Go IT World: Chapter 2: Introduction to Argentina: Samsung PL150

Following is a review with sample images using Samsung PL150 camera.

Second largest country in South America and eight largest country in the world, it has a population of circa 40.000.000 inhabitants and it’s been, so far, home of both great success and tragedies.

My country was forged by immigrants, especially from Italy, Spain, Germany and other European and Middle Eastern countries. European descendants count approx. %90 while mestizos are the %10 left. This of course left it’s trace everywhere on our culture. This is something you can notice everywhere in Buenos Aires which was often called the Paris of south America. In my opinion it doesn’t resemble just one city, Buenos Aires is a very eclectic and unique metropolis.

If I have to choose one of the things I like most of my city, I would say architecture, food and the always friendly argentine people. Well, I cheated, I chose three, sorry about that ;-)

Argentina was one of the richest countries around the 30’s and the 40’s and that was a time were architecture was not only functional but artistic and elegant. Being the main city of the country, Buenos Aires was blessed by impressive architecture. Important awards were given to architects, so the competition was fierce. Nowadays modern architecture is arising, but the city wants to keep the European flavor that makes it look way much different to other cities in the whole Latin America where the colonial architecture rule or the new modern skyscrapers are conquering every possible space.

Food, well, home of the best beef in the world there is not much to say here. Come eat some Asado [grilled cow ribs] or some Lomo and then you’ll understand what I’m talking about. You can also eat pizza or pasta, legacy of our Italian ancestors, but well… if I have to choose: Meat, meat and more meat! No strange reason why this is the country where more cow meat is eaten in the whole world. [Fun fact: My sister is a vegetarian. I still cannot understand why, hahahaha].

Like every cosmopolitan and globalized city, you can also find food from everywhere on this world if you feel eating “gourmetsly”. Oh my god, I just made up a word. Anyway…

And about the argentine people… well, you can talk to anyone everywhere and you’ll feel like you are best friends after a minute of conversation. I can say “Gracias Loco” [Thank you, Crazy guy] to a taxi driver or a waiter in a restaurant and non-offense will be taken. If you need help someone will come and try to help you even if there is a language barrier. Though most of the younger people speak English it’s a way much better experience if you can speak some spanish to interact with the locals.

Last but not least I just want to add that I love Argentina [and Buenos Aires] with all my heart :-)

Well, I think is time for some photos now, hope you like them ;-)

The people of Buenos Aires are called porteños (making reference to the port) and this is a traditional decoration/art you can see on buses and in many other places. It’s called Fileteado Porteño.

[Samsung PL150 1/350s ㅣf/4.0 ㅣISO 80ㅣ6.6mm]

The Obelisc. The argentine icon. If Argentina does well in the world cup (please God i’m begging you!) this will be the meeting point to celebrate. Hope that happens!!!!!

Oh, by the way, the Obelisc it’s located in the 9 de Julio Avenue which it’ s often called the widest avenue of the world. Though i havent measured all of them all i can say is that it takes a few minutes to cross it. Normally it takes two traffic light stops.

[Samsung PL150 1/750s ㅣf/4.5 ㅣISO 80ㅣ7.8mm]

This is the flower, the new icon of Buenos Aires. It opens during daytime and it closes at night. By the way, it’s HUGE!

[Samsung PL150 1/250s ㅣf/4.3 ㅣISO 80ㅣ15.4mm]

The Torre Monumental in Retiro Neighbourhood. This tower was gifted by England and it’s former name was Torre de los Ingleses (Englishmen Tower). It was changed after the Malvinas (Falklands) war between Argentina and Great Britain.

SAM_0538 [Samsung PL150 1/500s ㅣf/4.0 ㅣISO 80ㅣ6.6mm]

Here you have some eclectic architecture. It was taken on a Sunday, that’s why there is only one car. Hehehe

[Samsung PL150 1/350s ㅣf/4.0 ㅣISO 80ㅣ6.6mm]

The Obelisc and the argentine flag.

[Samsung PL150 1/30s ㅣf/3.5 ㅣISO 800ㅣ4.9mm]

Want to eat the best Asado (barbecue) and pay not that much? Desnivel, my favourite Parrilla on Buenos Aires. It’s located in San Telmo neighbourhood.

[Samsung PL150 1/45s ㅣf/3.5 ㅣISO 640 ㅣ4.9mm]

Or you can do it yourself, of course.

[Samsung PL150 1/45s ㅣf/3.5 ㅣISO 320ㅣ4.9mm]

Paul, my brother in law was always on charge of making some argentine asado. And he did it right!! (this is a self made grill also, Mauro, a friend of us, is the genious mind behind it).