Favorite Things…Buenos Aires Style! (#1 – Fiestas!)

For the past few weeks I have been meaning to compile a list of favorite things I love about life in Buenos Aires. This is a result of my recent reflection on “Attentiveness and Call to Place,” recently posted on This Ignatian Life blog. You can read the reflection here: http://ignatianlife.org/attentiveness-and-call-to-place/.

These first weeks of 2011 I have often found myself out and about thinking, “Oh yah, I love this about Buenos Aires!” But, I neglect to make a note of them. So, instead of waiting to make a list, I will post favorite things as I recognize them (in no particular order).

So, #1…FIESTAS! Argentines know how to throw a party and it usually involves lots of food, music and dancing into the wee hours of the night (or morning). While I have now acquired quite a few favorite Latin dance tunes, I am afraid I still lack the moves. I was reminded of how much I love Argentine parties just this past week when we had a despedida (farewell party) for our WMF intern, Matt. Parties here don’t really get going around 10:00 PM and go until at least 3:00 or 4:00 AM. And if you leave at 1:00 or 2:00, you are the first to leave. After three years in Argentina, this party timeframe has become my new normal and I even try to be one of the last to leave (a goal not always reached). I still have a lot to learn about hosting a party myself, but I will keep working on it. The Deans and I recently hosted a sabbatical despedida for the Forcattos. We laughed at how often we huddled together to try and be good hosts. (How many norteamericanos does it take to throw an Argentine party??)

Our church and circle of friends really know how to celebrate well community, friendship and big life events! All one has to do is scan my FB pics for highlights of these fun celebrations.

So, thank you Argentina, friends and community for the celebrations of friendship and life together!