08. CHOOtastic!
Updated: Apr 18, 2020
One thing that I love the most about Argentina has to be the public transport. Not to be a loser or anything, but I am so infatuated with the train system that they have here. Despite so much that is ethically wrong with the place: the politics, the education and the poverty as examples, one thing that Argentina absolutely knows how to do is public transport. Specifically referring to the public transport in Buenos Aires: the Federal Capital and surrounding provincial area of Buenos Aires.
I mentioned in my last blog (link in bio to last blog :P) about my living situation in Argentina. In which, I change homes every month. Because of my constant state of location change, the train is personally brilliant. The train line (LÃnea Mitre is the name, translated to the Mitre Line in english) is incredible and stretches itself from Retiro: the hub of the Buenos Aires city metropolis, all the way to Tigre: this beautiful coastal district that borders the Delta.
This system is relatively new and is constantly undergoes renovations to maintain its cleanliness. ¡Qué bueno! I think all Argentinians share a mentality in the sense that it is very much encouraged to maintain this calibre. For this reason, the trains and their stations are tremendously well-kept by the public. It's almost as if Buenos Aires is continuously polishing their trophy on Argentina's shelf of achievements - alongside Maradona and mate (pronounced ma-te (not mate, like friend), a drink shared between a people that resembles tea but in my opinion is so much better). This little light of mine, I'm gonna make it shine - MORE like: this train line of mine, I'm going to make it CHOO! Genuine apologies for that train wreck.
The trains pass through each station at regular 20 minute intervals. You proceed by entering the platform by scanning your SUBE card - which is an equivalent to Christchurch's Metro card, Auckland's AT HOP and Wellington's Snapper card. Each ride costs between 5-12 pesos depending on how long you stay aboard the train. And that is an equivalent to between 13-31 New Zealand cents. So, I mean you are absolutely getting a bargain. To top up your card; you can do that at the train station or a kiosco (dairy in NZ). The SUBE card applies for the train system, bus system and the underground 'SUBTE' subway. She is quite the triple threat if you were to ask me.
Because of this smooth service, I constantly ponder the mechanics of how they achieve such flawless standards. How does this train technically tread so steadily? Because the trains come at time intervals that are evenly distributed throughout the morning, noon and night - how do they park up at the end of a work day? How do they park when they are all connected along the same train line? How do passengers aboard the train if the one that parked up last does not reach the platform of which the passengers will board the train from? These existential questions demand engineering answers. Due to the sheer quantity of time one has spent pondering the logistical workings - one would appreciate some clarity. However, a bit hypocritical in regards to the fact that I have Google at the ends of my tips.
But the train line's greatness does not end there, you have on-aboard entertainment. Riding a train in Buenos Aires is like a box of chocolates; you never know what you're going to get (performance wise). Usually, always music related performances. It makes it an always entertaining ride, that is for sure. One time I was riding the train, returning home from Retiro station and I was sitting next to this guy who seemed pretty chill - but he was really quite the opposite. Maybe 5 minutes into sitting next to him, he pops out his boombox and starts rapping. He gave me the fright of my life, quite frankly and scared the living daylights out of me. It was funny more than anything, though. I'll insert a video so you are able to check out the live action of the legend himself.
The entertainment element truely places the cherry right on top of this transportation cake. Some talent that you witness is astounding and makes you wonder why these people on the train with such talent have not been discovered yet on a bigger scale. At least, the public is able to witness it for free. Or of course, give the odd peso if you please. Attached below is another example of talent on these train lines. Quite magnificent!
Take Argentina's transportation system as a 5-star one, because it is truely brilliant. The necessity of having your own car is not imperative whatsoever. Make sure that if you happen to be in Buenos Aires, to experience the sensation for yourself. The SUBTE (subway) and bus systems are also marvellous, but for some reason the train line gravitates with me a little bit more - maybe because it is a little less rickety. 10/10 to Buenos Aires!
Ella reviewed and Ella approved!
Link for previous blog post: https://www.madein2000.com/post/07-a-slippery-slope
Link for another train performance: https://youtu.be/WU97bxpHU0Y
Link to 'Born In 2000' instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ellawasbornin2000/
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This blog will encompass the life of a 19-year-old kiwi chica. Composed of stories, advice, life lessons, worldly observations, videos and whatever else Ella's life brings to surface.
For all of this and more, read my new found blog 'Born In 2000': established on the 28th of October, 2019. Where Ella Gibson explores her life that exceeds all limitations. Publications should be expected twice a week. Take this present moment now and rock it!