Last Thoughts on Buenos Aires

Truth: No amount of research could have ever prepared me for Buenos Aires. Part of the slacking in researching before traveling down here could have been the fact that I was being a little arrogant from my previous travel experiences to Europe. Buenos Aires might be the Paris of South America, but it so far from being Parisian. My first experience in South America makes me want to come back again and again until I figure it out.

The biggest shocker for me was the secret bars!  We never needed a password for the two bars we went to, but we did need a lot of direction for finding these unmarked bars. Florería Atlantico and Milíon were pretty freakin' awesome! And like I said before, the bartenders are true artist of the cocktails. At Milíon, our bartenders were characters! Definitely, enjoyed making up stories about them and the other customers. The bar itself gave a speakeasy feel. Super low key, no name, hidden. These types of bars are everywhere and the more I research for them now, the more I want to find them. Especially, the ones with passwords and secret phonebooth doors! Such an adventure..

One thing that really interested me the whole time we were there was their economic status. On vacation, one should relax, but I could only think about how things actually ran in Buenos Aires. Long story short, there is a high import tax. Most of the big name brands no longer have stores in Buenos Aires... That means my dreams of opening a store for A&F in BA was never a reality in the near future I was hoping for... I have much reading and learning to do if I want that career in international business.

Side story: We met an Australian that studied abroad at Mizzou on the Polo Tour! Joe and I have probably crossed paths with each other before because I remember a group of Aussies my senior year, but I could not remember if we actually met then. Now, three years later we randomly cross paths again! If that wasn't fate or destiny, I don't know what is!! 😜 At dinner, the following day, we had a conversation with an alumni from Rolla, before it was Rolla and before S&T. Missourians are everywhere!!

<3

When in Argentina...

Day 3: 

Apparently, the game of Polo is pretty popular here. When in Argentina, do as the Argentines do and play Polo! We went on the Argentine Polo Day Tour. It was held at a polo club about an hour outside of Buenos Aires. We started the day with homemade wine and empanadas! Learned a bit about the game and the rules while we watched professional polo players do their thing. After their match, we had asado!!!!! Oh. My. Gosh. It was so delicious! Nothing beats a homemade barbeque picnic on a patio and perfect weather! There was beef and chorizo and fresh grilled vegetables! Yummmmmy! My stomach is happy just remembering it. Then we had our turn on the horse to play polo. It was a slow game, but my team won!! I am pretty sure my horse had only one speed (walking), but I still got to hit the ball a few times.

Later that night, we went on the Argentina Pub Crawl! Started in San Telmo and I couldn't tell you where it ended because we left after the second bar....... Pretty much felt like the oldest people in the room, but I didn't care. At the first bar, I asked a couple of the locals that were on the tour for a drink recommendation. What is the one drink all the portaños drink????

Fernets y coca!!

It was disgusting... Apparently it's an acquired taste.......

But when in Argentina, do as the Argentineans do!

<3