Edd:  We’re not usually fans of repeat experiences, but after visiting eight years ago we’ve been back in Buenos Aires for the past two months.

Cynthia:  That’s true. But the deal you found on flights, and the fact that the whole country is on sale for Americans at half price, made the trip an opportunity we couldn’t pass up.

E:  Plus, we escaped the worst months of another North American winter. Overall the weather in Buenos Aires (BA to locals) was fabulous. It was weird to wear shorts every day in January and February. We should explain that “half-price sale” comment you made.

C:  Not that we exactly understand it ourselves, but there’s an official currency exchange rate and what’s called a blue market here. For instance, say the official currency exchange for US$1 is 180 Argentine pesos. The blue market rate would be almost twice that amount. 

E:  Crisp $100 bills get the maximum value, so we showed up with a stack of them that we exchanged slowly because the market can sudde...

San Telmo, one of the oldest neighborhoods in Buenos Aires, is home to many antique shops, art galleries, and tango shows.

Its sometimes-less-than-pristine buildings, cobblestone streets and street art exude a gritty, bohemian vibe.

During weekdays shoppers and residents bring a quiet hum of activity. On Saturday the action picks up. Every Sunday is a massive party stretching for blocks as the streets fill with vendors, performers, and tourists.

And we do love a good party, so off we went to check it out. 😀

When we arrived late morning the festivities were already in full swing.

Colorful crafts of all sorts beckoned. Yerba mate (mate is a caffeinated drink adored in Argentina and nearby Uruguay) cups, handmade change purses, and guitars. Plus some, um, “interesting” masks.

And of course, tango. Nothing says Argentina like tango, right? Well, maybe delicious steak and Malbec, but that’s another blog…

The hub of all this activity is the actual San Telmo Ma...