44. 'Club Atletico Boca Juniors' is the most well-liked and famous Argentine fútbol team. They hold the international record of 17 international titles. They play in La Boca, a famous neighborhood of Buenos Aires.
45.
'Hockey sobre patines' (Hockey on roller skates) is a well liked
sport here.
46. August 12 is 'Dia de los Niños.' Children receive gifts just like on Christmas. They have more holidays here than in the states it seems!
47. Parque Ischigualasto (Valle de la Luna) boasts some of the world's oldest fossils, including some from Eoraptor Lunensis, considered to be the most primitive dinosaur in the world. (For all you science buffs).
48. Gas stations and other businesses on the highway offer free hot water for travelers. They fill up their thermos so they can always have a fresh cup of yerba mate (see 24).
49. Jose de San Martin was the primary figure responsible for the independence of Argentina and other Latin American countries. August 17th, the day of his death, is a national holiday.
50. Domingo Faustino Sarimiento is one of the most revered figures in Argentina. He was a politician, escritor, diplomat, journalist and educator. After visiting the U.S., he modeled the Argentine school system on what he saw there and established numerous educational institutions.
46. August 12 is 'Dia de los Niños.' Children receive gifts just like on Christmas. They have more holidays here than in the states it seems!
47. Parque Ischigualasto (Valle de la Luna) boasts some of the world's oldest fossils, including some from Eoraptor Lunensis, considered to be the most primitive dinosaur in the world. (For all you science buffs).
48. Gas stations and other businesses on the highway offer free hot water for travelers. They fill up their thermos so they can always have a fresh cup of yerba mate (see 24).
49. Jose de San Martin was the primary figure responsible for the independence of Argentina and other Latin American countries. August 17th, the day of his death, is a national holiday.
50. Domingo Faustino Sarimiento is one of the most revered figures in Argentina. He was a politician, escritor, diplomat, journalist and educator. After visiting the U.S., he modeled the Argentine school system on what he saw there and established numerous educational institutions.
51. September 11 is teacher's day, another national holiday. This was the day of Sarimiento's death.
52. Most Argentines cannot stand the movie 'Evita'. Madonna played the part of the actress/first lady Eva Peron.
53. The yards in South America give new meaning to the term 'zero lot line'.
54. Latin American Idol has a host that looks almost exactly like Ryan Seacrest!
55. After fútbol games, the police guard the gates in riot gear and do not allow home fans to leave the stadium until the fans of the visiting team have completely left the area.
56. According to figures, the national minimum wage of Argentina is somewhere between 850 -950 pesos a month. (around US $300). Though the law stipulates that employers pay this wage, it is often not enforced.
57. It’s nothing to see someone throw garbage on the ground. This country needs to be educated on trash pick-up!
58. 'Vos' is used in place of 'tú' in many countries, including Argentina. Basically, instead of hablas, one would say hablás. The last syllable is stressed. Not much difference really. There are no stem changes in the 'vos'.
59. The cult of Juan and Evita Perón is not as strong as one would think. While many still respect them, others believe that they created a welfare state where Argentines now see nothing wrong with being unemployed.
60. Machismo is alive and well in Argentina.
61. There is no death penalty here.
62. Nahualito is a lake monster or giant reptile reported to live in el Lago Nahuel Huapi near Bariloche, Argentina. It is the Loch Ness Monster of Patagonia.
63. Students' Day is a nationally recognized 'skip day' celebrated on the first day of spring. All the students get together (locally of course) and throw a huge fiesta.
64. Gauchito Gil is revered as a saint though the Catholic Church fails to recognize him as such. Murdered by a policeman in 1878, today there are many statues (mostly on roadsides) where people stop to pray and ask favors.
65. Huelgas (strikes) are very common. Teachers, waiters, utility workers - almost every profession strikes at some time or another in hopes that their salaries will increase. Often, this interferes with traffic, transportation, school, business, etc...
66. There is no sales tax.
67. All students in public and private primary and secondary schools are required to wear uniforms.
68. Difunta Correa is another 'almost saint' with a large shrine dedicated to her. People stop near the village of Vallecito to ask favors and pray, leaving everything imaginable - pictures, wedding dresses, license plates, uniforms, trophies, doll houses, toys, etc... Legend has it that she died in the desert. When her body was found, her infant son was still attached drinking milk from her tit.
69. The 40th anniversary of the death of Ernesto
'Che' Guevarra was celebrated on October 8th. Numerous commemorations
took place around South America, especially in Argentina, Che's birthplace.
70. 'Che' is a term Argentines use to refer to each other as 'man'. For example, "Que pasa che?"
