January 11, 2009

After rebounding from a flight cancellation out of MSP, we arrived in Buenos Aires on Weds (1/7) morning right on time.  We were all exhausted from our lack of sleep over the days leading up to our departure and were happy to use the 4 hour time zone change as an excuse to sleep 10-12 hours a night for the first few nights.  

Buenos Aires reminds us of a European city (a cross between Paris and Madrid) and the suburbs feel like the outskirts of London.  The people represent a mix of all of Southern Europe with a few native Peruvians for diversity. We stayed in Recoleta, one of the more upscale neighborhoods, best known for the gothic cemetery where good Catholic families have buried generations of offspring in ornate crypts.  We also enjoyed an afternoon break from the hot sun exploring the Museo National de Bellas Artes.

                   

One day we took the train to the mouth of the river delta that drains into the Rio de la Plata.  There are homes, villages and a few small resorts along the rivers that are only accessible by boat.  We had a riverside lunch and took a hike through the woods before returning to heat and dust of Buenos Aires (for a more elaborate description of the day check out Alexander's blog).

          

So far we have been underwhelmed by the food.  Spicy (or should I say picante) is just not a characteristic of the Argentine cuisine.  We tried their famed beef, which is good, but not  something we can eat on a regular basis.  But the wine and beer make up for the food.  Inexpensive Malbecs and Quilmes make every dinner better.