Buenos Aires is an action-packed city which never sleeps, so you are never short of things to do. However, if you fancy a day’s break from the big city lifestyle, here are two places that we at Road2Argentina suggest you get out and explore.

Colonia del Sacramento
Colonia, a small beach town in Uruguay, is a tourist hot spot. Also, being so close to Buenos Aires it is perfect for a day trip, despite in fact being in a different country! It is the oldest town in Uruguay and full of history. It’s a quaint, picturesque town with fascinating colonial architecture. The best way to explore the history of the city is by foot, strolling along the cobbled streets and visiting the museums. You can buy a single ticket for UR$50 which covers admission to Colonia’s seven most major historical sites. However, if you fancy seeing this town from a different angle, then hire a scooter for the day and whiz around the almost deserted coastal and country roads.  There is also a great beach just a 15 minute scooter ride from the centre called Playa Ferrando which is well worth a visit. So, if you’re looking for a great place to relax for a day or two away from the hustle and bustle of the city, then Colonia has a lot to offer.

Tigre
For those of you who didn’t get the opportunity to come to Tigre with us in March, we definitely recommend you make the trip. It’s just a short train ride away andis perfect for a relaxing day out wandering by the river. Be sure to take a boat down the delta Paraná, where you get the opportunity to hop off and explore some of the nature trails or relax in a delicious riverside restaurant. There is also a great craft fair, the Puerto de Frutos, where you can buy a wide variety of handmade wooden items. It’s open everyday, but the weekends are the best. Tigre even has something to offer those of you who need a bit more thrill – its own amusement park, Parque de la Costa!

La Bomba is a 17-piece improvisational drum group that incorporates beats from around the world including Central American and African rhythms, samba and Argentine folk beats and has become wildly popular since it started about five years ago. The show starts early at around 8 PM and wraps, just two hours later at 10 PM. The second hour of the show brings in a special guest, who can range from singers, musicians to DJs – ensuring the show is never the same week after week. The energy level in the venue skyrockets in the last half an hour of the show when the ensemble busts out some of the most intricate and impressive sets you will ever see! While wrapping at 10 PM may seem early for any sort of entertainment in Buenos Aires, they sure know how to put on a good show that will get you in a great mood for the long week ahead or one of the many after parties that follow the event.

This week a group from Road2Argentina headed to La Bomba together – some had been before and were excited for round 2, 3 (or more!), while others were first timers, eager to find out what all the buzz was about! It didn’t take long to sense the buena onda that permeated Konex (Cuidad Cultural Konex), where the event is held weekly. As long as it’s not raining, the show is held outside, in the courtyard of Konex (otherwise it’s held inside…no amount of rain will stop the most anticipated Monday night happening in all of BA!). The outdoor venue provides ample space for people to get into the beats, whether that be moshing in the center, participating in an impromptu dance circle, grooving to the music on the outer edges of the massive crowd. By the time we left, the whole crew was in high spirits after experiencing one of the best shows to date!

PICTURE OF R2A @ LA BOMBA

FOR MORE INFO ABOUT LA BOMBA DE TIEMPO:
http://labombadetiempo.blogspot.com.ar/

Jess: Why are you doing TEFL?
Mike: I wanted be able to use it as a tool to see the world.  I recently traveled to Australia and had the opportunity to experience a new culture, which opened my eyes to the amount of the world that was still left to explore. I feel that through TEFL I will have the opportunity to have the freedom to travel while still earning an income. Also, I have always wondered if I would enjoy teaching so I am getting the chance to figure that out.

Jess: Why did you choose Buenos Aires?
Mike: There was an allure to go to South America, to a major city, and to be immersed in a Spanish-speaking location. Buenos Aires particularly caught my attention because of its reputation for delicious meats, wines, and music. It also is convenient that my dollar stretches farther here than it would in Madrid for example.

Jess: Is it hard to get to know the city?
Mike: For me, it has been so far. That is mainly due to the fact that my Spanish knowledge is not very strong, which goes along with the path I chose down here, the TEFL course. Being in an environment where I am learning to teach English and am only allowed to speak English really limits my immersion into the Spanish-speaking world. Because of this then I have been relying on other people too much to get me around the city and haven’t developed my own know-how.

Jess: So your Spanish has not really improved from being here?
Mike: Not really, but that again is due to the TEFL course.

