I’m a small town-Mountain Girl so I’m not usually a big advocate for taking time to visit the Capitals when traveling. Buenos Aires has become my favorite exception. We only had one day and looking back I would have traded one of our Ushuaia days for Buenos Aires. This city felt like a combination of France, Mexico and New York City.
We arrived Friday afternoon in a daze from all the penguins. I was still dressed for hiking in Patagonia, and felt so underdressed. Especially for our nights Speakeasy Tour. Sofia met us at our hotel and explained people were just starting to get off work, so this would be a fun time to start the tour and dive into the Happy Hour instead of the “night life” that usually starts around 10 or 11 pm. Our first stop was the Tango Hotel with a beautiful rooftop. Happy Hour met Golden Hour as we tried the specials on the cocktail menu.
We didn’t stay too long as we still had 2 more places to try! With each walk, Sofia’s passion for her country shined and she explained the political issues and how they’ve affected day to day life. We learned about the Mothers of the Plaza de Mayo and headed off to another rooftop bar in the Trade building. It definitely felt like people just came for a quick selfie in front of the view and then back downstairs to the bar. Our last stop was more in speakeasy fashion. Sophie led us to a flower shop and spoke to the man at the counter. He greeted us and opened what looked like a freezer door, but opened to stairs taking you underground Floreria Atlántico. It was SUPER busy and crowded, but the drinks were amazing.
We spend most of our next free morning exploring the San Telmo Market and surrounding areas. I’m glad we gave ourselves 4 hours before our flight because the drive to the airport alone was over 90 minutes.
As Charlie smoked a cigarette before heading inside, I recalled how we sat in the same spot only 20 days before. The anticipation of then was now the settled thrill you feel after a rollercoaster ride. So much had happened, and I felt like I was saying goodbye to a close friend as we boarded the plane back to the States.
The response from Adventure Life to my first inquiry was prompt and promising. I worked with Jamie Broeckel, Trip Planner, via text, email, and phone calls- always extremely responsive and thorough with information and explaining the process to arrange a private tour for me to Malaysia Borneo. Within about week, the booking was complete and I made decisions because of Jamie's great customer service , friendly manner, and overall competence on behalf of the company's travel expertise. Now I have an itinerary, additional Trip Planner Assistants, several links for vital information for traveling to Maylasia, etc. Still many details for Sept. trip, but now the heavy lifting is done and I can enjoy the rest of the anticipation and research!! Thanks Jamie- you are amazing!!!!
Susan Campo
2 days ago
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
3 days ago
Mary was so pleasant and professional. She made sure all of our questions were answered.