When we asked Annika if there was anything in specific that was noticeable about Argentina and the other South American countries she visited, she mentioned that she had expected Argentina to be more western and modern. “Buenos Aires is really modern. However, as soon as you leave the capital it is as equally low-developed as the rest of the country. Chile was in my opinion really western, as the infrastructure is better. The people are also more accepting of Europeans.” Of the South American countries she visited, Bolivia was the most traditional and the least developed. According to Annika, the native culture is still dominates and the inhabitants are mostly dressed traditionally. She also noticed a difference in accent between the countries and found Argentinean Spanish to be the most distinct accent-wise. Of the different varieties, she preferred Bolivian Spanish the most, as they speak very slowly and clearly.
Before rounding up the interview we asked Annika what she learned from her time in South-America and if she has any tips for anyone considering travelling abroad. After a long, contemplating pause, she said she has learned to be more independent and confident, since she mostly had to rely on herself. “If I had not gone travelling and would not have had this experience, I would have been a different person. It helps you to solve problems on your own,” she said.
As for the tips, Annika advises anyone visiting South America to bear in mind that it can be a dangerous place if you carry plenty of valuables with you.” If you don’t bring a lot of valuables you don’t get robbed that easily,” Annika said. “I only carried around 200 pesos (40 euros) with me. So if they would rob me I could give them my money and I would still have my credit/debit cards and passport.”
Last but not least, Annika encourages people to not ponder about the consequences of embarking on a trip too much and to just pack your bags and go!