FUN FACT #1 : Despite what repuation Argentine's have in the city,mostly everyone I have encountered is willing to help and a goodamount speak english! Do not fret.
FUN FACT #2 : BEWARE of dog poop. Its literally everywhere. When Ifirst got here I came so close to stepping on it everytime I walked outof the house.
FUN FACT #3 : CARS DO NOT STOP. City drivers are ruthless. I am notexaggerating when I say that they don't like to use the brake. Followthe walk lights. Seriously... it's no joke.
FUN FACT #4: Be RIDICULOUSLY careful with your electronics, wallets, etc. I had my ipod stolen and I have had too many friends get things stole in the Subte or out at bars and clubs. Out of a group of 80, I would say more than half had something stolen.
FUN FACT #5: THE SUBTE. Ok, so as in any city there is an unofficalsystem which all city dwellers abide by. Here, "the system" theyabide by is that they don't abide by any system or adhere to anygeneral etiquite. People will touch you and not say sorry, there is nosuch thing as personal space, and.... it doesn't really phase anyone.
Our natural American instinct is to say to ourselves, "Geez they couln't
have taken one step over to let me in?" But an Argentine's responseis, "I gotta get in and it doesn't matter if anyone is there, I simplyhave to get on the Subte.¨ In no way is it personal its just how itis.
Also you may here someone say to you, "Bajas?" and this just meansare you getting off and you can respond with si or no (obviously). Andyou know just by being in the cities in the states that there arebeggers, people selling stuff, and musicians... the usual. If you aresitting down sometimes little kids will come by and put something onyour lap and just leave it there, they come to pick it up and move on.No harm, no foul. The Subte is an experience and something thathonestly was the biggest adjustment for me.
FUN FACT #6: Eating schedule. Here the food schedule is different, and I really enjoy it.Breakfast: yogurt, milk, cereal, tostadas, banana Lunch: anytime from 1-4 pm. This includes empanadas, milanesa, sandwhiches (meat, lettuce, tomate, cheese, ham, hard boiled egg) is the most common, usually nothing too fancy.Merienda: 6-8. Usually the same things offered for breakfast, plus coffee, tea, and sweets! What is merienda? You just go to a cafe and sit and talk for a few hours then get on with you evening. It's a the perfect regroup time!
FUN FACT #7: Types of coffee!!! You think I am joking, but these are all the choices you have....(Warning: I do not drink coffee so I may be mistaken)Cafe con Leche - Coffee with hot milk Cafe Americano - Similar to an expresso (very strong)Cafe Cortado - Coffee cut with a little milkUna Lagrima - Milk cut with a dash of coffee (my favorite)Un te comun - My usual....regular black tea (have to ask for milk if you want it)
FUN FACT #8: Restaurant Lingo
FUN FACT #9: AGUA
FACT #10: Water is not free! You are charged 12 or more pesos at restaurants for water so bring water bottles for during the day! Other wise your pesos will fly out your wallet (Trust me it happened to me, at restaurants they do not automatically bring out water like in the US)
FUN FACT #11: Some times taxis do not accept 100 peso bills, so hoard your small change!! Also if you only have a 100 peso bill let them know when you first get in the cab to see if they have change.
FUN FACT #12: Not all museums are free. They are cheaper for students and for residents but bring your id's.
FUN FACT #15: The city is WONDERFUL, but I highly recommend traveling to other parts. It is a phenomenal country :)
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