Anorexia and Plastic Surgery in a Vain City

For months I had heard from fellow Americans, Europeans, Australians, even Peruvians and Chileans, that Argentina has the most attractive women in all of South America. "Just wait until you get there," I frequently heard guys rave to their traveling comrades. So it wasn't a surprise whenI finally got to Buenos Aires and found myself surrounded by a remarkable amount of Barbie-shaped, and dressed, women.

For the first time in 7 months, running is not an unusual thing to do. Granted some men still mutter "rubia" (blondie) under their breath as I weave in and out of the pedestrian crowds on my way to one of the many parks in this green city. Yet my blonde hair and active nature doesn't stick out nearly as much as it did in Central America and Ecuador and Peru. And once I reach the grassy fields I am no longer alone, but instead surrounded by both men and women running, walking, roller blading, and biking. How wonderful, I thought, finally active South Americans! But it was only a few days later that this glamor and fitness began to show its true colors...

Buenos Aires has been deemed the "Paris of South America," for it's European styled architecture, prideful citizens (almost to the extent of snobby), and fashion conscious residents. Women wear tight jeans, heeled boots, and leather coats. Their male counterparts aren't scrappy looking either. Are the people more attractive here, or do they just care more about their appearance?

As I meander through the city, sneaking looks at my map only on street corners so I don't appear lost, both men and women give me the once over. Men turn their heads because my blonde hair (even among so many European descendants) is still uncommon. Yet women take a second glance at me because my flip-flops are unacceptable and my gray hoodie is less than fashion-savvy. You may think I'm exaggerating or being self-conscious...I only wish I was. On the subway, there is not a single local wearing sandals. And no matter what neighborhood you take the subway to, you are bound to see a designer clothing store within 45 seconds of emerging from underground.

So Argentinians are vain. Fine, no big deal. No big deal, until it becomes a sociological problem and a contagious disease. Argentina has the second highest rate of anorexia in the world, closely following Japan. According to ALUBA, the Association for the Fight Against Anorexia and Bulimia, based in Buenos Aires, reports that "uno de cada venticinco jovenes argentinos sufre de Bulimia o Anorexia" (1 in 20 Argentinian youths suffer from bulimia or anorexia). Ummm...this seems high guys. No?

Apparently not enough for health centers to care. For Argentina also manages to rank at the top for the highest number of cosmetic surgeries in the world. While free health care is available to any Argentinian resident, many choose to instead opt for private health care options, not only offering basic services but including cosmetic surgery coverage. If your insurance is good enough, one can get up to 1 plastic surgery per year.

And even without free coverage, aesthetic surgery is more than affordable down here in one of the vainest countries I've ever been in (and I'm from the Home of Hollywood at that). People are now flying from all over the world to Buenos Aires to get in on some super plastic surgery savings. According to one report, patients can pay up to 75% less for their desired surgery than in the U.S. or Europe. And what better place to enjoy your post-surgery than by learning to Tango or shop in one of the sexiest cities in the world?

In conclusion, Buenos Aires it's true that you are beautiful - whether it's fake or not. And I'm very glad I visited you. But I am also more than content in my dirty sandals. Fortunate for you, you only have to deal with me being an eye-sore for just a few more days.