Jess: What’s the most striking thing about Argentine people?
Mike: I have found them to have a very strong sense of self and of their country. There is a lot of pride for Argentina here. They also seem to have a very relaxed way of living, allowing them to focus less on the schedule and stress in life, and more on simply enjoying every day.

Jess: What’s the nightlife scene like?
Mike: It is absolute craziness. On a Sunday I went to possibly the biggest club of my life and stayed out until 4am. The Argentines are serious about their partying. I also enjoy the fact that I get to practice my dance moves while listening to Spanish music.

Jess: What’s been your best moment in the Roadhouse?
Mike: On Sunday we had a gnocchi night, which we learned is an Argentine tradition; the 29^th of the month gnocchi is eaten and a peso is placed under each plate to ensure prosperity in the coming month. It was a great example of everybody coming together while incorporating Argentine culture.

Jess: How are the friendships you’ve made?
Mike: Amazing. In the Roadhouse there is a nice mixture of people; different ages with different backgrounds.

Jess: What was the biggest culture shock coming here?
Mike: The fact that I can only have basic conversations with people throughout the city. That lack of conversational ability that nothing can really go beyond superficiality has been the biggest shock to me. But hopefully that will change with time.

This place is unlike any zoo you have probably ever been too. Pet a tiger? Yep. Kiss a lion? Not a problem. Feed an elephant? Most definitely. All of these are the norm at the wildly controversial and highly entertaining Zoológico de Lujan. The collection of animals that started with just a monkey, two donkeys, two ponies, some llamas and deer, a pair of lions and some peacocks has grown to also include seals, bears, camels, tigers, chimpanzees, geese, goats, mountain lions, cheetahs, parrots, emus, flamingos and elephants.

Rest assured that since the zoo opened its doors in 1994, there has not been one violent incident or accident. The unique method that the animals are raised and cared for is to thank. Every animal has constant human interaction from when they are very young, with the lions and tigers understandably being given the most attention. Some techniques include being taught the difference between a human hand and raw meat (very important!) and being raised in the presence of dogs with the idea that they will model the behavior of the dogs who very docile and obedient towards humans. This also explains the enormous amount of adorable dogs wandering about the zoo property!

If you just can’t find it in yourself to jam pack all of this fun and excitement into one day, you don’t have to worry because if you can believe it there’s even camping grounds available with all the amenities! A round trip ticket to the zoo costs 20 pesos and entrance is 100 pesos – a small price to for a once in a lifetime opportunity! Be sure to tell the bus driver that you are heading to the zoo so you don’t miss your stop, and don’t be alarmed when you get dropped off in the middle of nowhere – walk under the freeway underpass and you’ll soon find yourself at the second happiest place on earth (second only to Disneyland of course!)

Once inside, it is unlike any book fair I had come across. Instead of being filled with stands run by people selling used or antique books, it is filled with stands run by publishing companies, news stations, newspapers, radio stations, and organizations devoted to country-specific literature. It is a modern, well-lit space, filled with eye-catching displays devoted to drawing people into each little ‘store’. Some spaces were so thorough that we came across a medieval castle (children’s books), a globe filled with TV screens (most definitely broadcasting propaganda in favor of the current government- by the state-run newspaper), and a live radio broadcast all within the same building.

As we strolled down the avenues, taking in the multitude of stands and types of books, we would pause every so often to look through the books being sold. Admittedly we were drawn to the picture books or children’s displays, as the majority of stands are completely Spanish books. Nonetheless all of the literature offered was amazing, especially the ones that were written by Latin American authors (and therefore were meant to be in Spanish). I personally was drawn into copies of Che Guevara’s diary throughout the year before his death in Bolivia. With a foreword by Fidel Castro! That should definitely be read in Spanish.I also very much enjoyed the stands that were country specific; we ran into them towards the end of our journey. It was interesting to see authors grouped by their nationality, especially when the books were of political matters. I would have liked to devote more time to browsing those selections (if only I was advanced enough to read political literature in Spanish!), however, a justified distraction arose in the Chile stand: the opportunity to color. Let’s just say we ended our colorful trip to the book fair on a bright note!All in all, it was a very cultural and inspiring trip. It was particularly nice to know that although Argentina tried to pass a ban on foreign books (thankfully due to the uproar that created, it was not passed), a book fair of this magnitude still existed each and every year. I encourage all of you here in BA that have not gone to check it out! The cost is 20 ARS during the week and 26 ARS on the weekends.

