Submitted by Adamari Rodriguez on the 2020 winter session study abroad program in Argentina sponsored by the Department of Languages, Literatures & Cultures…
After having so many excursions and tours my study abroad group was surprised when we were taken to a villa in the countryside of Argentina. I have never seen a villa before except for Hispanic soap operas. We were surprised because of the extent of the property. Instead of going through a walking or bus tour like we have been doing, the coordinators allowed us to explore the villa for ourselves and to participate in the activities that the people from this area undertake. At the villa, we had the opportunity to witness gauchos or cowboys who gave us a demonstration. These gauchos are not really concerned with the latest technology, instead they cared for the horses and casually rode them. In the United States, there are horses and horseback riding, but this was different, these people use the horse as means of transportation.
In addition, we saw a demonstration of Zamba dancing. The dancers came out in very exotic costumes and had very intricate footwork. The technique was clearly visible through these extensive costumes and they often took turns dancing, having the female go first followed by the male and then as couple. It was interesting to see this dancing because I personally feel like there is not that much partner dancing in the States and the kind I have seen is not as sensual as this couple was. Overall, it was very neat to see the difference between the people in the countryside of Argentina and the urbanized Buenos Aires. I had the opportunity to see Argentinean culture through the dancing and gaucho demonstrations. I have never seen real cowboys before, but I am glad that I did because the gauchos looked so happy and content with each other, their horses, and nature.