The Juxtaposition that is Buenos Aires

In my first month living inBuenos Aires, I've found that this is a city of many contrasts and juxtapositions.

It's a world class city rich in culture, and history with European influence.

Yet the country is very unstable economically, financially, and politically. "Blue markets" exist on Florida Street and through word of mouth exchanges to get cash and US dollars. Crime is rampant.

Architecture is grande and bold like the churches, congress buildings, and statues that you see in Italy and France. Yet, they're smothered in graffiti.

Porteno's (Buenos Aires locals from the "port") are extremely health conscious. There's a cross fit gym and pilates studio on every block, and people go running in the parks all throughout the day. Yet, the Porteno's chain smoke cigarettes.

The natives drink a ton of wine, eat lots of red meat, have late night dinners, and party until the sun rises. But they are physically fit and lean.

And dog lovers and their dog walkers walk their well-groomed designer pooches throughout their uppity barrios (neighborhoods), only to leave dog poop scatted and smeared all over sidewalks.

Through all of this, we're learning to call this place "home."

There's more to our story about the contrasts and adventures that is life in Buenos Aires. But those will be saved for a future post.