Along with people playing with their ringtones on public transport, talking loudly in public spaces, public displays of affection (PDAs) are high on peoples list of pet hates. Why? Well I guess it could have something to do with being involved with other peoples interment moments or simply you think that making out in public is a little off putting because you are afraid that you look like that when you are passionately kissing someone. Any way you look at it, seeing a serious make out session or 'pash' in public gives you that awkward little feeling in your stomach and makes you look away as quickly as possible.
Well here in South America PDAs are not a problem in fact they are celebrated. What? How can you celebrate PDAs? It is easy to celebrate a PDA and South Americans are good at it, well the youth anyway.
Walking through La Paz can leave you feeling a little on edge, seeing semi naked people being wiped down by a missionary or seeing a beggar with serious illness mumble dispasionatly about spare change not only trying to hide his physical and mental illness but his guilt and shame as well. You may feel a little overcautious or scared but if you were to walk through Plaza Murrillo in front of the cathedral you may be overwhelmed by awkwardness and a need to flee as soon as possible. Benches lined from end to end of youthful people making out like they have never kissed someone and will never again. With over at least 15 benches in the park and space enough on each bench to fit 3 kissing couples you are looking at over 45 PDAs celebrated by under sexed over religious youth.
In Argentina you may feel pretty safe walking most streets. The people are friendly, the area is relatively crime free but be warned street corners, parks and plazas are prime sites of PDA awkwardness. Kiss kiss, breathe... pause... kiss kiss kiss. 'GET A ROOM' may fly through your mind and then it hits you. Catholic kids in a Catholic country have no where else to go to be together. Away from parent's prying and overbearing eyes these youths flock to the streets to get a taste (literally) of passion and dear I say it... sex!
With 71% of the population Roman Catholic,0 and a rather large percentage of the remaining Christian, these poor kids are doomed to a youth of PDAs and sexual frustration. Maybe a sexy salsa or tango session will help ease the pain but the only way to really bust out is to kiss someone in public as passionately or intimately as possible.
So if PDA are your thing enjoy them like South Americans, if not well be like me and look away, push down the awkward feelings and hope you don't look as awkward as they do when you kiss someone.
Ciao for now
Mikey
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