Meeting Argies

[agua]

Hey,

So I've been living and working here for 6 months now and have been having trouble meeting Argentines, something I'd like to do. I realize in 6 months I'm not going to have a complete support network of friends here, but I just don't know where to go or what to do to meet them. It's frustrating because I live in Las Cañitas, a very vibrant part of the city, and I go out and see a million Argentines happily eating dinner with their friends. In my ideal situation I'd have a mixture of expat and Argentine friends and probably an Argentine girlfriend (especially to help me master my spanish and learn more about the culture). If it matters, I'm 24. I swear I'm a very good person, just slightly confused on what to do!

I guess my point is I feel like I'm in a rut where I'm not going to meet others because I'm not doing anything to change that. What do you recommend I do to meet nice Argentines? I'd really appreciate only constructive comments.

Thanks!

 

[nikad]

Off the top of my head I advice you not to call them Argies, it is very offensive as it was a term used by the British during Malvinas war.

Then take some class in Spanish ( dancing, painting, photography, whatever ). Do not stick to expat circles. Talk to neighbors and vendros in your neighborhood to get acquantances at least. Go to places like plaza Francia, Parque Centenario, sit on the grass and try to engage into a conversation with small groups of locals ( they usually go sit and have mate ). Do not act as a tourist and go exclusively to tourist places. Rosedal in Palermo is another good place to go. A gym might work as well. Basically try to connect the same way you would as if you had moved froma city to another in your home country.

 

[Chaz]

I would like to second Nikad's view that the use of the term Argie is negative. I am British and I can confirm that it has negative undertones and should be avoided. I personally dislike the term.

I would recommend advertising to do some language exchanges then both parties can work on their language skills. You can also visit a Talktime or Spanglish, try googling these. I agree that it is important meet Argentines. I have generally found Argentines very friendly and respectful. Good luck.

 

[STELLA53]

Language skill is key. Improve your Spanish as quickly as possible and it will open new doors.

 

[agua]

Sorry about using the term Argie. I didn't know it had a negative connotation, though if I knew more Argentines maybe I would! Thanks for your advice!

 

[Guillo]

As a local, I don't feel Argie having such a negative connotation... Most likely, we wont respond well to it because the term is not something we heard or use ourselves.

Its not like one of those term that are kind of derogatory and only PC to use by one of the members of the group (which I wont use here to be PC

 

[nikad]

As a local, I don't feel Argie having such a negative connotation... Most likely, we wont respond well to it because the term is not something we heard or use ourselves.

Its not like one of those term that are kind of derogatory and only PC to use by one of the members of the group (which I wont use here to be PC

Guillo, I am not sure how old you are, but ask your friends and family about the term Argie, and then let me know if you still think it is neutral or non offensive...

 

[jp]

Everyone I've met here has been through shared friends and shared interests. Its a lot easier to make friends when you have something in common - be it mutual friends or a mutual love of something. The mutual friends path requires a lot of socialising, the mutual interests route just requires signing up to things. Plenty of places you can play sport, take classes, or even just swap language skills - there are loads of people who want to improve their english/spanish. I never went to spanglish, but it always sounded a nice way to meet people.

 

[Liam3494]

Totally agree on the language front, speaking the language obviously assists in the communication between non-native Spanish speakers and the locals. Having said that, naturally you will not become fluent overnight, and you want to meet locals now. Can I suggest that you follow the advice above, and join in some activities.

One of the things we have tried to do with our Friday Night Social Meet ups for drinks, is to ensure the invites go to our Argentine friends, who equally like to practice their English, so maybe that is something else you could look into (see the weekly threads on Expat Life for location etc...)....

Best of luck...

 

[BROOKLYN]

I would say just go to your favorite futbol club stadium , go watch a game you will meet lots of friends at the stadium