The Year of Two Winters

I've been in Buenos Aires for a few days now and absolutely love it! I'm staying in Recoleta, which is a sophisticated neighborhood that looks a lot like Paris. After getting rich from providing grain to the rest of the world in the 19th century, Argentina hired French engineers to build the city. As a result, many of the buildings in the aristocrats' neighborhoods were made in a French-style. Roaming around my neighborhood feels like walking the streets of European cities, such as Madrid or Paris.

While BA is heavily influenced by French, Spanish and Italian and other European cultures, many areas have a more latin flair. We visited La Boca, which is in the southern area of the city. Buildings are made of colorful metal tin from old ships. It is one of the poorest and oldest areas of town. After an outbreak of yellow fever many years ago, the rich aristocrats headed North to Recoleta and other northern neighborhoods, which left La Boca poor and unmaintained.

However, La Boca is full of life! I loved that neighborhood, it is colorful, lively and full of Tango! Here is a picture of me with a Tango dancer in La Boca. I am hoping to take Tango classes while I am here. Get ready -- I will be showing off my new moves next fall!

Yesterday, I left Argentina for Uruguay. We took a 1-hour ride on the buquebus, which is a hydrofoil (part boat, part airplane).

Two new countries in less than 3 days! This summer has already started exactly how I wanted it to be. New places, new experiences and tons of spontaneity. We spent the day in Colonia, Uruguay. It was gorgeous. The crisp autumn air smelled like wood-burning fireplaces. We strolled around the cobblestone streets aimlessly. Let's just say it was a great day. I am DEFINITELY coming back again. Next time with a book to enjoy in one of the cafes and I'll also rent a motorcycle to explore the town further :)

Colonia, Uruguay