The year leading up to my study abroad in Argentina was filled with indecisiveness and a few too many (unsolicited) opinions. The choice was between Madrid and Buenos Aires. I wanted to go to Buenos Aires because, while I’d never been to Madrid, I had done a lot of traveling in Europe, but none in South America. I wanted use my time abroad to see and experience things that were completely different from our own culture, and I felt that Buenos Aires was the perfect place to do that.
However, I always felt I had to defend my decision against a few very opinionated friends and my mother who tried their best to dissuade me: Argentina is dangerous. You think you can really live in Latin America? Will they have all the technology and luxuries you’re accustomed to? Europe is better than South America, hell Europe is better than America. But, always the stubborn one, I refused to adopt this Euro-centrist view and decided to go to Argentina for six months instead.
I discovered that Argentina is a country of immigrants, primarily made up of people from Italy and Spain (but also small populations from Germany, England and other various European countries) who did not mix with the indigenous people nor the African slaves. The goal in constructing Buenos Aires was to build a European city in South America, specifically modeled after Paris. The result? A chic city that’s a mix between New York and Paris, with a European sophistication and a dash of Latin flair that’s a little rough around the edges. And while Buenos Aires has a heavy European influence, it still gave me the opportunity to travel throughout South America and have experiences that I never would have had otherwise.
Although I was (and still am) thoroughly pleased with my decision, I always wondered about a little place called Spain. So when the opportunity arrose to live in Spain, I jumped at the chance to take it. Now that I’ve lived here for almost four months, I feel that I can make a pretty adequate comparison between the two countries and their respective cultures.
So in the epic battle between Argentina and Spain, who will win? There's only one way to find out...
Madrid vs. Buenos Aires: Over winter break I met several Argentines who were quick to prompt me on my opinion on Spain vs. Argentina. They’d just come from Madrid and had decided that it “es lo mismo que Buenos Aires!” (the same as Bs As) For the most part, I agree. Madrid and Bs As are both very beautiful cities with gorgeous architecture. They are both busy and bustling, although the Argentine capitol is much larger than Madrid. They both have vast green parks and lovely plazas. They also have a long list of international cuisines, fine dining options, relaxing cafes and a lively nightlife. However, Madrid is MUCH cleaner than BsAs. In BsAs it was just a part of the culture to litter, and it is not looked down upon at all. So while the city was beautiful, you had to watch your step for fear of trash and dog poop.
Madrid? Buenos Aires? Can you tell the difference?
Food: This one is a little tricky because I feel that I'm a little biased here. My host mom in Argentina was an amazing cook, so I always went back for seconds (and thirds...understandably why my jeans curiously ceased to button at the end of my time abroad). Their steaks are the best in the world - they literally melt on your tongue - and I haven't been able to look at (or eat) a steak they same way since. On the other hand, Spain's mediterranean menu serves up a large variety of seafood, which is something I swore off eating years ago. The other protagonist on the menu is ham in all it's various forms: serrano, york, etc. The good thing about Spanish food is that it's healthy because all the foods are cooked in olive oil. And while there are a few dishes that have become my go to during tapas (patatas bravas, bombas), I have to say that Argentine food is better.
Flamenco vs. tango: The flamenco: intense and exhilarating. Tango: simultaneously nostalgic and sultry. Both: passionate dances that I wish I could do. The flamenco was conceived by the gypsies in Andalucia while the tango was created by poor Italian immigrants in Boca’s milongas. They have some shared similarities and influences, intriguing histories and are accompanied by their own respective beautiful and unique music styles. They both also have an indescribable ability to draw in and captivate people from all over the world. And for me, they are equally seductive and inspiring.
Flamenco
Tango
Europe vs. Latin America: It’s very simple: I love Europe. But I’ve always had a strong intrigue with Latin American culture, history, music, etc. I’ll say this, I like to live in Europe, but I love to immerse myself in latin culture.
Los chicos: Spain wins. Although Argentine and Spanish boys have very similar physical features, there’s no escaping the prevelance of the machismo factor that inundates men in Argentina. Although Spain has a machismo society too, it’s gotten better over the years and is presently more subdued. In my interactions with the opposite sex here, everything seems more comfortable. In Argentina I literally had to push, punch and slap to keep guys from touching me on a night out. Seems like you get the same package, just with a nicer gift inside in Spain.
