Una porteña por dos semanas!

After spending some time back in the US reconnecting with family and friends, I decided to take my last trip of sabbatical to South America, primarily Argentina, a country I have dreamed of visiting for many years.  I spent the first two weeks in Buenos Aires, known to some as the Paris of Latin America, and it did not disappoint.  I took Spanish classes and learned a few basic tango steps, making new friends along the way.  I rented my own studio and took the Subte a few stops to class each morning, which made me feel as though I was living as a local porteña (person from Buenos Aires).  I finally found a city that is more exhausting than NYC, with all the charm of Paris and the old architecture of New Orleans' French Quarter.  What a treat!

My Apartment in Buenos Aires' Retiro Barrio

Cafe mocha at Havanna, the Starbucks of BsAs

I went to a tango show my first night in Buenos Aires, just off of Avenida de Julio - the widest street in the world!

Recoleta Cemetary was impressive in size and beauty

I went with my friend Eleanor, who I met through my Spanish school Elebaires

At Evita's grave in Recoleta Cemetary

Out in Palermo with classmates, Duncan Tom and Rena, all from the UK

Nos clase de espanol a Elebaires

Mate, the popular tea-like drink of Argentina (that is, smells like tea, tastes like cigarettes!)

Mi professora de espanol, Soledad

Our other professor, Valerie

Upscale cupcakes for sale in Palermo, sound familiar?  :)

The colorful Boca barrio in Buenos Aires

Local tango performance

Classmates and I out at a tango club - on a school night :)

The San Telmo Melbec became a fast favorite

Beautiful tapas spread at fantastic Tancat restaurant near my apartment where we had dinner my last night in town before leaving for onward travel.  Delicious!