Christmas in Buenos Aires

Coming from England a Christmas in the heat was a very strange feeling for me. I arrived here in the middle of December and walked out of the airport into 30 degree heat. At first I was a little nervous as it was the first time I had spent Christmas away from my family. However I had nothing to worry about. From the moment I arrived everyone was so friendly and welcoming. I have never been to a city where there was such a laid back atmosphere. Nobody was ever in a rush to do anything and there was a real sense of tranquility throughout the city. There were not many signs of street decorations or Christmas trees that we are used to at home but every restaurant, bar and park was full of people relaxing and enjoying themselves. As there is such a catholic impact on the culture in Argentina it is evident how important the Christmas period is to them and the importance of being with your family. I found this very refreshing and it made the atmosphere in the city so nice to be in. (especially as a foreigner in a strange city). I can safely say I had one of the best Christmases of my life in Buenos Aires and I would jump at the opportunity to come back here again. I cannot recommend it enough to anyone looking for a unique experience that will stay with you forever.