When Castle introduced the Work Away benefit in 2024, my wheels immediately started turning. For an organization that already offers generous and flexible benefits, I was excited by this opportunity to explore personal passions, connect with another culture, and be inspired by the experience, all while working and bringing my experiences back to the team.
Choosing when and where to go was a bit overwhelming. There are so many places I want to visit; how do I choose? How long do I feel comfortable being away from home? Can the timing work with commitments here in Boston? these are helpful and necessary questions to ask when considering utilizing this benefit.
I ultimately decided on Buenos Aires, Argentina. I had long wanted to explore the country’s fascinating history, vibrant culture, and world-famous natural wonders. Living in Buenos Aires for two weeks would immerse me in the city’s food and wine scene, global influences, and stunning architecture. Plus, it’s a long flight from Boston – about 13 hours with a layover – so the work away program allowed me to have an extended stay and feel like a ‘Porteño.’
Looking back on planning the trip and living in Buenos Aires, I found a few key things to consider that were extremely helpful and helped me make the most of my adventure.
Potential language barrier
One practical hurdle for many travelers is language. Buenos Aires is predominantly Spanish-speaking with a unique dialect, and while many locals in tourist and business areas speak at least basic English, this isn’t guaranteed.
I can get by with speaking and reading basic Spanish, and I know how to ask for directions or order at a restaurant, but brushing up with Duolingo for the weeks leading up to the trip proved extremely helpful. Nearly everyone I spoke to was friendly and did not scold me for a less-than-perfect delivery, which helped me feel more open to embracing interaction rather than fearing it. However, I did miss making casual small talk with a neighbor at a café about the book they were reading or a headline in the news. Beyond language, Argentinians communicate through rich cultural cues, so an awareness of local customs, such as the importance of social gatherings (like asados), aided enjoyment of the trip.
Timing
Traveling for work also meant considering factors like timing and environment, and Buenos Aires checked those essential boxes. Buenos Aires in February allowed me to escape a Boston winter month and enjoy spring/summer in the Southern Hemisphere. I can’t lie, the temperature change was a welcome reprieve! It also meant that daylight was extended, so I had ample opportunity to enjoy a walk in the park before work and head out to explore a new neighborhood after work well before the sun set.
The time difference was also a significant factor. I enjoy a good night’s rest and wanted to ensure seamless communication with the team and clients while I was away. Picking a city two hours ahead of Boston time was the right fit for me. I could run and have a leisurely coffee and medialuna (a sweeter, denser Argentinian croissant) at a neighborhood café before I started my workday, and then have time to rest after work before enjoying the city’s nightlife. Striking a balance between productivity and personal time was pretty easy.
Setting
Choosing your setting thoughtfully will further influence your work away experience. Buenos Aires offers a vibrant urban atmosphere filled with historic neighborhoods like San Telmo’s colonial charm, the colorful streets of La Boca, and the bustling markets of Palermo. These areas present convenient access to cafes, coworking spaces, and reliable internet, which are vital for remote work and ideal for sparking creativity during breaks. Personally, I loved the noisy neighborhoods, café culture, and convenient public transit.
By choosing to stay in Palermo, a large, eclectic inner neighborhood of Buenos Aires, I had easy access to many activities during non-working time, like shopping, parks, and sightseeing. While there, Castle was holding its first ‘Steps Challenge,’ so I was even more incentivized to wake up early and head downtown to explore the Puerto Madera and Casa Rosada or the Jardín Japonés in Recoleta.
Exploring
Tailoring your trip to your interests is another key to a successful work away experience. Buenos Aires caters to art lovers, foodies, and history buffs with its museums, tango shows, and traditional parrillas (steakhouses). In our personal time, we discovered local wines, learned how to prepare and sip Yerba Mate (a type of tea popular in Argentina), and explored the Museum of Latin American Art (MALBA).
An important reason I wanted to visit was to learn more about Argentina’s history and the period known as ‘The Dirty War,’ an era of military dictatorship and state terrorism in the 1970s and 1980s that is a painful chapter in Argentina’s history. I was able to spend nearly a full day at the Museo Sitio de Memoria ESMA, a historical monument and primary site of State terrorism that is also judicial proof in the ongoing prosecution of crimes against humanity.
Additionally, I attended one of the weekly demonstrations of Las Madres de Plaza de Mayo (Mothers of the Plaza de Mayo), a group of mothers who originally formed in response to the dictatorship’s abuses to seek justice for family members, and who now continue to seek justice for those still missing and advocate for human rights. Although it was a few short decades ago, the generational impacts of collective trauma, civic vigilance, and legal and political repercussions are very much felt in the present. Learning more about this time period helped me understand Argentinians and their culture in a deeper, more meaningful way.
Suffice it to say, I fell in love with the city, country, Argentinians, and their culture. Traveling for three weeks is not an opportunity that comes around often for me, and I’m grateful for the experience. Working remotely from a city as dynamic as Buenos Aires challenged me to stay disciplined and opened doors to experiences I wouldn’t have encountered otherwise.
