Argentina—Culture Smart! The Essential Guide to Customs & Culture

Argentina-based cultural-relations specialist Godward and training/management consultant Hamwee supplement their on-the-ground, firsthand knowledge of the country with research about the food, culture, language, customs, geography, and day-to-day practicalities of life in Argentina. The book’s extensive scope covers everything from lunfardo (Argentine slang words) to the classic dessert known as alfajores, sandwich cookies filled with dulce de leche and rolled in oats. Among the book’s highlights are a section on taboos and an examination of sites to see, such as Iguazú Falls and the Teatro Colón. The authors also cover the area’s sporty offerings (e.g., mountain climbing in the Andes, or playing on one of the country’s numerous golf courses). There’s mention too of Argentina’s national sport, pato, which combines elements of polo with basketball and is played on horseback. There are helpful references about the artistic, musical, cultural, and literary history of Argentina, including a part about Jorge Luis Borges and the background story behind the Argentine tango. Practical aspects of travel (tipping; entering the country) are also noted.