Submitted by Regan Pavlock on the 2020 winter session study abroad program in Argentina sponsored by the Department of Languages, Literatures & Cultures…
After almost two weeks in the busy city of Buenos Aires, our class took a trip to La Estancia Villa Maria in Las Pampas, about an hour outside of the city. Driving out of the city, you could slowly see the landscape changing, and I began to realize just how bustling and lively my host home in the city was in comparison to the flat, open land. Once we arrived at the estate, the miles of quiet grassy land reminded me of my home in the United States. We were able to ride horses, play games in the grass and relax by the pool, without a set schedule of events and places to see. I realized how desensitized I was to living in a city when I allowed myself to relax and enjoy the free time. This excursion was one of my favorite days of the program, as I got to connect with my classmates and have fun in an environment totally different than Buenos Aires. I found a great balance between the city and the country area, and it was something that I was able to reflect on and appreciate once I was back in my host home.