Our First Week in Argentina 🇦🇷

We’re writing this on a cozy afternoon in Lanús, still buzzing from our first full week in Argentina. There’s so much we want to share—from long-awaited hugs to warm meals, sunshine walks, sweet moments. So here’s a little look into our first week here.

✈️ A Late Flight, a Big Welcome

We landed in Buenos Aires early Friday morning at 1:40 AM, a little groggy and full of anticipation. Our flight from Panama had been delayed, and Bonita (our cat) was not particularly thrilled about international travel twice in 9 days—but we made it.

And waiting for us? Bianca’s whole family—Mom (Lorena), Dad (Fernando), Brother (Bruno), and more dear faces like Piki, Ely, Maite, Seba, and Carlita—all cheering, waving balloons, and holding an enormous handmade sign.

From the airport, we headed to our new apartment in Lanús, the town where Bianca grew up. We saw it for the first time that night, and somehow it already felt like ours. But instead of sleeping, we did what every sane person does after 20+ hours of travel: we stayed up drinking mate with the family until 5 AM, wide-eyed, full-hearted, and totally overwhelmed (in the best way).

🏡 New Streets, Familiar Hearts

Friday was filled with reunions and introductions. Jensen got to meet Bianca’s grandparents, and the house was buzzing with stories, laughs, and the joy of finally being together. We gave gifts, took pictures, and had one of those “this is why we came” kinds of nights.

Saturday was a slower pace—we visited a longtime family friend who made pastafrola (a traditional jam tart) and served endless rounds of mate. There’s something so special about sitting at a table with people who’ve known your family forever. The food and company felt like a hug.

🌿 Sunshine, Strolls, and Memories

On Sunday, Buenos Aires gave us clear skies and sunshine. We took a little day trip to Florencio Varela, a place full of old family memories—green, peaceful, and so grounding. We picked up two flowers to bring back with us—now proudly growing on our roof like tiny symbols of this new chapter.

Monday was extra special. We took a long walk through the streets where Bianca grew up—past old friends’ houses, bakeries, corner kioscos—showing Jensen the places tied to so many memories. Then we had lunch with Luly and Luis, Bianca’s grandparents, where we were spoiled with milanesas and papas fritas (basically the holy grail of Argentine comfort food). We talked, laughed, and filled up on both food and love.

🇦🇷 Viva la patria!

Wednesday was July 9th, Argentina’s Independence Day, and we celebrated it the traditional way: wearing escarapelas (blue and white pins) and heading to the grandparents’ house for mondongo, a stew that’s deeply Argentine and rich with flavor and family tradition. The table was full of food and stories, the air full of pride. It was moving to be here for such a meaningful holiday, to not just visit but belong.

🐾 Bonita’s Thoughts (Probably)

Bonita has officially taken over the apartment—and our hearts—all over again. She spends her days accepting pets from every member of the family like a little celebrity.

She’s actually been really happy and playful, surprising us all with how quickly she adjusted. Everyone wants to hold her, and she’s not complaining one bit. Her purrs are louder than ever.

This week she also met her new friend Alelí, a tiny pup from Bianca’s family. The meeting was hilarious: Bonita tried to play immediately—maybe a little too energetically for Alelí, who wasn’t quite sure what to make of her fuzzy, bouncing new cousin. Still, they circled around each other with tails high and curiosity buzzing. We’re pretty sure a friendship is blooming (as long as Alelí agrees to Bonita’s rules, of course).

🥟 Empanada Count (Because… Priorities)

We figured if we’re going to keep track of something, it should be empanadas, right?

• Empanadas eaten so far: 12

• Shared with Bonita: Zero. She tried.

• Current favorite: Beef, though cheese is a close second.

🙏 Prayers & Praises

Praises:

✨ Safe travels and joyful arrivals

✨ A soft landing filled with family and warmth

✨ A new apartment that already feels like a home

✨ Deep, slow conversations with people who know our hearts

✨ Moments of peace in sunshine and simplicity

Prayers:

🙏 For Jensen’s language learning to grow with patience and grace

🙏 For continued health, calm, and clarity in this new season

🙏 For Bonita to feel secure and loved in her new home

🙏 For Bianca to savor this time back in her roots with open hands

🙏 For all of our family and friends back home

🙏 For remote work opportunities

❤️ Until Next Friday...

This first week has been emotional, full, surprising, and beautiful in every way. Thank you for being part of our journey, even from far away. Your prayers, your messages, and your love mean everything to us.

We’ll be back next week with more stories and more glimpses of our life here in Lanús.

Con todo nuestro amor,

– Jensen, Bianca & Bonita