Four weeks after Adopting Bitcoin wrapped up, I find myself back in Buenos Aires. While one of the main reasons for staying is avoiding the dreary Berlin winter, the other, much stronger reason, is the people.
Anyone who knows me knows I’m a beach person through and through—dreaming of one day living in a house by the ocean. Argentina, with its economic quirks and geographical realities, isn’t exactly the ideal spot for that dream. Yet, here I am again, drawn not by the landscapes but by something far more meaningful: its people.
When I first wrote about my experience at Labitconf, I mentioned "LaCrypta" a local Bitcoin community that captured my heart. For those unfamiliar, the name might sound like it’s tied to crypto, but it’s not—it simply means “The Crypt.” And when you visit their physical space in the heart of Buenos Aires, the name suddenly makes perfect sense.
La Crypta isn’t just a community; it’s the beating heart of Bitcoin culture here. It’s a group of passionate people dedicated to development, education, and sharing knowledge about Bitcoin and the Nostr ecosystem. Their mission goes far beyond tech—it’s about empowerment, collaboration, and creating a space where ideas flourish.
Before I arrived in Buenos Aires, I had already worked with some of the La Crypta crew remotely. From the very start, they were more than helpful—honestly, they saved me more times than I can count. Organizing, finding suppliers, translating, navigating cultural nuances—things that would’ve been impossible as a foreigner were made smooth thanks to their constant support.
Even when cultural differences came into play, they did their best to accommodate my eager German punctuality. Sure, we had a couple of missed calls here and there (they’re South American, after all!), but we found a rhythm, and I learned to relax and embrace their way of doing things.
I’ll never forget walking into the physical space for the first time. The house itself is a marvel—a 100-year-old gem tucked into the bustling city, its walls whispering history. Interestingly, it was originally built by Germans (I could tell right away), and every corner is rich with quirks and stories. Newcomers are given a guided tour, learning about the house’s past and its idiosyncrasies, which they’re then responsible for passing on to the next wave of visitors. It’s a brilliant tradition, one that fosters a sense of connection to the place. The charm of La Crypta’s space is undeniable—a century-old house surrounded by modern skyscrapers, standing out like a time capsule in the middle of the city. Of course, not everyone loves it. The neighbors occasionally complain about the raucous parties, even calling the police. But, as I’ve learned, in Argentina, there’s always a workaround for things like that.
The real magic, though, isn’t in the house—it’s in the people. After weeks of working together remotely, meeting them in person for the first time was something special. There’s nothing quite like hugging the people you’ve shared so much time, effort, and anticipation with, knowing how deeply they care. They welcomed me with open arms, not just as a collaborator but as a friend. From day one, they’ve been my mental and emotional support system, offering far more than help with logistics. Their generosity, warmth, and genuine care reminded me that some of the most valuable things in life aren’t tied to money—they’re tied to human connection.
We bonded in so many ways, but nothing quite tops their initiation ritual: mate. For the uninitiated, mate is a traditional South American drink with a very specific etiquette. You don’t say “thank you” unless you’re done, you don’t stir the straw, and, naturally, I did everything wrong at first. But despite their teasing, I genuinely fell in love with mate, even if they still can’t believe me!
A home away from home
As I write this, just 10 days before Christmas, I’m missing my family and friends back home in Berlin. On quiet Saturday mornings like this, I wish I could just jump on a plane and hug them, feel the warmth of familiarity. But even in these moments of longing, I find comfort here. The people of La Crypta have become a surrogate family, filling my heart with their kindness and making the distance feel a little less heavy.
This experience has been life-changing. No matter where I go from here, I’ll carry a piece of La Crypta and Buenos Aires with me. For anyone who ever has the chance to visit, I urge you to experience this for yourself. The people, the place, the culture—it’s something that can’t be explained, only felt.
It’s not just a community; it’s a family. And for that, I’ll forever be grateful.