Country Information:
After gaining independence in 1822, Argentina became the second largest country in South America and is home to 45 million Argentines. The capital city is Buenos Aires. The official language is Spanish, but Argentines also speak Italian, English, German, French, and indigenous languages as well. Roman Catholicism is the leading religion practiced here.
A fun fact is that the word “Argentina” comes from the Latin word for silver, argentum. Which was a name given by the Spanish colonists after their boat shipwrecked when they first went to Argentina. The survivors of the shipwreck met indigenous people who gave them silver objects as presents.
Jim’s Perspectives:
You can’t visit Buenos Aires without eating a steak in one of its restaurants or seeing a world famous tango show. Ideally, do both at once! I actually did 3 things in Argentina: took dance lessons, had dinner and then watched a tango show. The best part of this tour was that the Tango lessons were with one of the professional dancers that performed in the show. The tango and Buenos Aires are so inextricably interconnected so I felt it compulsory to experience both!
Got a chance to check out the capital’s cultural hub, Avenida de Mayo, famous for its architecture and history. Adventurers will enjoy visiting, as I did, going to Bariloche to see the beautiful lakes and ski resorts. The best time to go to ski there is June – October! Unfortunately, they had a warm spell when I was there, and after purchasing all of my equipment, and lift passes … while riding the lift I realized there was only an inch or two on the ground and people were walking down the slopes. NOOOOO! Got off the lift, skied a little and unfortunately also had to walk down the mountain! Asked the guy who rented me the equipment and lift ticket why he allowed me to buy them … and he just shrugged his shoulders.
Such a beautiful country, and such energetic and wonderful people. However the inflation is out-of-control there and is destroying this place.
