We did three weeks of Spanish classes – not nearly enough, but enough to understand basic travel requirements and polite but simple conversation with locals. Four weeks of living in an apartment was blissful and it was quite a sad thing, packing up our stuff into our packs once more, handing over our key and resuming into the world of daily compromises that is backpacking. We did a bike tour of the city just before we left which was a great way of taking in the sights. We dined at a few of our favourite haunts and then took our flight to the Patagonia.
The city is wonderful during January – but not perhaps its usual self. A lot of people are on holiday in the beaches, so the streets and restaurants are less busy. But that make everything so much easier for us and made BA a very liveable city. But I have assurances from enough people that the density of the people, the trying commutes to work, the pollution (noise and smog) can get to you after a while. I believe them.
Portenos (locals from BA) speak so fast and with their unique accent (different way of saying “ll”, and “y”), they wait patiently in queues that reminds me so much of the English, not Europeans. They are friendly and helpful. Their mannerisms and gestures are clearly influenced by their Italian heritage. Locals are well informed, they read a lot and value their free speech after decades of oppression. They love their sport and are proud of their country. So many show self-restraint and patience. They don't overeat, they don't binge drink, and they enjoy taking moments to enjoy life, even having a coffee and a cigarette. But don't expect prompt service, especially in restaurants.
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