Follow the Journey

Written by Talia, 2022-23 Latitudes Student 

My typical weekday begins with two snoozed alarms, followed by a hasty rush out the door to catch the 59 bus. I arrive at school at 9:35, late as always, with a sheepish grin. During our first break, I walk to the Tienda de Cafe with my friend Anna, for a café con leche and two medialunas. After school I catch the 67 to my internship. The next 4-5 hours consist of composting and gardening, and a small cafecito with my coworkers. I only work on Tuesdays and Thursdays, so on other weekdays I go out to lunch with friends, participate in the school’s activities, or explore Buenos Aires on my own. I have fallen in love with this city, the endless culture, its cafeterias, art museums, architecture, and its people.

The people are truly what makes Buenos Aires unique. They are always dancing, moving, never waiting for the moment to catch up to them. The only moments of peace occur between cups of mate, sipped amidst the current of animated conversation. They are joyful, and filled with gratitude, although the complaints about the heat are never-ending. My favorite moments here have stemmed from the welcoming nature of Porteños, an excited light filling their eyes as they ask “sos extranjera?” We chat about our respective cultures and countries, as I marvel at their free education system and they marvel at my US dollar.

The economic disparities here have taught me the true meaning of privilege. For me, letting the uber driver keep the change at the end of the ride is the same as losing a dollar on the sidewalk, inconsequential. For them, it’s the difference between getting to end work a half hour early to spend time with their family. The fact that I am American is out of my control, a fact that weasels its way uncomfortably into a conversation about a manicure, seven dollars with tip. For the Porteña I was speaking to, that is an expense she can only afford every couple of months, and she is considered well-off. The life I live here is lavish, nightly dinners and lunches out, walking tours, daily coffees, day trips to Uruguay, a lifestyle I can’t afford back home, but I am so grateful to have.

This semester has given skills and confidence that I will take with me for years to come. I have learned how to love my own company, but also how to make friends with just about anyone. I can confidently navigate the spiderweb bus system, go to work in Spanish, and create relationships with complete strangers. I am infinitely grateful for what this city has given me, and for the experiences I have had here.

In Buenos Aires, I feel the freedom to go where life takes me, and to wander a city that always surprises me. I have fallen in love with Latino culture, how there is always someone willing to pay your bus fare when you run out, how there is always a couple in love in a park, how the grand boulevards beckon you to walk through them, how the laughter never ends. I miss the comfort of home, but as this semester comes to an end, I can’t help but begin to miss this city and its energy. I can’t bring Buenos Aires with me, but I can embody the pride and resilience of its people, and share it at home.

Inspired by Talia’s gap year? Learn more about the Latitudes Year and carve out your own journey!