As we entered what looked like a theme park we feared Iguazu Falls had been over-hyped. Descenting along the sweltering concrete jungle paths we were surprised to see lizards, monkeys and butterflies. Breaks in the trees then revealed amazing views and cooling mist. The beautiful lower falls were a combination of millions of tiny waterfalls divided by lush green vegetation. Birds glided to and from their nests between the rainbows and gushing water.

Our disillusion with city lifestyle was one of the reasons we decided to travel. We wanted to experience the total opposite whilst helping out a project we admired. Research led us to Mama Roja a sustainable village project based in the Misiones, Argentina. We both felt apprehension before heading off to the sub-tropic jungle. Giant spiders filled my nightmares whilst Jim started to freak out at the thought of two weeks with no meat or internet.

We quickly realized that without knowing any Spanish we would not be able to venture far into the unknown in Latin America, as we struggled to make ourselves understood in a city that wants to be European. But where could one learn Spanish?The answer came suddenly and unexpectedly at breakfast one day, Lennart a friendly Dutch dude was running late for his first day at the local language school, and within 20min of talking to Lennart we’re where enrolled for a weeks intensive course in Argentinian Spanish, yes Argentinian Spanish as apparently they say and pronounce things differently to all the other 300 million people that speak Spanish in the world, but hey it’s better than a kick in the teeth.

We ventured off one day to Palermo, to see how the yuppies live, and it really was like Buenos Aires 90210, loads of gym chiselled dudes in slicked back hair was roller blading around the park along with orange tanned ladies who seemed to have the same nasal ancestry as each other and gravity defying boobs. Although Palermo also offered A$ 8 Choripans with chimichurri which made me very happy.

Buenos Aires overwhelmed us. It is so familiar yet completely unique. Impossible to place making each day last for three. An evening in Bangkok, shopping in LA, a Parisian antique markets, dinner in Milan and dancing at Notting Hill Carnival. A constant mix of emotions. Fear from robbery and relief as we leave a taxi. Adoring the energy of the people. Absolute joy watching people paint and carve wood in art gallery.

Finally!After a prolonged build-up, we’re finally here in the hustle and bustle of Buenos Aires, surrounded by parrillas, dog walkers and tango dancers, the first being the biggest favourite of mine, but sadly not Sarah’s, the first hurdle we’ve had to jump is the vegetarian/pescatarian one, they don’t barbeque fish in the parillas, and they certainly don’t grill nut roast. So Sarah’s diet will more than likely be composed of 66% pizza, which seems to be the second favourite food of the locals.