A lot of people have asked me why I chose Argentina as the place to go and work as a volunteer.

In truth, Argentina fascinates me. No-one with a British background can ever forget the bloody bitter war over the Falkland (or Malvinas) Islands in which so many lost their lives, but there is so much more to this diverse and complex country.

Several years ago I was working on a project which involved me speaking to a senior officer in the Argentine Navy. Over several conversations, which often took place in the early hours of the morning due to the time difference, the officer (who was as polite and charming as Peron himself) painted a picture of Argentina that was simply captivating.

He described a country where European and South American cultures quite literally collide. A picture of stunning colonial architecture and Jacaranda trees in Buenos Aires. Away from the city, he described the country’s geographical diversity capturing both the grasslands and the dramatic Andean mountains. Not to mention the passion of the tango, the rich literature and the country’s tumultuous history.

I confess that since those discussions I have wanted to visit Argentina for myself. The opportunity to combine work with tourism and also improve my Spanish seemed too good to pass up. I should also mention that Argentina is more developed and sophisticated than some other South American countries which helped balance my husband’s concerns over safety!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I decided to go look for an Argentinean charitable organisation – one which didn’t carry big overheads and levy huge charges or make their volunteers sign up for expensive Spanish lessons. Help Argentina fitted the bill in all those respects. The charities they support work right at the grass roots level providing assistance to people in the poorest communities.

This weekend I am heading off to Buenos Aires and from there, by bus, on to the small town of Anatuya in the Santiago del Estero province in the North West of the country. I will be working with the charity Haciendo Camino for a month – both at the Children’s home Santa Catalina run by the catholic church and also in their nutrition project. You can have a look at the projects they manage here. www.haciendocamino.org.ar I have been warned that the area is rough and hard. It has been jokingly suggested perhaps I wear a nun’s habit to blend in – hmm that could be very interesting!

So – I am all set – Argentina here I come!