It’s a little daunting travelling to a foreign country alone and only having a very basic knowledge of the local language. But it’s also very exciting and eye opening. I highly recommend this experience to you.
I fell in love with Argentina immediately. Even though the rain was torrential on my arrival into Buenos Aires, my spirit was not dampened in the slightest. My cab ride from the airport was about an hour, and the downpour had been so intense that I had to leap frog over a small river from the car to the sideway at my hotel. The taxi driver was suitably impressed that I was fluent in Spanglish. So much so that he insisted on reversing his cab to a position to facilitate unloading of my luggage.
If you appreciate great food and amazing Malbec wines, then Argentina is the place for you.
I highly recommend the Hotel Clasico. The hotel is in Palermo – a barrio (suburb) of Buenos Aries that is very central. The Subtle (under ground station) – Palermo is about 10 minutes’ walk away). The shower was full and warm. The bed was very comfortable. And the sound proofing was the best out of the hotels that I stayed in.
The staff were kind and forgiving of my second-rate Spanish. Additionally, breakfast was included – options of yogurt with fruit or huevos (eggs) with salmon – and a very generous portion. Good coffee to start you off for the day.
Conveniently across the road from the Clasico hotel, is an excellent seafood restaurant – La Pescadorita (Ph. 4773-0070). Adorned with a load of fisherman memorabilia and pretty fairy lights hanging from the ceiling, along with a merman at the front door. They offer delivery too.
What to do in Buenos Aires
Well you Tango. And thus, visit the Milongas – tango dances. There are several on every day from around 2pm. Download the application ‘Hoy Milonga’ to get the latest available classes and dances per day. You can just go to watch if you are not particular to dancing. There are rules to follow at these events. Men will make eye contact with the ladies to offer a dance. Well three to be precise. You respond with a nod of your head to indicate your interest. Between the three dances, some different (and un-tango style music) played between each set – such as rock or jive.
The Artes museum is a lovely place to visit, the red building is quite spectacular – holding international art as well as local art of South America. It’s a beautiful building and well worth a visit. I particularly liked the sculpture from the local artists. They have a number of pieces by Rodin, Gaurguin, Turner and other impressionists. The entry (as of 2018) is 100 Pesos (2.20£).
Visiting a Tango show is a must – there are several options available, I went to Senior Tango with my friends and it was spectacular. Don’t bother with the dinner option as you will find better food and vino at a restaurant beforehand and the prices at the shows are highly inflated.
Café La Biela is a great cafe to watch passers-by and is situated just across from the Recoleta cemetery.
Recoleta cemetery is definitely worth a visit – it hosts very beautiful crypts, including Evita’s.
You will notice a number of dog walkers – with a full pack of hounds on leading them through the streets.
On Saturdays and Sundays, there is a market outside of the Recoleta cemetery. There are beautiful hand-crafted earrings, bottle holders and bags for sale. Don’t be shy to haggle. I think the sellers actually like a bit of bargaining.
El Calafete
One of the most beautiful things to see in this world is the Perito Moreno glacier. There is an excellent path way that will take you very close to the glaciers edge, where you can see and hear the ice fall into the freezing waters. It’s a beautiful sight and photos just don’t do it justice! Quite frequently, parts will break off with a loud crack and fall into the icy waters. The glacier grows two metres per day but also loses that, so for the moment its stable(ish).
If you are feeling adventurous, then take a horse ride around the hills of El Calafete. You can organise this via agencies, or just find a local ranch and ask directly.
