Here is a collection of photos which for me represent “only in Argentina” moments. By that, I mean, an overly stereotyped portrayal of things that stand out to me in every day life in Argentina. And by Argentina, I mean Buenos Aires.
I love Argentina, but you have to admit it has its idiosyncrasies as well!
#1 Bureaucracy
The bureaucracy in this country is so inefficient that even people at a Rápipago (quick pay) station have to line up and wait forever to hand in a form…
Not to mention the chaos of picking up a package. Stand by for my article about this incident!
#2 Che Guevara
This restaurant also serves to support the Mothers of the Plaza de Mayo.
In case you thought that the commercialising of Che’s image was only a concept of capitalist nations…
#3 Random Religious Shrines
This shrine in the Port district of Buenos Aires took us by surprise. Mary looks absolutely miserable for some reason.
I saw someone using this subway station shrine one time, so they’re definitely not unused.
#4 Nationalism
It really doesn’t do much to go against the stereotype of Argentinians being arrogant and self-absorbed.
It’s nice that someone went back and crossed out all the anti-Semitic symbolism, but still! Why was it there in the first place?!
#5 Propaganda
Unfortunately I was unable to take a photo myself at the time, but within a week after the Argentinian Pope was elected in 2013, this political propaganda started cropping up everywhere (I liked to call it “Popaganda”). They translate as: “Francisco I: Argentinian and Peronist” and try to show that the Pope approves of the current government.
Speaking of propaganda, it’s everywhere. Here’s one mourning the death of former Venezuelan president Hugo Chávez back in 2013.
#6 Questionable, Antiquated Infrastructure
The roads of Avenida de Mayo flooded over onto the footpaths during one rainy day…
#7 Seemingly Unnecessary Proclamations of Hygiene
If you could read the back of this carton of milk, you’d see the graph down the bottom showing when the cows have been vaccinated against various diseases. Hooray!
Every so often you read notice these signs assuring you that their food products are safe to consume, something which I would have taken for granted. This milk carton is letting you know that unlike with other milk brands, their cows are regularly vaccinated against disease, so you can drink away without fear of ingesting harmful bacteria.
#8 Bizarre Ambulance Sirens
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ejqebFw8lCs
I don’t think this will ever not make me laugh. Particularly the honking part.
#9 Casual Militant Presence
“Don’t mind us. We’re just hanging around… Just in case…”
#10 Making Do
Don’t have a use for the other half of your building? No problem!