Becoming Maggie

In case you didn’t already know, i’m a research nut. If there is anything i like about something, i go and get at least 10 books on it from the library. I’m pretty sure the librarians know me by now..and am fully aware of my many interests phases. Every time i go to the library i go the little computer and ask myself “What am i inspired to learn about today?”

This past month or two we’ve been studying South america for geography(Home schooled-in case you didn’t know.) My mom asked me to choose a country. If you know me, you’d know i have a hard time making decisions and choosing only one.  And i’m very interested in geography and traveling the world,so that didn’t help.  I chose Guatemala..and Argentina.

I’ve already done a post on Guatemala(Did you like??),So i thought it was about time i did one on Argentina!

Some Interesting things about Argentina:

• They pay for things in Peso. That is their currency.
• Their official language is Spanish. Though they sometimes speak other languages in their homes. There is a saying that is supposedly half truthful, “The typical Argentine is an Italian who speaks Spanish and thinks he’s British.” They say this because a lot of Argentine’s have European ancestors. And some have migrated there.
• Buenos Aires is their Capitol.
• Argentina isn’t of course as well know as or large as India or China’s Tea industry. But they are the best single exporter of black tea to the US.
• Argentine’s are a nation of very enthusiastic readers and scholars. Children are often told “Libro cerrado ro saca letrado” or in English “You don’t learn anything from a closed book!” They respect anyone who can read and discuss classic books, and have deep conversations with.
• The national dance is Tango. Tango in Argentina means singing and dancing. They sometimes play accordion while  people dance and sing. One famous Tango singer is Carlos Gardel. He was born around 1881. He also recorded songs for a radio station and also in motion pictures.
• Argentina’s wild west history is one of the sources for the many legends and stories. Some Gauchos(like cowboys)  wear colorful ponchos. Ponchos were to be worn like a coat and served many other purposes such as; rain and wind protection, warmed them while they slept, protected them from knife cuts if in a fight. The color of each poncho has great meaning. They tel where about the owner lives. For example; blood red and multi colored ponchos come from the north. While the black and white ones come from the Pampa. Women too would wear ponchos.
• Some sayings about ponchos: “You’ve stepped on your poncho” -Meaning you’ve made a mistake.. “I wonder what he/she has under his/her poncho” Meaning the same as “i wonder what he/she has up his/her sleeve  Being suspicious of someone.
• Sports they often play and are most known for are futbol(soccer) & Polo.
• They have both public and private schools. Preschool and Kindergarten aren’t required,but is available. 7 years of primary school is required. And students in high school usually finish by 14 or 15 years old.
• The marrying age is 21, though they have coming out parties at 15 for girls,called QUINCÑERA’S. In m Mexico(and here sometimes) they have these also. (My Mom actually wanted me to have one this year because i’m Mexican, but i wasn’t too fond of the idea.)  In Argentina the party usually starts by going to a morning mass(catholic.) Then having family and friends over for an all night hard core dinner and dancing party. For the party the girl would typically wear a long dress,like a bride would. After the guests arrive and the party starts and they all have dinner in a banquet room. There would be toasts and the gifts would be opened, and a huge birthday cake is out. The girls single friends hold the ribbons on the cake and pull. On one there is a surprise,usually a ring. Suggesting who would get married next. This activity is like catching the bouquet of the bride at a wedding. After the cake is out they begin the dancing. Usually the Waltz with the father comes first. Then other assorted dances requested by friends and family.
• Coming out parties are much simpler for guys,and are held when they turn 18. Including a meal of Asado(LOTS of meat), Music, dancing, and then an outside game of soccer(futbol.)

Enjoy this Prayercast video about Argentina,from (prayercast.com) :