Adios...For Now

After 12 full days at sea, I was more than happy to finally make it to Buenos Aires, Argentina!  This wasn't one of the ports I was most excited for, and so I came into the country with no plans whatsoever.  However, I am SO glad I didn't plan anything because sometimes, just wandering around a city with no concrete plans is the best way to get a feel of the culture and to come across little nooks and crannies unknown to most tourists!  I think this is why Buenos Aires ended up being one of my favorite ports so far, and I'm excited to share with you all why! 

1)  Buenos Aires is full of small, unique neighborhoods that each have a different culture and feel.  My first day was spent in the neighborhood, La Boca.  When I heard La Boca was known for colorful buildings, delicious food, tango in the streets, outdoor restaurants, and amazing shopping, I knew that the 3 hour walk each way would be worth it...and it definitely was!

 
2) Buenos Aires is known for its DELICIOUS food.  Although Argentina's specialty is beef, I decided to go along with the Italian immigrant influence and eat the mouth watering Italian food ALL THE TIME.  Not only that, but Buenos Aires knows how to do its' caramel.  It's called dulce de leche, and if you're ever in Argentina, you'll become addicted.         

3) Buenos Aires had a crazy resemblance to New York City.  Considering NYC is one of my favorite places in the states, I loved feeling like I was somewhere familiar, while also still feeling like I was in a foreign country.

4) Art was everywhere!  If you know me, you're probably wondering why that matters to me, considering I get bored after spending more than five minutes in an art museum.  Well, the art that I saw in Buenos Aires was not only unique, but had significant purpose.  For example, while exploring Buenos Aires, I visited Lanin Street, a entire street dedicated to the artwork of a famous artist, Marino Santa Maria.  Marino has made almost all the buildings and houses on this street into works of art, using mosaics or painted designs, in order to make the previously gloomy street full of life and color!  It was the by far the coolest "art gallery" I have ever seen.  And, after Marino showed me around Lanin Street, I made my own mosaic with his guidance!


5) Argentina, like most South American countries, has the nicest weather!  For our whole stay, the average temperature was around 85 degrees!  It's safe to say that after my sunburn wore off, I was left with a pretty nice tan!

6)  Buenos Aires prides itself on having an extremely high literacy rate and placing high value on books, reading, libraries, and bookstores.  Considering I love to read, I fell in love with El Ateneo, a bookstore created out of an old theater where anyone can come and read for as long as they'd like, regardless of whether or not they make a purchase! 

Overall, I had the BEST time in Buenos Aires, Argentina!  Although it's "Adios" for now, I sincerely hope I will be saying "Hola" to Buenos Aires again in the near future!





P.S.  For some reason, my email wouldn't let me send pictures with this post.  I'll add the pictures as soon as I can!