For more information: http://www.el-libro.org.ar/

Looking for a unique culinary experience in Buenos Aires; an alternative to the classic parrilla (steak house) and pasta options? Look no further than the so called “closed-door restaurant scene” which is becoming the new culinary cool as people branch away from every day restaurant fare. These restaurants combine an intimate eating experience in a Chef´s home with fabulous gourmet food. Often they take on the form of a dinner party where you meet and chat with other guests and also the chef, so it is a great opportunity to meet new people. Maybe even a great way of practising your new Spanish skills with the locals!

It may seem a strange gastronomic concept but these restaurants are definitely worth checking out. The food is amazing and it is often exceptionally creative. It’s also a great option if you want to host a dinner party and avoid all the hassle and work yourself! You must be sure to make a reservation in advance as they are only open a few days a week and have timed seatings. Dining at a closed door restaurant, you almost feel like part of an exclusive secret group. You are told the address after you have made your reservation and you have to ring a bell in order to enter . Here are some closed door restaurants or puertas cerradas which we suggest are worth checking out whilst here in Buenos Aires.

Casa Saltshaker:

If you are looking for a chance to meet new people whilst enjoying “fancy home cooking,” in the form of a five course tasting menu then Casa Saltshaker in Barrio Norte is the place for you. This is one of the most well known closed door restaurants in Buenos Aires. You dine in American Chef, Dan Perlman`s own apartment, on a communal table, as if you were attending a dinner party. They describe their food as being ‘electric with a Mediterranean base.’ http://www.casasaltshaker.com/

Cocina Sunae:

For a chance to experience some of the most authentic Southeast Asian cooking, book a table at Cocina Sunae in Colegiales, where chef Christina Sunae Wiseman combines traditional Korean, Vietnamese and Thai flavours with a cotemporary twist. Sunae even grows her own chillies from seeds which she brought over from the Philippines. They are called birds eye chillies, and are known to be the second hottest chilli so expect to taste some great spicy food! http://www.cocinasunae.com/

La Cocina Discreta:

La Cocina Discreta in Palermo, run by Alejandro and Rosana is the restaurant you should head to if you want to enjoy not only a delicious three course meal but also an art gallery dining experience where you can marvel at beautiful music, art and photography. The house has an exposition of different pieces of art from a variety of independent Argentinean artists which are available to buy. So if a combination of food and art is your thing then head to bohemian cocina discreta. http://www.lacocinadiscreta.com/

So, why not grab some friends from Road2Argentina and go and check out these hidden gems of Buenos Aires!

I am Jessica, an intern for Road2Argentina, quickly becoming a local here in BA before
I’m even realizing it!

This past weekend I participated in my very first race (EVER and in a foreign country,
woo!), the Maraton del Agua 6K. Me and three other girls that are in the R2A program,
including another intern Erin, all banded together and decided to conquer this race. For
three of us it was our first race ever!

The premise of the race centered on the lack of available and potable water throughout
the world, and the distance chosen, 6K, mirrored the distance that many people are
forced to walk every day simply to find a water source. The proceeds went to an NGO
called Cascos Verdes that is located here in Argentina and the main sponsor was Dow
Argentina, a company focused on creating sustainable solutions to problems of energy
and education. Long story short, I was sold. Running for a good cause plus the ability to
brag that I ran in a race in BA? Done.

Registering was a whole other debacle, definitely in general Argentine style; things
did not go according to plan. However, when we showed up at the pick-up site, the
volunteers were more than helpful and after payment, got us our snazzy tshirts, numbers,
and sponsored snacks.

Then came the day of the race, Sunday 15 April. The energy in the Palermo parks was
electric with local radio djs playing music and people partaking in their pre-run routines.
Unlike normal Argentine style, the race did start on time, which was a pleasant surprise,
although the 15 or so minutes leading up to the race were ridiculously Argentine, with
group stretching that turned into a full-on dance party. Let’s just say the song that
says… “Johnny, la gente esta muy loca” should have been written about Argentines.
People were serious about the race (there are a multitude of running clubs in this city!
) and the rumored fastest time was right around 15 minutes- two and a half minute
kilometers!

In the park after the race, the sense of accomplishment and community between other
participants was just amazing. On the way home we got stopped multiple times by
strangers in the street asking how we did and congratulating us. At that point I loved
Argentines and cultural intricacies!

