Dinner at Roberto’s

Homes here in La Plata differ in building material ranging from wood and stecco to brick and concrete. They are antiquated, modern, highly stylized, simple, well-constructed, or falling to pieces. Many are rather small. It’s a wonder that they can pack in so much love and hospitality in addition to the 3 … 8 … 14 children in each family.

Dinner at Roberto’s was a great glimpse into an Argentine family. The level of affection that pervades Argentine culture is perhaps most starkly seen in the kisses with which they all greet each other here. This affection is even stronger within the household, between siblings, and parents and their children.

In stark contrast to the image of a stately or reserved father, Roberto, a former film director created a photo montage for Violeta, appropriately set to the song Pompilla. Immanuel has an extremely close relationship with Mariaemma, his mom, with whom he shares every detail of his day as soon as he gets home. Rather than shrug off hugs and feign a macho demeanor as many of the teenage boys his age do, he openly hugs and kisses his little brothers, and speaks with respect of Violeta and Juan.

Roberto and Mariaemma have given their children the freedom to choose nearly everything for themselves. Perhaps it was because they were such strong models of honesty, solidarity, humility, and moral upstanding themselves, that the children given such free reign, chose to become such strong and wise people. Undoubtedly, the openly expressed unconditional love that the parents showed them helped make them into the confident people that they are today.

Violeta and Auca

Auca

Violeta and RobertoMariaemma and Immanuel