Love in Buenos Aires
I had always thought of Argentina, and Buenos Aires in particular, as a romantic place to visit. Maybe it was a book I had read as a youth or a photo I had seen in a magazine somewhere; but the thought stuck in my head through the years and I finally decided to visit the city. Little did I know, I would meet the woman of my dreams there.
The city is famous for Tango, a dance that is the embodiment of love, desire, unbridled passion, and graceful movements between a man and woman. Every Sunday, there is a street market that comes alive in the San Telmo district; the district where Tango was born among poor hard working immigrants who desired an escape from the daily grind of life. Musicians play and sing and dancers sway to the lively Tango beat at every corner.
It was noon as I strolled down Florida street in downtown Buenos Aires. The street is confined to walking, no cars allowed, and lined with shops selling a plethora of leather goods. The multitude of Latin American and European shoppers filled the wide Avenue with a charming sense of relaxed purpose to their strides. As the sunshine massaged my shoulders, I decided to eat at a little cafe with outdoor seating.
It's funny how love can find a person in the most unexpected ways. The most unexpected times. Mind you, I wasn't searching for love in the place I had thought to be full of romance, but it found me in the eyes of the lone American I was to meet in that country.
I had started the morning drinking espresso with some fellow German students at my school, followed by two hours of Spanish lessons, so when I overheard her at the next table speaking English, my curiosity was aroused. Of course, I ordered in English and that aroused her curiosity enough to turn towards me and ask if I was American. From that moment, I knew I would marry this woman that fate had so graciously introduced.
We went to dinner at a new restaurant in the Palermo Hollywood district, famous for its Bohemian atmosphere. The
llomo (filet Mignon) is the best I had ever eaten anywhere in the world, so I knew it was a good starting point for my courtship. With a medium bodied merlot, the mood was set for the rest of the night. An espresso and good conversation followed under a full moon.
After returning to the states, I had to wonder, "Would I meet the woman of my dreams again? Or was that night in Buenos Aires a dream in itself?" As fate would have it, we did meet again--in the state of Florida; the same name as the street upon which we had met each other in Buenos Aires. Coincidence or fate? Maybe you can decide. But remember, love can find a person in the most unexpected ways. The most unexpected times.
--article and photo contributed by Tommy Hayes, Nashville, Tennessee, USA Has traveled to 17 countries and lived in Asia, Europe, and the Caribbean. www.world-joblist.comLabels: South America
Staycation: Racine, Wisconsin
My husband and I love this nice quiet restaurant with great food called "Out of the Pan". We call it our date night when we get a chance to go out for a nice romantic dinner!
YourLocation = Racine, WI, United States
Contributed by mrstrooper, Racine, Wisconsin
Labels: Staycations, Wisconsin
Staycations: Cape May, New Jersey
The most romantic place in Cape May, NJ is the entire Victorian downtown area. We have numerous bed and breakfast inns decorated in Victorian Era colors and style as well as the beach. You can stroll down the mall and visit the quaint little shops, take a walk on the boardwalk, take in a movie, etc. The area is perfect for anyone's idea of romance.
--Submitted by AmberRose95, North Cape May, NJ
Labels: New Jersey, Staycations
Staycation: Hollywood, California
Probably in Hollywood at the Regency Movie Theatre; they play classic movies, and it's really romantic. And then you can go over to Pink's Hot Dog and chow down on some hot dogs. It's a nice night out for cheap!
--Contributed by Samantha Pruitt, Whittier, CA, United States
Photo by Samantha Pruitt
Labels: California
Staycation: Washington, DC
Top of the the Washington Monument - steps overlooking the reflecting pool - nightime under the arch in Chinatown - in front of the fountain at Union Station - dinner at Tabard Inn -
--Contributed by Mary Scohera, Washington, DC, United States
Labels: Washington DC
Staycation: Rochester, New York
The most romantic places in my hometown of Rochester, New York is the Pier on Lake Ontario at Sunset. Or, the Bully Hill Winery Outside Patio in Penn Yan, New York (Wine Country here in Upstate, NY)
--Contributed by joannaonthelake, Rochester, New York USA
Labels: New York
Staycation: Lutherville, Maryland
Walk around St. Michaels, a picturesque Victorian maritime village and yachting haven. Find historic sites, trendy quaint stores, numerous antique shops, art galleries, restaurants and romantic B&B's lining the historic Colonial streets. Carriage rides, guided walking and ghost tours available.
