Mar del Plata

Mar del Plata is an Argentine city on the coast of the Atlantic Ocean, located 400 km/ 256miles (about 5 hours) south of Buenos Aires. In the summer, Mar del Plata welcomes millions of visitors from all over the country. Located in the Province of Buenos Aires, it is the most important seaside tourist center in the Republic of Argentina. With the best beaches in Argentina, it has everything a sun worshipper could want. When the sun goes down there is an incredible selection of restaurants, bars and discos to choose from.  Jouliette’s boyfriend (now fiancé!!!) is from Mar del Plata. I went down there with them on two seperate occasions. I really loved the city! It kind of reminds me of La Jolla or other beach towns in SD. 

First trip: Navidad en Mar del Plata

Christmas lunch with Mariano's family

Even though I was far from my family and friends back home I had an amazing Christmas! My friend Erika (Buder) came into town from LA to celebrate Christmas and New Year's with me. Jouliette invited us to come down to Mar del Plata for Christmas. Erika and I had a lovely Christmas Eve dinner at a cute little restaurant Mariano picked out for us. At midnight the whole town erupted in fireworks! On Christmas we were invited over to Mariano’s family's house for a big lunch. After lunch we went to the beach with his siblings and enjoyed Christmas in summer ☺.

at the beach with Mariano's siblings

That night we went an asado for one of Mariano’s friend, Nacho's, 30th birthday. He had all the traditional meats (chorizo, bondiola, vacio, etc...) and kept insisting we eat despite the fact that we were SO full we thought we would burst.  Jouliette and I made jello shots.  They were SUCH a hit!  Such a great mini-vacay and Christmas

Birthday boy Nacho

We were literally the only ladies at the asado

Second trip: Elebaires trip to Mar del Plata

Jouliette, Mariano, Jack and I at our first night's dinner

Jouliette used to be the student coordinator at Elebaires. Her job was to plan activities for the students. I decided to join on their weekend trip to Mar del Plata and convinced my friend Leah to come too. We arrived on Friday before the group so we went to the beach with Nico, Mariano’s brother. That night we all went to a big dinner at a local parilla and then out to bars. The next day we enjoy a day at the beach! Over Christmas Jouliette had told me that during its high season the beaches in Mar del Plata were packed. She was not kidding!! By mid-day the sands were basically standing room only. Luckily we had secured an area in a private bar and were still able to lie out.  The weekend was made extra special due to the amazing company we had.  The students that came along were all really cool, fun to hang out with and chat.  More importantly, this is where Leah and I became friends with Jack! 

enjoying the gorgeous weather and great company!