Argentina has many Culture differences. Some of these we have learned to love and others not so much. Siesta: Nichy loves the siesta time and will try to take one in the U.S. I don't like to take one and usually go to the gym during that time. Eating Late: In Argentina we don't have a choice because restaurants don't open until 9:30. Nichy also does not get home from practice until 10:00. Dinner in Argentina is usually 10:00-10:30. When we are home we eat around 7:30, which is late compared to some of our family or friends. Hugs and Besos: Everytime you see a friend here you greet them with a hug and beso. I have grown accustomed to this and will usually give people hugs in the U.S. also. This summer I saw a girl I went to highschool with, and we greeted each other. I went in for the hug and she wasn't trying to hug me. She was surprised and it was kinda awkward! Drinking after people: We all disagree with this! Nichy has to fight to get his own water bottle during games. Anytime Gabriela has an outing I always bring her own water bottle. Majority of the time I don't drink after people. When my friends ask for a drink of my water, I usually just give it to them. Gabriela and I went on a field trip with her pre-school. After looking at the farm animals in the hot sun. The teacher brought out two plastic cups and one water botttle. She gave all the kids in the class water from only two glasses! Again, I was prepared with Gabriela's water bottle! Sunday rest day: Everything is closed in are town on Sundays. People usually eat Asado with families and rest all day. In the U.S. we got to church on Sundays and then usually go out to eat. I would love to try and stay home all day. However, it seems like something always comes up.
Children's Birthday Parties: The parties here are usually 3-4 hours. They are a blast and the kids are entertained with games, puppet shows, magic shows, and dancing the entire party. However, in the U. S. I will stick to a two hour party for Gabriela.
When you arrive at the b-day parties you give the child the gift and they open it then. I like this because it doesn't put as much presure on kids to buy an expensive gift. I went to a big b-day party this summer where the little girl took almost an hour to open all her gifts! Before the dollar treep opened I would spend around $5.00 on a bag and tissue paper. Here they keep the presents in the sack from the store. The first time I bought a present for someone, the store clerk asked if it was for a present. I said yes and was expecting gift wrapped! She stapled the bag and put a tag on it to write Happy Birthday and your name!! Its not that cute, but you save money!! Children drinking cokes: I have seen babies, toddlers, and children of all ages drink cokes with meals and snacks! We are are the minority here because we don't let our child drink coke. Everytime she is offered and we tell them no "she doesn't drink coke." We get the looks of "ooohhhh you are the weird parents." This is something I have never budged on, and Nichy and I have left asados, birthday parties, or other events to go buy her more water or juice. Walking: I walk 15-20 mins. everyday to take Gabriela to preschool. Even though in the U.S. I could walk somewhere in 10 mins we always take a car. I like walking here, but there are times I wish I could just get in the car and park front row and walk in!!
