Scratching the Surface:
Perhaps Buenos Aires is like NYC – you either love it or don’t. But if you don’t you at least appreciate it. For me it just clicks. I get lost in the city. I can walk for days and I encourage anyone who visits to do the same – with caution of course! (After all this is a city in constant transition). If you either live in NYC and/or you have had the pleasure of visiting, I challenge you to discover B.A. – it is truly the city that never sleeps. It is constantly full of life – I think being there reminded me of what it feels like to live and it reminded me that in American we really need to campaign for siestas!
If you head to B.A. and plan on dinner make sure your ready to dine at 10 p.m. or later. Be ready to truly enjoy both your meal, your wine, and your company as dinner concludes around 1 or 2 am. Initially, I think the overwhelming reaction would be that this late night crowd is all young kids out partying. Contraire. A walk about any area and stepping foot into any restaurant will correct you. Places are packed with both graybeards and baby strollers and everything in between. Its simple – family and friends enjoying, sharing, and laughing.
A walk about town will reveal just how complex the state of the city and perhaps the country is in. I encourage you to read a little about the history to get a sense of the highs and lows of Argentina, specifically, B.A. . While it is true neighborhoods like Palermo and Recoleta will paint a picture of the good life, the oberservant explorer will discover that perhaps there are pieces of the city that are still caught in time. Playgrounds are run down, city buildings remain unclean, there are bullet holes, fire marks, and paint splatters left over from many revolts and protests. They remind you that this city has yet to choose it destiny – to triumph once again or not? Time will tell. But for a visitor these observations should serve as a reminder to the complex history and incredible might of the people.
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