Buenos Aires June 3 to July 23

Since the day we arrived in Buenos Aires we fell in love with the city and the Portenos (people who live in Buenos Aires). The city is so impressive, full of life and energy. Standing in the middle of the city it isn't difficult to see that it has its own flavor in every conceivable way but especially in its architecture. Most would say that Buenos Aires is reminiscent of Paris, Rome and Barecelona with the density and vibe of Manhattan. It is that fact, its unique tapestry of architecture, vision and energy that makes Buenos Aires its own unique city with its own bragging rights. To be compared as "The Paris, Manhattan, etc of South America" is to really not do it justice. Portenos are proud of their heritage, their particular form of Spanish, and their city. That is resoundingly evident everyday.

We met some wonderful people while staying in the city for two months but even the people in the street, in random encounters, were warm, helpful and friendly. Some of our favorite places to visit were the markets in Plaza Francia and in San Telmo on the weekend. Recoleta cemetary was breathtaking with its city-like grid of mausoleums and "streets.' We enjoyed the Parillas, and cafes, medialunas in the afternoon (or empanadas), and late night meals.

In BA one typically doesn't eat before 10, go out to a bar before midnight (except for happy hour before dinner) or dance before 3 am. Portenos lovingly refer to themselves as vampires and the city could definately compete with Manhattan as the city that never sleeps.

And the shopping... well lets just say if you love leather goods (bags, shoes, coats, etc) no where is as inexpensive for some of the highest quality, unique styles, and reasonable priced (well for Europeans and those of us from North America). In fact most things were at least half the price of those back home.

To leave it we were sad. We wish we had stayed, an opinion shared by a friend who visited us, Sally. I wish we had better blogged our experiences in BA but take that as how much we loved the city and really immersed ourselves to the point we had no time to blog. If you get a chance go. We really don't think you will regret it.