MY CITY*: BUENOS AIRES
GABY REY TAKES US ON A SOUTHERN-SUMMER TOUR OF ARGENTINA'S CAPITAL, WHERE TANGO, PARKS IN BLOOM AND BARBECUES BECKON
*There’s no better way to get to the heart of a city than through the people who live there. Every month, we ask someone, clearly in love with their city, to take us on a personal tour and tell us what makes it so special. You may feel inspired to visit one day or to rediscover the charms of a city closer to you, but for now just sit back, relax and enjoy some armchair travel.
How long have you lived here?
I’ve been in in Buenos Aires for 21 years – I came with my family when I was 12 years old. I was raised in Sierra Grande, a small village in Patagonia, a vast region in the south known for its beautiful and wild, mountainous landscape. It was a magical childhood!
Tell us what makes it unique
I liken Buenos Aires to a mysterious lady sipping a glass of wine while listening to a tango. In some ways it is a melancholic city, recalling the old world with its Parisian style architecture, Italian influenced food and, of course, Spanish language. And yet Buenos Aires has something unique in its people, who are spirited, passionate and kind, and in its special traditions such as (a traditional infused drink),
(Argentinian barbecue), and soccer. asado mate February is a great summer month, not as hot as January and yet you can still enjoy an evening pool party on a terrace. It is still holiday time so people are more relaxed and the city is less crowded than usual. February is also the end of high season so you can get lower rates on flights and accommodation.
Where’s your favourite outdoor space?
I enjoy being by the water so for me it would be on a boat sailing at Rio de la Plata. If you go to Peru Beach in the San Isidro area you can enjoy lunch next to the river and go kayaking and windsurfing.
What’s the nature like?
At this time of the year there is a huge variety of trees still in bloom, from the magnificent jacaranda to the yellow tipas, red ceibos, and sweet-smelling tilos that