Chasing Summer –

After my incredible Antarctica cruise, I had two more days in Buenos Aries. I stayed in a three star hotel, Loi Suites Esmerelda, in the same neighborhood as my previous airbnb.

I was much too early to get my room, so they stored my luggage, and off I went on a walk and lunch.

After getting my room, I did a little more exploring and then headed out for a steak dinner with two of my cruise buddies who were also spending some extra time in BA.

We met up at Fervor, which had good reviews. Wine came by the bottle, not glass, and I was the only one drinking. The sides were family sharing size, so we had too much food, and with some misunderstanding, I ended up with the 500 gr steak rather than the smaller 350 gr one. I ate leftover steak the next day for breakfast and dinner.

The next day, I was able to visit some other neighborhoods. Some for the rich with embassies and fancy stores.

I also visited the plaza de mayo. The presidential building is pink to remind people that back in the day, paint peeled in the humidity, so it was painted with cow’s blood. Ew. Or it was painted pink as a political move. You choose the story you like.

https://turismo.buenosaires.gob.ar/en/atractivo/casa-rosada

After I visited my favorite neighborhood ever, La Boca. It is so colorful and full of life. Uou definitely want to watch your belongings here because it’s crowded. I also heard from locals that I shouldn’t walk there as it comes through some sketchy parts of town, but during the day is okay.

I finished off the day by hoping by a Western Union to send myself some cash for the rest of my holiday. Most banks will only give out 20,000 to 25000 pesos (about 25 usd) and charge you about 8000 peso ($8) per transaction. The exchange rate is not great either.

I sent myself $100 CAD and received about 96,000 pesos without a bank charge. The exchange rate was also much better than the bank. If I do this trip ever again, I would bring a lot more american currency with me.