Submitted by Adamari Rodriguez on the 2020 winter session study abroad program in Argentina sponsored by the Department of Languages, Literatures & Cultures…
This week, the program allowed us to have a free weekend. My house decided to stay in Recoleta, Buenos Aires to be able to explore some famous attractions before we leave. We had the opportunity to go to the famous market of San Telmo to get some souvenirs for my family. San Telmo is known for its extravagant market that stretches for miles and goes through the entire town. I began at the heart of the market and walked my way to the end of the line. I could best compare the market to a flea market in the United States. However, this was much different because it was divided into different categories. For example, the indigenous tribes had their own street with their own crafts. Then there was a section of only antiques and then clothes. When people want to go shopping, they go to the market because everything is handmade. I spoke to someone at a stand and he said that he painted everything individually by hand and that it took him hours to do. When I think of the United States, I think of mass production and everything being fast. Here, they really take pride in the products and they really rely on the market as a part of their income. That is why it is so massive. San Telmo is a poor neighborhood, but they rely on this market as a tourist attraction. I was disturbed because as a tourist I was drawn to this market, but on my way, I passed a mind-boggling amount of homeless families. I was glad I was able to contribute to their individual products because it really makes a difference in their lives.