Buenos Aires

We ended our glorious trip in the European-vibe city of BA. While it is one of the world’s great cities, with fashion and cuisine galore, it is still just that, a city. And when you’re coming from unadulterated creation, it is somewhat shocking to fly into a place where as far as the eye can see, from a puny plane window, is building upon building. And when we were brought to street level, we witnessed grafitti, noise pollution and litter such as we hadn’t seen in the previous 10 days. Again, shocking to the system.



However, there were some highlights. First of all, our hotel 248 Finisterra was such a treat, we loved it. The surrounding neighborhood was enjoyable too. And we got to connect with our friends Marla and Justin there. Justin’s a pilot in our squadron, about to move to Florida. And Marla was in our wedding, she’s completing med. school at U. of Kentucky now. They are global travelers too, and were beginning their trip as we were ending ours. Joel found the six of us a great restaurant that first night, MOTT, which was reviewed by the New York Times, our news source of choice☺

The first half of Sunday was a great time, as we went to their famous San Telmo Antiques Market. I’ve never seen such a big antiques district. Carlos and I bargained with the locals and bought some killer silver candelabras which look great in our formal dining room. I have wanted some like this ever since I saw my friends the Cummins’ with similar ones. They are legit and make me feel like a grownup! Joel and Cara found some amazing artwork and bought one of the most creative paintings I have ever seen. At home, they’re amassing a cool collection of works from different continents.




The latter half of Sunday however, was a waste. We were duped into this “historical” tour that ended up being nothing more a “sewer tour” of BA’s old aqueducts. Ridiculous. Then we went to a half-bizarre/half-disturbing art museum. The night was topped off by my trying certain parts of cow I will never ever try again (intestines, blood sausage, etc.) Oh well. You gotta try everything at least once.

Monday was silly as well, as our book made a day trip to Uruguay sound pretty interesting and historical. I am learning to have a yellow caution flag raise in my mind when I read the word historical. Suffice to say, we were left wanting more.

Tuesday, however was a good last day. The Flory’s picked up some cool wardrobe pieces and we got a chandelier from a local artist that we’re in love with. Trying to pack that was a little interesting. But it made the intercontinental flights and is now hanging in our bedroom and looks great.

By the end of our trip we were missing our dogs and the comforts of home, two weeks was plenty abroad. If we were to do the trip again, I would have added a day in wine country and subtracted a city day. All in all, however, the trip was pretty great. Full of experiences and stories we’ll remember. It was our first time ever traveling with others, and I’m glad to have found the Flory’s are super easy to travel with! I wouldn’t be surprised if we traversed the wilds with them again in the future. As ready as I was to go home by the end, I found myself missing our friends after we parted ways. So thank you, Joel and Cara, for sharing life with us. Joel, thanks for doing all the driving, that was such a huge gift. Thanks as well for taking all the amazing photos we’ll have now to remember the beauty we saw. And Cara, thanks for sharing your beautiful heart with us and letting us walk alongside you in your grief. Your strength is remarkable. We love you and can’t wait to live in the same state as you some day to have more frequent reunions (and Settlers matches). Looking forward☺