Earlier today, walking back from the gym, I asked Mr. P how we should go about saying goodbye to all of the folks we've met in Buenos Aires who are in our daily lives, but not part of our intimate social scene. My first inclination, of course, is to go around and give everyone a fabulous bottle of vino, a kiss on the cheek, and then throw them off with a great, big American Midwest-style hug! P pointed out that a "goodbye" and a kiss will probably do. That led to a discussion of who those people are. It was clear - they are the people we engage several times a week to procure food. They are the market vendors we visit week after week, the proprietors of the little family cheese, vino and health food shops in our 'hood and the folks who work in cafes we frequent (and I do mean FREQUENT). They collectively represent but one of several links in the chain from farm to table.
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When we first arrived in Buenos Aires, my biggest anxiety was around learning enough words to be able to procure our edible wares. I made lists of Spanish words to describe everything I could imagine needing at the San Telmo Historic Covered Market. However, even with my best attempts at proper pronunciation, I would inevitably end up pointing at the veggie, fruit, cheese or meat I wanted and then gesturing to indicate how much. These attempts at first led to discomfort, but soon led to laughter and moments of connection and learning. Over the last year, I've returned again and again to the same shops and vendors, imagining that they're impressed with how far along my Spanish has come.
What I didn't realize at the time was that my interactions with the servers, vendors and proprietors was a key component of fighting isolation and loneliness in a new culture. If you haven't moved around a lot like I have, I think you might take for granted your daily interactions at the coffee shop, video store, corner store or butcher. Having worked with many individuals and families impacted by disability, I can assure you that these basic interactions in community are not to be taken lightly. In addition, when our interactions are with at least one link in the farm to table chain, we are one step closer to real connection with what we put into our bodies and into the bodies of our families - and this, friends, is critical.
As we say "goodbye for now" and move on for more South American adventure, I am deeply appreciative of this community for their contributions to my time here. And when I get back to Toronto in a few months? Well, you can bet the first places I'm heading to are as follows (in no particular order):
What I didn't realize at the time was that my interactions with the servers, vendors and proprietors was a key component of fighting isolation and loneliness in a new culture. If you haven't moved around a lot like I have, I think you might take for granted your daily interactions at the coffee shop, video store, corner store or butcher. Having worked with many individuals and families impacted by disability, I can assure you that these basic interactions in community are not to be taken lightly. In addition, when our interactions are with at least one link in the farm to table chain, we are one step closer to real connection with what we put into our bodies and into the bodies of our families - and this, friends, is critical.
As we say "goodbye for now" and move on for more South American adventure, I am deeply appreciative of this community for their contributions to my time here. And when I get back to Toronto in a few months? Well, you can bet the first places I'm heading to are as follows (in no particular order):
- Lenny's Health Food Store (to visit Carol, Jen and the team and relish in the array of natural products offered in Canada, but not in Argentina)
- St. Jamestown Butcher (to talk to Mark the butcher about the crazy beef culture in Argentina)
- Jet Fuel Coffee Shop (to be received by a grumpy, yet lovable Johnny and his fabulous team)
- Cobourg Wine Bar (enough said)
- House on Parliament (maybe my long absence will convince Duncan, Jen or Paul to pour me a free one)
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