I’ve just returned from a trip to Buenos Aires and you know, I think I’m possibly the first person on the planet (except for Chileans) to have said this, but I much prefer Santiago. Don’t get me wrong, Buenos Aires is cool and I had a great time there but I don’t get why TODO EL MUNDO is so insistent that it’s “da best place evaa” and Santiago is “lyk soo lame” in comparison. I accept that there are certain things that Santiago would benefit from; yes the rumours are true, Argentines are indeed beautiful and very stylish, which was actually a bit of a culture shock for me having been in Santiago for 3 months where no one gives a shit about what they wear…  The food is also delicious and cheap – lots of Italian, lots of steak, etc. But it’s only marginally better and I’m not exactly suffering in Santiago – I’ve just had to adapt my tastes a tad.

So yes, there are beautiful people, the food is a bit nicer and I guess the nightlife is “crazy”, though I’ve never had any problem staying out all night and having fun in Santiago so I don’t see what the big deal is… And Santiago is so beautiful, in spite of all the skyscrapers (which I think may be what people object to.) It has lots of lovely green spaces and quiet, pretty little streets hidden away, though just off the main street, and wherever you are in the city you can always see the mountains (except on those few pesky days when the smog is too thick to see a thing..)

People ask me if I’m joking when I say I prefer Santiago but I really do mean it. Buenos Aires is a very cool place to visit, but it’s a big horrible city if truth be told and I felt a little lost there. Santiago is a big city but it has a small, homey feel to it and is divided up into lots of nice little neighbourhoods. Plus everyone loves an underdog. I think it’s a shame Santiago has such a shitty rep but then again, it’s nice having it to myself.

Perhaps Buenos Aires is a cooler placer to visit for a few days but I really think it’s lacking – what’s it got on Santiago? We have the mountains surrounding us, the beach an hour away, hundreds of quality vineyards, amazing national parks only a stones throw away AND the city is pretty and lovely and fun. So yeah, bring it Buenos Aires. To clarify, I don’t hate Buenos Aires, I thought it was nice, but I have a lot more love for ma hometown of Santiago!