Buenos Aires, Argentina: Thursday, May 13

Quote for the Day: "Though we travel the world over to find the beautiful, we must carry it with us or we find it not."
-Ralph Waldo Emerson

It is 5 am when the alarm abruptly awakes us from our peaceful slumber. We have an early morning flight to catch to Buenos Aires and the day has certainly come to soon. However, within minutes there is a knock at the door as the hotel staff has brought us coffee and breakfast pastries to ease the morning pain. Mmmm...I'm going to miss this place!

The flight from Mendoza to Buenos Aires is under an hour and a half and it goes quickly. Upon arrival at the airport we are greeted by our driver who is both friendly and knowledgeable. It doesn't take long to get to the hotel, The Glu, in Palermo Soho neighborhood of Buenos Aires. It is a contrast to La Finca Adalgisa with it's sleek, modern decor. However, the staff appears to be just as friendly so far. After a smooth check in process we set out to see some of the historical sites of this vast and beautiful city.


We ride the Subte, take taxis, and walk around the Monserrat, Centro, and Puerto Madero areas of Buenos Aires to view many gorgeous buildings and monuments while learning about the history of the city and country. We took in Avenida de Mayo, Plaza de Mayo, Casa Rosada, Congress Park, the Obelisk, 9 de Julio Avenue, Cafe Tortoni, and more. While viewing the Argentine National Congress building I noticed doves dancing in mid air above us. I focused my camera and waited for the right shot. It came as the birds flew in a rhythmic, circular pattern above our heads while causing a group of us to gaze upward and take in the peaceful beauty of it all. Magnificent.

After numerous miles of walking we had built up an appetite and stopped for lunch at a restaurant called La Americana. It was said to have the best empanadas and pizza around. Our taste buds, as well as two elderly business men in the street, concurred. Post massive carbohydrate consumption for a very reasonable price, we continued to tour the city. We were able to get in more sights before ending up at Puerto Madero for the sunset. It was a beautiful evening and a wonderfully soothing oasis to end the day. Being next to the water helped to calm the hectic buzz that was felt in the midst of the city.

After sunset we headed back to The Glu for some rest until 10pm dinner at La Cabrera. It was brilliant to have worked up such an appetite because I easily consider La Cabrera to be one of the top 10 best meals I have had. I have simply never had a better steak at the price they charge. Needless to say, everyone was jolly and full by the time midnight rolled around. Buenos Noches Buenos Aires!