Since we were backpacking, we didn't want to tie ourselves down too much. We literally only booked a flight ticket to BA and our first nights' accomodation. From there on we had a rough idea of where we wanted to go, but we basically winged each day. Much like our beautiful South Africa, Argentina is a vast country with many different cultures and landscapes. Ranging from the tropical forests in the north, to endless grasslands in the east, to glaciers in the south and the majestic Andes in the west.
We spent 4 days in Buenos Aires from 1 November, as our introduction to Argentina's history, culture, people and food. Thinking back now, there really isn't any way that I can adequately explain this city to anybody that hasn't actually been there. Buenos Aires is a city of contrast and colour like nothing I have ever seen before. It is a place of protest and passion, sound and sensuality. At first glance, you feel like you're in Paris, surrounded by beautiful buildings and parks. But, on a closer look this city is more unique that any of the European cities on which it was modeled.
The city of Buenos Aires itself is massive, with more people living in this one city than in all the other provinces of Argentina combined. Imagine the CBD of Jo'burg times 500, with high-risers and appartment buildings just going on and on. We stayed in the main street (Avenida de Mayo), which was really nice and close to the main attractions. Our first day was spent walking along with the guys and girls of BA free city tours. I can really recommend these tours to anybody traveling to any big city around the world. We were told stories that the guide books never really get to, and it was very interesting and insightful.
On our second day, we walked the market of San Telmo. I have never seen a market this huge! It went down the main street of this colourful neighbourhood for about 5 kms. The street was filled with smells of fresh squeezed orange juice, steaks on the barbeque, leather, incense and mate (a very traditional Argentine tea). On every block you can see a new band or musician playing the tango, with dancers performing on the pavement. Every balcony is different, with beautiful flowers or some form of laundry hanging from the ornate trimmings inspired by the golden age of this city.
Recoleta was my favourite neighbourhood. This is basically the up-town district, with aw-inspiring buildings (called palaces) and big oak trees lining the streets. On every corner you can find a coffee shop wanting to be cuter and cosier than the next. Recoleta and Palermo is know for the amazing shopping you can find here. The boutiques are everywhere with beautiful window displays and fabulous fashions.
Overall, I just thought that Buenos Aires was amazing and what I enjoyed most was the culture of sharing and celebrating. Argentinians believe that eating out is one of life's most enjoyable and necessary pleasures, so they eat out all the time! Beers only come in one liter bottles and you order it for the table, like wine. The pizzas are too big not to share and I can gobble down a dozen empanadas any day. It is a city where people from all over gather in the public parks at night and dance (I even had a little tango lesson of my own). In every park, all the time, people will be hugging and kissing in public (I guess it's in Latina blood). There is so much to love about Buenos Aires!
Anyways, I think the post is beginning to look more like an essay. I hope you enjoy the photos, and perhaps they will inspire a trip for whoever reads this post.
