Tuesday, September 18, 2012

Expat Report: Month 3 - Adjusting to Life in Argentina

Three months ago, I made one of the toughest decisions of my life: I relocated to Argentina with my spouse. Although we both knew things would be different, nothing could have prepared us for how much we’d learn and grow in the months following our arrival. It's been a truly eye-opening experience.

Adjusting to the Changes

We’ve had to get used to a new way of life. Now, we measure fruit, vegetables, cold cuts, meat, and pastries in kilos instead of pounds. We think in pesos rather than U.S. dollars when making purchases. We check the weather in Celsius instead of Fahrenheit. Even the seasons have flipped—when we arrived in June, it was the middle of the Argentine winter. Now, we're just a week away from the start of spring.

We’ve also learned to appreciate the simple things. Life in Argentina—at least for an expat—feels less stressful. Argentinians are incredibly laid-back, whether they're handling business or enjoying leisure time.

Keeping Busy

My spouse is currently working through the immigration process to become an Argentine resident. It’s a long and grueling journey, but we’re confident we’ll get through it. In the meantime, he’s keeping busy in the kitchen, doing what he loves most: baking cakes, pastries, and other delicious treats.

As for me, I’ve been offering private English lessons to one of my cousins and her boss—a medical doctor at Hospital Nacional de Clínicas, a public (and free) hospital. It’s been a rewarding way to stay engaged and connected.

Looking Ahead

Over the next three months, my goal is to find a more permanent job. While I enjoy teaching English, it’s not the main reason I came to Argentina. I’d also like to apply for an Argentine driver’s license. Even though I have a New York license, it doesn't hold weight here if you’re a resident or citizen.

Another personal goal is to improve my understanding of Castilian grammar before attempting to translate my novels. And while I’m at it, I’d love to take a little time to make new friends and build a social circle here.

 Wish me luck!

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