Broads Abroad

Buenos Aires

Michelle Goshen / Columnist

El Sexo. Sex. In Argentina, there are several written and unwritten laws concerning sex. No sex in the streets, no sex in the park, no sex in cars, no sex in the dorm and no sex in the house.

What is the Argentinean attitude towards sex, and where does a city of

3 million go to do the deed when there are all these rules of conduct?

The Argentinean culture differs from the United States' in the simple fact that the Argentinean people do not think of sex as a taboo subject matter.

People here are open about their sexuality and it is understood that most people  have an active sex life.

In the United States, one's sex life may be shared with a few close friends, but mostly it is a private matter.

I feel that although many of us have indulged in a Cosmopolitan magazine or in TV shows such as "Talk Sex with Sue," or "Sex and the City," for the most part it is not a topic often discussed among families or strangers.

Now understand, Argentineans are not screaming about their sex lives from the street corner, but rather it is a more common topic of conversation and does not have the negative associations that can be found in the United States.

Women here who have very active sex lives are not looked down upon, but rather it is understood that it is a normal human act.

Women seem to be idolized for their sexuality and there appear to be less double standards. Men here are more forward and all people are much more demonstrative.

Additionally, public displays of affection are widespread, intense and highly praised. In the U.S., it is rare to see most couples doing more than holding hands or sharing a few kisses in public.

Here, young couples can be found

everywhere, especially in the parks,

embracing passionately.

Although clothed, little is left to the imagination. The best way to describe these actions is to pretend as if you are watching the final act of a tango performance, and the man has dipped the woman. Now, add some passionate groping and making out and you've got the image.

I don't find it overbearing, but instead, I sort of admire it. I admire the people—being forward and open about their sexuality and not hiding their emotions. Maybe we should try more of this in the United States and see what happens?

Although passionate make-out sessions are allowed in the parks, where do these couples go to have some privacy?

In Argentina, it is considered inappropriate to have sex in one's home, or in las residencias. Instead, if Argentineans are feeling the romance, they head to Los Telos.

A Telo is a place similar to a hotel, but its only purpose is to serve as an escape from the rest of the city for a rendezvous.

Los Telos can be found around the city and are easy to access. To use Los Telos, one pays a small fee to rent a room for two hours, five hours, or for the night. Some telos are nicer than others and include such features as music, themes and Jacuzzis.

Confused? They pay money to go have sex? It's true, but it's not at all viewed as a negative thing.

It is not prostitution or going to a trashy motel—it is common and acceptable. It is a part of the culture.

The purpose of Los Telos is first, to make money in a country that is still resurfacing from an economic crisis. Second, it serves to provide an intimate atmosphere for you and your significant other.

Los Telos is an interesting concept—like a hotel, but a bit different, it is a place for intimacy and enjoyment.

Contact Michelle Goshen at pendulum@elon.edu or 278-7247.