How to "vacation" properly

Philosophy 101:

Going on vacation isn't always easy.  

In fact, it can be downright difficult.

But it doesn't have to be.  

The keys to unlocking your best vacation are simple:

1.  Stay at a friend's place.  Their apartment - even if it is just a block and a half away - will have a whole new perspective on the neighborhood.  And if you're lucky it will be double the square footage and have a soaking tub.

 2.  Go out for lunch as often as you can drag yourself out of bed before tea time. Preferably, go to my new favorite spot: "Sagardi" C/ Humberto 1 319 (San Telmo).  Enjoy the charming bar; learn a little "vasco" and devour delicious tapas like "Cream & Blue Cheese with Fiambres"; "Smoked Salmon with Shaved Pickled Onion" and "Croqueta de Jamón y Queso".  At just ARS $12 (US $1.46) a toothpick you can afford to indulge.

3.  Be friendly with the locals.   You can meet charming people (or animals) anywhere - even in the local cemetery.

4.  Have a dinner party for 8 at least once.  Setting the table with someone else's textiles, charming silver and market fresh flowers is like playing Martha Stewart Living.  Plus, you should always make good use of a top of the line dishwasher when you come across one - especially in Argentina. What better way to make sure the machine is working properly than by loading it up with every last piece of dinnerware?

5.  Happy Hour.  Make it your excuse to try some local delicacies you might not get at home.  Gancia is generally defined as an mild, herbal aperitif served on the rocks, or with a little soda water here in Argentina.  For me, it's the epitome of a barely sweetened ginger ale that is as smooth as this gorgeous blue cheese from the "Fiambrería" / "deli" on Larrea.   Did I mention the cold sandwiches of prosciutto and grainy mustard that you can enjoy with the leftovers?

 The bottom line is: sleep in and...

 

6.  ...Eat well and often, but let someone else do the cooking. 

El vocabulario útil:

Estar: (v). to be (expresses location and temporary conditions/moods).

Yo estoy - I am...

Estar parando: (v). (Present Progressive form) to be staying; literally, "to be stopping" 

Example: Estoy parando en Microcentro / I am staying in Microcentro.

Estar de vacaciones: (v). to be on vacation

Example: Estoy de vacaciones

El departamento: (n). the apartment / often called, "el depto" for short