Tango Passion

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It's not easy getting to Ushuaia, dear reader, which is the southernmost city in the world. Particularly when you travel overland on the bus from Santiago in Chile, now that's some commute! But the journal continues, and I'm glad to have made it. The city itself is spectacular as you stroll around the beautifully paved streets, while surrounded by a backdrop of snow capped mountains. The sights include taking in the gorgeous harbour which serves as the starting point for cruise ships setting sail for the final frontier of Antarctica. Ushuaia is without a doubt a unique travel destination and you can't help smiling as you walk around the city, because on this beautiful planet of ours this is truly the end of the road. It's just not possible to travel any further south and still enjoy the creature comforts that modern society has placed at the disposal of us Earthlings.

While in Ushuaia I stayed in a top quality hostel, and enjoyed great food at the local restaurants. I also got to know the friendly and laid back locals. South America quickly gets under your skin, and is a travel destination that could easily become an overwhelming passion. After an enjoyable stay in Ushuaia it was time to get a feel for the big smoke, so I organised a flight to the world famous capital of Buenos Aires. She is truly a beautiful city, with all the style and quality of a European capital but at a fraction of the price. I checked into a high quality hostel on arrival, and was interested to learn that B.A. is renowned as a party capital in South America. For those interested in Latino nightlife there's a guaranteed party every night of the week, and the hostels are more than happy to get the party started. There's so much to see and do in Buenos Aires, including the chance to enjoy a stunning dance performance in the home of tango. It's also highly recommended to visit the famous Barrio La Boca with it's riotous colours and vibrant latin lifestyle. The people are fashionable and the food is great, and the nightlife really completes the picture in this world class city. Football is huge in the country, and there exists a great rivalry between the top clubs in a country with a legendary footballing tradition. Argentinians live and breath football, and the greatest player to play the game Maradona is revered in the country.

However, the main attraction for me was to be back on the backpackers trail. I tend to rely on hostels as a solo traveller to meet people, which is such an essential component of the travel experience. So I happily settled back into the backpacker scene after an enjoyable but remote trip travelling through Patagonia by bus. Argentina was devastated by an economic crisis when the Argentinian peso was floated, wreaking havoc on the economic livelihood of the local people. Life savings were lost in an instant when the peso that had been pegged to the US dollar for many decades was suddenly floated, resulting in a devastating run on the banks. Almost overnight Argentina lost her position as an economic powerhouse in South America, and was quickly eclipsed by Chile. However, one of the beneficial outcomes of this tumultuous period has been an explosion in international tourism.

Although this is my first trip to South America, I quickly formed a favourable impression of the people and their customs. Initially the lack of interest in speaking English was a shock to me, however the Latinos quickly won me over with their unquestioning belief and acceptance of their language and culture. It feels like the rest of the world is not so important when travelling in South America, and in my dealings with the locals they continue to speak in rapid fire Spanish despite my uncomprehending looks. If you don't understand what they're saying, as strange as this seems to a Latino, they just talk to you some more as that should do the trick! South America feels different to other parts of the world I've visited, and I've come to the realization that you can't just rely on English if you want to experience the full gamut of Latino culture.

My stay in the capital was very enjoyable, and from there I organised a bus ticket north to the world famous Iguazu Falls. They are a truly magnificent travel destination, and there are walkways that lead almost to the edge of the main falls on the Argentinian side. The noise and volume of the water is awe inspiring, and it literally takes your breath away. There are superb views from the many paths that provide close up aspects of particular falls, and also provide a superb panorama of the might and power of Iguazu. There's one path that leads into a cavern where the falls thunder overhead within reach of an outstretched arm, and it's a one of a kind travel experience!

To summarise my trip to Argentina an abundance of superlatives springs to mind; in a country that is full of style, charm, fine dining and world class infrastructure the equal of Europe but at a fraction of the price. Argentina must rank as one of the ultimate travel destinations, and I really feel it would be a great advantage to learn some spanish. Come to visit this beautiful country full of sophistication and class where, basically all of you should be here now!

Do not dwell on the past, do not dream of the future, concentrate the mind on the present moment." Buddha

As I continue my travels, until next time it's signing off for now

Tom

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Photos

Downtown street, Ushuaia
The magnificent Isla Navarino mountains surround the city.

Overview of Iguazu Falls
This photo gives an insight into the superb pathways on the Argentinian side, which really put you close to the action!

The Lake at Bariloche
Home of breathtaking scenery and outdoor activites.

The Main Falls at Iguazu
Close up views feature staggering amounts of water falling amidst a cacophony of noise.