through the Spanish language and understand life in Argentina. I learned the most from my host parents who taught me how to get around the city and to travel to places in and out of Argentina that would be worth seeing.

One of my best memories I have is going to Iguazu Falls to see one of the seven natural wonders of the world. I went to the falls with a small group for a weekend trip towards the beginning of my program when it was still warm there, but not overly humid and tropical. I spent one full day in the Iguazu Falls Park with my group of friends and that was enough. We went up to the top of the falls at La Garganta del Diablo and went below the falls and explored other parts of the park on the Argentina side. The falls separate Brazil and Argentina and it was amazing to see it all. One reason why one day was enough for me was because of the coati animals that live in the park. The coatis are kind of like raccoons, except they have really sharp claws and can open backpacks and steal food. There are many signs in the park warning you that they can scratch or bite you. When we first saw them, we were so excited to see them and got as many pictures as we could. But towards the end of the day there, as we were on our last hike down a trail, we were tired of them after they swarmed us when we were having lunch. We shooed them away and wanted to get out of the park. With all that happened, from taking in the spectacular views to fighting off the coatis, it was well worth the trip especially bonding with my friends there in the park and on our 20-hour bus ride there and 20 hours back.