After 12 years of Kirchnerism an American president finally makes an official visit to Argentina. With a newly elected president, Mauricio Macri, the United States is stretching its arms in acceptance. Mauricio Macri was elected in November, preceding Cristina de Fernandez Kircher, a member of the Peronist party with anti-American sentiments.

Obama arrived to Buenos Aires on Wednesday at 2 a.m., I can tell you with certainty because I heard his very loud entourage by my window. The president made his way to the American embassy in Palermo, a new and hip neighborhood in Buenos Aires.

My host mom and host brother were ecstatic with Obama’s visit, perhaps even more than some Americans in Argentina. Argentina is very polarized, therefore with Obama’s visit there was both anger and joy from the people. President Obama came during an interesting time in Argentina, on Thursday it was the Day of Remembrance for Truth and Justice. That national holiday serves as an anniversary of the beginning of the Dirty War and dictatorship in Argentina where thousands of people “disappeared”; they were tortured and  killed by the military. Many people believe that the United States allowed and helped the dictatorship thus resenting Obama and the U.S.

During his visit the president attended the memorial for victims of the Dirty War with Macri. The president and the first lady also attended a state dinner where they both danced tango. Michelle Obama also made a visit to a group of girls with Argentine first lady, Juliana Awada, and made a speech about girls education and her humble background. The family ended their visit in Bariloche, a town in the south of Argentina where many American presidents have previously stayed.

Location: Plaza de Mayo