Buenos Aires, Argentina

Buenos Aires radiates with the passion of tango in its streets, European romance in its french architecture and colonial cafes, and the warmth of the Porteños (as the residents of this port are called). Its name has its roots in Buen Ayres or the fair winds that used to bring much-awaited goods to the port. Known as the Paris of South America, this city is defined by fine neighborhoods, beautiful plazas, and a vivacious night life.

We arrived into the city after our first long 20 hour bus journey. No it wasn´t as rough as it sounds. Not when the seats are akin to first class airplane ones with comparable service. We´re not kidding. They served us a three course dinner complete with salad, hot entree, and dessert. And that wasn´t even it. The choice of drinks included beverages, sodas, and wine. A movie came on right after the dinner service was cleared (Shall We Dance of course since we were headed to the tango capital of the world). Imagine our delight at watching an English movie reclining back on our wide and cushy seats. And here comes the shocker, half-way into the movie we were served champagne. This was a bubbly ride indeed!

Buenos Aires was far hotter than we expected. After those frio lakes and glaciers, it was almost a welcome change. But only for five minutes after which the humidity became insufferable. We were looking forward to our rented studio apartment in the city. Located in the residential Palermo district, we´d managed to snag one of the last few available apartments. This was easter week (santa semana) when the whole country seemed to be on the move.

At the metro terminal, a lady caught us struggling with the maps and offered help. She was rattling off in rapid-fire Spanish that we could barely comprehend. Next thing we were being hustled into the local train with her giving us instructions on where to get off. Some time later, she got off the train with us. We soon realized that she was going to escort us till our doorstep, which she actually did, even though it was nowhere near her own destination. And that´s when she finally kissed us goodbye. Who would not fall in love with a city where the people are this warm. We were so touched!