71. Che Guevarra moved to a country home in Alta Gracia, Argentina as a boy because it was better for his asthma.
72. The Argentina national rugby team advanced farther in the playoffs than ever before in its history before losing to South Africa. They defeated France for 3rd place.
73. Tuesday the 13th, as opposed to Friday the 13th in the U.S., is unlucky in Latin America.
70. 'Che' is a term Argentines use to refer to each other as 'man'. For example, "Que pasa che?"
71. Che Guevarra moved to a country home in Alta Gracia, Argentina as a boy because it was better for his asthma.
72. The Argentina national rugby team advanced farther in the playoffs than ever before in its history before losing to South Africa. They defeated France for 3rd place.
73. Tuesday the 13th, as opposed to Friday the 13th in the U.S., is unlucky in Latin America.
74. Oktoberfest, la fiesta de cerveza, is celebrated the first two weeks of October in Villa Beligrano, a small town of German immigrants. Though not as large as the one in Munich, it still attracts a huge amount of beer drinkers.
76. Mother's Day is celebrated on the third Sunday of October.
77. What is considered the first floor in a building in the U.S. is considered the ground floor here. The second floor is the first floor and so on.
78. Three species that are universal and overabundant - roaches, pigeons, and sparrows.
79. The water in the sink and in the toilet bowl does NOT drain in the opposite direction than it does in Northern hemisphere. (Coriolis Effect).
80. The legal drinking age is 18.
81. Cigarettes and alcohol are sold at the universities.
82. Alcohol is NOT sold at soccer matches (you can imagine why).
83. 80's hairstyles, clothing, music, mullets and many other things are still in style and going strong!
84. Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner wins the presidential elections in Argentina, succeeding her husband Nestor Kirchner. She will be Argentina's second female president and the first to actually be elected.
85. The retirement age for women is 60 and 65 for men.
86. Aconcagua is the highest mountain peak in the Americas at 6962 meters (22.841 feet). They say it takes 10 -14 days to climb.
87. Military time is used almost everywhere, as well as the metric system.
88. Though the tango is the national dance, it is not nearly as popular as the salsa and cumbia.
89. Foreign investment in Argentina is very common and supposedly very easy, especially for larger businesses that get incentives.
90. In the area of San Juan, many mummies that are hundreds of years old have been found that look as if they just recently died. Because of the cold and dry conditions of the area, the climate serves as a natural preserver.
91. Ansilta was the oldest farming community in Argentina. It was located in the San Juan province.
92. Dulce de Leche is a delicious and popular caramel-like syrup put in cakes, ice cream, candy and more. It is made by heating milk and adding sugar. Que rico!!
94. Alamo trees are abundant in many parts of the country. They are tall and lean, and shield crops from the strong winds.
95.
The grapes
are harvested in March. Green grapes
make vino blanco and champagne. Purple
grapes make vino tinto.
96.
On a guy’s
18th birthday, it is a common ritual for his friends to shave his
head.
97.
Instead of
spankings on a birthday, Argentines pull your ears once for every year.
98.
Voting is
obligatory. If citizens don’t vote, they
are fined and sometimes may have trouble when utilizing other government
services.
99.
Rodocrosito
or ‘Inca Rose’ is the national stone of Argentina.
100.
Women significantly outnumber the men.
101.
The new episodes of the TV season begin in Abril as opposed to September
in the U.S. Most shows come from the U.S. and a few from other countries.
Argentina does not have much original
programming.
102.
Argentina has no idea
what Mexican food is, or at least good Mexican food.
103.
When earning a degree similar to a B.A., students take classes related only to
their major. For example, if they choose English, they study only
English. Not math, science, etc...
104.
Women keep their maiden name after they are married but still add their
husband´s name.
105.
Argentinos care little for the 'personal space' we cherish. They are very
affectionate people.
106. The siesta makes more sense when summer arrives, especially in San Juan where the temperature reaches 40 C durante mid-day.
107. Though most of the food is delicious, there is little variety like we have in the U.S.
108. The seasons are opposite of the U.S. when it is winter in Mississippi, it is summer in Buenos Aires.
109. The reason there are so many FORD Falcons (#17) is because the military governments used them while they were in power.
110. Jorge Luis Borges is considered Argentina's greatest writer.
111. Seven Years in Tibet (with Brad Pitt) was actually filmed near Aconcagua instead of the Himalayas.
112. Part of Highlander 2 was filmed in San Juan.
113. Many vehicles use natural gas (GNC) in their car instead of liquid gasoline (NAFTA) because it is much cheaper.
114. The president lives in La Casa Rosada as opposed to the White House.
115. The Dirty War (1976-1983) was a dark time in Argentina's history. The military government kidnapped and sometimes killed tens of thousands of citizens. Others simply disappeared (desaparecidos) as if they never existed. This period still strongly weighs on Argentina's psyche.
