Playing Tour Guide in (Broken) Spanish

I've had one of the most fun weeks abroad this past week because my dear friend Esther (aka Grad School BFF, and mother of our Goddaughter Bailey) came to Buenos Aires to visit!

There is something comforting about seeing a familiar face in a new country and sharing many belly laughs over tazas de te y vasos de vino. See, my Spanish is not too shabby (thanks, Vamos Spanish School and Google Translate.)

Here's some of the fun things we did while Esther was here:

1. Retraced the steps of colonial Uruguay

Colonia is a colonial town in coastal Uruguay, about a 1.5 hour boat ride away from Buenos Aires. It's a charming and romantic town that hints about its Spanish and Portuguese roots. Esther said the Colonia visit was one of the highlights of her trip to Latin America.

When in Uruguay... drink Tannat (Uruguay Merlot)

... and eat Asado (BBQ ribs)

2. Visited the majestic Teatro Colon, a world class Buenos Aires opera house

3. Bohemian Sunday at the San Telmo Sunday market

Walking the cobbled streets of San Telmo to experience the barrio well known for artsy vendors, antique shops, tons of street performers, and yummy street food.

4. Tasted boutique Argentinian wines from Mendoza and Salta provinces

Paired with Argentinian appetizers, hmmmm!

5. Practiced our inner zen at the Jardin Japonis (Japanese Gardens) of Palermo

We drank green tea, and ate sushi rolls. I'll skip sushi in Buenos Aires next time.

6. Ate our way through Buenos Aires Parrillas (Steakhouses)

Toasting on the first night at La Cabrera Sur in Palermo

Celebrating Esther's last night at Don Julio's in Palermo. This was her favorite Parrilla.

Esther and I walked for miles and miles this past week burning off the steaks / pastas / helados / postres / wines we feasted upon. We took subte (subway) and Radio Taxis all over town.

Brian and I are so thankful to have an amazing friend like Esther who came all the way to Argentina to visit us! She is our Sister in Christ who keeps us both grounded.

We missed Esther's Hubby Alan and our beautiful Goddaughter Bailey. Look forward to Brian and Alan Buenos Aires Boy's Trip in the near future, and our Samson & Chan family trips to Argentina, someday :)