Lasting Impressions (BA Wrapup)

Here you have it - the final entry in the Buenos Aires, Argentina series.

 

I thought I'd leave with some final pictures and expectations to share if you are ever so lucky to get to travel to this destination.

Expect to be charmed. You'll see a city that is changing.  New added to the old. Glimpses of a city that has a rich past with secrets.  Wealthy residents; poor residents.  A melting pot of sorts, much like what we have back in our home country.  If you know Spanish, you will be at home, but watch out for some of the variations with masculine and feminine references.

Here's a busy street scene.

Expect peso surprises!  There is a "Blue Market" exchange rate from dollars to pesos that fluctuates daily.  The country is going through some rather significant inflation times.  It is possible to buy things with US dollars in your wallet in a pinch...dollars are desirable.  Also, hang on to your wallets due to prowess by pickpockets.  The subway seems to be the worst spot for this.

Thank goodness for my birthday purse from Diann that was impenetrable for two pickpocket attempts!

Expect to fall in love with dulce de leche! Spreadable like peanut butter, in flan and an ice cream flavor ---yummy!

The three must-haves to spread on those breads: butter, jam and dulce de leche.

Expect to see a lot of graffiti.  Most of it is like the first picture and it's sad to see classic architecture
(not shown here) all painted up.  Sometimes, though you can see glimpses of artwork.



Expect to look down a lot when walking for safety reasons.


The sidewalks are very difficult to manage with broken tiles and uneven surfaces.  Poor Karen who took a spill and ended up injured as a result of these tiles!

Expect really, really good food. Meat lovers, rejoice!  Italian food "foodies" will experience the best pasta ever! 

We went to this Italian restaurant twice because it was so good (il gran Caruso)

Expect street vendors who know how to make a sale.

I bought a necklace pendant from this nice guy who really knew how to make a deal!

Expect a police presence.

Near the Plaza de Mayo there are regular demonstrations.  We witnessed two.

Expect seeing rainbows of color.

Just one of the many small stores offering colorful, fresh produce to passers-by.

Expect beauty just around the corner .  (And wild cats who enjoy the beauty, too.)

The Carlos Thays Botanical Garden was just a hop, skip and jump away from our hotel - home to 5,500 varieties of exotic and local flora...and feral cats

Expect the unexpected.

Though I had heard of "yarn bombing" before, this was the first time I'd seen it!  Quite pretty.


Now that we are back at home, I know that I left a part of my heart in Buenos Aires.
I hope that you have been able to enjoy the armchair visit alongside us.  Perhaps you fell in love just a little bit, too.