Buenos Aires, Argentina – 13.-22. December 2017
21. December first day of winter. That’s what I am used to. But also 21. December first day of summer. You never think about that, but when you welcome a new season, another half of the world welcome exactly the opposite. I guess I will remember this 2017 for being the first year in my life in which I welcomed two summer and no winter. For one that was looking for more warmth, also from a meteorological point of view, it sounds like a mission accomplished.
If I try to summarize in a sentence how I felt in Buenos Aires, I couldn’t say anything else that it was like being home. Although “home” is a complex concept by itself. What is “home” for me? Berlin? Arezzo? Or maybe Milano? And what is “home” more in general? Maybe home is just a place where you feel comfortable. And yes, Buenos Aires for me has been that kind of place.
I stayed again in a Airbnb, this time hosted by the super welcoming Graciela. The flat and the room themselves was very comfortable. And the location was in Recoleta, that is one on of the nicest city district. In Recoleta you can find a historical cemetery where a lot of famous Argentinian are buried. The cemetery itself is not particularly spectacular, it consist mainly in family’s tombs. Still there are some nice monumental graves worth of a visit. In the cemetery is buried also Evita Peron, so it is a must see location for Eva’s fans.
At walkable distance there is the nice park in Plaza de las Naciones Unidas, where I went more than once during or after the visits in the city. The park is very calm and green, with a lot of people but still pretty silent. In its center there is a big sculpture, the Floralis Generica. It consist in a flower that open its petals according to the quantity of lights that it receives. I loved being there and relax. I love going at parks, under the blue sky, and even sleep. It’s one of the things I need to remember to do more often.
Moving to the city center, I was impressed how much the city looks like an European capital. Mainly on the roads that departs from Plaza de Mayo, it is possible to see buildings in white marble and neoclassical style. I may have been influenced by some Guccini’s song about Argentina, or by a language that I can easily understand (but not yet speak). Still just after some days spent in Buenos Aires I was feeling completely at ease. And yes, it was a good feeling.
Another part that I really loved was the area of Puerto Madero. It consist of a touristic harbor surrounded by renovated warehouses that today hosts (expensive) restaurants and bars. Also this area is one of the most modern in the city, with a lot of buildings hosting the main world’s corporations.
The last day I also had the occasion to visit the MALBA, Museum of Latin American Art. Right now next to the permanent exhibition it is possible to visit one about Modern Mexico, including some works from Frida Kahlo.
Thinking to the other cities I saw during this trip, Buenos Aires looks more like a city in which one could think to live long term. It makes me think to Madrid, a city that I visited only during work trips but that still gave me good vibes.
I was supposed to leave Buenos Aires three days ago, but because of a strike I had to extend my stay. If no more strikes will blocks my plans, the next step is the Tierra del Fuego. With Patagonia I consider it the main course of my trip and yeah: I can’t wait to be there. Stay tuned!
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Song of the post: Patty Pravo – Una mattina d’estate
vorrei che piccola così
bastasse sempre al cuore mio
la vita che riscalda
una mattina d’estate
I would like that, so small,
would be enough for my hearth
the life that is warmed up
by a summer’s morning