As I travel throughout 2018, I’m excited to share a short journal series about my experiences, starting with my South American adventures. Expect monthly entries detailing my journey across the continent.
This year, I made a smart choice by booking a one-way flight to Argentina in mid-January. Warm weather is where I thrive.
Buenos Aires will be my home for the month. I fell in love with the city during my first visit in 2015. It’s captivating, like a Latin version of Europe with hints of third-world charm reminiscent of Havana. Although it’s summer, the humidity is low, and temperatures rarely exceed the mid-80s. Plus, there are hardly any mosquitoes.
This city is alive at all hours. Dinner isn’t served until after 9 p.m., and many people dance the tango until dawn. Siestas are common, and many restaurants close from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. daily.
The food scene here reminds me of Europe – delicious breads, pastries, and an abundance of steak. The fresh fruit is both delicious and inexpensive. I’m on a quest to find the best empanadas and craft breweries in the city (stay tuned for updates!). While the tap water is safe to drink (and I do), many locals prefer bottled. Despite some pickpocket risks, the city feels relatively safe.
People truly enrich a place. I found an incredible and diverse group of friends, including locals and fellow travelers from Venezuela and the U.S. Many in our circle are digital nomads, allowing us to work from anywhere in the world. It’s rare to meet people who understand your lifestyle so deeply.
This selfie captures the vibrant atmosphere during dinner at Raul’s home!
Raul, a BA native, invited us over for an asado (barbecue) during my first week. Dinner kicked off at 8:30 p.m. and lasted until nearly 2 a.m. on a Monday! The experience felt like a five-course meal with seasoned eggplant appetizers, fresh salad, and tender beef with potatoes. Dessert was ice cream with waffle cones from a local shop. We had more wine, beer, and soda than we could drink! Afterward, the musically inclined among us played guitar and ukulele. (Wonderwall is a crowd favorite!). Raul and his dad walked us to the bus stop afterward. That night truly embodied the spirit of travel.
The Galileo Galilei planetarium in Buenos Aires features a nightly light show.
Another memorable night was when I visited the planetarium with four friends to take night photos. Surprisingly, 400 others had the same idea! The place was packed for the light show, and the weather was a perfect 75 degrees. Enjoying wine in a public park with great company is unbeatable.
I’m sharing an apartment with one of my best friends and fellow digital nomad, Tokyo Becky. My focus this month is on freelance projects and writing a new eBook detailing my financial philosophy and habits that allow me to save half my income, live debt-free, and travel continuously. My days are a mix of work and exploring the city, aiming to try something new every day. Some days are filled with museum visits, pursuing the best empanadas and craft beer, enjoying $5 tango classes, and taking day trips.
After Buenos Aires, my travels will take me to Uruguay, Chile, and Colombia.
Alfred the Gnome is loving Buenos Aires, indulging in empanadas and alfajores (cookies with dulce de leche) at the Obelisco de Buenos Aires in Plaza de la República.
Every moment abroad is an adventure, whether it’s strolling through the streets or trying to navigate a local airline’s website in Spanish. (Trust me, that was quite the experience!)
Some observations about life in Buenos Aires
- The only downside I’ve noticed is the mystery water. While walking, I keep getting splashed by drops from the air conditioning units hanging above.
- Argentinian women are crazy about platform shoes. Initially, I thought it was just a seasonal trend, but it’s a cultural staple. Many are petite and wear 3-4 inch platforms daily, often still shorter than me at 5’6”!
- Spicy flavors are scarce. When I attempted to make breakfast tacos, finding salsa was a challenge. The closest option was Tabasco, and black beans were elusive too.
- On the subway, street vendors sell everything from sewing needles to gum, placing items on passengers' laps before returning to collect them. It’s amusing how people let the vendors set things on their laps even if they don't want them. I even saw kids selling Minion valentines.
- Some grocery stores offer a 15% discount for credit card payments on weekends. Why doesn’t this happen in the U.S.?
- In Argentina, ice cream is an art form. You can choose from several cone sizes, with the smallest cone being under two inches tall, yet they pile ice cream high, often three times the cone size!
- Recently, I got stuck in an elevator with 11 other people between floors. Thankfully, we were only trapped for about five minutes before the security guard pried the door open. I’m convinced we’d still be there if it weren’t for the three bottles of wine accompanying us!
- A friend received devastating health news about a family member, prompting him to return home. On our way back from his farewell party, we reflected on how fortunate we are to be traveling now. Life can change in an instant, and we’re grateful to pursue our dreams rather than putting them on hold. Life is fleeting, so live fully.
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UP NEXT
Photo Guide to Buenos Aires, Argentina
In my next entry, I’ll provide a city guide to Buenos Aires with highlights on where to eat, drink, and explore!
