We walked into the daycare to sixteen babies all under the age of one, crawling over the foam flooring, sucking on eyeless, hard dolls, and falling turtle-back during frequent attempts to stand. Our Communications team intended to stay for an hour to take pictures for Maxine’s last day volunteering; instead, we left three hours later with slobber on our clothes, applesauce in our hair, and stiffness in our backs we would only feel the next morning. We left feeling accomplished, helpful, and happy, making plans to return the next day.
If you want a challenging but rewarding experience by making a difference for underprivileged families who can’t afford private daycare, join one of Voluntario Global’s projects working with kids. Located on the outskirts of the city in low-income neighborhoods are daycares in constant need of an extra pair of hands from all corners of the world - hands to hold and coddle babies; to feed them the nutrients they need to grow; to ensure they can develop while getting their basic needs in a safe environment.
Work among superwomen
On a regular day at the daycare, the influx of toddlers falls on the laps of two caretakers. I could barely put on a baby’s bib during his tantrum, and one of them saw my struggle, picked him up, put his bib on with one hand and continued to bottle-feed another on her lap, all in one swift motion. Superwoman, I tell ya.
Maxine, Voluntario Global volunteer from Australia, worked at the daycare for only two weeks, and was hailed a “god sent” as one of the caretakers put it, despite Maxine’s feelings of occasionally being a burden because of the language barrier. It seems nurturing a crying baby doesn’t need any verbal translation, and the caretakers’ appreciation for Maxine’s help was expressed through hugs and a party for her final day.
Make a difference during babies’ critical time of development
We were five unintentional “caretakers” the day we went to the daycare, and even with only half of the babies in attendance, it was a lot of work to entertain, feed, clean, and give each one of them the attention they deserve for their healthy development.
I sat amongst the crawling lot, my legs like mountains for climbing, my shoe a foreign binky to suck (which I replaced quickly with a stuffed bunny), and my glasses a new source of entertainment for curious eyes. Our Communications team jumped in with open arms alongside Maxine, and we left with full hearts, among happy, napping babies. We even managed to get a couple of cute snaps.
If you are able to adapt easily, and are quick to learn —the language, the customs, the culture— you will thrive in this environment. Maxine, Australia, Volunteer at Daycare
Learn more about this project and ask questions, here!
Buenos Aires is often described as a ´melting pot` of different styles, cultures and influences, and this is most obvious in the city`s mish mash of architectural wonders.
Perhaps the most interesting example of such extreme contrast lies in the sight of the Basilica del Santisimo Sacramento hidden along a small side street, nestled between towering skyscrapers. Tourists often question why you would chose to hide such a beautiful, historic building behind monstrous tower blocks, and real story behind this architectural antithesis is truly fascinating.
Mercedes Castellanos de Anchorena had ordered the construction of the Basilica del Santisimo Sacramento at the start of the 20th century. Her family lived in the Palacio San Martin, a huge and extravagant building which is used today as home to the Foreign Service Department. Mercedes said that seeing as she had her own palace to live in, then her God should also have his own palace, and thus the church was built across the Plaza San Martin. It was specifically placed so she had the perfect view of it from her family`s residence, and was planned to be the family mausoleum in years to come.
Corina Kavanagh was a wealthy and aspiring woman. She had plans for her daughter to marry the son of the aristocratic Anchorenas family. However, Mercedes rejected this proposal. Kavanagh took revenge by building an enourmous block of flats right in front of the Basilica del Santisimo Sacramento, blocking it from view and placing an obtrusive obstacle between the family mausoleum and their home. Only Mercedes´ body now rests in the crypt beneath the church, the rest of her family lie in the Recoleta Cemetery.
Today the Kavanagh building stands tall above the barrio of Retiro. Designed to mimic the skyscrapers of New York, it has 105 apartments, with the largest occupying nearly 700 square metres. The building provides us with an example of architectural warfare and an act of everlasting revenge.
After 10 years, Voluntario Global and its volunteers from all over the world continue to write chapters in the everlasting narrative of volunteering in the city of Buenos Aires.
Join one of our projects today: http://voluntarioglobal.org
Every March 24th in Argentina, a public holiday is held to commemorate the anniversary of the last military dictatorship in the country, which took place on this date in 1976. After this began the Dirty War of Argentina, in which around 30,000 people disappeared - thought to be killed by the government for having dissenting opinions. This period of time, from 1976 to 1983 was a period of state terrorism, and heavy repression and censorship was exercised over the Argentine people, notably anybody associated with socialism. Freedom was heavily restricted, mothers had their babies stolen and people who did not agree with the government were tortured for information, often before being “disappeared”.
