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Published: August 13th 2008
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Hola!
So, at last we flew off from Santiago for a final time and made our way back to Argentina. We were both excited about visiting BA after so many people had told us good things about the place. Our first stop was Palermo which was full of boutique shops and fancy restaurants which wasn´t so great when you're dressed in baggy jeans and a filthy hoody!! We decided the area wasn´t quite for us (especially as I slid in dog poo - it´s everywhere as there are dogs all over the place being walked in huge groups!!) so we moved closer to the centre so we could explore around there and see the widest avenue in the world - a whole 16 lanes (not overly exciting!). A massive road full of shops was a bit crazy but in the evening chewing on a huge steak, a good vino tinto and taking in a tango show was awesome in a intimate little cafe style venue. Strictly come dancing was not a patch on these guys!
The next day we explored San Telmo which had a market street of antiques with street performers and even dudes giving out free hugs,
which Craig took advantage of! The atmosphere was really something and we enjoyed wandering around and soaking it up. We then went on to Boca which was full of brightly coloured houses and people doing tango everywhere. We had to stop at La Bombonera (the Boca Junior´s stadium) so Craig could pay homage and have a photo. So far BA was buzzing and we were really enjoying the lively atmosphere, although not so lively was the cemetry which housed all of Argentina´s rich and famous dead people. It was raining when we went and the elaborate grave stones (like little houses full of the family´s coffins) were a bit spooky with the grey skies. We saw Evita´s grave which was quite plain compared to the others. Apparently the Argentinians weren´t happy about her being there as she was meant to be "one of the people" not mixing with the rich and famous.
After a couple of days we decided we would get a bus out to Las Pampas to get out of city life and see where the Gaucho´s (cowboys) were. We found a cute little town called San Antionio De Areco which had great little buildings and orange
trees lining the streets and most importantly a chocolate shop with great hot choc and homemade chocolates. The speciality here was of course steak but also empanadas (pies!) which was great news for Craig but not not great for my waistline!
We got the bus back to BA to spend a few more days, including a day in Uruguay to get another stamp in our passports and for something different. We hopped on a ferry to Colonia which was a pretty little town with cafes and cobbled streets and luckily for us was a warm, sunny day. We sat about in the sun, had a fancy dinner and enjoyed a few vinos before climbing up a lighthouse and wandering around the old streets. It was a great way to spend a Saturday afternoon.
Once we got back to BA, we spent Sunday doing what the locals do and hanging out in the park in the sun. One thing we have not been very good at is the late nights (they eat at about 11pm and hit the clubs at about 2am!) and have been enjoying taking it easy in one of the best cities we´ve been to on
our trip.
We were quite sad to leave BA but were excited about seeing the mighty Iguazu Falls. They are on the border between Brazil, Paraguay and Argentina and are pretty huge! We spent the day on the Argentinian side and were quite overwhelmed by the sheer size of it all... they are 4km wide, and are 74m high with a series of 275 waterfalls!! The amount of water that flows over is 1750 cubic metres per second in the dry season! They were awesome. So much water pumping out and a highlight was standing really close and getting a good soaking!
So tomorrow we head off to see the Brazilian side of the falls before heading up north for the last part of our trip. We have really enjoyed Argentina although in a different way to the other countries. It´s more European and we have been spoilt with so much good food and drink and a great atmosphere - it´s good to feel well, despite feeling the need for a good dose of fruit, veg and exercise!
So I´m off to buy my Brazilian bikini and hit Copacabana!!!
Ciao Ciao
Helen & Craigx
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