Buenos Aires : Explore over the weekend

By Earth's Pilgrim
Read the entire Series - Exploring Patagonia - Argentina and Chile
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Wherever you go, go with all your heartUnknown

We usually have trips in 2 categories broadly – the mini trips and the Mega trips. It has been a while since we did a Mega trip – something on the lines of Tanzania, China, Russia etc.While Africa still intrigues me the most, the closest second is South America. Having done Brazil the last time we keen to push further south and what better than to my favourite football nation of Argentina and its close neighbour Chile. Everyone relates Argentina to football, steak, and wine – while that is of course true – there is one untapped piece – Nature and this is what we were keen on. Join us to explore our first pitstop – Buenos Aires.

Finally all set – off we went on Addy’s first longest long-haul – 16+ hours red eye flight. The excitement was at peak, Addy announcing to literally everyone back home that we are visiting Argentina.  We reached Buenos Aires on a bright Monday morning, right at the heart of the peak hour.

First Tip

Never book your cab from the kiosks in the Arrival Hall – An absolute rip off. Just walk out and take one of the black-yellow cabs.

A long flight and a peak hour drive meant we were quite exhausted reaching our Airbnb. However, one person wasn’t – Addy. She was all buzzing and raring to go out. We have never been great lovers of cities, buildings, traffic – and Buenos Aires was no different. It was buzzling and lively city with the typical south American vibe.

Second pro tip

Carry cash. Argentina is in an economic downturn, and I’m told 50+% of the people don’t even have bank accounts. And especially with cabs – Cash works better.

We settled down, had our lunch and late afternoon stepped out explore the city and what best to start with the most vibrant part of Buenos Aires – Caminito – A popular tourist attraction in the city with colourful houses with deep cultural significance. We walked around the streets and alleys admiring the many artistic works. We were advised from staying away from this area in the nights and you can see the rough patches when you just walk beyond the tourist patch – We had no plans either!
Another 500 metres walk, and we were at the La Bombonera – the most emblematic football stadiums in the word and home to the very famous Boca juniors. We had seen Messi play at Barcelona and with Addy a football game was anyway ruled out.

After a lazy stroll and some empanadas we left Caminito, were ripped by a cunning taxi driver and reached Plaza de Mayo. This is a very lively square at the centre of the city with the pink Casa Rosada building at the edge of it. Addy chased pigeons and dint want to leave this place. We walked further down towards Florida street midst buzzling evening crowd rushing back home, tall skyscrapers and all that we call chaos.  Florida street is a pedestrian shopping area and ideal for an evening stroll. And Addy found her favourite M — McDonalds!

It was a long day and we walked back to our hotel and called it a day. Next day we woke up to thunder showers – it’s a rarity to have thundershowers in Buenos Aires but we had hit the jackpot. It was raining cats and dogs – and reminded me of home. Had to run some errands as we had a ripped suitcases (thanks to KLM!) and also get some cash – so I enjoyed a leisurely stroll in the heavy rain.  Addy enjoyed her time relaxing in the hotel.

Finally the clouds parted a little in the afternoon and we went out further exploring the city. Our stay was centrally located which meant we could walk or hitch a quick taxi ride to most of the places. I must say Taxis are cheap in Buenos Aires – but please carry cash. We walked towards El Ateneo Grand Splendid – chosen by Guardian as the second largest bookstore in the world. This is essentially a movie theatre converted into a bookstore on multiple levels. The grandeur of the store was amazing – it still retains its former splendour and elegance. Most of the books were in Spanish which was a disappointment for Addy who was interested in exploring the children section.

Another quick cab ride and we reached Galerias Pacifico. It had started raining again so indoors was our best choice. This is essentially one of the main malls in the city – but again the décor was amazing. Had some quick bites and Addy loved dancing to the tango tunes being played there.

Of course we weren’t shopping in the mall, so we soon ran out of options. We decided to head towards Mercado de San Telmo – large indoor market that is in the San Telmo neighbourhood. Every city we visit, for some reason we are fascinated with their markets rather than their skyscrapers and museums etc and San Telmo was no different.

Walking around has always been the best bit about exploring a city. Buenos Aires was always a pit stop before heading into the southernmost town of Ushuaia and exploring the Patagonian wilderness at El Calafate. However, we did explore more around Buenos Aires – An evening trip to Tigre Delta, Enjoyed Succulent steaks at a Parilla and visited a Gaucho Ranch.

Earth's Pilgrim

This is Aldrin and my partner Amoli. We bring you "Earths Pilgrim" - a unique insight into our travel escapades while leaving life in a cubicle. If you are looking for some inspiration to break the shackles of a regular life, then you are the right place. Read more about us- Click here.

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