Kiribu

BuqueBus the SeaCat Ferry from Uruguay to Argentina was really good. Sadly, there were only first class tickets available, which meant I had to deal with a glass of champagne a reclinable seat, football on the TV, and a nice lunch for the crossing to Buenos Aires.

On arrival I hopped in a cab and headed to Che Legarto, a recommended hostel from my guide-book. It would turn out to be an interesting stay. I had contacted an old work friend from Barcelona who lives in Cordoba to see if he wanted to come over for the easter break and, as it happened, he was in the mood to go somewhere. He would arrive on Thursday, the first day of official holiday here and was going back on Sunday, so I had some time to explore the city before he came.

I had arranged to meet up with a Danish girl I knew to go and see La Bomba, a really spectacular percussion group that plays every Monday night uptown. The show is very memorable, there is lots of energy and people dancing and generally having a great time. The beer is cheap and you get massive plastic pint cups, which is good since you’ll spill half of it while dodging the dancing crowds on the way back to your mates!

I met some great people at the hostel among which were two guys from Spain and hung out with them a fair bit. A trip to the zoo was fun as you could feed the animals with special zoo biscuits, try not to get the lamas to spit them back at you though, my friend managed to get an ear full! After this we checked out the Japanese Botanical Garden which is a really great place to relax and chill. Later that night we checked out some of the great nightlife in BA which is quite diverse there are chill out lounge bars, techno clubs and metal bars, and traditional salsa clubs too. They are always fully packed out.

When my friend eventually arrived he showed me all the sights, bars and restaurants he used to visit when he was living there 10 years earlier. An old friend of his came along too and managed to sneak us in to an underground club at an Irish pub which ended up being the best night out in Buenos Aires. While there, you have to try some Parilla – the essential meat BBQ – the blood sausage and entrails weren’t really to my liking but the steaks are phenomenal. It is a bit hit and miss, especially with the touristy restaurants down town but if you find there are lots of locals and only spanish menu’s you are probably in the right place!

My next venture would be heading south towards Chubut and Patagonia, Peninsula Valdes was calling and I couldn’t wait to see some wild animals and even the chance to see some orcas! Off to my next bus ride!