Buenos Aires Revisited

Buenos Aires (BA) is about to grab the top spot as the hottest destination this year. There is a critical mass building that have understood, through The Economist or via friends, that BA offers an excellent lifestyle, very affordable living and amiable people. Thank god it's so far away from both the US and Europe, otherwise we would have weekend tourism and discount airlines driving up the prices. Just look at Spain over the past 10-15 years.

We are thinking about revisiting BA for the third time since April 2005. The reason is simple: we just love it. It's all the above but also has an air of danger, struggle, dark history and anonymity. It's really a fantastic place to hide and just enjoy everyday. Like Paris and Barcelona used to be until the mass tourism invasion.

But contrary to when most people go there, we are thinking about spending our summer, their winter, there to experience true city life. Imagine wearing a leather jacket, a pair of gloves and a scarf to fight of the winter cold, walking from museum to museum, taking rests at cafes and restaurants to endulge in the local culinary delights and to meet people to trade travel stories with.

We'll be far away from organized sightseeings, staying at a small hideaway in either Palermo Viejo or in the cheaper parts of Recoleta. The mornings will start with a quick visit to the local Panaderia to grab some Media Lunas for for a few pesos. Lunch is much better planned and taken at one of our favorite places in Palermo Viejo for a 15-20 pesos per person.

The afternoon is for contemplation and siesta. Whatever happens it will lead up the dinner time which is the height of the day. It's dark, chilly and the air full of excitement. A new life starts in the evening that could go on until sunrise.

In and out of cabs in a foreign city is on of my favorite activities. It oozes of adventure, old times, danger, glamour, discovery and eventually dinner time. I also love the fact that it's inexpensive and you can be generous with the tips.

Barefoot is best!