By Audrey Reed
Buenos Aires Correspondent
Help! We are stuck in a time warp.
Though the Buenos Aires group has only been in Argentina for two weeks, we already have begun to enjoy South American life. However, in this process we have observed lifestyles reminiscent of various eras.
These differences in culture are by no means a bad thing, but often provide a lesson in Argentine customs.
The 1960s. They love the Beach Boys. For example, when any girl tells an Argentine that she is from California, he will almost surely say. “I can’t believe it! You are one of the girls from the song!” The song is of course the Beach Boys’ “California Girls.”
The 1970s. Remember the mint green kitchen tiles or those bright orange linens circa “The Brady Bunch?”
The1980s. Mullets abound in this city. In all reality, they are technically not mullets, but actually “Cubas,” a popular hairstyle for rugby players. Also, 80s music is everywhere too. Most of these songs are well known, such as “Video Killed the Radio Star” or “The Time of Our Lives.” However, occasionally there is a song in English I ‘ve never heard. The only possible reason for this is that U.S. radio stations refused to play them.
The 1990s. Two words: Kevin Costner. My homestay mother watches all his movies (subtitled in Spanish) and says “How handsome!” (in Spanish). He’s as big as George Clooney here. Besides 80s pop music, techno has taken over every single dance place in the city.
But much of the time warp has been avoided. We have all been keeping busy with excursions, parties and occasionally class.
Classes began on Sept. 20 at the Catholica University of Argentina (UCA). This is the first semester that Pepperdine students have attended UCA, and it is about a 45-minute commute each way. That has allowed us to explore other parts of the city outside the area of our homes and Casa Holden.
We also took a bus tour of the city to better acquaint ourselves with Buenos Aires. The tour took us to several different parts of the city. On of the most memorable was the Barrio, or neighborhood, of La Boca. This area has buildings and homes that are painted in bright colors. We enjoyed watching and playing soccer with children, perusing vendors’ tables and dancing to street musicians.
Another highlight of our first two weeks was the birthday party given to honor Program Director Rafael de Sanzo. And this weekend one group of students will go to the southern-most point of South America to Ushaia for skiing and hiking. Another group will travel to Iguazu, in northwestern Argentina, to view waterfalls.
With the program in its early days, more trips and more learning about Argentine culture will certainly occur.
So until we go back to the United States, or should I say back to the future, hand over the glow sticks and turn up the Culture Club.
October 02, 2003