#manifesting for her to come to latam

[bites-kms]

Mi Buenos Aires Querido

Buenos Aires: Good Vibes, Tailwind, Hopeful Winds. All these could be an accurate transcreation of its original Spanish name, but nothing further than the truth: this eclectic, diverse, stylist and hectic metropolis is a South American hub for fashion, creativity, food and culture. 

It’s hard to talk about Argentina, but I will do my best to leave my Uruguayan bias aside and be as truthful to my experiences as possible. Buenos Aires is like your older, more fashionable sister: you admire her from the distance, you think she is as cool as it could get, and you’d kill to be like her. Of course, after an intense long weekend with her, you are eager to return to the more laidback version of it, Montevideo, my home. After some visits to both cities, one starts appreciating the differences and the nuances between these two “Silver Princesses”, honoring the river’s name that waters their shores. 

I visited Buenos Aires several times before starting this blog. All of these trips were different and unique in their own way: there were solo trips, a couple’s retreat, multiple done via ferries commute and some via airport queues;  I went for advertising festivals, educational congresses, music concerts and shopping weekends with my dearest friends. Buenos Aires has something for everyone, so my best recommendation is to have in mind a very clear objective for your stayed, since its constant movement and energy may easily draw you into a non-stop vortex of adventure, resulting in a massive anxiety state of mind and FOMO feeling. Here, I’m proposing a few long weekend options (since time there is perceived different, and as an Uruguayan, 4 days in Buenos Aires feels like two insane weeks) that you can use as a guide for your next trip down under:

Showtime Buenos Aires

Check out a concert. The Argentinian crowd, as well as Uruguayan or any other Latino audience, generates an experience on its own, you want to experience at least once during your lifetime. River Stadium filled with crazy, emotional fans is incredible. The beat of the bass felt in your bones while jumping on the field and people’s sweat on your body sounds disturbingly attractive to be honest. Polo National Stadium is also a favorite venue for locals where international and national bands alike give their best performances. For a more local taste, do not miss Ciudad Cultural Konex, a multi-disciplinary space where La Bomba del Tiempo performs regularly. Imagine the latin version of Stomp. That vaguely describes it. Last but not least, make sure to save a night for Fuerza Bruta, a signature show in Buenos Aires. I won’t say much about it, I’m just gonna quote their own website description: “an experience of collective, universal sensibility, without translation, and nor anesthesia. Brutally happy”. Corrientes Avenue is  Buenos Aires’ Broadway. Reaching Puerto Madero, hugging the Obelisk, a parade of national theaters where vedettes, actors, singers perform their latest and best shows is also a classic. Don’t forget Señor Tango, a multi-sensorial tango show with local cuisine.  

Cultural Buenos Aires

La Boca is your starting point. A colorful, over-touristy neighborhood where you experience the football passion, the asado taste and the tango heritage. Originally a low-class, dangerous neighborhood surrounded by the port, brothels and slums, it now became an international destination over the weekends with its crafts market, colorful facades and fileteado porteño, a unique, hand made lettering style that resembles French craft, usually associated with tango and Buenos Aires golden era. Have some entraña steak knowing that it will surely be overpriced and not the best one, but you will be paying for the experience and not just for the food. Visit La Boca stadium and check out its surrounding murals and street art. Watch a street tango show and super talented street artists performance. Take a bus to San Telmo, and enjoy a more relaxed, local vibe. Check out its main square and wonder around its market looking for hidden, used gems. Head northwest to Recoleta, on the opposite side of the city, and visit its cemetery. Yes, you read correctly: Recoleta Cemetery is where Evita is buried and it has some of the most beautiful tombs and niches. During summer time, with its trees, flowers and offerings, it becomes a gorgeous place to take a relaxed stroll and calm down the city frenziness. End up your tour in MALBA, the Museum of Latin American Art in Buenos Aires with its itinerant and permanent exhibition, it gathers the biggest LATAM art collection in the world. To end up in a high note, visiting El Ateneo is a must. A 5 store, beautiful bookstore with a cafe, which used to be a theater, awaits in El Retiro neighborhood. According to 2019 National Geographic, is the world's most gorgeous library. If you have time, read a little bit of Argentina and South American history before heading to Plaza 25 de Mayo where the Casa Rosada, the pink version of the White House, is. This is the place where the National government is located and most of the social manifestations and gatherings happen. Walk down 9 de Julio Avenue, the widest avenue is the world to check out the Obelisk. 

Foodie Buenos Aires

This is surely not updated. I am craving to go back and visit all the new and truly local recommendations my Argentinean friends love. But some of the areas I remember being a must when it comes to culinary experiences are Palermo, Puerto Madero and Las Canitas. I haven't been to this last one, but it’s supposed to be the swankiest place to check out the best food in town. There are some classics every Uruguayan visits at least once during their stayed: El Palacio de la Papa Frita, where their traditional blown french fries are the menu’s best seller, Il Gatto, the Italian to-go chain where portions are massive and prices affordable and El Alamo, the traditional 20-year-old something bar where free pitches of beer or insane 2X1 promos are held for ladies. Palermo is my favorite one thou, probably because that is were I used to stayed the most each time I went. Buenos Aires has its own Burger Joint, the signature NYC burger spot in Plaza Serrano. Check out Krishna Veggie for an out-of-the-box dinner treat and make sure you have spare bills since this one is cash only. For a unique speakeasy experience check out Nicky’s, the sushi bar around Plaza Armenia and ask to visit the cellar. A visit to Buenos Aires is not complete if you don’t have an Italian style gelato, and although you can find good options in Fredo or in local ice-cream shops, my favorite one is L’altra Volta. Bites&KMs tip: get the dark chocolate with passion fruit. 

Fashionable Buenos Aires

Buenos Aires economy is as fluctuant as its traffic, energy and beat. So, a trip to Argentina can result on great shopping deals. If you end up going on the right time, everything will be super, super cheap, except exchanging the dollars you may have. But after that, be ready for a treat. And this is no exception when it comes to fashion: major brand outlets are spread out around Cordoba Street, commonly known as “El Once”, whereas more high-end alternatives, boutiques and brands can be found by Santa Fe, and of course, inside the beautiful malls  the city offers such as Alto Palermo. The classic Galerias Del Pacifico or Florida in Microcentro area are a little bit forgotten nowadays but they still represent the glamorous era of Argentina, with hidden deals and seasonal discounts worth checking out. Plaza Serrano and Palermo Soho have multiple stores and markets where to get cool, design options for every budget. 

As a final note, while living abroad I always had the chance to meet Argentinean people - hell, most of the time I get confused as one due to my accent. And, even thou there’s a constant futile rivalry between Uruguay and Argentina, I have nothing but gratefulness and love to these people that I’ve met along the way. They were always there with a smile, a story or a mate in hand ready to help me. I would like to dedicate it to all these Argentinean friends, that throughout the years, became more than friends. They were, are and will always be our siblings.