Every year on this day Argentinians march to remember the people lost in this period, many clutching pictures of disappeared friends and family. All around, people wear t-shirts and hold signs emblazoned with the phrase “nunca más” - “never again”. This year, Voluntario Global volunteers came together to talk and learn about the importance of this day in Argentinian history and culture. We then joined the march from the volunteer house down to the Plaza de Mayo. This is a significant place on this day, due to the Asosiación Madres de Plaza de Mayo, a group of mothers of the disappeared people who have gathered in the square outside the government house every Thursday since 1977. The mothers and grandmothers have had some success from all their years of fighting and since they started, 119 sons and grandsons have been found. The Plaza de Mayo was filled with people from all different social groups, who had united to seek remembrance and justice.
It was a great experience for our volunteers to engage with a topic that is so powerful and emotional in Argentina, and to promote a cultural exchange by showing solidarity with political issues in this country.
Why did you choose to volunteer? Why choose to volunteer in Buenos Aires? Are you going alone? Is it even safe in Argentina?
I was asked these questions a lot before finalizing my decision to come to Buenos Aires. I suppose they were decent questions to ask but what bothered me most was how many back home didn’t quite give Buenos Aires a chance. But I’m glad I did. To be honest, it doesn’t really matter where you volunteer. It’s the reason behind why you volunteer that matters most. It isn’t a selfless deed because volunteering is an exchange, it isn’t a one-way street. No matter where you go or how long you go for, you will learn a thing or two, meet some of the most incredible people and in due time, gain memories that will last you a lifetime.
So why volunteer, and in Buenos Aires no less? There is just something about this city and this country that sweeps you off your feet the moment you land at the airport. This country most definitely has a heartbeat of its own. Everything moves about 3 times faster than what you’re used to and this is coming from a Singaporean who’s used to life in a big city. I wanted to experience a world so different from my own. To be thrown out of my comfort zone and to learn independently. Volunteering isn’t just about giving back. It’s about helping others just as much as it is learning from others, a lesson I’ve learnt in the 3 months that I’ve been here in Buenos Aires. I have another 2 months here in Buenos Aires and I must say that home can certainly wait. I’m not quite ready to say goodbye to this city I now call home.
I'm a communications volunteer in Voluntario Global, an organization that is dedicated to bettering the lives of the people in Argentina. They work alongside kindergartens, orphanages, soup kitchens, health clinics and hospitals to name a few. My volunteer work involves heading down to these projects and creating videos and capturing pictures as a platform for them to spread awareness on the cause they believe in.
A typical day would involve travelling to sites on the outskirts of the city and meeting coordinators and directors who run the kindergarten for instance. An hour or two is spent capturing footage and conducting interviews. After which we spend time with the children or even sit with the ladies and listen to their stories. I must admit, my Spanish isn’t the best and although it was a barrier, it was never an issue. I’ve met women who’ve dedicated their lives to bettering that of others. Women who sacrifice so much to bring smiles to the faces of others. They find so much joy in the simplest of things and it made me put a lot of issues I was facing in my life into perspective. There’s a saying that goes along the lines of how a problem you face today will be insignificant tomorrow. Made me realize that some problems I was facing weren’t even problems to begin with.
The women here in Voluntario Global are a force to reckon with. They march to their own beat and hold their beliefs close to their hearts. They welcome anyone as part of their family and they sure get the job done and done right. There is always so much life and laughter in the Voluntario Global house which I live in which also serves as a workspace for these ladies. They encompass what it means to love your job and are such an inspiration to me.
I’ve learnt so much and I wouldn’t trade this experience in for the world. Buenos Aires has certainly grown on me. I suppose what I’m trying to say is, give volunteering a go. Don’t deny yourself the opportunity to experience something new. If you get the chance, do it. And most importantly, never let your own fears stop you from taking on new challenges. You never know. Your volunteering experience might teach you a thing or two about yourself too.
Want to experience the best of Buenos Aires whilst not blowing your meagre backpacker's budget? The city is full of hidden wonders and cultural excursions which can be enjoyed without spending a penny.
