After spending a few weeks exploring Buenos Aires, we decided to explore areas in the Buenos Aires province. We got to see some more traditional experiences and visit areas that locals escape to.
Best Thing I Ate This Week
Comida Tradicional in San Antonio de Areco
Gauchos are Argentina’s cowboys. Historically, they were cattle-herding settlers on the pampas. They also specialize in cooking meat and host celebratory asados. Every year San Antonio de Areco hosts the Dia de la Tradicion. (San Antonio de Areco is 2 hours outside of Buenos Aires within the province.) Gauchos come together for an extraordinary weekend of honoring their traditions.
Our first stop to experience the tradition was at Pulperia Lo de Tito where we ate a delicious picada entrada, and I tried a fernet cola. The spread of meats/cheeses complimented perfectly the sweet drink. In addition, the interior of the restaurant transported us back to another period in time.
Our next stop was at Boliche de Bessonart Bar for some more fernet colas. This bar made your mixed drink, but then also mixed the remaining amount of cola with fernet in the bottle. The crowd started to fill with gauchos preparing for a celebratory night out. It doesn’t hurt that the generous drinks led to a lively atmosphere.
The final stop was at the main event at a Fogon Surero in Matera del Parque Criollo. Gauchos had spent the day preparing the carne for the evening celebration. Eating a delicious sandwich de carne while listening to traditional live music was a fantastic way to complete the gaucho dining experience.
An Interesting Fact I Learned
Tigre is the gateway to life on the Parana Delta
North of Buenos Aires is a city named Tigre, after the jaguars that once roamed the lands. It connects to the Parana Delta, which starts near Rosario and covers over 5,400 square miles. The islands that makeup the delta can be accessed only by boat. Tigre is an hour outside of Buenos Aires within the province.
We took a ride on a lancha, which can traverse the smaller waterways in addition to the main transit rivers. During the ride we got a glimpse of the delta homes, and joined everyone in experiencing a beautifully warm spring day on the water.
All of the homes have docks where people tie up their boats, and swim in the water. If they do not have boats, there are water taxis that connect people to the mainland or other islands. There are boats that bring kids to schools, grocery boats that sell food/water, trash boats that remove waste, and even ice cream boats in the summer. While some people live there year round, there are many that use the location as second homes and numerous hotels that can be rented for weekend getaways.
My Travel Tip of the Week
check the forecast and prepare for the elements
My Additional Anecdote This Week
Kindness creates lasting travel memories
Our first time taking a long distance bus in Argentina was not off to a great start when it showed up 40 minutes late. However, the drivers apologized for the traffic and welcomed us on board. When we got off in San Antonio de Areco, they were so happy for us to experience Dia de la Tradicion and wished us a great day.
The worst of the rain storms hit while we were enjoying the delicious start to our day at Pulperia de lo Tito. As we were about to leave to go back into the pouring rain, the owner asked where we were going. He let us know the Destrezas (rodeo-type activities) were canceled for the day but we could still join the Fogon (large barbecue party) in the evening. He then insisted he drive us to our next destination and told us all about his town on the way.
