Argentina/Uruguay! 

I don’t think your Grandma surprising you with you little sister in Argentina can get any better for your 19th birthday! I can’t believe that everyone kept it a secret from me! Usually I ruin every surprise for myself, so I’m shocked I didn’t figure this one out. When we docked in Buenos Aires, Customs took much longer than expected so I was late for my meeting time with Grandma! While I walked out of the terminal I didn’t think she would still be there, but to my surprise she and Jodie were standing there waiting for me! I was in complete and utter shock; I couldn’t help but cry! I felt so special that everyone had planned this out and they flew all the way out there to see me. 

Buenos Aires turned out to be a beautiful city, but honestly I could have been anywhere; I was just happy to be with my grandma and Jodie! Rachel met up with us later that day because she had had a field lab so it was the four of us girls for the week! We truly had so much fun together: eating, shopping, and enjoying the city. Buenos Aires felt a little bit like New York City, but smaller with much more open parks. There was a plaflera of areas to explore. 

Our hotel was on Florida Street which was full of activity! There were always people everywhere, mainly selling leather and tango shows. Of course we indulged in both! Grandma Carter is the ultimate bargainer; she will not back down! It was fun to see her in action. 

One of the nights we went to a Tango Show! Everyone knew that the tango originated in Argentina, except for me. We got all dressed up and ready for our night out in Buenos Aires! Before the show started we had a tango lesson. We learned a little combination and it was fun to have to do the boy’s and girl’s parts. Afterwards we were ushered into our seats in the theater. We were served a three course meal and there was unlimited drinks! Unfortunately, one of the waiters accidentley spilled my Fanta on me! Luckily, the company had the waiter pick up my dress at the hotel, dry-clean it, and bring it back the next day. During dinner, they made each of us take a picture with the tango dancers; those priceless. The actual show was fantastic. The dances were so different from each other; some were solos, others duos, and various group routines. They also had two singers, but they sang in Spanish so we couldn’t understand them. 

We ate very well that week! The first night was my birthday so we went to a really nice steakhouse. First we had a cheese and salami platter which was amazing. The kind waiter recommended we split the steaks, which was excellent advice! I think it was probably the best steak of my life. Then the restaurant brought out complimentary champagne and dessert with a candle on it for my birthday. It was so sweet of them, but we also ordered two other desserts. We love our sweets! The cook looked like a cowboy and cooked in the seating area so everyone could see. While I was taking a picture of him, he took me around to where all the meat is hung with the fire pit. It was such a warm and welcoming restaurant! 

The last day in Buenos Aires we went to Palermo Soho. I really felt out of the city there. It was like a cute, quaint little town. It was literally shop, after shop, so naturally Jodie was in heaven. Before we left we found a really cutsy ice cream shop. I’ve never been in such a large ice cream shop before! 

That night Rachel had to go back to the ship to go to Uruguay because she hadn’t filled out on overland travel form. The next morning Jodie, Grandma, and I took the speed boat from Buenos Aires to Montevideo. The boat had rows of newly furnished seats; the whole boat was inside. It was like an upgraded airplane. We essentially glided across the river that connects the two cities. 

I absolutely loved Montevideo! Rachel and Jodie liked Buenos Aires better, but I just clicked with Montevideo. This was probably because it was a smaller city and it felt more like a beach town to me. Our hotel was ravishing! We got to know all the bell hop boys well as Rachel had to interview them for our Global Studies project and another night Rachel, Jodie, and I made a music video all around the hotel. 

The hotel was right in the heart of the city. Government buildings surrounded us, and the start of the OldTown was a block away. We walked through the gates from the OldTown everyday to reach the various restaurants and marketplace. One day we went to a cowboy restaurant. They served complimentary “medio medio,” which is half champagne and half white wine. We had huge skewers full of chicken, beef, lamb, and more. 

My favorite dinner was at an Italian restaurant the second night in Montevideo. When we first arrived, we were unsure of the quality because there was only one other person in the restaurant. However, we soon realized that we were the weird ones eating early; and we arrived at nine! Towards the end of our meal, everyone started rushing in. Jodie and I split two meals and we had a delicious chocolate dessert, but what makes a meal is the conversation and the people you’re with! 

I really had the best time with Jodie, Grandma Carter, and Rachel. I had missed them so much! Thank you two for coming to see me. We will always have this special memory together. It was definitely an unforgettable birthday. I love you guys so much!!!!!!! I can’t wait to see everyone in 2 and a half weeks. I hope you all of an amazing Thanksgiving. I’m so thankful to have the best family in the world! I wish I could be there; I hope you guys miss me! 

I love you all!!! 
xxx, 
Jamie