"b1bob goes to Argentina" Buenos Aires by b1bob

Buenos Aires Travel Guide: 5,631 reviews and 8,654 photos

our obelisk (in Washington) is bigger - Buenos Aires

I was in Buenos Aires from 22-30 December 2001 to visit a friend of mine who lives within blocks of the Avenida del 9 de Julio. This was a trip that almost didn't happen. Some of you folks are probably thinking, "It was late 2001, I was scared off by Bin Laden and his merry band of idiots." No, that made me MORE determined to go. Buenos Aires was my original and only destination for South America until July, 2001. At that point, I was talking to my Brazilian friend Alexandre asked me where I would make my next holiday. I told him I planned to go to Buenos Aires in December and be there for Alex's 25th birthday. He told me that since I'm in the neighbourhood I should go to Brazil in addition to Buenos Aires, pointing out that he has gotten postcards from me in all points of the world. I told him if he could find me a good deal, I would do it. So, the plan was that I would work out how to get from here to Rio de Janeiro and Alexandre would find me a cheap flight from Rio de Janeiro to Buenos Aires and I would reimburse him when I got to Brazil. Alexandre found me a $210 round trip flight on Swissair and that was the plan I operated under until two days before I left American soil. At that time, Swissair announced it was ceasing all South American operations. Alexandre got his money back, but Swissair didn't lift a finger to put me on another flight. Picture this: it was 16 December and I was due to be in Buenos Aires on 22 December and I was without a flight. Alexandre got with his friend who is a travel agent and he found me a flight on Aerolineas Argentinas, but given the short notice, the flight was nearly double the price of what the original Swissair flight cost. I made a promise to Alex to be in Buenos Aires at his 25th birthday and I fought like the devil to keep that promise, overlooking the terrorism of 11 September 2001 and scoffing at the rioting in the streets protesting the grave economic woes at the time

The week I was there was during a lull in the unrest due to the grave economic troubles at that time. Maybe they feared the wrath of b1bob. Although the economic troubles dampened the Argentine Christmas spirit (there were little, if any outdoor decorations), the people were still very friendly and it was one of the more memourable Christmases of my life.

I should like to thank my friend MeZuGa for retracing my steps and taking photos of places I have been in December, 2001, but didn't think important at the time. Thank you, Diego!

Yo quisiera agradecer a mi amigo MeZuGa por sacar algunas fotos que, en diciembre de 2001, no creía que fuera importante. ¡Muchísimas gracias, Diego!

Pros and Cons

Pros:The people of Argentina are among the most friendly I have met.
Cons:Argentina is a smoker's paradise. Smoking is even allowed in some lifts.
In a nutshell:I'm willing to go back to Buenos Aires.

Last visit to Buenos Aires: Dec 2001
Intro Updated Sep 25, 2004
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Reviews (36)

nothing beats chimichurri on a good piece of steak - Buenos Aires

Chimichurri Local Customs (6)

Chimichurri is a green sauce made of chopped parsley, dried oregano, garlic, salt, pepper, onion, and paprika with olive... more travel advice

Mate Local Customs (6)

Besides everybody kissing each other, the local custom that really set Argentina apart from everywhere else was that... more travel advice

Immaculate Conception of Belgrano - Buenos Aires

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b1bob's Buenos Aires shopping tip nº 8 Shopping (8)

Before any of y'all get the wrong idea about me writing up a clothing store for the fairer sex, the original intent of... more travel advice

Transportation (5)
See All Aerolineas Argentinas 1257
Warnings Or Dangers (1)
Bums!
Tourist Traps (1)
In Buenos Aires, leave home without them
Been to Buenos Aires?
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Comments (77)

gkitzmil Feb 15, 2009 at 6:31 AM Report Abuse

Good story about the trip! I like the "human interest." I also like the restaurant tips!
WalterMKane Apr 7, 2008 at 1:33 PM Report Abuse

Be careful when shopping at Regionales La Rueda at Paraguay 730. I was given $70 pesos change in counterfeit bills. I am sure it was from them, because I used a credit card in every other store where we shopped that day.
richiecdisc Mar 15, 2008 at 6:20 PM Report Abuse

That is one tasty sauce, Nat. Not good to be reading these food tips this late at night!
gipper84 Nov 19, 2007 at 11:26 AM Report Abuse

Great page as usual Nat. I really enjoyed the photos and all the interesting points you made on the local customs. You always make great tips.
DPando May 8, 2006 at 3:21 PM Report Abuse

wonderful tips !! thanks for share ur pic !!! take care friend
RafaelTheSecond Nov 27, 2005 at 5:12 AM Report Abuse

I am very familiar with Buenos Aires, it is one of my homes, and you page are honest, fun and clean, we have to go to Buenos Aires together and your page will have 23456788909876543 tips!
spanishguy Nov 10, 2005 at 5:00 PM Report Abuse

Good page Nat! Your tip about BIMBO bread is funny! :-) This is a Spanish brand and it's in Spain too.
deecat May 14, 2005 at 8:35 AM Report Abuse

What a delight to read, Nat. Always look forward to your colorful language. I was not disappointed. I love the fact that you show both your sides--I had all fast foods, too, except Steak and Shake. What excellent memories and kind friends.
belgianchocolate Apr 18, 2005 at 10:41 PM Report Abuse

Belgian's are kissers as well. Three times. When you arrive and when you leave. I don't like it either. Very nice page. A pleasure to read.
dr.firas Mar 16, 2005 at 6:12 AM Report Abuse

Great Page indeed Nat! But you didn't made tips and photos of Tango, I love to see it if it is possible! ;-))) great updates here