Living in Argentina Interview with Sonja Albrecht
January 8th, 2008 Posted in culture, lifestyleWritten by Shanie
During our first extended period of time living in Bariloche, before we moved here permanently, we met another person from the States that we became good friends with, Sonja. At the end of the winter she had to return to the mother land. Now that she has been back a while I was interested in her retrospective thoughts and views of life now. She was kind enough to do an interview with me and here is what she had to say:
What made you choose Argentina?
Initially, the landscape. The wide open spaces, the Patagonian peaks, glaciers. I feel at home in that sort of extreme and isolated landscape. I didn’t really know much about the people or the culture before going, but I had a general impression that Argentines were open and fun-loving and that drew me to the country as well.
How long did you live there?
I lived there for a year.
What things did you like the most about Argentina?
I liked the values people lived by: family and friends seemed to be number one in everyone’s book. Work and money was a means to an end, not something that could consume you or define you. People had what they needed, and not a whole lot more. I lived a relatively pared-down existence here, and came to love that.
I had the impression almost as soon as I arrived that life made more sense to me here than it had at home. Even though I was a foreigner, I felt less.. disconnected from my environment & other people.
What things did you not like?
I didn’t like being perceived (by some) as a rich tourist with plenty of money to spare. I also got frustrated by some of the absurd formalities–the sense that ‘this is just the way things are done,’ because they’ve always been done that way.
What was your favorite place?
hmmm… that’s a tough one. My single favorite spot would have to be the pass on the Torres del Paine circuit (the large loop), which has a sweeping panorama view of Glacier Grey… but that’s technically in Chile. Closer to ‘home’ (Bariloche), I would have to say Cerro Tronador. In Mendoza, the little plaza de los poetas.
Was there any particular relationship with an Argentine that deeply affected you?
Yes, I met my Argentine twin in Mendoza. We hit it off right away and went traveling for a couple weeks to Cordoba (her hometown) and to the beaches south of Buenos Aires. It was interesting to meet a kindred spirit who had grown up in a different culture. Since we understood each other so well, I was able to see the world through her eyes & I learned a lot. Also I saw another side of Argentina, traveling with a local off the beaten path.
What suggestions would you give to someone thinking of moving to Argentina? Is there anything that you would do differently during your time abroad?
If possible, stay for more than a year! I felt like I was just settling into life there and making friends when I left. I spent most of my time traveling around… and of course I don’t regret a minute of it, but it would have been nice to have even more time to put down some roots and live like a local for a while. Actually, even given just a year I would try for more of a ‘travel-living there’ balance.
Did things, or your perception of them, change since you have been back in the US after a year living abroad? Has living away from the US changed you? If so, how?
Absolutely. I had thought that leaving Argentina was the end of my experience, but I have learned just as much in my three months back home.. about US and Argentine culture. The contrast and culture shock coming home was a lot more profound than I expected. I have a totally different perception of my home culture than I did before. I really appreciate the affect this has had on me–living in Argentina helped me clarify my values and what makes me happy, instead of just accepting what everyone around me is doing. Now that I’m back, I’m somewhat swept into the tide of US life, but I can also seek out the things I liked about Argentina. Taking more time out for my friends, not defining myself by my job, keeping it simple and blocking out the constant media chatter we’re exposed to here. I also appreciate more what I used to take for granted about US culture, like the opportunity and cultural diversity.
Do you think that you will live abroad again? If so, where?
Yes! Argentina… this time I will live in Buenos Aires for a while, I think. Eventually I would also like to live in Europe, since I have family roots there.
Thank you Sonja for taking the time to share your thoughts with us. We miss you and hope you come back soon!
