Buenos Aires - you are one classy bird

We spent 4 days in Buenos Aires, but I have decided that I could quite happily stay there in an apartment with a sweet balcony for a month – it is delightful.

Tango dancing in the street....that's how they roll

Buenos Aires is a vibrant, cultural city full of beautiful buildings, cobbled streets (not so charming when you’ve been walking on them all day), tango dancing, the smell of meat wafting around, mountains of history and delicious little caramel peanuts from the peanut man on every corner. It has an old-fashioned charm to it – feels like it should be seen through the eye of a black and white lens.

On Sunday we walked to the beautiful suburb of San Telmo, to go to the famous Plaza Dorrego market. I do love a good market, and these were out of control… the street was blocked off for about 2km, all filled with market stalls! (Mum – it was full of antiques and vintage goodies, I’ve taken some special photos just for you. I don’t think anyone else will be interested in my chandelier photos…). Overwhelmed by choice, all I ended up buying was a steak sandwich for lunch. And some caramel peanuts.



Squillions of people at the markets



Lunch. Moooo.

 

Lost tourist. Somebody teach that girl how to read a map

Those Argentinians are onto a good thing with their body clock and working hours… siesta time? Yes please! On our first night in BA we went out for dinner at 10.30pm, feeling rather smug that we were capable of eating out late too. Our restaurant was packed full of people, including lots of old people and kids. By 11.00pm I was yawning into my plate and it was home time – the 6 year old opposite me was ordering dessert.

We officially discovered the Best Pizza Of Our Lives at a place called Pizzaria Guerrian. Unfortunately no pics… this place was all about serious eating, with no time for mucking around. The pizza was 5 peso a slice ($1.25AUD), and was eaten standing up at a counter. Muzzarella is highly recommended. Also recommended to speak clearly when ordering an Empanada, otherwise you might end up with Napoliatana pizza. Fail.

We headed to the famous suburb of La Boca, on the dodgy side of town. In keeping with Melbourne tradition, we fare evaded on the bus.... the Argentinians have this weird thing about not giving up their coins (they are in short supply) so it's near impossible to get coins for the bus. Boca was bright and colourful, and chocca full of people with cameras and police - those darn tourists.

Err.... famous soccer player who hit a ball with his hand (?). And Mike.

We did lots of walking around and taking photos of buildings, which I’m sure won’t be a crowd pleaser so I’ll keep those to myself. Oh, and meat. We ate it, yes we did.

I am writing this on a bus, and it’s a swirling winter wonderland outside – so much snow! And so much ash cloud residue, but that’s not quite as pretty. Stupid volcano (I’m still harbouring resentment from having 167 of my flights cancelled when it erupted in June).

Special shout out to Mank and Han on the exciting engagement news! We are so very happy and excited for you.

Adios amigos x