Trekking down to the southern hemisphere, I decided to take a trip to Buenos Aires and Bariloche, Argentina. Mesmerized by the European influence, cafe culture, and spectacular architecture, I instantly fell in love with Buenos Aires. Coming from Venezuela, I expected something more latin, but on a larger scale. Instead I found a true hodgepodge of latin and european influences. There were so many museums, and parks, and shops and restaurants, that I didn't know where to begin my eating and shopping-sprees. Luckily, I met some a friendly australian and norwegian and we set off to explore the city and all it has to offer. Whether it be exploring the Recoleta Cemetery where Evita is buried or dancing until the wee hours of the morning we enjoyed every minute of it. We took tango lessons and failed (or at least I did) horribly at it, walked around the theater district, met a few locals and plenty of expats, and probably drank enough cafe con leche to last us a month. I felt truly comfortable and relaxed in such an energetic yet peaceful city.
After a few days in Buenos Aires, my friends set off to Rio de Janeiro and I went to Bariloche. Since it was summer in Argentina, that was a big mistake. Unless you are going to ski in Bariloche, I'm not sure it's worth it. Don't get me wrong, the views were amazing and the mountains and lake were truly picturesque, but after a vibrant city like Buenos Aires there are only so many mountains you can stare at. I did get to see a few adrenaline junkies para-glide off the mountain and I took a relaxing boat ride to the island that inspired the movie Bambi.
Back in Buenos Aires, I ate lots of steak, read in the park, and relaxed as life passed by. It was exactly what I needed after a few stressful months in Caracas. And although I'm not stationed there, BA is definitely a place worth visiting again and again and again!
