If Your Compass Could Talk…

Its always a good time to visit Mendoza and I’ve just recently been. I seriously don’t know what was better, the perfectly clear weather, the gorgeous scenery or the delicious Malbec. (Okay, I know what was better) But seriously, traveling to Mendoza is a must see for anyone spending any time in Buenos Aires. There are flights daily on all the major airlines as well as buses that shuttle there on the regular.

Mendoza is becoming well known for the cultivaiton of its ‘Malbec’ brand, a wine variety that is making its mark on world markets like never before. Abroad you’ll pay out the nose for it but here in Argentina, its just a few pesos out of your pocket.

Aside from wine country, Mendoza is a great vacation spot with lots to do in the city and in the countryside. There are some fabulous hostels in the city as well and I stayed in one called Alamo. They have the cutest garden, great staff and even a hostel kitty. If you’re interested in checking it out (and I’m only saying because it was great fun) I found it via MiniHostels at El Alamo.
So hit up Mendoza, take some pics and sip some wine – and then thank me later!

If there’s one thing we love about Buenos Aires, its all the shopping there is to be had. Here is a list of our favorite locations to get the best of shopping in Buenos Aires:

– Alto Palermo Shopping

– Abasto Shopping Center

– Palermo Boutiques

– Las Canitas Boutiques

-Shopping down Santa Fe

And yes, there are a million more venues where shopping kills in Buenos Aires. If you haven’t checked these out yet… DO IT NOW!

La Rural in Buenos Aires is having thier annual wine event. La Rural is located in Palermo off of the Plaza Italia stop. Just 20 pesos and you’re in for a night of wine filled bliss. Food booths and delicious wines from vendors – you can’t go wrong! It runs through the end of the weekend, so if you’re in town, go check it out at: www.larural.com.ar

www.clubdecorredores.com.ar

Club de Corredores is a great group that outlines and organzines running races in Buenos Aires. The weather is improving in the city and the races are beginning! Check it out and hit the pavement, path or sidewalk and get fit!!

Its strange isn’t it? In a country thats down with nuts and seemingly eats tons of fattening foods, that peanut butter wouldn’t be a staple in Argentina. I mean, HELLO, dulce de leche + peanut butter could possibly be closer to heaven than my beloved Reeses, don’t you think?

In any case if you’re jonesing for the good stuff and missing peanut butter from home, just go the JUMBO in Palermo. In the Imported Foods section you can get REAL peanut butter. Not just manteca de mani.

YOU’RE WELCOME.

As you well know, travel is about fun, fun, learning, fun and FUN. But there are also a slew of those logistical issues you have to keep track of, like visas etc. Which countries require visas, how much are they, how do I get one? All of these things are important to the traveler to ensure that you are traveling legally and being as safe as possible.

Travelers to Argentina don’t need visas (or need to apply for visas rather) because a 90-day visa is awarded upon entry. To renew your visa all you need to do is cross a border and your stamp will be re-instated for an additional 90 days. Some of the best places to travel to and from when you’re in Argentina are Brazil and Chile. Brazil does require a visa that you have to APPLY for. This means plan your trip accordingly and plan ahead. Don’t just show up at the border. Additionally, Chile doesn’t require a VISA, but they do require a reciporicity fee for entering. U$S 100.

Keep these bits of travel info in mind and you’ll continue to be a smart and savvy traveler.

If your Compass Could Talk… it would tell you to research visas!

I was recently in Uruguay hanging out in Montevideo. Some friends of mine and I had bounced around quite a bit and ended up jumping into this bar we heard live music from. It turned out to be this AMAZING Spanish band that literally had people in tears, the music was so infused with emotion and beauty. I had turned to one of my friends and said, ‘I should go ask them for a CD’.

It was late and I never ended up asking for the CD. We since moved on to one last bar and then back to our hostel before heading out of Montevideo the next day.

The point of my story is this and its something you should remember when traveling. Sometimes you only have ONE CHANCE to be somewhere, see a place or experience something while you’re traveling.  I might be back in Montevideo (who knows) but I probably won’t be back at that bar and I certainly won’t be lucky enough to be there when that band comes through again. I had one chance to ask for that CD. To hear that music that had the bar in tears because it was so well done. And while this might not be the same as missing out on an experience because you’re travel-weary or worn down, it does remind us to make the most out of all of our travel moments.

Because you rarely get the chance to go back and do it again.

My very own Bariloche pics.

Heres some Barloche travel advice:

A: GO TO BARILOCHE! The skiing is incredible and the Patagonia region of Argentina is stunning, to say the least. Its one of those trips that reminds you why you travel and is a refreshing breath of air outside of the city. Its physical, beautiful and tranquil, all the things your ski vacation should be. We feel refreshed and happy having just returned.

You also don’t even need your own ski clothes. You can rent there, for practically nothing and lift tickets as well as ski and snowboard rentals are more than reasonable. Plan your trip now. Thank me later.

BESO!

Argentina is now in the Mens Soccer Final after beating long time rival Brazil in the semifinal 3-0! Vamo Argentina!!!! I´m so proud. The game will air Friday evening.

This great image is from a blog I stumbled upon when looking for hostels in Bariloche. I´ve got the ski bug and apparently, so does everyone else. I´ll be back to update you more on my time in Bariloche

Coming soon: My own Bariloche Moutnainous pic.