1) During your first few days in Buenos Aires, you can get to know the city via a Free Walking Tour. These are a nice relaxed way to find out more about the histories and interesting stories behind important buildings which may have gone unnoticed in your solo explorations. The tours can be in English or Spanish, with the morning one leaving at 10.30am from the North-Western corner of El Teatro Colon and covering the city as far out as Recoleta. The afternoon tour leaves at 3.30pm from outside Congresso and focuses on the central road Avenida de Mayo. (Feel free to tip the guide at the end of the tour, they do an amazing job!)
2) Casa Rosada is one of Buenos Aires' most iconic buildings, where Evita famously gave her speech from one of the balconies. On weekends the house is open to the public with free half-hour tours. This is a great opportunity to delve into the history and changing times of the city.
3) Recoleta Cemetery is another important place to visit not only for it´s magnificence and grandeur but also for the fascinating stories behind some of the designs of the graves. Tours in English run every Tuesday at 11am, but this is only for a short time longer! At the end of the year they plan to charge $100 pesos for entrance into the cemetery so be sure to make the most of this opportunity
4) The Madres de la Plaza de Mayo walk around the plaza on Thursdays in protest against the government´s handling of affairs during the Dirty War and in memory of their ´disappeared´ children or grandchildren. This is an important sight to see, but be sure to do extra research on the tragic events of the past.
5) Buenos Aires has lots of museums and art galleries which are free to the public. Grey and rainy days can be improved by wandering through the rooms of Museo de las Bellas Artes in Recoleta (av. Libertador) or getting lost in the history of the city at Museo del Bicenetnnario. It´s even nice to escape the sunshine and visit Museo de Arte Latinoamericano de Buenos Aires (free to students on Wednesdays!)
6) The nightlife in Buenos Aires can get expensive, but you can enjoy most good clubs for free if you arrive before a certain time (usually 1 or 2am). It´s worth being one of the first people in an empty club before it fills up around 3 or 4am as this can be a great way to save money and allows you to party at some incredible, up-market venues with Buenos Aires' elite without spending anything! (Until you buy drinks of course)
7) Buenos Aires' districts provide entertainment enough just to wander their streets and watch the portenos go about their daily lives. Palermo offers green parks and good shopping (or window shopping!), whilst Recoleta has wonderful bakeries and beautiful buildings. La Boca offers a very European feel with Tango shows in the street and Caminito to walk along.
8) The San Telmo Markets held on Sundays can keep you occupied for hours walking the cobbled streets. They offer everything from fresh fruit and vegetables to handmade journals to cheap trinkets and second hand tableware. A great way to keep busy whilst soaking up the culture!
9) Buenos Aires is a politically turbulent city with a complex past. Throughout your stay, you will no doubt witness a few Protests and Marches along the main streets. These can be great to watch and follow, usually ending up at Plaza de Mayo. Along the way the groups will perform, play music, and explain their political message.
10) Finally, the city has many Churches and religious buildings which are usually free to enter and look around and can be awe inspiring to take in.
Uruguay
Perhaps the perfect getaway from the hustle and bustle of the big city that is Buenos Aires. The added bonus? You get your 90-day visa renewed! I saved the hassle of having to head down to Argentinian immigrations or having to pay the fee for ‘overstaying’. Why wait in line at the immigration when you can work on those tan lines instead?
Duration of Stay
Firstly, figure out how long you plan to stay in Uruguay and more importantly, which parts of Uruguay you wish to visit. My advice? Spend a day in Colonia and the rest of your days in the capital, Montevideo. I spent a total of 5 days in Uruguay and it was a good amount of time to indulge in the sights and sounds of the country.
Visa
Be sure you have a valid visa to enter Uruguay if you require it! If you have the 90-day tourist visa like I do, be sure you haven’t exceeded your stay!
Tickets
Booking your tickets couldn’t get any easier. You have several options to do so! You could easily head to Corrientes to get your tickets but the best way would be to get your tickets online. Booking your ferry tickets online will allow you to check the ferry schedules and to plan your route. You can either book a ferry to Colonia then take a bus to Montevideo or you could simply book a direct ferry to Montevideo. The cheaper option would be to get your ticket to Colonia and then a bus to Montevideo upon arrival in Colonia. You should also anticipate a delay when travelling by ferry hence why it is best to get your bus ticket to Montevideo when you arrive in Colonia.
