01.16.2011

At UNC, it’s Franklin Street.  At Princeton, it’s Prospect Street.  In DC, it’s Adams Morgan.  In Mendoza, it’s Aristides Villanueva.  We all know there’s always that one street that people go out to every Friday/Saturday night.  It’s where every place is packed and where we all want to be.  In the US, that street is filled with bars filled with what seems like hundreds of people.  Everyone is standing.  The music is blaring.  You have to yell to converse with someone about 7.4 inches away from you.  And, the drink you are drinking is about 5 times as much as it is to actually make it. 

Here, it is completely unlike anything I have experienced in America.  Instead of being inside or on a patio of an extremely loud, overcrowded place, you are sitting at a table with a few of your friends (more will come), drinking some beer or a glass/two of wine, just chatting away.  People do not drink a lot here as it is culturally looked down upon.  Unless you are at a family event, then it is somewhat expected.  Unlike the US, where you are sometimes shoved out of places if you are using up too much space for too much time, here you are encouraged to stay as long as you want.  And, you never have to give tips.  So, since food/drinks here cost very little, you end up spending very little money.  Ladies are never EVER expected to pay either.  I was actually reprimanded last night for even considering paying my portion.

Guess what time we go eat dinner?  10 PM at the earliest.  Guess what time we go out?  1 AM.  And, guess what time we usually get back home?  4:30 AM.  And you believe this happens only Fridays and Saturdays?  Nope.  Every day.  Even if you have work the next day at 8:00 AM.  (Thank goodness for “siesta” time. ) However, since people here never drink heavily, it is totally fine.  What a wonderful world.  Perfect for “Grandma Gabi,”  minus the no-sleeping part.

k bye.