Argentines are big on birthdays. Here are a few stories to give you an idea:
On my host-sister’s birthday the phone rang off the hock because there are few things more rude that forgetting to “saludar” (greet/wish-well) a family member or close friend on their birthday.
When my host-brother-in-law turned 35, his parents took the 8-hour bus over the mountains just to come to the birthday dinner.
One morning in early June, my host-mom told me she hadn’t been able to sleep the night before because it was my birthday and the house was so dirty. She checked when my birthday actually was and was able to get to sleep again. I still don’t know what the cleanliness thing is about though.
I told my host-mom that I was going to go out for dinner with friends for my birthday. Without missing a beat, Pirucha said that she had been thinking I should have 4-5 girls over for tea at 5:30. Going along with this plan turned out to be a great idea. My host-mom broke out the china, served us made-from-scratch hot cocoa, 2 types of argentine cake, and there was cheesecake and dessert wine for a “second course.” It was absolutely lovely and delicious.
Now I’m 20-years-old and I have a few reflections to share with you:
1. Being 20 makes me feel older. Something about dropping the ‘teen’ makes me feel like a more legitimate adult. Argentines come of age at 21 so studying abroad at 19 has earned me some funny looks. Saying you’re 20 is much better.
2. Being 20 makes me think about being 30. 1 decade, 10 years, and it seems like a million things to get done. Cultural expectations in America (if I remember right) assume that by 30 I should have or be near to having a: house, mortgage, car, husband, steady job, retirement plan, and maybe a baby. Your twenties just seem to be a busy time!
3. Being 20 makes me think of being 10. I am a decade removed from my childhood. 10 years apart from the kids I work with. Looking back, 10 years seems a lot longer than when I’m looking forward.
4. Being 20 makes me think about the drinking age. I went abroad, could legally buy and consume whatever I wanted, had a birthday, came home, and still can’t order wine in a restaurant. I’m in drinking limbo! But I am very glad I didn’t have an anti-climatic 21st birthday in a country where the legal age is 18. Better by far to wait it out and enjoy getting carded next year in America.
5. Being 20 makes me feel younger. Well not exactly younger but it makes me feel very young. At 19 I was still getting used to the idea I could vote. At 20, I’m comfortable with calling myself an grown-up but realize how far I have to go before I deserve the title.
Sorry there weren't any pictures this time!
