¡Viva Argentina!

Following England's recent exit in the World Cup, I have managed to find solace in the fact that I am justified in switching my allegiance to another nation, one much more exciting to support, with a passionate manager and a much better chance of winning the tournament than England ever had. I am talking about Argentina, my mother's homeland. As someone who is half Argentine, (and I'm sure people with parents of different nationalities will understand what I mean) one gets an almost unique view of the other country.

I am English born and bred, but have been to Argentina four times. Bizarrely enough, however, I have hardly seen the country at all, as most of my time is spent visiting relatives and attending a seemingly never-ending chain of barbecues and pool parties. I have loved every visit to Argentina, but regret slightly that most of what I've seen of the country consists of my various family members' homes. The reason I regret this is that I know that beyond these family gatherings, there is an amazing country out there to be explored, with many diverse experiences to be had.

Few countries can boast the variety that Argentina does. At the southernmost tip, one can see penguins frolicking on Patagonian glaciers. In the same trip, one can also relax on one of the many sandy, sun-drenched beaches of Mar Del Plata, Argentina's most popular holiday destination. To the West lie the formidable Andes, a spine of mountains separating Argentina from Chile and offering some of the best treks and mountaineering in the world. On the border with Brazil, the Iguazu falls, almost 100ft taller than Niagara, provide arguably the most spectacular views of any falls in the world. For the more up-market traveller, the city of Mendoza is one of the Great Capitals of Wine and, set in some of the most gorgeous countryside in South America, is a place that many travellers in Argentina fall in love with.

Buenos Aires is a capital city that really does its country justice. A thriving centre of culture, one could happily stay in the city for their entire trip and not get bored. There are many museums and sights in which to explore Argentina's fascinating and, at times, bloody history, such as the grave of Eva Perón. The district of La Boca is particularly popular with tourists, with its brightly painted houses and tango performances on the main street, el Caminito. La Boca is also home to La Bombonera (literally, 'the Chocolate Box') the stadium of Boca Juniors football club. Argentine football matches are worth visiting as much to watch the passionate fans as they are to watch the fine sporting display.

Finally, for the food-loving traveller, Argentina offers some of the best in the world. There is a reason that Argentina has the highest rate of beef consumption per capita, the steak there is incredible. The grassy pampas provide the grazing ground for the best beef in the world. The barbecue (asado) is the meal in which Argentina takes the most pride and I assure you this pride is fully justified. The fact that the majority of the population is of Italian descent means this is a country where quality food is taken seriously. This Italian heritage becomes especially apparent when one visits one of the many superb heladerias (ice cream parlours.)

I would hope to have suitably extolled the virtues of Argentina to you by now, but if you remain unconvinced, look at Argentina's contribution to the world in so many fields, such as film, wine, music and sport. Alternatively, just go there and see these things for yourself, I assure you that you will not be disappointed.

Add Comment

You must log in to submit a comment.