Out & About: Buenos Aires

I’m a lucky girl; I have a pretty cool day job. When they’re not making me work for my money, I get the opportunity to accrue travel miles. Imagine my delight when I found out I was Argentina-bound. As The Hubbz’ new t-shirt says ‘Buenos F*ckn Aires’. Yeah, baby!

I have often dreamt of visiting this city and getting lost in its architectural beauty. The dream didn’t include spending hours upon hours locked up in a basement attending a conference, but hey. I’m a clever girl, I found ways to sneak away and play a little.

As I share some of the pictures with you, let me tell you my impressions of Buenos Aires. The layout and architecture reminded me of 2 of my favorite European cities: Madrid and Paris. It especially reminded me of Paris, buildings so ornate and fancy looking. Incredibly wide thoroughfares dissected by tiny-cobbled streets. Plazas at every turn. Locals casually, yet elegantly clad.

I think I’ve mentioned my love of Paris, well Buenos Aires felt to me much the same, but better because I was surrounded by fellow Spanish speakers. There is just something that makes my heart sing when I’m surrounded  by Latinos. The guys were GORGEOUS, there are some seriously good genes running through those veins. I hadn’t even made it out of the airport before I was texting my single friends to book their next vacation to Bs. As. Seriously. It didn’t matter what age they were, young teens to old men in their 70s, they looked GOOD! Then they start talking and swoon over their accent. Sigh.

I have often heard that Argentines are stuck up, as a matter of fact, they’re referred to as the French of South America. I’m here to tell you that I didn’t have an unpleasant exchange with a single person in Paris or in Buenos Aires. There was a dismissive waiter at the first cafe I stopped at for lunch, but even the local sitting next to me found him to be a pill. It really was no biggie, though. OK, I tend to limit my advice tidbits to the kitchen, but let me share this little travel nugget: when you go to another country, think of it as going to someone else’s home

My new bestie!

If you invited yourself to someone’s home, you would go out of your way to be gracious, unimposing and to appreciate their customs and traditions, even if they didn’t resonate with yours. You would respect their space and find enjoyment in their way of living. It’s the same with travel, once you let go of the mentality of the way things are supposed to be, which is probably based on American standards, and open up to the way things are in this new, undiscovered place, I promise you the locals will welcome you with open arms and hearts and your visit will be unforgettable. Trust me on that.

Anyway, no more talking or typing, for more shots, follow this link. It will take you directly to the photostream. It seemed every time I spoke to an Argentinean and thanked them for their help, they had this little reply which I need to commit to memory:
Me: Muchas gracias (thanks so much)
Them: No, por favor! (no, please!)
As if to say ‘it was MY pleasure to help you’, ‘really, don’t mention it’. I will take that with me and make it a part of my repertoire.

Still crying for more Argentina,
Anamaris

Comments ( 5 )

  1. ReplyPlatanos, Mangoes and Me!

    So glad you enjoyed. As a matter of fact, I have a friend vsiiting from BA and has just got my husband to agree to visiting her next year. I can't wait. Now go cook something...I miss your posts...

    • ReplyKatie

      You have to come down my way, too!

  2. ReplyKatie

    Hi, Anamaris! I'm so glad you enjoyed your visit to my adopted country. For me, one of the absolute best things about Argentina is her people, and I see you discovered that for yourself. I hope you return soon; there's much more to Argentina than Buenos Aires (although the porteños will never admit that! lol).

  3. Replymarcelina theresia

    Anamaris, I'm so glad you had a great time in Argentina. That's one of the places on my list to visit. The other place is Uruguay. I have only seen pictures, and have a read a little about both places. Great european architecture!!! Love it!! Thank you for sharing, I really feel happy for you.

  4. ReplyJoan Nova

    You aptly described Buenos Aires and your advice about travel was spot on. Buenos Aires is one of my favorite cities. I've been 3X and would go back again tomorrow if the opportunity arose. That bridge picture is spectacular.

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