Destination: Argentina

By BRENT YAMASAKI

I had always wanted to visit Argentina ever since I was in fourth grade and my teacher asked me to write a report about the country. I still remember writing about a vast and beautiful land with the world's best steaks and gauchos (cowboys) riding the plains. I finally got my chance to visit about half a lifetime later, and what a great trip it was.

Argentina is a land of great beauty, wonderful food, and friendly people. The capital city Buenos Aires has similarities to other major metropolitan areas. Some of the older architecture is influenced by French, Spanish, and Italian themes.

In fact, in the early 1900s, Argentina was the 7th wealthiest nation in the world, thanks to its thriving agricultural economy and the influx of European immigrants to the country.

One of the highlights of the trip was enjoying dinner and a tango dancing performance. Tango is widely revered in Argentina and the costumes and dance routines are extraordinary. The speed, agility, and precision of the tango dancers made it a truly unique and exciting experience.

Food and Wine Lovers Rejoice! Argentina is home to marvelous asado (barbeque). The Argentines swear that their meat is the best and I became a believer too. The meats are slow-cooked over wood coals and never over an open flame. This takes time but brings out the best flavors and textures in the meat.

Other great foods of Argentina include empanadas (tasty meat-filled pastries) and alfajores (two cookies with dulce de leche or caramel in between)

Argentines never appear to be in a rush when it comes to eating and socializing. The best meals went on for hours and were accompanied by fantastic local wines. This approach helps promote savoring the meal and spending quality time with your companions.

Argentina boasts a world-class wine region in Mendoza, a two-hour flight west from Buenos Aires. Because of the good exchange rates and high inflation in Argentina, your dollar goes a long way there.

For instance, most of the high-end wineries in Mendoza have a world-class restaurant inside. An excellent multiple-course dinner with wine pairings can be enjoyed for about $50 US per person, compared to hundreds of dollars for a similar experience in Napa Valley, California. Most restaurant meals in the city were less than $20 US.

So Much to See There are so many wonderful places to visit in Buenos Aires including the Japanese Gardens, the Palacio Barolo lighthouse (good exercise climbing up a portion of it, but the bird's eye view of the city is worth it), the Museum of Latin American Art (MALBA), and a relaxing boat ride through the Tigre and Parana river deltas – the second largest delta in South America after the Amazon.

As with most metropolitan areas, some areas are better and safer than others. We stayed in the neighborhood of Recoleta, which is one of the clean, upscale parts of Buenos Aires. Palermo is another great neighborhood for first-time travelers to stay.

So Much More Argentina is the eighth largest country in the world and about one-third the size of the USA. If you can spare the time to visit Argentina, I suggest staying for at least two weeks, as there are so many unique and affordable activities to enjoy.

There are so many places and experiences that I hope to enjoy next time, including visiting Iguazu Falls (one of the seven natural wonders of the world), hiking glaciers in Patagonia, and relaxing in historic Salta, which is also home to an emerging wine industry.

Best wishes and safe travels!