Round Two in BA

Yes, the time has come. We are officially at the end, sad but true. 

We started the trip in December in Buenos Aires and are officially at the end, full circle, in Buenos Aires. This time is it much colder than in the middle of summer, but it is still a great city. It's really interesting visiting the same city again after all of the amazing things that we have been lucky enough to see and do around the continent. In December when we arrived we loved Buenos Aires and definitely thought it was a place that we could spend some time - perhaps even live for a bit. I think it reminded us of our "big city" lives in San Francisco, only on an Argentinian scale!

After all these months and adventures, the city didn't disappoint. First of all, it's a HUGE place. 15 million people. The architecture is great, as are the parks, the music scene is spectacular, and there is TONS of shopping. In short, there's always something to do here. So what are the priorities for the last few days of our trip? Argentinian beef, malbecs, checking out the city, and souvenir shopping of course! So, this is what we did every day. Eat beef at a new restaurant while drinking malbec at night, and shop or walk around the city during the day!

Key-Yah! Outside the presidential palace

Two happy, but cold, campers here!

Their SWAT team isn't messing around..

Nice ride

A view from the other side of the square with the presidential palace

Raarrrrr!

Behind this wall lies our new house, err, mansion

They still believe so strongly in Eva Peron that she's on one of their major buildings...

Their congress building, modeled after our congress building in DC

Saturday market in San Telmo. Lots of handicrafts to buy

Our local old-school bar, called "El Federal". The place has so much character

"Starry Night", Argentinian style!

We also went to a soccer game, and boy it was an experience! First of all, it was freaking freezing as you can see. I thought we were in AT&T park watching the Giants...only colder! Imagine 70,000 fans turning out for the first game of the season, they were definitely excited! Turns out there are a few differences from our sporting events though. 1) The vendors ONLY sell stuff before the game starts 2) People were SERIOUS about watching the game - they didn't talk during the game and DEFINITELY didn't leave to go to the bathroom except at the half! 3) For security reasons when the game is over the opposing team is escorted out of the stadium by the police, while the ENTIRE rest of the fans wait!

The first "River Plate" futbol game of the season. Packed.

When their team enters the stadium everyone throws paper. Everyone including my wife. It was awesome.

The seats are so close together, but the vendors still go right down your row to try and sell you stuff. It was odd!

This is the opposing team section. Notice the BARBED WIRE separating it from the home team.

And so it ended where it all began, speaking spanish in Argentina. We are definitely excited to be going home, but sad that our wonderful South American Adventure has come to an end.

Stay tuned for more posts in the next few weeks - we'll be putting together a few reflecting on the trip and life!

See you all very very soon!!!

Scott and Lisa