Things I Will Miss

There are plenty of American things I miss being in Argentina. But I've been thinking, as I've reached close to my half-way mark, that there are many things that I will miss about this culture. As I've said, the Argentines are terribly refined. It isn't terrible though. It is just over the top for someone who comes from such a society as my own. When you go to have a coffee here, with a friend, or just to have a coffee, no matter the casualness of the situation, no one cares, you will be brought: your coffee, a small glass of water, a couple of sweets (small cookies), and sugar. It is a process, it is a celebration, or rather a moment to enjoy yourself. Eating here is not really the point, rather it is the company you share, and that you will be relaxed as you do so. The McDonalds here has a McCafe, a wonderful invention, a great cafe, with waiters, clean bathrooms, good coffee. Something like this wouldn't really fly in the States. This is why I don't think that Starbucks has infiltrated (there is NO Starbucks here), because they have no use for the coffee to go. This bothered me at first, but it makes me realize that perhaps it is better to sit and have your coffee, to be here now, to be aware of what you are doing as you are doing it. And be "tranqui" or "tranquilo," this is said a lot, especially to us Americans who are not. I can't really translate this word, although I'm sure you understand the literal meaning, because I don't think in the States we have it in us or our society isn't tailored for such a word to exist.