Well, as much as I’ve been pushing this off because I don’t want to admit it’s over, it’s finally time. I’ve been back at USC for a couple months, and I wanted to reflect on my time in Argentina— time I will always cherish.
Coming back to the US was honestly kind of weird. I’d never been abroad that long, so I was fully in Argentina mode by that point. I had to stop myself from greeting the customs officer at the airport in Spanish (although, considering this was the Miami International Airport, it really wouldn’t have been out of place either way). Signs being in English, Ubers being way more expensive, and the weather going from cold to hot all of a sudden were just a few of the changes that stuck out to me.
As time went on, I found myself missing the most random things about Argentina. I missed my favorite restaurant there, Taco God, where the staff always greeted me by name (I still do miss their tacos). I missed hanging out with my new friends (both exchange students and Argentines). I missed seeing Messi and the Pope’s faces everywhere. I especially missed being able to practice my Spanish every day.
Even coming back to Columbia was kind of weird. I had been away so long that so many things changed. My friends would reference events that happened during the spring semester and I would be completely out of the loop. At the same time, they didn’t automatically know what I was referring to when I referenced my own experiences that semester. It can feel like there’s a bit of disconnect at times, but that gets much better over time.
At the same time, there were so many things I hadn’t even realized I missed while I was in Argentina. I was glad to once again know which store to go to for which items. I had, of course, missed my dog dearly. I also missed driving my car, playing my playlist, and singing loudly and obnoxiously on the way to Target to buy things I don’t need. I think that goes to show how any place becomes special after a certain amount of time. While I am glad to be back with my friends and family, part of my heart will always be in Buenos Aires.
When I look back at my semester abroad, it’s the little things I’ll remember the most. Drinking mate all the time. Working on a group project in my digital marketing class with four Argentines and trying hard to speak perfect Spanish with them (and not mess up the group presentation). Alfajores (these cookie sandwiches filled with dulce de leche and coconut that are absolutely delicious). Polo lessons with my friend Rocio. Not knowing the words to most of the songs that played and getting excited when I finally recognized a tune (like Gasolina). Explaining to the Uber drivers that my name is not pronounced the way the word “she” in Spanish (ella, which is pronounced like ay-sha in Argentine Spanish) is pronounced. Watching hockey games at the bar where the bartenders knew me by name, order, and channel request. My accent slowly morphing more and more into an Argentine accent, despite my insistence that I would not use vos as a pronoun (I eventually did and still do). Getting to know the layout of the two airports in Buenos Aires the way I know my home airports. All of those experiences are the kind of things that don’t necessarily make social media posts, but they stick with you the most. Gracias por todo, Argentina. Te extraño.
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