You have 2 options via ferry. Colonia Express, Buquebus and SeaCat. Head down to their website to find your preferred timings and book your tickets right there and then!
Travelling Time
It takes approximately 2.5 hours to get from Buenos Aires to Colonia by ferry and about 3 hours from Colonia to Montevideo by bus. Or you could take the ferry directly to Montevideo which will take you approximately 3 hours.
Cost
A return ticket by ferry to Colonia cost me 1120 pesos which is approximately 80USD. Bus tickets would range from 600-650 pesos return, around 45USD. It was most certainly worth it considering what I got in return!
Colonia del Sacremento
Colonia has been described as a picturesque town by numerous guidebooks and travel blogs. They weren’t kidding. Every corner you turn, every street you walk on and every oceanic view deserved a picture of its own. I pretty much had my camera everywhere I went. Listed as UNESCO World Heritage site, Colonia is worth exploring even if just for a day. Cobble streets, quaint cafes and beautiful sunsets are just some of what Colonia has to offer.
Montevideo
You would think that being the capital of Uruguay it would be a bustling city where everything moves at a fast pace and cars roam the streets at every hour. Well you’re in for a surprise! More so if you’ve just been to Buenos Aires. The city is a combination of old and new and is flanked by beautiful beaches! What surprised me most was the mode of transport in the city. Sure you get the usual buses and taxis but some of the locals even use horses to get around! Transporting vegetables is done on a horse cart. Many locals even opt for cycling rather than driving as a way of keeping the city ecofriendly. You can even rent a bike in the city and cycle on the ramblas that line the coast! Be sure to have your cameras ready!
The key behind a successful trip is planning. Plan to make sure you do everything and see everything you wish to see, and then leave everything else to fate. It was a great getaway and I really did love the relaxing pace in Uruguay. But I must say, being back in Buenos Aires feels like being back at home and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
10 Surprising Things you Discover When Moving to Buenos Aires
Written by Elizabeth Palmieri
1. Argentinian soccer fans are one-of-a-kind crazy.
On big game days, piles of jumping, cuss-chanting fans fill public buses on the way to the stadium or local bar to watch their favourite players take the field. If you make it to a particularly intense game or catch the game on the big screen, you’ll probably watch the sky exploding in fireworks, flares being thrown and erupting smoke, and party paper littering the field. It’s all typical Argentinian game day etiquette.
Matt's Volunteer Experience working with Children in Buenos Aires
Written by Jesica Franco
Thinking of volunteering abroad? Matt tells you why you should: Matt's #VolunteerExperience working with children in #BuenosAires
There is an endless list of things to do and see in Buenos Aires. If you are here for a short period of time, here is my recommended itinerary to experience as much of Buenos Aires as you possibly can in just a week!
Monday
Palacio Barolo
You get a bird’s eye view of the city, 22 stories high and a 360-degree viewpoint from the renowned lighthouse. You even get a tour of the magnificent building inspired by Dante’s Divine Comedy. I recommend the day tour where you get to see nothing but clear blue skies and the ocean bordering the city! The tour lasts for approximately an hour and a half with plenty of time to capture your memories on camera.
Address: Avenida de Mayo 1370
La Bomba de Tiempo
If there is any musical performance to watch, La Bomba is definitely it. An incredible percussion ensemble that is sure to leave you jumping along with the rest of the audience and dancing to the infectious beat. Head there a half hour before the show starts to get yourself food and drinks or simply to soak in the atmosphere. Just when you think the performance ends, they bring the performance out to the streets! They parade around the streets of Buenos Aires along with a trail of people dancing to this phenomenon. You are bound to sweat buckets so be sure to wear something light and airy! La Bomba only happens on Monday nights so if you are in Buenos Aires on a Monday, do yourselves a favor and join in the infectious rhythm that is La Bomba!
Address: Sarmiento 3131
Tuesday
Japanese Garden
Amidst the Latin American culture, you will find an exquisite Japanese garden that will make you feel as though you’ve stepped into Japan itself. The Japanese garden offers so much and you can easily spend an hour or two there. From Japanese flowers to koi fishes, the garden has something for everyone. You can’t help but feel peaceful and serene sitting amidst the beautifully manicured garden. You could even pop into the Japanese restaurant within the garden for a quick bite of some of Japan’s famous delicacies. Do remember to bring along 70 pesos for the entrance fee as well as your camera for great pictures by the mini red bridges and fountains!
