If Your Compass Could Talk…

Just because its Friday, and everyone should be laughing on Friday 🙂

Naturally I´m loving (LOVING!) the business man sitting non-chalantly on Carlos Pelligrini enjoying a mid-day cafe, whilst the remnants of a somewhat large car accident loom in the foreground.

But I chose this picture of a car accident in Buenos Aires for a reason. The reason being – you rarely see car accidents! The drivers of ole BA are somewhat notorious for driving outside of the lines, inside of the lines and all over the lines so to speak. They basically pay no attention to pedestrians and many common driving methods. However, because of this, they are far more aware (or magical, the jury is still out) and rarely, despite ei hard to believe driving techniques, get in accidents.

So the next time you´re being driven around by what you might consider a mad taxi driver, never fear. He probably knows whats up.

Ha! Not after seeing this I hope. PATAGONIA.

The rumors are true. This can hardly be called a harsh winter in Buenos Aires. The weather has been sunny, clear and cool. But not that cool. Definitely not cold. This, therefore is the perfect time to mention the Palermo Parks located near 3 de Febrero. Or, north of Plaza Italia by the zoo and hipodromo. These parks stretch for miles and are the perfect location to take in some running. Especially considering there has been hardly ANY rain. So instead of hitting up the gym, take your jog off of the treadmill and head into the Palermo parks for some beautiful scenery and a nice run.

Trust me. This is good advice all around. Beso!! 

Whale watching in Puerto Madryn is upon us! Thats right some of the best and most scenic whale watching takes place in Puerto Madryn each year. August through December are the best times of year to see the migrations taking place in one of Argentina´s most scenic cities. I personally can´t wait! November is said to be the best month to see the whales but anytime you want to book a trip starting now, would be a great time to see something you´ll never forget. Do it. Do it. Do it.

 If your alarm went off and you can´t remember why – no worries fellow travelers, because I do. The Train to the Clouds (perhaps Salta´s greatest travel attraction) is now back open! It had been closed for repairs and rennovations for years and is now back; ready to take tourists on the 4,200 meter ride up into the clouds. It began in 1948 and typically sees on the upwards of 300,000 tourists a year! I´m sure it will see more now, since the opening has occured. So get out there and check out some Salta.

I was recently on a travel website and found myself reading a heated debate over the question… “Where can you find the best Empanadas in Buenos Aires?”

The reason I found this so remarkable is because I personally, do know where to find the best empandas in town. No room for debate!

If you’ve been to Buenos Aires or will be going to Buenos Aires, this little tid bit of information will help you immensely. Empanadas are a favorite snack of any South American. They come in all types of meats, with cheee and they’re the perfect dinner, appetizer, late night snack or just snack in general. They epitomize so many eateries in Buenos Aires. In a nut shell: if you come for a visit, you’ll be getting a mouthful.

Now, in your search for Empanadas I am emplored to tell you the best place to get them. This place (and thankfully they deliver) is Cumen, Cumen. More expensive than their competitor Solo Empanadas, they out do them in quality. They have locations throughout the city and they even have dessert empanadas. I never order without getting: Roquefort y nuez, Pollo and Carne Suave. They’re simply staples.

So when you arrive, or if you’re hungry for lunch – head out to Cumen, Cumen for some Empanada deliciousness.

On Sunday I headed to La Rural in Buenos Aires. La Rural is located in Palermo and is the name of the large convention center located just off of Plaza Italia near the zoo headed toward the Palermo Parks. It is also the name of the event that was going on last week titled La Rural as well. La Rural features a zoo of animals, booths, food and shows that feature mainly Argentine agriculture. Throughout the week you can see as much livestock as you’re willing to take in from prize winning bulls, to llamas and sheep. Additionally there are gaucho shows and other great visuals each day in tribute to the fair.

The picture seen here, is of an equestrian show that was taking place on Sunday at the fair. Notice the large Argentine flag in the background. This flag is visible from nearly every high-rise in the Palermo area and is the trademark visual of the large convention center.

La Rural is a great cultural center showing events from wine festivals in the fall to agricultural events such as this one. In the summer there is book fair, and a slew of others through out the year. It is a great place to check out when visiting and is almost always a guaranteed good time.  Here is the website with a schedule of events: http://www.larural.com.ar/

CompassKim here,

 I´m an expat and travel writer living in Buenos Aires, Argentina. I´ve travelled extensively around South America writing about everything and anything along the way. Visit my blog for the best information on Buenos Aires and all there is to know about South America.

About me: I´ve been living in Buenos Aires now for quite some time. The horrible realization that I would never be taller than 5´4´´ or be lead singer of a band didn´t stop me from attending college. South America is one of the most wildly authentic places on earth. I intend on seeing as much of it as I can.

´´The more I see of the world, the more I see of me.´´