I have been fortunate enough to travel to almost 50 countries so far. There have been very few of those 50 that I haven't liked or at least had an appreciation for. The most popular question to me in my life is, 'what is your favourite country to visit?' Up to this point I haven't been able to pin point it, until we arrived in the wonderful diverse country of Argentina. Here are the reasons I love Argentina... - The people!!! They are the most lovely, welcoming, inviting people I've ever met. Ciaran and I are fairly quiet, shy people especially when we are not that confident in speaking the language of the country we are visiting. In Argentina this didn't matter because everywhere we went people would come and chat to us and try their hardest to speak in English to us. They would insist on cooking for us, invite us to their homes, share their bus card with us, take time out of their holidays or life to help us or show us places. Even simply people coming up to us on a bus and saying 'good luck on your journey'. Ciaran said something one day I have to whole heartedly agree with. "The people here in Argentina just seem so content and happy". For a country that appears to be royaly screwed by their government over & over, and that has seen 200% inflation in the last few years that's a pretty incredible thing. I could go on and on about the people but I'll finish this point up with a quote about them that we heard, "Individually we are gorgeous people but together we are a bit of a mess". While I don't fully agree with the mess I will say I love that mess! - The food Argentinans and I share a big love of food. I love nothing better then a long meal with friends and the Argentinians have got this sorted. There preference is to cook meat Asado style. This is over coals which takes a few hours. Not only does it produce the most deliciously cooked meat but it also allows hours of chats. They also created the most amazing food in the world... Dulce de Leche! For those at home this is a spread that is a bit like combing sweetened condensed milk with caramel. It's pretty much heaven and I'm considering purchasing extra luggage on my way home to bring a life time worth. - Icecream They make great icecream and they have an icecream window at Maccas... Amazing!!! - Wine Going to a classy winery and being able to buy a decent bottle for £3.50. - Diversity of landscape Argentina is a massive country. Due to this it can offer a bit of everything. Harsh, dry, mountainous north, spectacular Iguazu Falls, the coast line (or very easy access to the Uruguayan coast), hip & modern BA, amazing wine region of Mendoza and the breathtaking Patagonia glaciers, lakes, snow capped mountains & wild life. What you might need to travel from one side of the world to the other to experience, you can get it all in one giant country. - Buses Ok, so they're not as cheap as more northern countries of South America but the quality does increase. Argentina's buses are formal enough to have a bus timetable but informal enough to drop you off at your campsite on the way into town as well (if you ask nicely :)). Not only do you get super reclining chairs, but meals & drink service and if you're really lucky a game of bingo with a bottle of wine as the prize! (The one let down of Argentina buses is the scary bus bag boys whom you have the pay to lift your bag onto and off the bus :o outrageous). - Love of the outdoor and camping Our experience of Argentina was made richer by our decision to camp. In the back of our minds we always considered camping in Argentina and Uruguay however it wasn't until the first day we arrived in Argentina that we really thought it possible. They love it which means it's readily available as is many hikes and outdoor activities which we love. Also, in Rosario on a Sunday they close the 3 main roads allowing for over 20km worth of cycle, roller or walking paths free from cars AND a free Zumba class in the middle of the street!!! Food, people, places to sleep, activities and getting from A-B that's pretty much the only important things while traveling and Argentina ticks all the boxes! It's going to be a hard one to beat but I think I'll have to keep looking to see if it can be ;) [Disclaimer: This blog my be influenced by a continuous sugar high from an abnormal amount of Dulce de Leche consumed.]
prguitarman