116. The Islas Malvinas (Falkland Islands) are a source of much contention between England and Argentina. England currently has claim to them.
117. Argentines and Chileans are always talking bad about each other.
118. Martin Fierro, written by Jose Hernandez, is Argentina's most well known book. It tells the story of the life of a gaucho.
119. Manu Ginobili is considered a god here.
120. The greatest athlete to ever come from Argentina is by far Diego Maradona.
121. Forget receiving phone calls.
The Argentines love to text! (It's cheaper too.)
122. Argentina has a two-tier pricing system, especially in hotels, airports, national parks and other tourist related activities. If you are a foreigner, expect to pay more.
122. Argentina has a two-tier pricing system, especially in hotels, airports, national parks and other tourist related activities. If you are a foreigner, expect to pay more.
123.
When you pay for anything, the cashier courteously counts your change back to
you slowly.
124.
The south is much more expensive and difficult to travel than the north.
It is possible to get stuck in Patagonia for days at a time without
transportation. Many so called 'highways' are nothing but gravel roads.
125.
The bus system is excellent for the most part. Much more comfortable
and clean than in the U.S.
126.
Many Israelis travel South America after college, sort of a rite of passage
into adulthood. We have encountered many of them.
127.
Patagonia is the closest thing on earth to the Garden of Eden.
128.
Perito Moreno Glacier is one of the few glaciers in the world that is not
melting. It advances 2 meters a day!
129. When people think of glaciers and the surrounding area, most automatically think the weather will be cold. It's actually quite warm (at least in the summer).
130.
Many foreigners, especially North Americans, are buying up land in Patagonia.
131.
Many projects to dam the rivers in Patagonia for energy purposes (mostly for
mining) are in the works. This will do irreversible damage to the
surrounding environment.
132.
Many mountain areas and forests have been burnt to make room for farms.
The result - the fires spread and thousands of acres of forest are needlessly
burned.
133.
El lago Nahuel Huapi was formed by a glacier.
134.
Bariloche, one of the most beautiful places in Argentina (besides the rampant
tourism), is also a favorite for seniors after graduation from high school.
135.
It is very common for children to live with their parents until they get married,
even when they are adults.
136.
It is also very common for women to breast feed in public.
137.
The national parks have very well kept, extensive trail systems.
138.
The Alerce (a type of Cypress) is the largest tree in South America. Many
are hundreds of years old.
139.
El Bolsón grows the majority of the country´s hops and has many microbreweries.
140.
Though Quilmes is the favorite national beer (similar to Budweiser), in my
humble opinion, Patagonia and Arancana are by far the best beers.
141.
Many nuclear experiments were carried out on Huemul Island (located in lago
Nahuel Huapi) during the 40´s and 50´s. Now it is a tourist spot.
142.
Ushuaia is the southern most city in the world.
143.
In legal cases, lawyers are able to reference cases from the U.S. to argue
points.
144.
Stray dogs, always seen in every part of the country and coexisting with humans
peacefully, seem to have different personalities, perhaps from being free.
145. The
skies are so clear in Barreal that two observatories (El Leoncito and Félix
Aguilar) have been built to see into space. The government
has enforced strict measures against building in the area to avoid
contamination and pollution in the air.
146.
Southern Right Whales, Tropical Penguins, Elephant Seals, and Sea
Lions migrate to Penínsuña Valdés for part of the year.
147.
In Patagonia, it may be 10 or 11pm before it gets completely dark.
148.
Want to get money from the ATM? Be prepared to wait in a looonnng line
most of the time. The machines
frequently run put of money.
149.
It is legal in many provinces to hunt the puma.
150. The Rio Plata in Buenos Aires is the widest river in the world.
151. En la nochebuena (Christmas Eve), families eat together,
exchange gifts and after midnight, they shoot off fireworks.
152. The heat and humidity in the province of Missiones (in the north) seems to have an effect on local residents. They appear monotone and always fatigued.
153. Arriving by plane to Missiones, one can see where large tracks of the jungle have been cleared for farms.
154. Iguazu Falls (in Missiones) is the one of the largest waterfall systems in the world. It consists of 275 individual falls that extend almost 3 kilometers. Upon first sight, it makes you happy to be alive.
155. The indigenous influence (Guarani Indians) is more evident in the north.
156. Waiters usually don't expect tips. While waiters in the U.S. usually make sure to give customers small change, Argentine waiters do not.
157. If Argentines discipline their children, they definitely don't do it in public. Kids seem to run loose.
158. Soda Stereo is a legendary rock band ('National Rock') that reunited earlier this year for several concerts. Everyone seems to love them.
159. San Juan is famous for its Syrah wine. The governor claims this was the type of wine drank at the last supper (Because the Syrah grape originated in that part of the world).
