Fabulous Finds & Hidden Hints: Speak spanish with the locals - Buenos Aires

Practice. Practice. Practica.

If you don’t know anything or want a refresher and you have the time take Spanish classes. You will meet other people traveling and will begin to communicate with peeps. I recommend ECELA.

Fabulous Finds & Hidden Hints: Tango in Buenos Aires

Tango. Tango. Tango.

While it might be exploited to some people there are AMAZING tango spots in B.A. I suggest heading to La Viruta for a milonga or check out some additional hot spots at Buenos Aires Milongas. And while getting out there and dancing may seem intimidating, get more comfortable by taking a few tango lessons.

Fabulous Finds & Hidden Hints: Horse culture in Buenos Aires

Horses, horses, and more horses.

Argentina is so rich in horse culture that one would be a fool to miss witnessing just how wrapped up people can get. While it is may be true that the horse culture has transformed from a sport of the people to a sport of the elite it doesn’t mean that the fire is gone. If you’re not there during Polo season and cannot get access to a match you have two options:

1. Check out polo for a day at Polo Day
2. Hipodromo San Isidro To check out an incredible horse race. Foreigners don’t forget your passport if you want to make a bet…and be able to walk away with your winnings.

Fabulous Finds & Hidden Hints: More food in Buenos Aires

5. Spoil yourself!

Head to Casa Cruz for an incredible culinary journey.

If you’re in search of a similar experience for a second time around don’t forget to check out Astrid & Gaston B.A. (initially it was opened in Lima (if your there GO!). A Peruvian French trained chef….need I say more!

A few other suggestions:

Paru. This establishment is a mix of Japanese and Peruvian cuisine. It's and interesting mix. The dishes are good with a few falling short in terms of taste. But the ones that are head one are excellent like the Sushi ceviche.



Fervor - Brasas de Campo y Mar. Another great find in Recoleta. This will get you out of the ever trendy Palermo and into Recoleta. This cuisine will not let you down. While there menu is full of excellent food opt for any seafood dish - it is what they are famous for. If your going in the evening I suggest you make a reservation.

Fabulous Finds & Hidden Hints: Gourmet in Buenos Aires

Mott Cocina De MercadoMott Cocina De Mercado

For the foodies out there this is not to miss! The gourmet food culture is in check in B.A. There are some excellent places not to miss and this is one of them. Straight from the farm to your place (sound familiar to you NYC peeps?). I ordered the pumpkin salad and a glass of Torrontes. I am still craving it!

Fabulous finds & Hidden Hints: Beef it is whats for dinner in Buenos Aires

Coma! Coma! Coma Argentinean beef!

OK, this isn’t a hidden fact but I have a few suggestions in terms of where to eat it. (Sorry vegetarians, I think this is a horrible thing to miss in the city but the sides are tasty if eating the meat is against your rules).

I would head to La Cabrera for dinner. You will be treated to a traditional and truly amazing taste of Argentinean beef. BONUS: this place has it figured out. They serve you unlitmed FREE wine while you wait!

You cannot beat the price and the quality. (People from NYC – you won’t sacrifice quality even though the price is awesome – trust me!) . Each plate comes with amazing sides – sauteed onions, creamed spinach (like your grandma used to make), applesauce, potatoes, and more. I ordered the lomo – and as a girl who grew up in the Midwest I can rank this in the top two best steaks I have ever had.

For a lighter and cheaper fare I would suggest walking about the area where you are staying. When you see a parilla that is packed with locals enter – you cannot go wrong! Order. Eat and Enjoy!

AND don’t forget the wine!  While you may be familiar with Malbec, I encourage you to explore beyond this traditional Argentinean wine. Ask your waiter for a suggestion. A few suggestions from yours truly: 2009 Bianchi Elsa Torrontes or try a Malbec from the best years: 1999 or 2006.

Fabulous finds & Hidden Hints: Get familiar with Buenos Aires

 Walk. Camino. Camino.

As much as possible. See the city and go beyond the walk that the guide book suggests. If you speak Spanish you may be compelled to ask a local for their top three in B.A. My suggestion (if you have the time and the energy): Start: - Grab breakfast in Palermo: Viejo or Soho is packed with places. - Continue on to the city center (if you are lucky you may be able to catch Las Madres de Plaza Mayo on Thursday marching in memory of los desapericidos. - From there head over to San Telmo for lunch or drink. Grab a spot in the main plaza to enjoy a street tango show or head up to a place that has a balcony on the second floor for excellent people watching. - Continue from there to Puerto Madero.

Walk along the canal and discover the contrast of the city – old and new. If you’re feeling tired stop in at one of the many cafes along the way. - Finish at the city center and catch the train to where you’re staying. **this suggestion in intended to give you a sampling of what the city has to offer. Once you get a sense of each area be sure to go back to the places that really captured your spirit. I promise you won’t be let down!

Argentina: Buenos Aires. Mendoza, Colonia (Uruguay)

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.

Mexico: Riviera Maya. The newlyweds.

Why Mexico for our wedding? It has been over 8 years since I have really explored Mexico. Following my semester abroad I had the incredible opportunity to really get to know the country. I departed Mexico City with only a back pack, a friend, a guide book, and metro ticket to the main bus station. During that time in my life, TIME was plentiful. During that journey I feel in love the country. I was encapsulated with both the fire and warmth that drove the people and the culture. I feel in love with Huatulco, was captive by the people of San Juan Chamula, was hypnotized by the beauty of Aguas Azules, and I was memorized by the site of Palenque. That trip forever changed me. It humbled me and it pushed me to see the world beyond my “American” perspective. I am enamored with Mexico and I wanted nothing more than to share that with the person whom I was planning take a chance on love with. The beaches of the Riviera are breathtaking. While some may snicker about the fact that it is so close to Cancun, I can assure you there is peace away from the party city. The ocean is both fierce and tranquil representing both the fire of Mexico and the fire of love. The sun as warm as are the people in Mexico as well as love when it fills is hearts. Mexico it seemed was the perfect place to share with my soon to be husband, our closest friends, and incredible family – a fiesta forever!

5 Continents, 5 months. A new perspective

Dear Virtual Passenger, I invite you to come away with me. Together we will travel the world in search of an added perspective. On the agenda: Mexico, Argentina, France (Paris, Lille, Champagne), Germany (Berlin), Tanzania & Zanzibar, Dubai, Vietnam, & Cambodia. In each stop we will seek to explore our destinations through people, food, culture, and politics. My reflections will be wrapped up into a short summary of suggestions and fabulous finds. I hope that these will encourage you to share hop on board, share your thoughts, and perhaps to take a flight to experience and discover more in each of these places. Let's roll!