Chic Visit South America
In May Marie-Helene (MH) and David visited Argentina & Brasil. David had been to Brasil before, albeit it 35 years ago. It was the first time for both of them to explore Argentina.
The trip was mainly to explore the continent for potential clients. Not looking to feature but as a policy Chic don’t like selling any destination without some personal experience.
As both are south of the equator, it was winter time. Buenos Aires was sunny but chilly. Brasil, being further north was brighter and warmer, with some rain.
Argentina was just limited to the capital, Buenos Aires (Commonly known as BA).
Both expected the city to have instant appeal, but it took a day, maybe consequence of the 16 hour flight. Then they did an escorted walking tour, which really brought the city to life. It got better by the hour. After 5 days, they both left having really got into the Latin soul of the place.
They stayed in the Palermo Soho area of town, about 20 minutes taxi ride from the centre (BA must have some of the cheapest taxis in the world). The area is bohemian chic with lots of super trendy restaurants, bars and shops.
They managed to explore most of the city highlights, including tango show, Eva Peron Crematorium, the atmospheric Boca and San Telmo districts, even attended a Boca Juniors football match – incredible bouncing atmosphere, although MH was maybe expecting a little more seating comfort.
BA is a relatively new city, not a lot happened until independence from Spain in the early 1800s. Some of the colonial style buildings look older but that is deliberate. The economic woes of the country are apparent in some ways, much of the infrastructure is creaking, but the atmosphere is vibrant and many of the restaurants so busy. It is influenced by long time back Italian immigration, over 55% of the population have roots there, mainly in the Naples and Genoa areas.
On this, David wanted to visit the Welsh community in the southern Patagonia area. Largest Welsh community outside of Wales, apparently numbering over 70,000 with about 5% still speaking Welsh, but he then looked at the logistics and found it was a 3 hour flight south of BA. Argentina is apparently the 8th largest country in the world, stretching over 5000 miles north to south.
After BA, it was relatively short flight to Florianopolis in Santa Catarina state, southern Brasil. (Yes, spelling with an S, not a Z).
Time here was good, mostly visiting family. Really interesting state. Affluent, progressive, disciplined, mainly German immigration – the inland town of Blumenau has the largest beer festival after Munich.
Then it was up to Rio. Within minutes David was saying “Wow, I had forgotten what a great place this is”. MH was just “Why have I waited so long to get here?” Of course, they had a wonderful time.
2 full days of touring including, the Christ Mountain statue reached by funicular train, and even some beach time on Copacabana, which was a real experience. Just on this, they stayed at Emiliano hotel, quality boutique style and with added advantage of its own secure beach club just across the road.
Both agreed Rio is one of the most exciting cities in the world, yes you need to be aware of what is going on around you, but that could apply to many places.
Wonderful trip. Great memories.
“There’s no such thing as the best hotel, just the right one…”
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