I'm a barista from Seattle planning an extended Uruguay/Argentina trip. I would like to work when I'm in Buenos Aires, not only to help stretch my savings but to plug into the community. I'm getting all my ducks in a row to have the opportunity to teach English, but I would love to work in a cafe making coffee. Where I live, waiting tables and making coffee are very lucrative service jobs; I know this is not the case in South America. But can anyone else shed some light on the other differences? I like the social nature of my job now, and would love it if I could meet people and network in the same way in Buenos Aires. What is the customer-barista/server relationship like? I've read on this forum to prepare yourself for bad to terrible service in comparison with the states; does this mean I'm going to have to eat shit from rude, demanding people, or will my smile and can-do attitude towards service be a refreshing change that customers would notice and appreciate?
Any and all insight into the coffee culture would be greatly appreciated. I also wonder if being a tall, white, tattooed American guy would be a novelty that would help me get a job, especially in an expat heavy area, or if it would be a hindrance.
Thanks!
Any and all insight into the coffee culture would be greatly appreciated. I also wonder if being a tall, white, tattooed American guy would be a novelty that would help me get a job, especially in an expat heavy area, or if it would be a hindrance.
Thanks!