Tuesday, September 14, 2010

Argentina




Argentina was lovely. The scenery was magnificent. The meat and pasta were delicious. And as if there's any surprise here -- Malbec is now my new favorite grape.

People say that Argentina is the "Europe of South America" and while you can't miss Italy and Spain's influences on the culture, people and food, it's very much its own place.

If you're like me and have never been to the continent, I highly recommend "the ARG" as my sister calls it. The flight can be pricey but once you get there, accommodations, meals, outdoor excursion opportunities and transportation are all very, very affordable. We stayed in a flat in one of the Palermo barrios of Buenos Aires for about $45 a day!

If you're thinking about planning a trip, I've offered a few thoughts on fun things to do, see and stay. It's nearly impossible to cover the entire country in two weeks so I would recommend picking two or three spots that aren't more than a 15 hour bus ride away from one another and explore those as much as you can.
Cool hotel in Palermo Soho, Buenos Aires: Costa Petit

Outdoor excursion company in Mendoza: Argentina Rafting

Fine arts museum in Buenos Aires: Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes (MALBA is a cool building but I wasn't impressed with their modern art collection)

Great street food: choripan (think: American hotdog but sooooo...much better)

B&B in Chacras de Coria (the "gourmet ghetto" of Mendoza): Posada Olivar

Tour Argentina's National Congress (tours are a few times/week at 11am & 4pm)

Best small winery in Mendoza: Pulmary (run by a former art teacher who followed her passion for wine)

Wine tour company in Mendoza: Ampora Wine Tours (guides are bi-lingual & well-versed in the winemaking process & business)

Best meal of our trip: Clos de Chacras (just a few tables; simple food & ingredients)

Great day trip from the capital: Colonia del Sacramento, Uruguay

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