Last
January as my parents celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary my
sisters and I struggled to find the perfect gift. At this point in their
lives, we could think of no object that they needed or that we would
even particularly enjoy giving them. Instead, we focused on an
experience we might be able to give, a memory they would be able to hold
on to. An Untour to Buenos Aires seemed the perfect solution if we were
looking for a city whose power and seductiveness grows and lingers...at
least it had for me.
Last week, my parents returned from their
one week Untour in Buenos Aires. My father, who in general prefers the
country to the city, was enchanted by the greenery and their side trip
to Colonia in Uruguay. My mother lamented the fact that they hadn't been
able to stay longer to explore more of the neighborhoods, sit at more
cafes, and go to the Recoleta market, "just one more time." Most of all,
though, they both appreciated springtime in Buenos Aires, with its
flowering jacaranda trees and the Rosedal Garden in full bloom. With
springtime soon melding into summer in the Paris of South America, now
is the perfect time to head south and beat your winter blues.
To blooming southern gardens,
Lotta Rao
Eurozine Editor
