Reflection: The Little Things

It's been over a week here, and while I absolutely love it, I have also noticed the small things that I didn't expect to be different. It is so fun to see the things/customs that Argentina has that America doesn't, but I have also reflected on the things that we take for granted so much in the United States.

1. Paper goods- I don't know why, but paper goods must be more expensive here, as they are not as high in quality (or as available) as they are in the US. I never realized I took two-ply toilet paper for granted until I got here! I haven't seen it once, and in some places, you need to pay to use toilet paper at all. Also, the napkins on dinner tables are all made out of wax paper almost; imagine using gift wrap/ tissue paper to wipe your mouth after a meal- that's what it's like here. Post Cards are also way more pricey than the US; so for those of you waiting for one, I promise I'm trying to send you one, I'm just on the lookout for a better deal! There are also "Cartoneros" here- cardboard collectors- who dig through the day's trash at night, looking for any sort of recyclable product that they can exchange for money.
   
   
   

   

   
   

   

   Cartonero

2. Reliability of the U.S. Dollar- Face it, we have it good when it comes to the dollar. Yes, we may be in a little recession or whatever, and people may complain about our economy, but it is nothing compared to what the Peso is doing here in Argentina. Argentina suffered an economic crisis in the late 90s-early 2000s, where the peso decreased in value- hard and fast. Today, the Peso remains unsteady and much weaker than the US dollar. US dollars are in super high demand, solely because they are consistent, and are around 4-6 times more valuable than the peso. In fact, as an American here in Argentina, it is impossible for me to even access American Dollars from the bank or ATM. I will only be able to get US dollars once I leave the country, but until then, it is just Pesos for me. This is due to the fact that many Americans in Argentina were being kidnapped and forced to make withdrawals in US Cash, due to the high demand for the US dollar here. Therefore, it is now illegal for anyone who is not native to Argentina to request dollars; but even that, the natives can only receive up to certain amount in dollars- around just $300- if they are planning to use the cash abroad. Also, I can't ever say I am ever worried about counterfeit money back home. Yes, it exists, but it is a big deal here. Every time after I pay for something, the cashier will hold my pesos up to the light checking to see if they are real...even if it's just a small purchase. I hope I never get handed fake bills for change here, but in the words of the ISA director, "if that happens, you'll get a souvenir to take home because no one else will take it!"
   
   
   

   

   
   

3. Consistent Hot Water- My host family has access to hot water, which I am very thankful for. However the "hot" water usually never gets past lukewarm. I am definitely more conscious of my shower time and water use here, which is something I am glad to respect and value.
   
4. Traffic Laws- This seems silly, but seriously, be thankful about the safety of our American streets! No one here abides by traffic laws...and I'm not quite sure if they even exist! The cars, motorcycles, and huge buses literally try to weave around each other, squeezing into the smallest spaces, and making the tightest turns. The painted lines on the road has little to no effect on how people drive, ans they are constantly driving over or on the lines, halfway between two lanes. Pedestrians here also do not have the right-of-way, so it is pretty much a death sentence if you don't cross the street at the appropriate moment. More deaths happen here because of traffic than any other cause! Ayy!
   
5. Drinking Water- Yes, there is clean drinking water here in Argentina, so please don't think I'm drinking out of a filthy river everyday! Haha! While there are water filters my host family's drinking water, I have to be cautious about how much I drink due to the fact it is water from another country and my body may not be used to it quite yet. I never knew how much water I drink until I had to consciously think about doing it. Also, water is not free here when going out to eat; another thing taken for granted!
   
   
   

   

   
   

   
   

   
   

   
   

6. Toliet Flushes- I'm serious. I never have thought twice about flushing a toilet. It's simple; walk in, do your business, press the flusher, done. Easy as that. However, here, it's not like that. There are no flushers- but rather, buttons! The button is pressed and held to determine how much water is flushed down the toilet. Because electricity and water is billed by the amount of use here, often people just flush enough to rinse the water a bit. Most times, the (used) toilet paper is still left floating. I never thought this would be a difference here, but hey, it is!

 I love, love, love Buenos Aires- please don't get me wrong. I just believe it is important to reflect on how fortunate we really are at home in the states, even if only for the little things. Argentina is a developed country that is doing quite well overall;  things are great here and by no means are lacking in necessities. However, there are places that are not as fortunate as Argentina, which makes me truly consider and appreciate the smallest of "luxuries". Next time you use that two-ply Cottonelle, thank your little booty and nation! ;)