Impression, Argentina: August 2013

Hey everyone,

It's voting day in Argentina. Sunday, 11th of August; a beautiful, luminously bright day with a cool breeze hinting at Spring just around the corner. Channel TN is showing all the major candidates for the primary election heading to the voting stations to cast their ballot. From Filmus Cabandie of the Victoria Front (the Peronist party of current President Kirchner) to Gabriella Michetti of PRO, (a progressive party with it's strongest support in the capital) the primary is well under way.

From what I have heard there is little doubt that the Peronists will secure a solid win. The main question is which Peronist party will claim the victory. One of my students who is adamantly opposed to the current president and the Peronist party, is voting for another Peronist party, not because she supports it's policies, but because many Argentines believe any party that has a chance at winning the election is better than the current party in power.

I don't know the exact number of parties on the ballot but I believe there are upwards of 30, and in Argentina it is mandatory under most circumstances to vote. If you do not vote and you did not notify the government of your reason for abstaining, you will be fined for not participating in an involuntary "democratic" process. I find this rather strange, but perhaps it works to the advantage of the current party in power who relies heavily on the lower classes and less educated masses to maintain its power. Whatever the case, and for better or worse, mandatory voting has been a mainstay in Argentina since 1914.

On another note, new street art has appeared on Pacheco de Melo. I wrote a blog post several months ago when I first noticed some new street art created two blocks from my house. Well, just recently, more street art has been installed at the corner of calles Melo and Austria. This new art depicts many of Argentina's most prominent minds of the 20th century. Many are Nobel winners, some are prominent doctors or scientists, even the current Pope, who is from Buenos Aires, is among them.

Here are a few photos I snapped one sunny Sunday afternoon.

"For a strong will, nothing is impossible..."

The first time I saw this one I thought it was the actual artist at work


Es la Papa

Finally, as I've mentioned to many friends and students, one of the benefits to not having internet at home is that I can now appreciate the strong cafe culture that flourishes here in BA. This culture seems to have been brought over by the Italians when they immigrated in large numbers during the 20th century.

Personally, I enjoy being able to go to a cafe, order a "cortado", the drink of choice for many Argentines, and work for several hours. "Cortado" can literally be translated as "cut" and is a coffee that is cut with milk to make it less bitter. It's not uncommon to pass 1, 2, or even three hours in a cafe. I recall spending 5 hours one day at a cafe just sitting and speaking with a fellow English teacher.

Many cafes have their own unique style or theme, and for me it's fun to explore and go out on occasion and find a new cafe. I mostly order coffee, but sometimes I will order medialunas or facturas (pastries) to accompany my drink.

Here are a few pics of the cafes that I frequent most often.

The Americano I ordered at the Felfort Cafe on Avenida Pueyrredon. Cafes usually give you a few galletitas (cookies) or a chocolate and a glass of sparkling water to go with your drink.