Because that’s what people do. They leap. And hope to God they can fly. Because, otherwise you just drop like a rock…wondering the whole way down – why in the hell did I jump? But here I am, falling. And the only person who makes me feel like I can fly is you. – Hitch
There is just no two ways about it, I have fallen absolutely head over heels in love with Buenos Aires!
There was no transition period, I fitted in like a puzzle piece that’s been missing for so long. It’s hard to explain really, I tried to explain this exact feeling to friends a number of years ago. My soul suddenly feels free, as if telling me how trapped I feel back home and before most South African jump to the wrong conclusions because of my play on words ~ not in any other sense than that my soul just doesn’t belong there. I have been shown this time and time again.
It is a scary feeling if I think about it for too long, but if I just let it be, nothing has ever felt more right.
Leaving my hotel early this morning I headed out to wander into the subway and pop out at the other side of the city where I planned to get a ticket for the city’s “topless” bus tour. The great thing about the bus was that it was going to take me around to so many of the sight-seeing places I wanted to see and as it’s a hop on and hop off system I could get to see everything!
Beautiful buildings around the city that makes me feel like I´m in Europe and not South America.
Yatchs of the rich and famous.
Statues around the city.
Lunch at a side-walk cafe, while people-watching on a tree-lined street. Victor, my local Argentian waiter, wanted to know everything about South Africa.
One of the stops of the bus tour, Caminito, in the neighbourhood of La Boca was my favourite favourite and I spent many long moments wandering around and chatting to the locals!
Caminito
The place acquired cultural significance because it inspired the music for the famous tango “Caminito” and all throughout the streets you can watch tango dancers perform. Although the place is jostling with photo taking tourists, the area has a beautiful charm and La Boca’s most famous street is lined with brightly painted houses, which is a feast for the eyes.
Brightly colours buildings in Caminito to feast your eyes upon.
Brightly painted houses in La Boca´s most famous street.
Sexy tango dancers on the streets outside.
The locals were charming and every time I spoke they wanted to know where I was from and I would end up having long chats with each local that interacted with me.
“Aaaah the beautiful South Africa” one would say in his Spanish accent.
Another began with “Sí, the home of the vuvuzela!” and he motioned showing himself blowing a vuvuzela with his hands.
And a few naturally started with the man who became the father of our nation “Aaah, Nelson Mandela….”
Each one turning into a long chat about my beautiful home country.
Buenos Aires is filled with an air of possibility, it is sexy and sultry, it is filled with romance and openness and fills you with a sense that anything is possible. My life’s mantra, would could be more perfect!
Near the end of the tour, as the sun began to set, I managed to snap this shot of yet another statue in a park.
Today was some how extra special, my soul was so free and the pull is stronger than ever. I spent the entire day with eyes wide open taking in every single sight, my chin lifted to the sky, the warmth of the sunshine on my skin, a permanent slight smile on my face (except for the moment in time that someone made me feel sad and brought tears to my eyes).
This entire trip, my mountain climb, my time in Mendoza and now my time in Buenos Aires has been so much more than incredible…
I feel incredibly blessed.
I feel alive.
I feel free.
My soul is souring.
And I am open to all possibilities.
And it’s a fantastic place to be.
~ All Photos By Me ~
Walking4Air 