Girls: About the Boys of Argentina

As my Parisian friend Pierre once said, “They say that Paris is the city of love? No, it’s definitely Buenos Aires…(sigh).”

In a city inhabited by immigrants and built on European facades, Buenos Aires has always attempted to emulate the class and style of their wealthy ancestors. While baroque buildings and marble statues may never achieve the splendor of London or Madrid, in terms of passion and love, Buenos Aires wins by far. Passionate public kisses, risqué advertising, seductive tango dances and innocent street flirting have declared this city unabashedly sexy.

As a foreign female, there is no easier feat that meeting a male Porteño. The typical man of Buenos Aires is strong (think chest puffed out), all-knowing, romantic and more than a little narcissistic. He is rarely mistaken, handsome, coddled by his mother and always on the prowl. To him, women are beautiful beings with curves, objects of desire and the means to a happy ending. Foreign women are especially attractive, as the Porteña ladies are often difficult, dramatic, hot tempered and remind them of their mothers.

For a Porteño, finding a woman attractive is like starting at the base of a mountain he plans to climb; it takes little effort, no shame and evokes the distant notion of a conquest.

At this base location, the Porteño is on the streets of Buenos Aires, checking out his options. Just to be safe he throws catcalls to any woman he sees that falls within his (wide) age-range of acceptability. The Porteño catcall is an art and to play the game here, a female traveler must know the rules.

Rule 1. To not look like a foreigner just ignore the call as if you didn’t even hear it. Laughing is OK too.
Rule 2. It is practically a tradition and not looked down upon, even for married men.
Rule 3. Don’t take it personally, here nothing is PC and the term “derogatory” doesn’t
exist.
Rule 4: Catcalls can be yelled across the street or more likely will be whispered to the targets as they pass by.
Rule 4. True Porteño gentlemen probably won’t use this tactic.
Rule 5. If you do happen to find a true gentleman using this tactic alert the press.

The Porteño at the base of the mountain is basically an idiot trying to find a sherpa by insulting them in public. The Porteño who has a heart and truly wants to at least make it to “Base Camp 1” will meet a woman under more controlled circumstances. He is introduced by a friend at a party, pays for her bus ticket or helps her pick out a good piece of meat, and makes eye contact. As eye contact is achieved, both parties (the female target and male hunter) will decide if they are interested in the other. Chances are he is, and she might be.

This “interest” in the other is initially based on sex. While all Porteños crave love and affection, sex is like food, a basic necessity and consumption is a reasonable way to spend time.

Just by achieving the deciding eye contact, the Porteño has made it to Base Camp 1. This is his stage, his opportunity to charm his prey. Just like clockwork, the man subject will proceed with no-holds-bars “chamuyo.”

Pronounced, “cha-moo-show,” this Buenos Aires hallmark is a combination of sweet-talking, bragging, flirting and a touch of mystery. This interaction will probably include some of all of the following:

1. Education on something he knows everything about.
2. A speech on how Argentines invented the pen and Disney Land.
3. Creative compliments paired with a sincere smile
4. An interview
a. Her origins: If she says USA he’s going to say he has an aunt in Houston or ask     if people there really are that fat
b. Her plans in the city: He wants to judge your age, competence level and see if     he can give suggestions
c. Your relationship status: Wants to know if you have a boyfriend, is he in     Buenos Aires? Will you sleep with him anyway?

Article Continues on Page 2

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