Farewell Argentina

Some final thoughts on my trip to Argentina.

Not exactly the Chrysler Building of New York City.

Argentina is a cultural sponge. Argentineans absorb all they like: language from Spain, dreadlocks from Jamaica; pasta from Italy; architecture from France; and music from all of the Americas. Trendy and historic intermingle in Buenos Aires, as though dancing a Tango.

I found the people of Argentina to be generally warm and welcoming despite having lived through some rough periods. During the “Dirty War,” when the military took control of the government, between 10,000 - 30,000 civilians died, many of whom simply “disappeared”. Civilian control was restored in 1983 and less than two decades later in 2011 the economy was devastated as Argentina defaulted on its debt, the largest default in world history. Yet, Argentineans seem quick to laugh and appear to enjoy life, for which I admire them greatly.

I also found Argentineans to be patient with my lack of ability to speak Spanish. If they could not understand, they encouraged me to keep trying. Communication trumped pronunciation, for which I was truly appreciative.

I’ve become a true fan of renting apartments when I travel. My second apartment in Buenos Aires was also clean, comfortable and had a nice view from the 11^th floor, and it was cheaper than a hotel.

Studio apartment in Recoleta, Buenos Aires

In 2008 my travel mantra was “pourquoi pas” (why not?) It was the ideal travel mantra for a year when I quit my job and spent five months in Paris. For 2011 my New Year’s resolution and travel mantra was “let life unfold.” As I traveled through Argentina, I was able to go with the flow and let life take its course. I enjoyed a very pleasant trip.

I hope to return someday to see the southern half of Argentina: the Lake District, Patagonia and Ushuaia - the city at the end of the world – and then head off on a cruise to Antarctica. Oh, and I want to see some dinosaur bones. Argentina is the home to more dinosaur remains than any other country, so that would be really cool.

Every evening, guards retire the flag that flies in front of La Casa Rosada. Sueños dulces – sweet dreams.

The Argentinean flag all balled up with sun in the center.

 Farewell Argentina. Until we meet again.

Chau Buenos Aires