What I Learned Working Remotely in Buenos Aires
I would never have guessed that working abroad would teach me much more about myself and life. In Buenos Aires, I found a passionate and alive city, and it showed me a side of myself that I never knew existed. I learned to be more independent and to appreciate the little things. Working abroad taught me to be adaptable and always keep an open mind. Most importantly, I learned that amazing things can happen when you step out of your comfort zone.
I Can Consume An Impressive Amount of Steak and Vino (Wine)
Argentina is touted as the meat capital of South America - and deservedly so. The grass-fed beef served in Parrillas (grill houses) across the country attracts visitors from across the globe. Restaurants are packed seven days a week, and the really good ones require a reservation one, or sometimes several weeks in advance. Of course, nothing pairs better with a mouthwatering steak than an exquisite dry red wine, and luckily for me, Argentina produces some of the best wine on the continent.
However, dining out in Buenos Aires was a treat not just because of the delicious food that stayed true to traditional recipes and preparation methods, but also because of the rock-bottom prices I was paying for a meal that would melt my taste buds. And this brings me to the next thing I learned…
I'm Richer Than I Thought
As a Toronto native, I grew accustomed to the trend of paying more to receive less. For example, it wouldn't be absurd for two people to spend a couple of hundred dollars on a night of dinner and drinks. In Buenos Aires a couple of hundred dollars feeds five or six grown adults. A weakened peso to the US dollar has made Buenos Aires and Argentina, in general, a financial life hack for those who can work abroad. While inflation has soared to an all-time high on imported items, locally produced items, such as food, clothing, transportation, and wine (ahem), are a fraction of the price one would pay in a city like Toronto.
11 am Is the New 9 am
Toronto is known for its early mornings, with shops and stores opening as early as 7 am. But I saw something very different when strolling around Palermo, Buenos Aires. Stores typically don't open until later, around 10 am or 11 am. This means people can enjoy sleeping a bit longer and live more relaxedly. It's one of the things that makes Buenos Aires unique and special and brings me to my subsequent discovery...
Take a Break; You Deserve It
It's not uncommon to stroll along the avenue on a weekday afternoon to find cafes, restaurants, parks, and other social gathering venues full of people just enjoying life. We often get caught up in the rat race typical of big Metropolitan cities, and Buenos Aires is undoubtedly one of them. But from what I can see, Argentinians know how to balance their work and play time better than other cities worldwide.
Nightlife Is a Way of Life
Buenos Aires is a city that never sleeps. There is always something to do, whether it be going out to a trendy bar, clubbing until the sun comes up, or attending one of the many cultural events that occur throughout the week. For residents of Buenos Aires and the tourists visiting, the nightlife is a way of life.
Buenos Aires is a fantastic destination to visit and work abroad. It is culturally rich, has excellent cuisine, an active nightlife, and is reasonably priced. I highly recommend it to anyone looking for an unforgettable experience.