Buenos Aires has been exactly as I expected and the opposite of what I expected. It definitely feels like Latin America, but it also feels like Europe. The architecture, the design of the avenues and streets, and the urban planning with the grand parks and gardens, this all feels like Europe. But then there are the tropical plants and certain little shops, small streets, and details that totally feel like Latin America. It’s definitely its own unique city. Here are some photos from the morning’s walk in the botanical garden.

Argentina has a long history of immigration, and it is a true melting pot. There is a strong ancestry from Spain, of course, but there is also immigration history of Italians, Germans, Jews, Japanese, and Chinese, and this is reflected in the food. The Italian influence has certainly been significant with Italian food such as pasta, pizza, and gelato being part of the regular diet. Even the typical Argentine dish of Milanesa (veal cutlet or chicken cutlet) is named after Milan.

And while Buenos Aires is its own unique city with its own culture and personality, there are some cultural phenomena which transcend political boundaries and unite us around the globe:

One week in Buenos Aires has been just enough to give us a taste of the city. In order to really see the city, I think we would need to be here for a month or two. Chad and I have a list of cities where we want to spend a month. We’ve already done this in Barcelona, Paris, and Lisbon. Rome, Milan, Madrid, and maybe Bogota are on the list for the future. Now we’ll be adding Buenos Aires to that list. Until next time!