Spaniards vs. Argentines: Hands down, the Argentines. Throughout the Spanish speaking community, both Argentines and Spaniards have a bad reputation. Argentines are infamous for being arrogant, cheeky and thinking they are generally better than the other latinos they share a continent with, mostly because they think they belong in Europe rather than in South America. But in my experience, this is more of a show. Because once you’re in their country they are the warmest, most welcoming people. Stop a random person for directions and they will tell you their life story and ask for yours too. Similarly, Spaniards have a reputation of being unfriendly and contemptuous; after all they think they "discovered" the "New World" and conquered most of Latin America. The unfortunate difference is that I've found the stereotype about Spaniards to have some truth. I’ve found many people here to be rude and aloof, but that's not to say that I haven't also have met some wonderfully nice people too.
Marcha vs. Joda: These are terms to describe nightlife or partying: marcha (Spain) and joda (Argentina). I'd say it's pretty much a tie. They both have similar routines of eating a late dinner, going to a bar, and officially starting the night past midnight and not ending it until the sun comes up. They both also make me feel generally old and out of practice, as I struggle to keep the party going 'til the morning hours.
Joda
Marcha
Fashion: Spain takes the cake (or perhaps more appropriately, the shoes). Spanish women are very fashion-forward and conscience. They always seem to dress to impress even while running the most mundane of errands. Argentine men dress well, but I just couldn't get into the style of Argentine women's clothing. However, Argentines do put themselves together and generally dress better than Americans (i.e. you will never see someone in sweats out and about in the city).
Lifestyle: Spain and Argentina seem to share the "work to live" mentality that Americans lack. They see work as a part of life, but not the dominate or defining part of life. In both cultures, the most important part of life is the pleasure gained from spending free time with family and friends, relaxing in a cafe or going for a walk in a park. In short, both cultures enjoy appreciating the smaller things in life, which is an aspect that I don't mind assimilating to all ;)
Malbec vs. Rioja: I must say, apart from fashion, this is my particular area of expertise: el vino. When I first arrived in Argentina, I was a white wine lover to the core. But Argentina taught me not only how to appreciate a fine wine, but how to also appreciate a red wine. Malbec and Rioja are both medium to full bodied red wines that usually take a more experienced pallet to appreciate. Malbec is a bit stronger and is the perfect compliment to steaks. Rioja is a bit smoother and goes well with food or solo. Whichever is your pick, in my opinion, they are both equal parts liquid divinity and pleasure.
Accents: The accents from these two countries serve as an immediate giveaway of from where their respective holders hail. The Argentines are infamous for their distinct accent, pronouncing "y" and "ll" as a "j" or with a "shh" sound (i.e. - Yo llegue ayer -- Jo jegue ajer or Shho shhegue ashher) They sing their Spanish instead of speak it. The result is a beautiful language that falls somewhere between Italian and Spanish. Spaniards, on the other hand, speak with a rather odd accent, pronouncing "c" and "z" with a lisp (i.e. - corazon -- corathon). When I first arrived, I despised the Spanish accent (don't even get me started on the Andaluz accent - that's another post all together) and held stead fast to my Argentine accent. To my surprise, Spaniards LOVE the Argentine accent and find it unique and sexy, which just cemented the fact that I should keep my accent. Also to my surprise, I do not despise the Spanish accent as much as I did upon arrival, but there's still no doubt in my mind, or in my ears, that the Argentine accent is the more attractive of the two.
Kirchner vs. Zapatero: When it comes to the world of government and politics, I have to ask you to pardon my crudeness when I say: Argentina and Spain both suck. HARD. Both countries are entirely inefficient, unorganized and needlessly complicate the easiest of processes. However, my frustrations only seem to simmer here while in Argentina they definitely boiled over due to the fact the country is saturated in corruption.
Overall, there are characteristics that I've fallen in love with from both countries and cultures. There are also other aspects that I could do with out from each. I think the best way to describe my sentiments is this: I left my heart in Argentina, but I'm falling hard for Spain ;)
Besitos,
B
