Buenos Aires: Whispers & WiFi
okay, so i'm back from argentina, and honestly, my brain feels like a tangled ball of yarn. it was… a lot. 3454857, that number kept popping up in my head, a sort of lucky sigil, maybe? and then 1076763340… felt like a code. i’m not sure what it meant, but it really stuck.
i just checked and it's… there right now, hope you like that kind of thing. The air hangs heavy with the scent of grilling asado and something vaguely floral, like jasmine fighting with exhaust fumes. it's a sensory overload, in the best way possible.
i went to see the Recoleta Cemetery. seriously, it's like a city of the dead, but super chic. marble mausoleums, intricate sculptures, the whole nine yards. Evita Perón's tomb is the centerpiece, naturally. i’m not gonna lie, it was a little… intense. i heard that someone told me that the whole place is haunted by the spirits of forgotten diplomats and opera singers. totally wild.
my accommodation was a tiny apartment in Palermo Soho. think mismatched furniture, questionable plumbing, and a view of a dumpster. it was charmingly chaotic. i’m not gonna lie, i spent a solid hour trying to figure out how to connect to the WiFi before finally succeeding. it was a battle.
*Pro-tip: Invest in a portable power bank. trust me. and learn a few basic Spanish phrases. even just 'hola' and 'gracias' goes a long way.
i spent a lot of time just wandering, getting lost in the maze of streets. i stumbled upon tiny cafes serving incredible medialunas* (croissants), street vendors selling empanadas, and artists sketching in the plazas. i even caught a flamenco show in a hidden courtyard - it was mesmerizing.
the food! oh god, the food. everything is delicious. i had the best steak i’ve ever had at a place called Don Julio. it’s always packed, but it’s worth the wait. i’m telling you, someone told me that the secret is to ask for the 'entraña' (skirt steak) - it's seriously amazing. And the gelato! don’t even get me started on the gelato.
i tried to catch a tango show at the ABC Tango venue - it was legendary! but someone warned me that they tend to be overpriced and a little… theatrical. i’ll need to check reviews on TripAdvisor.
i also went to a little art gallery in San Telmo. the whole neighborhood is just dripping with antique shops and vintage finds. i scored a killer jacket for next to nothing. it’s a total steal.
“The best thing about Buenos Aires is the feeling of possibility,” someone I talked to at a cafe said. “It’s a city that encourages you to get lost and discover something new every day.”
i’m already planning my return trip. i want to explore more of the countryside, maybe take a day trip to Mendoza for the wine. i’m thinking of checking out some of the hostels on Hostelworld - it would be a good way to meet other travelers.
this whole trip was a blur of delicious food, passionate people, and unexpected adventures. it's a city that gets under your skin and leaves you wanting more. really.
Definitely check out TripAdvisor for restaurant recommendations and Yelp for reviews. Local Boards is a great place to find out about events and happenings.