Address: Av. Casares 2966
Bosques de Palermo
Walking from the Japanese Garden to Bosques de Palermo takes approximately 10 minutes. I would dedicate an entire day to visit the urban park that ranges 400 hectares in the neighborhood of Palermo. It still amazes me how Buenos Aires dedicates a large part of the city to green spaces for people to enjoy a great day outdoors! It is truly a breath of fresh air away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Head on down to the rose gardens or even to the beautiful lake in the midafternoon. You could even rent yourselves a paddle or rowing boat, an activity I would certainly recommend if you wish to take a tour around the lake at your own pace. So put on your walking shoes and take the grand tour of one of the largest city parks in Latin America!
Address: Crossroads of Avenida Sarmiento and Avenida del Libertador
Wednesday
La Boca
The neighborhood offers two must-sees. Caminito as well as La Bombonera for soccer enthusiasts. The streets are lined with box-like houses of all colours. Treat yourselves to a delicious meal of bife de chorizo and a glass of wine as you watch two beautiful dancers take the stage with a round of tango. For the soccer enthusiasts, La Bombonera, rated as the number one stadium to watch a soccer match, is a sight to behold. Splashes of yellow and blue, the colours of soccer team Boca, engulf you as you take a tour around the stadium. Take a step further and do the stadium tour while you’re there!
Address: Brandsen 805
Thursday
Plaza de Mayo
The Argentinian flag flies high and proud in the center of Plaza de Mayo. Thursdays at Plaza de Mayo are especially unique and some might even say exciting. It is the city’s ground zero location for protests. My personal favorite was being a spectator to ‘Madres de la Plaza de Mayo’. Every Thursday at 3.30pm, mothers march around the plaza in search of their disappeared and lost children. It is a march for social justice that started in 1977 and still continues today. With the backdrop of Casa Rosada, also known as the Pink House, these women take a stand and march despite the sweltering heat. Truly admirable and definitely a must see.
Address: Balcarce 50
Friday
Puerto Madero
Its name has probably given it away. Once a port to passing cargo ships, it is now a busy landmark of Buenos Aires with some of the best restaurants and bars. Puerto Madero is best visited in the later part of the evening when the sun is just about to make its descend. Red, orange and yellow flank the skies and it creates the perfect picturesque shot with the bridge, Puente de la Mujer as its main attraction. Do pop into the floating ship museums along the dock and end your evening with dinner in just about any restaurant where the food is always delicious!
Address: Puente de la Mujer
Saturday
Recoleta Cemetery
The city winds down over the weekend and it is a perfect day to stroll along the streets in one of the most well-kept and beautiful neighborhoods in Buenos Aires, also known as Recoleta. Your week would not be complete without taking a tour amongst the dead in the world renowned Cementario de la Recoleta. You could take a guided tour in either English or Spanish and find yourselves enthralled in the city of the dead. You can wander for hours listening to the interesting stories of the many people buried in the cemetery. You most certainly would want to bring along your cameras for this tour!
Address: Junin 1760
Feria de Recoleta
The flea market in Recoleta is one you should not miss. Take a little coffee break after your visit to Cementario de la Recoleta and prepare yourselves for another round of walking as you bask in the ambience that is the flea market. The Recoleta flea market is home to some of the most unique items for sale. You will certainly find yourselves buying something particularly unique which include hand-made leather bags to intricately designed mate sets and even ships in a bottle with your favourite Argentinian soccer team flag on the miniature ship docks.
Address: Junin 1930
Sunday
San Telmo + Plaza Dorrego
As they say, Sunday funday! Close the week with a delightful stroll along San Telmo’s flea market that spans as far as the eye can see. From mate sets, second hand books and even hand crafted jewelry, there is indeed something for everyone! It could get a little overwhelming with the numerous stalls lined up so my advice would be to head there just after lunch. Or you could stop for a quick Quilmes stop! End the day in Plaza Dorrego where a makeshift dancefloor is set up just as the sun makes its descend. Dancers, ranging from amateurs to experts gather in the plaza to dance the tango. It is a sight to behold and a perfect end to the perfect week!
Address: Crossroads of Defensa and Hipolito Yrigoyen
VOLUNTARIO GLOBAL
Voluntario Global helps local communities by being available to discuss anything that local organizations need, and offering ideas for further change and development.
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CONTACT
Location: General Pacheco. Buenos Aires. Argentina
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