Hola todos!

I’m Erin – one of the newest marketing interns at Road2Argentina (so excited to be a part of this amazing family!). I’ve left behind sunny California to plant myself in Buenos Aires for the next 3 months and am SO excited to be here!

I’ve been here for about a week and am falling in love with this place! I’ve been taking advantage of the perfect weather Buenos Aires is having right now as it transitions into fall by walking everywhere! I have quickly learned that pedestrians don’t obey the stoplights and as long as cars aren’t coming you cross the street no matter what color the light is. This can quickly turn into an entertaining, real life game of Frogger, especially because Buenos Aires is home to some of the most reckless driving I have ever seen!

Secretly, I just haven’t figure out the ever complicated bus system (for those of you in Buenos Aires, I’ve been avoiding the Guia book like the plague and using this website to tell me what bus to take, so helpful!).

My first night in Buenos Aires, an Argentine friend of mine took me to a parilla where I had my first taste of an Argentine steak. I piled on the chimichurri sauce and he warned me that it was very spicy…. I laughed after I took my first bite because it wasn’t at all, but the whole meal was still to die for! Friends who had traveled to Argentina before told me to bring my own hot sauce when I came down here, and now I get it. Why I didn’t listen I’m still not sure, what I wouldn’t give for a bottle of Cholula or Sriracha right now!

Other foods I wish I would have brought with me – peanut butter, black pepper (here, everything has only salt!), and hummus… oh yum!

Trips to the grocery store are always amusing as I notice things I would never find in a market at home – eggs on shelves, carrots the size of cucumbers, yogurt and milk packaged in bags, and the over abundance of mayonnaise (my least favorite condiment), just to get you started but the list could go on and on!

That aside, I am completely enjoying the verdulerías conveniently situated on practically every other corner that are overflowing with fresh fruit and vegetables. Unlike the in the States where you pick everything out yourself, you have to tell the employee what you’d like (what a genius way to practice some Spanish vocab!) and they do it for you.

The amount of candies and sweets here is also unreal – chocolate, dulce de leche, pastries and alfajores are everywhere… those with a sweet tooth be warned! I love my daily coffee or tea at home and have quickly grown to like and now crave mate here and love the community aspect of passing around the mate cup with your friends.

Here’s to an exciting adventure ahead and for all the amazing foods here I have yet to discover!

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Summer
December – March
Hot, hot, hot! The city of Buenos Aires heats up during these months with temps spiking to above 100F or close to 40C. The normal temps are in the 90sF or upper 30sC with a really strong sun, so bring lightweight clothes in light colors and don’t forget sunblock! These hot summer days often end with powerful afternoon thunderstorms so be prepared for rain as well.
Items: Shorts, t-shirts, tank tops, sundresses, flip flops, bathing suit, sun block, rain jacket, umbrella, sunglasses

Fall
April – June

Fall is a beautiful time in Buenos Aires with very pleasant temperatures in the 70sF or 20sC. Expect sun drenched days that are warm and cool crisp evenings. This is a tough season to pack for since the days can still be pretty warm in the sun, and the evenings can get pretty cool. Think layers, from a light jacket or sweater down to a tank top. Expect a few rainy days.
Items: Pants, leggings, light sweaters and jackets, short sleeve shirts, light scarves, ankle boots, flats, rain boots, umbrella

Winter
July – September
Don’t be fooled by images of tropical South American landscapes when you come to Buenos Aires during these months, it can get chilly. Temperatures at night can drop down very close to the freezing point. The day time temps are actually agreeable, especially in the sun, around the 50sF or teens in Celsius. Snow is an extremely rare occurrence, but a chilly rain is quite possible.
Items: Warm coat, hat, gloves, scarves, heavy sweaters and leather boots.

Spring
September – November
These are Buenos Aires’ glory months. Argentines celebrate the first day of Spring, September 21st, to the fullest. Winter fades quickly as the sun heats up the land, but be prepared for frequent rains in September. November just might be the best month to be in Buenos Aires with warm temperature that aren’t yet very hot, the city comes alive with multiple festivals and outdoor activities. Bring sundresses, light clothes, and sandals, but also a cardigan or sweater for cool nights.
Items: Pants, leggings, skirts, sundresses, light sweaters and jackets, sandals and flats, rain boots, rain coat, umbrella, sunglasses