Colonia

Here are some pictures from a recent trip to Colonia, Uruguay (where we actually just spent about 1 1/2 hours so that we could renew our tourist visa for another 3 months).

Here are some pictures from our day trip to Tigre, the popular weekend destination for those wanting to get out of BA. The trip there is wonderful. The train goes along the coast and takes about 30 minutes. Tigre is also known for its markets, especially for an abundance of cheap furniture. I think a day trip is long enough. It was nice to get out of the city but no need to go back. I actually could not imagine having a summer house here because, as you can see in the pics, the water is not inviting (although we did see kids swimming!)

Restaurant Review:

La Cabrera: Cabrera 5099

Located in the Palermo Viejo neighborhood is probably the most popular parilla in the city for tourists. Practically every night there are people swarming around the door. Guide books love writing about this parilla, which has probably the reason why so many people come to eat here. To tell you the truth though, the food really is not that much better than any other of the million parillas in the city- not that I have tried many. I am not a big meat eater so obviously going to a parilla is not my first choice. I always end up eating provoleta and fries. Provoleta is basically just a hunk of mozzarella cheese that is slightly cooked on the grill. It probably is even worse for you than a huge hunk of beef, but really there are very few options at your typical parilla. My one complaint with the meat here is that is is never served with any kind of seasoning or sauce. I guess it is because the meat in this country is supposed to be so much better, but to me it just tastes too much like meat. At least put some salt and pepper on it is what I say. Needless to say, Greg was in heaven eating at La Cabrera. We went here especially to celebrate his birthday. One of my favorite things about the restaurant is that they serve you champagne, as much as you want too, while you wait for your table.

Look how thick this steak is!

Of course a side of papas fritas- basically the only side served at a parilla. You will rarely find vegetables here.

These are served with your meat. I guess it makes up for having no sauce, but all of it is tasteless.

Enjoying our free Champagne!

View of the outside of the restaurant.

Our first dinner party....Mexican night! I try to cook spicy food since you can not find it here.

Dinner is served.

One of Greg's lunches...Just thought it looked colorful! Typical Argentine prepared food that you see everywhere. Only the chicken is flavorful.

Our street.

Some friends.

Nearby Starbucks in a beautiful house.

Neighborhood market.

more pics from our street.

Restaurant Review: Guido, Blvd. Cerviño 3943 in Palermo

We finally went to one of the many Italian restaurants in Buenos Aires. This one happens to be a little bit more expensive than most, but I have to say that it is worth it. The food is not only delicious, it is really the atmosphere that sets this restaurant apart from most. Located next to the zoo on Cervino, a quaint avenue with a handful of restaurants and cafes, Guido's is set inside an actual house. You really feel like you are in some one's house eating homemade Italian pastas. The service could not have been better either. I devoured a pasta with mushroom and foie gras sauce and Greg was happy with his pasta with a curry sauce(sounds kind of weird but it was damn good!) Right outside the restaurant we found a friendly neighborhood cat, which was the perfect ending to a memorable evening.

The more entries I write the more I realize that it seems like we have no social life at all. I finally snagged a few pictures while out the other night with friends. The best part about living in another country is the expat community, which is usually very welcoming. I constantly go to www.baexpats.org which has a wealth of information ranging from apartment rentals to social events. We have been lucky to meet some really cool people living in BsAs. A lot of women are here, of course, because of Argentine boyfriends, but there are others working as English teachers and freelancers. Every Thursday an expat, Sam, has taco Thursdays at his beautiful apartment. We tried going with some of our friends for the first time. You only have to pay for what you consume, prices are really cheap, and it is all done through the honor system. Pics are below.

DEL POTRO! We saw him on the street and I only recognized him because he is so tall- well at least compared to his 2 friends. I ended up following him for a few blocks before I was able to go up and talk to him. I just managed to congratulate him on winning the US Open, but he didn't seem that flattered so I quickly left him alone.

Cafe Tortoni:

All of the portenos kept saying that if we wanted to see a tango show then the best place to go is Cafe Tortoni. It is much less of a rip off than all of the other shows which cater to tourists. This is supposed to the one place that locals actually go to as well, but the truth is there were only a couple of Argentines in the room when we were there. The food looked horrible so I would recommend eating beforehand, but the show is worth seeing.

Looks like this car had a bit of an accident! Found this near our old apartment and it never seemed to get towed. Hopefully it has finally been removed.

I wanted to take this one home with me!

Freud & Fahler: Gurruchaga 1750

We happened upon this bakery which is connected to a popular restaurant in Palermo. The bakery door is kind of hard to find so we had to ask one of the servers at the restaurant. We bought one of the best brownies I have ever had in my life. I have to make it back there soon!

This was from some night out... can't remember now.

Las Cataratas de Iguazu