Tour exhibits, aquariums and artifacts in nine museum display buildings including the 1879 Hooper Strait Lighthouse at The Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum.
Take a sunset cruise of the Harbor, an eco-tour of the Miles River or a horse-drawn carriage tour of town. Rent a bike or small boat at the St. Michaels Marina.
Contributed by penguin28, Lutherville, MD USA
Labels: Maryland
Staycation: Bellingham, Washington
I normally consider a romantic location as someplace beautiful in nature that I can share with someone I really care about. I think the most romantic place in Bellingham is on the hill at Boulevard Park while the sun is setting over the bay.
Also, any of the tidal pools along the ocean are fun to explore and they create a moment of shared excitement in the interesting things you can find in them that just creates instant connections.
--Submitted by Jess, Bellingham, Washington, United States
Labels: Staycations, Washington
Staycation: Linfield, Pennsylvania
There's a bed and breakfast right down the road from me. It's a Victorian house, just lovely! I'm sure it would be very romantic to stay there with someone special.
--Submitted by Lex, Linfield, PA, USA
Photo submitted by Lex
Labels: Pennsylvania
Staycation: Hampshire, Illinois
I grew up in Hampshire, IL and most people have not heard of it. So when you are in a small town there is not much to do, let alone romantic places. A romantic place can be anywhere you go with someone you love. Lots of people like to go to Chick-n-dip for ice cream. You sit outside under the yellow lights as you swat the mosquitoes and sit on the red picnic tables while the kids run around with their dogs. Other good places would be the park or an open field at night where you can watch the stars.
--Contributed by sab, Hampshire, IL
Labels: Illinois
Staycation: Wisconsin Dells
You can't bet the Wisconsin Dells for a romantic giveaway. They have a bunch of bed and breakfasts to stay at and many areas for romantic picnics. In addition, there are so many activities that couples would like, boat trips, amusement parks, tours of lakes. It's just a great place to get away for the weekend or longer.
--Contributed by Jim W., Milwaukee, WI
Labels: Wisconsin
Staycations: Shawnee State Park, Pennsylvania
We like to go to Shawnee State Park. It's only about a 15-minute drive and the lake views are so beautiful. We pack a picnic lunch and walk around the lake while we hold hands and talk. I love going there with my husband. We get alone time and it's not very expensive either.
--Submitted by Nicole, Everett, PA
Labels: Pennsylvania
Stayction: Mansfield, Ohio
Kingwood Center is without a doubt the most beautiful and romantic place in our town. It's a very grand mansion bequeathed to the city. It sets on acres of blooming fauna and well manicured grounds.
--Submitted by Robin Rider, Mansfield, OH
Labels: Ohio
Staycation: Longview, Washington
We have a beautiful lake in the center of town which is perfect for a picnic, and we have a British tea-room that is a hidden gem right downtown.
--Submitted by Megan, Longview, WA
Labels: Washington
Staycation: New York City
Empire State Building at midnight...a walk through Central Park on a warm afternoon... walk along the west side piers at sunset from Chelsea up to the upper west side, finishing with a glass of wine at the 79 street boat basin...dinner at Cafe Belvedere and then a Central Park hot air balloon ride!
--Submitted by Cara M, New York, New York
Labels: New York
Staycation: Detroit
The most romantic place in my hometown has to be the Detroit Zoo. Where else can you snuggle up on a nice train ride. Strolling along private paths while enjoying being surrounded by wild life. Travel the world over visiting exotic animals. Sitting on a blanket sharing a picnic basket meal by the pond with a water fountain. After a long day of walking, talking and holding hands you just relax rubbing each other's sore feet. That is pure romance.
--Submitted by Judy Brittle, Royal Oak, MI, United States
Labels: Michigan
Staycation: Alameda, California
Alameda Point at night. You can see the Bay Bridge AND the Golden Gate Bridge on a clear day...
--Contributed by ca, Alameda, California
Labels: California
Staycation: Atlanta
For a romantic vacation in Atlanta, stay at the historic Georgian Terrace Hotel, catch a show at the Fox Theatre across the street after dinner in the hotel's sublime restaurant, visit the Margaret Mitchell Museum the next day, and if you are daring, go for a midnight stroll in Centennial Olympic Park.
