2011 is divided. I spent the first 4 months completing my undergraduate degree in Ottawa, Canada. I only made it out of the city during my Reading Week and headed to Mount Tremblant, Quebec to snowboard. In February I accepted a job in Buenos Aires, Argentina and moved there in May. I stayed in my position until December 2011 and then began traveling South America for the last leg of 2011 and into 2012. So Far – I’ve had an incredible year. Spending 8 months in 2011 in South America learning Spanish, meeting so many incredible people both working and traveling, and getting a new understanding of myself and knowledge that I want to return to school for my Masters degree.
Some cities you visit you instantly fall in love with. This time, it didn’t happen. There was a honeymoon period where I kept my mind open and tried to experience what the city has to offer. But after 7 months living and working in the city I’ve had the time to form an opinion and let it sit in; Buenos Aires – I Just Don’t Like You.
Although I was living the last 10 months in South America – I only starting this budget during my 51 day backpacking trip through Chile, Argentina, Bolivia, and Peru.
I left Salta in the early afternoon to come to Tilcara. It is a tiny village 4 hours north of Salta. I arrived after a beautiful bus ride through rolling mountains of vibrant colours of red and oranges. Upon exiting the bus, a man approached me, his name is Martin, and asked me if I had a place to stay. I had nothing in mind so I followed him to his hostel. At 25 ARG Pesos ($6.25 CAN) per night including breakfast – thats a pretty good deal!
I do love the vibe of this city, its easy flow and its cheerful people. When I sat in the central plaza with the sun in the clear blue sky, all I hear is laughter and friendly conversations. The old man next to me calls out to about 10 of his friends who are passing by. This is the good life.
The Quebrada de las Conchas (Valley of the Shells), also known as Quebrada de Cafayate, is a closed valley or ravine known for its beautiful scenery in the province of Salta, Argentina, near the town of Cafayate.
I had a 10 hour bus ride across the Andes from San Pedro de Atacama, Chile to Salta Argentina. We crossed at the Jama Border crossing. I had the cream of the crop seat, at the very front of the double decker bus on the second floor. I had an amazing view of the whole trip. Arriving in Salta, I was met with good luck – I was invited on a day trip through La Quebrada de las Conchas en route to Cafayate, Argentina.
Living in Buenos Aires are 8 Months – you find some GREAT places to eat and enjoy.
So what is Argentine cuisine include? Beef Beef and more Beef. Basically. Argentina is known for the amazing quality Beef.
Argentine annual consumption of beef has averaged 100 kg (220 lbs) per capita.
Are you convinced about the Beef Yet?
Also, the food is highly influence from the strong Italian and Spanish decent of the majority of the population. There is nothing more innately Argentinian than the Asado (BBQ Meat). But some more of the traditional foods (aka list of Meat types) include:
Chorizo (pork sausage)
Morcilla (blood sausage)
Chinchulines (chitterlings)
Mollejas (sweetbread)
Milanesas - Breaded and fried meat (schnitzel)
Empanadas (stuffed pastries)
Pizza
Fideos, Tallarines, ñoquis, ravioles and canelones (Pastas)
Medialunas (Croissants)
And for Dessert?
Alfajores!
Dulce de Leche – Sweet Milk – somewhat similar to Caramel. (Goes on EVERYTHING)
Alfajores – Sandwiched shortbread cookies with dulche de leche between
Helada – Ice cream! As delicious if not better than “gelato” from Italy
To Drink?
Wine Wine Wine Wine Wine – With a famous Wine region like Mendoza, if you’re not taking advantage of the cheap delicious wine – you’re missing out!
Mate – a type of loose leaf tea (yerba mate) shared communally in a cup, and drank through a straw (bombilla)
Quilmes Beer – national beer – cheap and not all that bad either
Yes, I do not eat Beef or Pork, which means I am missing a SUBSTANTIAL portion of the Argentina cuisine, But none the less, Here is a list of some of the places I’ve been and I’ve loved!
Cocina Sunae – South East Asian Food (Closed Door Restaurant: cocinasunae.blogspot.com) $$$
I'm Chrystal McKay, a 23 year old Canadian girl who travels the world seeking knowledge. I am a World Citizen, Globe Trotter, and Continuous Learner. A Lover of Ancient Ruins, Castles, Churches, and all things Old and Beautiful. Follow me as I learn my way around the world.
Read more About Me
.
I'm Chrystal McKay, a 23 year old Canadian girl who travels the world seeking knowledge. I am a World Citizen, Globe Trotter, and Continuous Learner. A Lover of Ancient Ruins, Castles, Churches, and all things Old and Beautiful. Follow me as I learn my way around the world.
Read more 