158. Mendoza produces more wine than any other are of Argentina. It is most famous for the Malbec grape.
159. Because of the large hole in the ozone layer over Antarctica, the sun is stronger in Argentina, especially further south.
160. Argentines, and especially porteños (people form Buenos Aires), use many lunfardo words in their vocabulary. Lunfardo was a dialect supposedly created in prison to throw off the guards. Eventually, it was made popular through the lyrics of Tango music and now it is used in everyday speech. Even Spanish speakers from other countries often need a dictionary to translate.
161. Many people say that after a man turns 35, he is old and it is very difficult to find a steady job.
162. Beware of the hidden 'carga de mesa' (table charge) at restaurants in Buenos Aires.
163. 9th de Julio has 9 lanes and is considered the widest street in the world!
164. El 9 de Julio, 1816, is Argentina's día de independencia.
165. Alter World War II, Juan Peron allowed many Nazi war criminals amnesty in Argentina.
166. Many presidents and other important historical figures, including Evita, are buried in Cementerio Recoleta in Buenos Aires.
167. El Obelisco in Buenos Aires resembles the Washington Monument. However, it stands only 67 meters, as opposed to the Washington Monument at 169 meters.
168. The Argentine dialect of Spanish, often referred to as Rioplatense Spanish, has many influences from the Quechua and Guarani Indians. It also features yeísmo, a characteristic where the ll sound and the y sound have merged into one.
169. All private bathrooms (and some public) have bidets.
170. Almost all big cities have casinos and lotteries.
171. Plaza de Mayo, where the Casa Rosada is located, could use a good cleaning. Does a dirty capital represent a dirty government?
172. Argentina was the first Latin American country to legalize same sex marriage.
173. Buenos Aires has 47 distinct barrios (neighborhoods).
174. Carlos Gardel is considered by many people the greatest tango musician who ever lived.
152. The heat and humidity in the province of Missiones (in the north) seems to have an effect on local residents. They appear monotone and always fatigued.
153. Arriving by plane to Missiones, one can see where large tracks of the jungle have been cleared for farms.
154. Iguazu Falls (in Missiones) is the one of the largest waterfall systems in the world. It consists of 275 individual falls that extend almost 3 kilometers. Upon first sight, it makes you happy to be alive.
155. The indigenous influence (Guarani Indians) is more evident in the north.
156. Waiters usually don't expect tips. While waiters in the U.S. usually make sure to give customers small change, Argentine waiters do not.
157. If Argentines discipline their children, they definitely don't do it in public. Kids seem to run loose.
158. Soda Stereo is a legendary rock band ('National Rock') that reunited earlier this year for several concerts. Everyone seems to love them.
159. San Juan is famous for its Syrah wine. The governor claims this was the type of wine drank at the last supper (Because the Syrah grape originated in that part of the world).
158. Mendoza produces more wine than any other are of Argentina. It is most famous for the Malbec grape.
159. Because of the large hole in the ozone layer over Antarctica, the sun is stronger in Argentina, especially further south.
160. Argentines, and especially porteños (people form Buenos Aires), use many lunfardo words in their vocabulary. Lunfardo was a dialect supposedly created in prison to throw off the guards. Eventually, it was made popular through the lyrics of Tango music and now it is used in everyday speech. Even Spanish speakers from other countries often need a dictionary to translate.
161. Many people say that after a man turns 35, he is old and it is very difficult to find a steady job.
162. Beware of the hidden 'carga de mesa' (table charge) at restaurants in Buenos Aires.
163. 9th de Julio has 9 lanes and is considered the widest street in the world!
164. El 9 de Julio, 1816, is Argentina's día de independencia.
165. Alter World War II, Juan Peron allowed many Nazi war criminals amnesty in Argentina.
166. Many presidents and other important historical figures, including Evita, are buried in Cementerio Recoleta in Buenos Aires.
167. El Obelisco in Buenos Aires resembles the Washington Monument. However, it stands only 67 meters, as opposed to the Washington Monument at 169 meters.
168. The Argentine dialect of Spanish, often referred to as Rioplatense Spanish, has many influences from the Quechua and Guarani Indians. It also features yeísmo, a characteristic where the ll sound and the y sound have merged into one.
169. All private bathrooms (and some public) have bidets.
170. Almost all big cities have casinos and lotteries.
171. Plaza de Mayo, where the Casa Rosada is located, could use a good cleaning. Does a dirty capital represent a dirty government?
172. Argentina was the first Latin American country to legalize same sex marriage.
173. Buenos Aires has 47 distinct barrios (neighborhoods).
174. Carlos Gardel is considered by many people the greatest tango musician who ever lived.
