Things You Will Find in Buenos Aires

This post is a collection of things I have noticed during the past almost 4 months in Buenos Aires.  Hopefully my parents and brother will read it and take note of the differences between Rockville, Atlanta, and Buenos Aires and maybe be less shocked when they visit.  The most important thing to remember is that we are in a different country with a different culture.  We are on the complete opposite side of the world, if that helps.  Of course they do things differently here; and that is ok.  It's not bad.  It's not good.  It's just different.  (I was told this numerous times when I first arrived in March and I had to constantly remind myself of it)

1. Buenos Aires is a very big city.  It is loud, dirty, and filled with people.  It is also incredibly sophisticated.  Kind of like New York City.
2. There are no convenience stores (except for the few Walmarts).  If you want vegetables, you go to the vegetable stand.  If you want meat/cheese, you go to the meat store.  If you want pharmacy things, you go there.  
3. There are small cafes and stores everywhere.  It's adorable.  
4. But really, the cafes and bakeries are EVERYWHERE.  This should encourage you to eat plenty of sweets and drink a lot of coffee
5. No one is in a rush. Especially the waiters and the people checking you out of the grocery store.
6. People drive like maniacs.  Be careful when crossing the street. 
7. There is graffiti everywhere.  Unlike in cities in the U.S., this is not a sign that you are in a bad neighborhood
8. The only type of sandwich you can eat is a ham and cheese sandwich.  Maybe ham and tomato if you are lucky. 
9. Ham is everywhere.
10. Most of the food here is very heavy on the carbs.  You can't really avoid it, so you console yourself by walking everywhere.
11. Public transportation, especially buses, is very popular. The busses run 24 hours and can take you almost everywhere you want to go.
12. Prices are high in Argentine Pesos, but tend to be low when you convert them into dollars.