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Published: December 24th 2007
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Merry Merry Christmas Everyone!!! I have been here just under two weeks and having the most wonderful time. I have settled in to a small hostel not too far off from the city center. The area is called Palermo and is just perfect. There is a mix of everything around every corner from shopping, to restaraunts and bars, grocery and fruit stands, specialty cake shops, banks.... you name it. I have become very comfortable in this barrio (neighborhood).
After the great bag debaucle (for those who don´t know, my bag was 5 days delayed in arriving) I have settled in to a casual life of strolling the streets of BA, seeing the sights and treating myself to an occasional cafe con leche (coffee with steamed milk, or a latte). I have not gorged myself too much in the likes of eating out and shopping. Making every effort to budget myself as I am still early on in this grand adventure. And, with any success in the budget department, I figure I will really treat myself here in BA when I return the 3rd week of March, as I will fly home from here. And I do plan to treat myself,
as the shopping here is pretty amazing.
I have been meeting really great people here at the hostel and have managed to enjoy late night s chatting over wine or hit the club dancing. As those late nights make for long afternoon naps the next day, I do not feel badly or pressured to spend my time any other way. I feel like I have maintained a very nice balance between sightseeing, studying my spanish (slowly but surely, it comes along), enjoying a relaxing lunch and book in the nearby park. My favorite part though has been the conversations I have shared with the people. People from all over the world, as l well as with the locals.
Buenos Aires has a rich historical background that I am finding very fascinating. So much to learn and understand about the complexities of the history, politics and social structure. BA has a mixture of ethnic heritage. This being said, I have had one of the best pizzas I have ever had, right here in South Am. There is a rich Italian culture here.
My blisters are slowly going away and I have been able to set out on foot
Recoleta
Enterance again. The first week I toured all over the city, hitting all of the tourist attractions. Recoleta is an area barrio next to Palermo and is home to the famous Recoleta Cemetary. This amazing cemetary holds many Buenos Aires aristocrats, famous Generals and Capatains from Revolutionary times as well as the infamous Evita. The tombs here are beautifully constructed with stone and marble. Set up like a small city, the tombs line small cobble walk ways, block upon block upon block. Absoultely gorgeous.
La Boca and San Telmo are two barrios next to one another on the other side of town. This area holds some of BA´s oldest history as they are near the river and were easy access ports for explorers and immigrants. The Presidential House (not home, however. I understand that the President does not live here) is located in the City Center.
The architecture here is amazing. Many of the structures are 150 years old and have a strong European influence. Just walking around is impressive in itself.
The weather has been very nice. One day was uncomfortably hot and muggy, but all the others have been just. A few overcast, cooler days intermixed
with warm, sunny ones and pleasantly cool nights... what can I say, PERFECT! Not too mention, the long days. This in itself offers so much flexability as to what I can do in an entire day. Though, as I mentioned before, getting used the schedule can pose a bit of an inconveniance. Many shops and facilties will close in the late afternoon hours (siesta) in preparation for the night.
After the holiday I will leave BA and head South by bus to see the countryside, coast and Mountain Lakes. I have enjoyed this time in Buenos Aires and look forward to my return in several months as well as in the future. Yes, Already I know I will be returning to Argentina and South America as soon as time and funds allow.
I will have more to share with you very soon. For now I am wishing you all the Merriest of holidays. Know that I will be thinking about you, but not missing you as I am very happy and enjoying this chance to celebrate a great tradition in a new and special way.
hugs & kisses
ciao
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