The gang at Cocina Sunae
If there is any wisdom I could pass along to other backpackers travelling the world, it is to MAKE FRIENDS!
It seriously will change the entire outcome of your trip in the best ways imaginable. Interacting with others will be stimulating and enriching. It will also allows you to do things during your travels that you may have not even known about or may not have done without friends to share the adventure with.
Since arriving in Buenos Aires, Tony and I have met some extraordinary travel buddies such as Michael from Art of Backpacking, Stephanie from Twenty-Something Travel, and Leanne and Leah from Start Somewhere.
It is through them that we learned about (and experienced) the city’s infamous drum rave, La Bomba del Tiempo, ate the best tacos in Buenos Aires (and possibly the world), laughed our asses off at a gringo comedy club, stuffed our faces at an indoor Argentinean Asado, and (my personal favorite) dined at the closed door restaurant Cocina Sunae.
Another piece of wisdom I will give you: If you are ever in Buenos Aires, DO NOT miss the opportunity to dine out at one of the city’s many closed door restaurants.
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Ohhh how those wonderful Argentine's love their meat...
I once read that Buenos Aires was just like an old European city (the “Paris of South America”) except that it had not been taken care of in 30 years. The best analogy though might be from Tourist 2 Townie, who said it was like a Silver Fox (“Rugged and aged with a lot of great stories to tell, but still energetic and good looking”).
Seems about right.
As opposed to the many famous Italian cities that can sometimes make you feel like you are in a Historical Disney Land, Buenos Aires feels lived-in. With every ounce of history squeezing out of the pores of its buildings.
But I like that.
The city is much more alive and on edge than relatively tranquil Santiago. But again, it’s only been a few days, so I’m sure many of the following impressions will change:
- Drivers have never met a pedestrian they haven’t wanted to hit as they accelerate through intersections.
- You eat dinner late and go out for drinks early… really early… like 12 or 1am.
- People have tremendous love for their Argentinian meat… and deservedly so.
- You better love Ice Cream because it is everywhere… and sooo good.
- Crime feels more present as even locals carry their bags in front of themselves and warn tourists about having their cameras stolen from around their neck.
- Between the cobblestones, uneven sidewalks, and copious amounts of dog poop… make sure you watch where you are walking.
- There are more backpackers and travel bloggers around as there seems to be so much to explore and learn in the city.
- A lot of incredible sights, museums, and tours to do. We might just have to extend our stay an extra week to get it all in!
- An older public transportation system that definitely gets you where you want to go. The buses are beyond confusing… but thank you internet for omnilineas.com!
These are just my first impressions of Buenos Aires and I can guarantee they will change in the 20 days we are staying here. What do I have wrong so far? What are some of the must-do’s?
If you have been actively reading our blog, you are probably well aware by now that the way to my heart is through my stomach…
… And Buenos Aires has me head over heels in love.
Being the lucky girl that I am, this love affair started within the first 24 hours of arriving in this magical city. Now, I may not be a believer in love at first sight, but love at first bite is a whole different story!
On the second day of our trip, Tony and I were graciously invited to attend a day of eating and drinking our way through the city via Buenos Aires Food Tours. This seemed too good to pass up!
Before I start divulging into the gluttonous day we spent with Buenos Aires Food Tours, I will give you a little background on the company:
Buenos Aires Food Tours was started up by ethnic dining expert Graciela (whom also founded Miami Culinary Tours) roughly a year ago and provides culinary walking tours around the San Telmo, La Boca, and Recoleta neighborhoods (a.k.a. Barrios).
This unique tour group, however, is not just about food. Aside from pigging out on all the regional delicacies, they also want their customers to gain knowledge about the local community, the history of the city, and the beautiful architecture that defines Buenos Aires.
In addition to the distinctive approach on their tours, Buenos Aires Food Tours got exceptionally good TripAdvisor reviews. After everything that I learned and read about this company, I was dying to see them in action.
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Cerro San Cristóbal
From the beginning of our RTW planning, Tony and I knew we wanted to start our journey in Santiago, Chile. From everything we read, Santiago was rumored to be safe, modern, and inexpensive. In addition, we heard fabulous things about its great weather, food scene, and friendly locals.
Having just spent a large majority of the past month in this magical city (we have since moved on to Argentina), I am left reflecting on my personal experiences with the city and comparing them to my initial research and my initial first impressions.
So did it live up to my high expectations?
I am going to have to say YES!
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