Day 5: Los Porteños!

On Thursday, we started our day with a swift breakfast in the hotel and a short walk to the Casa Rosada--workplace of the Argentinian president--where we began a scavenger hunt that was organized by an Argentinian travel company that we have been working with so far on this trip.

As we split into groups (los carpinchos, los chocotortas, y los empanadas), we began to walk around the city and complete tasks along the way. These challenges often included talking to friendly strangers or organized actors and asking many questions regarding the daily lives of Argentinians.

For example, we asked an actor (our previous tour guide Fernando) and other locals (pedestrians, workers, police officers, etc.) questions about Argentinian football. In turn they taught us facts like how fans of the team River Plate are called “Los millionarios” (the millionaires) because their home stadium, which is el estadio mas monumental of South America, is located in a wealthy neighborhood. In addition, we were taught a few Argentinian football chants and practiced them aloud. Danny and Edge talked to many bonita chicas (solely for scavenger hunt purposes). Specifically 3 chicas bonitas. Muy bonitas.

Other activities in the scavenger hunt included searching through a market for a popular Argentine lemonade, watching a live dance performance with accompanying music, and asking more locals questions about Argentinian culture. Notably, students were tasked with learning about certain Argentinian hand signals that can signify anything from a cheap price to serious danger. For instance, we found out that the pinching of the skin beneath the eyes acts as a signal to watch out for danger.

Eventually, all three groups meandered through the city successfully and met up at a restaurant where all students ate choripanes, a bread sausage dish that is a common staple for many Argentinians. Towards the end of the game, we all tallied up our points and reflected on what we learned as several members of each group were quizzed on their knowledge. In the end, we were all winners (landslide chocotorta victory)

During the second half of the day, the group visited a neighborhood called La Boca, which is extremely well known for its market and love for football. Before entering, our tour guide mentioned to us, “football is the number one religion in Argentina, and it trumps all else.” Located around a large mouth of the river, La Boca is home to the most popular Argentinian football team, Boca Juniors, whose fans are extremely loyal and wild. Through paintings, murals and the stadium, we saw how much football means to this community, as they idolize stars like Diego Maradona and Lionel Messi. As we ventured through the neighborhood, we began to see the reality of our guides quote, and we were surrounded by football culture and the bright colors of yellow and blue.

After we visited the Boca Juniors stadium and learned some of the wild history of the club, the group broke off to explore the markets, as students bought several items including hats, sunglasses, soccer balls, souvenirs and many football jerseys. Other students decided to take a more relaxing journey as they sat down to watch a school of fish swim around in the mouth of the river.

Following an hour of free time, we commuted via bus to a local mall where we concluded our daily adventure with a quick dinner in the food court. Edge and Yash signing out.