Miracle in Microcenter

[Ronnie Hotdogs]

Of course these stories exist. We live in a city. The 15th largest metropolitan area in the world. Experiencing major socioeconomic disparity. I think it's important to focus on the positive. Have you had any positive experiences?

No it’s a shite hole.

 

[Stafford]

No it’s a shite hole.

Sorry you feel that way. Why are you sticking around?

 

[Ronnie Hotdogs]

I like the place to be honest but in my experience honesty is not very highly valued in Argentine society.

Most Argentines are therefore not very trusting either, especially not with strangers.

 

[daveholman]

In two separate occasions, in two different restaurants, I left behind my MacBook and my iPhone. Once on an outisde windowsill, as I was sitting at an sidewalk table. Both times they were waiting for me when I returned in a panic.

How sad that some people's inner-porteño is so negative, and so far from reality.

I left my phone on my table at the Hippodromo. Got all the way home before I realized.
When I returned almost an hour later, the lady who had been serving me had it in her pocket and came right over and handed it to me (with a short lecture on how I should be more responsible).

 

[Dim Witty]

Never had a negative incident in my 27 years here, and have been the recipient of many many acts of kindness. I feel more among friends and much safer here than in any city in the US.

 

[on the brink]

No it’s a shite hole.

Must be sad, having to live in what you see as a "shitE hole".
Hope you can escape soon....

 

[dlish]

but in my experience honesty is not very highly valued in Argentine society

My god, who are you hanging out with?

 

[Stafford]

To sum it all up: Buenos Aires is what you choose to see.

I’ve been here nearly 20 years. First came the honeymoon — everything felt magical. Then the reality check. Then something more real. A mix. Good and bad. Beauty and chaos. But mostly, a lot of heart.

I’ve got in-laws who’d give you the shirt off their back (and practically did when times were tough). Asados that last all day. Quinceañeras that go on until 8am. With dancing, singing, crying. And grandma is always there until the very end. Sobremesas that go on for hours, just talking, deeply connecting. There’s a kind of magic in all of it. And to those who can't see that, I'm sorry for you. Truly.

And honestly? I don’t know many places where people with so little give so much. I’ve offered food to folks on the street. They’ve turned it down and offered me a beer. When my elderly parents had COVID, their primary doctor stayed with us on WhatsApp 24/7. Reviewed multiple test results. Gave advice. Spoke to the attending ER docs. Never sent a bill.

We’re not in a utopia. Far from it. But choosing to see the good — while knowing the bad — isn’t naive. It’s intentional.

And to those who truly can’t see the good? Change your lenses. And if you can't manage that, I gently suggest finding another city.

 

[Dim Witty]

To sum it all up: Buenos Aires is what you choose to see.

I’ve been here nearly 20 years. First came the honeymoon — everything felt magical. Then the reality check. Then something more real. A mix. Good and bad. Beauty and chaos. But mostly, a lot of heart.

I’ve got in-laws who’d give you the shirt off their back (and practically did when times were tough). Asados that last all day. Quinceañeras that go on until 8am. With dancing, singing, crying. And grandma is always there until the very end. Sobremesas that go on for hours, just talking, deeply connecting. There’s a kind of magic in all of it. And to those who can't see that, I'm sorry for you. Truly.

And honestly? I don’t know many places where people with so little give so much. I’ve offered food to folks on the street. They’ve turned it down and offered me a beer. When my elderly parents had COVID, their primary doctor stayed with us on WhatsApp 24/7. Reviewed multiple test results. Gave advice. Spoke to the attending ER docs. Never sent a bill.

We’re not in a utopia. Far from it. But choosing to see the good — while knowing the bad — isn’t naive. It’s intentional.

And to those who truly can’t see the good? Change your lenses. And if you can't manage that, I gently suggest finding another city.

Love it!

 

[Stafford]

Love it!

Thank you!!