Exploring expectations and longings for a long-term stay in Buenos Aires. Photo: Francisco Ghisletti
What can be expected during a two-month stay in Buenos Aires? This is what I will explore in this post, to outline what I want to experience in Buenos Aires during my stay to consider my trip a success. Of course, every trip is different. Each one should be experienced with an open mind without creating too many expectations, so as to be surprised by each place to visit.
The purpose of this first part is to outline everything I expect from Buenos Aires. A first impression of what Buenos Aires can mean to me before researching or getting to know more about the culture. Once in Buenos Aires, I will compare my expectations vs. reality to find the differences between the two.
In the past, I visited Buenos Aires for a short time. However, now I have more experience traveling and know better what I like to do when I travel. With this in mind, I cannot wait to experience the following:
Places
Tango bars
Photo: Nathana Rebouças
I want to visit the tango bars in Buenos Aires. Although they may not be everywhere, there must be a good number of them. I imagine them full of history and tango culture.
I want to visit as many as I can. Sit down, have a coffee, and watch people. If I feel adventurous, dance a couple of tangos. Of course, I will have to practice more tango dancing to meet the Argentinians' expectations.
Local markets
When I went to Buenos Aires, I remember going to the San Telmo market and marveling at the number of antiques offered. I especially remember the soda bottles in glass in a variety of colors and striking patterns. Now that I am returning, I want to see what else I can discover in these markets and bazaars.
Neighborhoods
Photo: Kevin Britos
I imagine walking through the streets of Recoleta, the neighborhood they call the Paris of South America. Observing the buildings, trees, and shops. Transporting myself to another place in the world on these streets, or at least having some very pleasant walks.
I want to go to Palermo and find a vibrant atmosphere, full of cafes, bars, and restaurants. Each one with its own personality and inviting me to get to know them.
I dream of visiting other places near Buenos Aires. Getting to know the Argentine countryside and the food it can offer.
Food
Asian cuisine
I want to explore what Buenos Aires has to offer in terms of Asian cuisine. I know there is a Chinatown where different Asian cultures are usually found. I want to try different types of sushi, ramen, pad thais, noodle soups, and any other delicacies that cross my path.
Cheeses
I imagine that Argentina must have a culture of cheeses influenced by Europe. I hope to see a great selection of local and foreign cheeses.
Water
In Buenos Aires, I remember trying bottled water to drink with wine. This water had a slight salty taste, which I found peculiar. I hope to explore this type of water and understand its function when drinking wine.
Coffee
Photo: Eduardo Sánchez
I dream of finding small cafes where I can sit and watch people pass by, contemplate the atmosphere, or simply open a space to be calm. In these cafes, I imagine trying different coffee preparations with a delicious alfajor.
Alfajores
In my experience, few things compare to the delight of eating a Havanna alfajor. Being my favorite alfajor, I have not found another Argentine alfajor that compares. I have not had one of these alfajores for years and cannot wait to try them again. I will also be looking for other alfajores that measure up to Havanna.
Typical Argentine dishes
I want to explore what food Argentina has to offer, in addition to what I know. Wine, meat, alfajores, Argentine empanadas, this is what is generally mentioned when talking about Argentine food. What other dishes does this country have to offer? What lesser-known delights are found on the streets and in the kitchens of Buenos Aires? Undoubtedly these will be some very fun questions to find out.
People
I want to get to know Argentine people better. I hope to find events and spaces where I can interact with local people. Meetups.com has always been a useful tool for achieving this, although not all countries have a large number of events. Being Buenos Aires such a cosmopolitan and large city, I hope to find many activities where I can meet people from Argentina and other parts of the world.
What will Argentine people be like? I hope to find people proud of their country, confident, full of energy, and joyful.
Others
There are other things I want to explore in Argentina, tango, vineyards, meat, the Argentine countryside, Argentine empanadas, and many more.
I will be prepared with an open mind and let myself be surprised by everything Argentina has to offer.