BlueLobsterCottage.com

Archive for October, 2011

Traveling to Argentina as a visitor is fun, but to get a true feel of the country, it is important to see how the locals live in it. Here, we share some well known secrets on how you can make like an Argentine on your Buenos Aires trip or the country’s other regions.

Drink mate

This strong tea is an Argentine classic and not to be missed on any Argentina holiday. Not only is it an energy provider popularly used for long student study sessions, it is a social activity that binds its drinkers across the barriers of age and background. During each casual mate drinking session, a host is declared who is responsible for administering the tea. The host makes the first batches of mate, drinks it to make sure it tastes good for the others, and continues to refill the gourd with hot water throughout the session as it is passed around for all to share. Feel free to slurp the end of your drink because it shows the host that you enjoyed it very much; saying thanks afterwards means you wish to have no more. What better way is there to make new friends?

Dance tango

The tango is a Buenos Aires staple and a part of Argentine culture that mixes history with modern entertainment. The dance was originally created and practiced by those lowest in society, the poor African and European working classes who needed an escape. It wasn’t until later that the middle and upper communities came to accept tango not as a disgraceful activity, but a legitimate kind of fun for both artistic and social value. Today, as many Argentina travel packages will take you to Buenos Aires, visit the heart of tango in the neighborhood of La Boca where professional dancers demonstrate their talents along the walk.

Eat meat

Argentine beef is known all around the world for their succulent flavors because generally, the meat is not heavily treated. That is, many cows are raised in the flat Pampas region in the north where the natural grasses help the animals grow at an organic rate. As such, no trip to the country should leave out a meal at a steak restaurant. If the meat itself doesn’t satisfy you, then pair it with a glass of red wine from the Mendoza area known for its wine output. The two flavors notoriously complement each other, making steak and red wine of the most characteristic dining combinations to add to your travel experiences.

Incoming search terms:

• how to live like a south american

Auckland, the biggest city in New Zealand – housing almost a quarter of the country’s population – is also blessed to be surrounded by water, wonderful beaches and plenty of ways to enjoy yourself. Whether you live in the city or not, if you are looking for a great way to relax and indulge, booking yourself into a luxury bed and breakfast in Auckland is certainly a great way to enjoy the summer attraction in and around the city.

Waiheke Island
Catch the ferry from either the terminal in Auckland City or on the North Shore in Devonport. The island is a great way to experience a rather bohemian lifestyle that has been its appeal for many years mixed with the newer residents who enjoy the higher temperatures experienced on the island along with the many vineyards and wonderful cafes and restaurants. Don’t have time to take the ferry? There are helicopters available to drop you there too.

Devonport Village
If you choose to take the ferry from the Devonport Ferry Terminal you should really take some time to look around the village while you are there. It’s slightly remote location – only one road in and one road out – helps this coastal village keeps it unique charm whilst offering great shopping and unique sights. Visit ‘Devonport chocolates’ and see how they make the delectable truffles they are famous for, perhaps purchase a few to enjoy later.

Puhoi
Head North out of Auckland and you’ll come across the township of Puhoi, famous for its wonderful cheese and yoghurt, stop in at their cafe and try some of their wares. This quaint village also boast a historic pub that you can stop in at and enjoy a drink with the locals.

Matakana
A little further north is the area known as Matakana Coast, which has many attractions over the summer, including vineyard tours, the area has many boutique and family run vineyards as well as those that are more well known such as Goldridge. Another activity worth checking out is the sculpture tour, many artisans live in the area and display their creations at galleries, in cafes at the vineyards or like the sculptures throughout the area on a designated route.

Once you have found the perfect luxury bed and breakfast in Auckland you will easily find many great things to do during your holiday all the while knowing that each night you will sink into a beautiful comfortable bed, luxurious linens and enjoy a well earned nights rest and wake up to a gourmet breakfast before heading back to explore many of the wonderful activities Auckland has to offer.