I'll be completely honest -- I love clothes. I adore coordinating outfits, accessories, shoes, make-up -- if it's pretty, I'm in. It's taken several years and an informal 12-step program instituted by my ever-so-patient boyfriend to admit this without shame -- but hey -- I'm a shopoholic! And where in South American should any savvy shopper go? Buenos Aires! The San Telmo Sunday market provides over 3 miles of artisan crafts, leather bags, hand tailored dresses, shoes, and antique jewelry. The entire Avenue Defensa is closed to car traffic, and with the dozens of chic shops that line the street itself, it creates a fashionista's paradise. Having read several guide books and the Adventure Life destination guide, I packed a wardrobe ready for fashion-conscious Buenos Aires. What I did not expect, though, was the results of a true "food and wine" tour. Which leads me to a bit of advice.
What NOT to wear in Argentina:
1. Anything involving a waist belt or similarly constricting device around the waist or stomach area.
Remember the bit about 4 hour lunches? Well, take it from me -- by the third course all I wanted was a terry cloth leisure suit. Pack for comfort as much as style.
2. Heels.
While you may feel under-dressed next to the throngs of Latinas effortlessly wearing 5-inch heels through cobblestone streets, grocery stores, and even the airport, you do not want to be stuck in uncomfortable footwear. I'd like to think our hours, upon hours, upon hours of walking counteracted some of the empanadas and dulce de leche.
3. Money belt that fits inside of your pants.
Oh wait -- John has worn one of these gems for the duration of our Argentina trip. While I get admittedly embarrassed while he fishes it out at the cash register, it is an excellent way to carry cash and avoid worrying about pickpockets. Ah, high fashion here we come!
The trip was not only memorable for the amount of animals we saw but also for the people and accommodations at the two camps where we stayed. Our first guide, BK, was a wealth of information about the animals, landscape and down to the plants and what they were used for. Everyday out was a learning experience with him. All the people at the camps were gracious and the food was excellent.
Our second camp in the Okavanga was just as good as the first as far as the staff, accommodations, food and animals. After our experience at the first camp we amazed that the high quality remained the same. Our guide, G, made sure we were able to enjoy every experience including a rush through the bush to witness a cheetah and an ensuing hunt that he heard over his radio.
In both camps there were enough guides out that if they saw something the other guides were informed which helped in seeing as much as possible. It was also nice that the concessions were large enough that we did not have vehicles following each other throughout the day.
Normally there is always something in a trip of this length that we think could be improved upon but this is the rare case where we cannot think of anything. From the time we left the States to when we returned it was one of the most hassle free vacations we took.
Perhaps emphasizing the use of the laundry facilities at the camps would be useful because of the luggage restrictions would be the only thing I can think of as an improvement to future clients.
Kenneth Dropek
2 days ago
Mary was so pleasant and professional. She made sure all of our questions were answered.