--Submitted by Teresha Freckleton-Petite, Atlanta, GA USA
Labels: Georgia
Staycation: Israel
The most romantic place in Israel is Hatayelet (The Promenade) which is a paved boardwalk along the coast with benches to sit on and enjoy the view of the beach and the sea air. This two kilometre walkway is great for a quiet stroll in the moonlight (except for on Tuesdays and Thursdays when the municipality provides free street entertainment - musical and acrobatic acts - and the Promenade is packed).
YourLocation = Ramat Gan, Israel
Labels: Israel, Staycations
Staycation: Ellicott City, Maryland
One of the most romantic places in my hometown (Ellicott City, MD) is 7 Hills, just because there are a lot of ghost stories about it so you have an excuse to snuggle up!
--Submitted by ach, Westminster, MD usa
Labels: Maryland
Staycation: Brookings, Oregon
I live on the Oregon coast, so what could be more romantic than a room overlooking the ocean? My husband was in charge of our 1st year anniversary and he had secretly booked a room at the Best Western with a jacuzzi. It was on a Sunday and we had to be at work on Monday. What great fun to drink wine overlooking the ocean in the jacuzzi, eat Chinese food in the big bed, then go home and let the dogs out before we returned to our room to enjoy a few final moments and sleep.
--Contributed by KH, Brookings, OR
Labels: Oregon
Staycation: Belmont, MA
There is a park in my town called SkyLine Park with the most amazing view of downtown Boston. I love to go there with my hubby at sundown. We bring dessert, sit on a blanket and enjoy the view. If we're feeling energetic we even play on the playground together like kids!
--Submitted by H, Belmont, MA
Labels: Massachusetts
myHoneymoon: Around the World
When and where did you honeymoon?We are currently 6 weeks into a 16-month honeymoon around the world. We spent the first month in South Africa and are now in Swakopmund, Namibia. The rest of our itinerary will take us to Tanzania, Malawi, Mozambique, Morocco, Greece, Turkey, Israel, Egypt, Nepal, India, Sri Lanka, Laos, Vietnam, Hong Kong, China, New Zealand, Australia, Brazil, Peru, Argentina, and Chile.
What made you select this honeymoon destination?Isn't it obvious: this is a once in a lifetime opportunity to see the world with little to no responsibilities.
What's your favorite part of this honeymoon destination?Impossible to say, as it is not even close to over. So far, we have had amazing times meeting the locals in Durban and Cape Town, enjoying the beautiful weather of the Namibian coast. Sandboarding on the dunes of the Namib Desert was a highlight, but overall we are enjoying the experience of voyaging to the unknown together.
Is there anything you wish you'd known previous to heading off to this honeymoon destination?We didn't/don't know much about any of our destinations. We are operating pretty much on the fly, with only a light sketch of an itinerary.
--Submitted by T.J. and Lauren Voboril, Telluride, Colorado
Labels: myHoneymoon
Staycations: Mackinac Island, Michigan
It would have to be Mackinac Island. What's more romantic than taking a ride in a horse drawn carriage snuggling close under the stars and moonlight. Cars are not allowed on the island so you can have peace and quiet while enjoying a candlelight dinner in one of the historic restaurants.you can take hikes while holding hands or riding bikes together. It's a beautiful place filled with history and love.
--Submitted by judy brittle, Royal Oak, MI
Editors' Note: For more, visit Mackinac.comLabels: Michigan, Staycations
Staycation: Las Vegas
Being serenaded you as you ride a gondola through the canals of the Venetian is very romantic. It makes you think you are in Italy, instead of Las Vegas.
The restaurant at the top of the Stratosphere at sunset is gorgeous.
The Eiffel Tower at Paris overlooking the Bellagio fountains is also very romantic.
--Submitted by Linda in Las Vegas, Nevada
Labels: Nevada, Staycations
Staycations: Niagara Falls
Niagara Falls, especially the Bridal Falls ( located on the American side of Niagara Falls ) where you can see a wonderful fireworks display on the 4th of July. Also, Letchworth State Park, which is a breathtaking, , beautiful, romantic place with two waterfalls.
--Submitted by Kathy, Buffalo, New York
Labels: New York, Staycations
I had always thought of Argentina, and Buenos Aires in particular, as a romantic place to visit. Maybe it was a book I had read as a youth or a photo I had seen in a magazine somewhere; but the thought stuck in my head through the years and I finally decided to visit the city. Little did I know, I would meet the woman of my dreams there.
