After smooth and uneventful flights, we walked out of Argentine Immigration Control and into the open arms of Jorges, who had a spacious — and air conditioned — van waiting for us just outside
The trip into town took only a half-hour or so. Here in Argentina, Summer is in full swing, so the city is bursting with rich, green foliage. The portions of the city we’ve seen so far — we’re staying near the Botanical Gardens, in the Palermo Soho district — look as though they’ve been trimmed and manicured just for us.The Mira Vida Soho — our hotel — is a real jewel. Our family has taken over four of the property’s seven rooms, each of which has been renovated to include all the comforts of home: walk-in showers, marble tile, flat-panel television, comfy beds, and deliciously fierce air conditioning.
James and Nigel didn’t waste a minute helping us feel right at home: greeting us with cookies, checking us in quickly and efficiently, offering us cool drinks, and pulling together our evening itinerary on the fly.We spent the afternoon strolling around the neighborhood, shopping, sampling chocolate, browsing in bookstores, nibbling at fresh-baked pastries.
Back at the Mira Vida Soho, Nigel snagged us a reservation for eight at Don Julio’s, where thick, platter-sized steaks set us back just ten dollars a head. After eating more red meat (and home fries, and steamed pumpkin, and fresh bread) than anyone should ever eat, we ordered up an array of amazing desserts: chocolate mousse, pancakes stuffed with dulche de leche, and the most amazing flan anyone had ever tasted.
Back at the hotel, Nigel surprised us with news that a friend had stopped by; this mystified us until, seconds later, our guide, Pablo, appeared at the door. Pablo lives up to the marketing slogan on his website — while thoroughly professional (and organized … and prepared!), he really does come across as “your friend in Buenos Aires.”Pablo had never met any of us … but he recognized each of us by name, and recalled everything I’d told him about each person’s passions and preferences. (To Britt, for example: “Ah, you’re the biker!”) He had a detailed itinerary in hand, organized by date, that showed how every day has been tailored to meet our specific tastes.
On top of that, he’s the sort of guy you feel comfortable with immediately … so we’re really looking forward to spending the next three days with him and Jorge.More notes on where to go and what to do … and photos … tomorrow evening.
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