GRIP, Internships Abroad Lessons from Teatime in Buenos Aires

Social Impact in Buenos Aires - Buenos Aires, Argentina

Before my internship in Buenos Aires, I was dreading the idea of eating dinner every day at 9 PM. As someone who normally eats around 6 or 7 PM, I wondered how Argentines went from lunch at 2 PM to dinner at 9 PM without getting hungry. When I arrived, I realized that Argentines had a convenient solution to their late dinner: la merienda, or teatime.

A merienda is an early-evening meal of pastries and coffee. It takes place at 5 or 6 PM. Around this time, coffee shops fill up. Families, couples, and friends chat over dark roast cafe con leche and medialunas (sweet croissants). Although a few people have their merienda alone, most people make the time to meet those they cared about. In contrast to American coffee shops, which often consist of people working on laptops, Argentine coffee shops come alive with conversation and sociality. When I happened to be home around merienda-time, my host family’s apartment would fill up as their five children reunited for conversation over coffee and tostadas.

In my time in Argentina, I quickly came to appreciate the merienda. I loved trying Argentine pastries, from alfajores (dulce de leche filled cookie sandwiches) to chocotorta (chocolate cake) to tostadas (heavily toasted toast). Besides the excuse to eat dessert in the middle of the day, I appreciated the time that Argentines made for their loved ones. In my favorite coffee shop on Avenida Santa Fe, I would watch as grandmothers doted over grandchildren, friends reunited, and students took a break from studying. I was amazed at the dedicated time that people made each day for their friends. 

Since returning, I have learned to make time for the people in my life. Although it is easy to get caught up in classes, work, and clubs as a Penn student, our friendships may be more important. Although I am busy like everyone else, I try to say yes to grabbing coffee or seeing that show with friends. I may no longer eat dinner at 9 PM, but I do try to prioritize the people who matter to me. And not feel so guilty when I have a slice of cake in the middle of the day.