Away for Awhile
we haven't been everywhere, but it's on the list
I couldn't have dreamed up a better place to start our big adventure. Established in the 16th century by Spaniards but rising to prominence about 150 years ago, Buenos Aires carries the unique feel of both old-world Europe and the modern age. You are immediately stricken with how European the city is while it still maintains a unique identity. I have never seen a melting pot like this outside of the US. Besides its Spanish roots, millions of Europeans mostly of Italian, German, Norwegian and Polish descent immigrated to the city between 1887-1915 nearly tripling the population. Due to its developmental peaks and valleys over the centuries, the variation of architectural styles is vast even on the same street like geological strata personified into the buildings. Layers over layers of history and style I think is the best way to describe the look of the city.
But BA for for me was all about the food. The steak lives up to its reputation and don't even get me started on the wine. I was mostly struck by the quality of the Italian cuisine - especially the pizza which managed to carve it its own Argentinian nuance.
It is less a city and more a collection of small neighborhoods, each with a unique feel. Our days were spent exploring the barrios and finding the next great place to eat. // Jeff