Editor's Note

Reflections: On Southern Charm

Hello, Buenos Aires!...
I'm new!
I wanna say I'm just a little stuck on you!
You'll be on me too!

Whenever I'm in Buenos Aires, I inevitably have the lyrics of Madonna's introductory song to Evita rolling in my head. Her enthusiasm in being welcomed through the neoclassical streetscapes, the dramatic urban bustle, the promise of Argentine prosperity ahead of her...energizes me to embrace this ever exciting city, again and again. Like Eva's character, I guess you could say that I also get 'just a little stuck on' "BA," a nickname commonly used to refer to the Argentine capital. Locals also call it "Big Apple," channeling the bustle of their American counterpart. Others call it "the Paris of South America." Rightfully so.

More than two decades ago, Buenos Aires was my introduction to South America. I boarded the nearly ELEVEN hour flight south from Dulles and awoke from the North American winter into the lush greenery of late summer. I immediately fell in love. It was like rediscovering the charms of Paris, but with tropical plants. (The streets have rubber trees and palms scattered throughout, a lovely "exoticized" contrast to the marble columns and curvaceous balustrades of the European-derived cityscape).

Sitting on the banks of the chocolately Rio Plata, one would think BA was perched on an ocean rather than a river. Its location makes for easy access to other, exciting adjacent destinations: Uruguay is a short boat ride away; Mendoza, the heart of South American wine country, is just west; Iguazu Falls hovers the Brazilian-Argentine rain forested border about an hour's flight north; and, many use the city as a base for heading further southward to Patagonia and Antarctica. But there are alluring charms to behold, city-side, which means any visitor should spend at least a few days wandering the streets and gardens of this Big Apple. Of course, there are the tourist must-visits. Fans of the aforementioned movie pay homage to Eva Peron in Recoleta Cemetery and the balcons of Casa Rosada. Beyond the obvious, we share our favorite spots for an authentic Tango performance (or lesson!). There are some great eats here, and while many come for the steaks, we indulge on dulce-de-leche filled cookies and ice creams! Calle Florida (Florida Street), be it a bit of a tourist magnet, has earned a reputation for finding the best leather goods (I have a beautiful, custom-made jacket from 20 years ago that I still wear to this day). The dollar goes a long way against the peso, making shopping highly advantageous, in a city where fashion is just about as revered as it is in Paris. Cinema has been long part of BA's DNA, and movie stars and directors alike have been recreating their own masterpieces, including a new discreet hotel.

Heading this far away means you're farther than Europe, just as far as Japan, and further south than all of Africa or Australia. But in the pursuit of finding the charms of a fashionable, European-inspired metropolis that's on the heels of the subtropics and pampas, this journey is highly recommended. We're quite sure you'll also be 'just a little stuck' on BA.