Rosario

                                                 Hola Gente Maravillosa!

Rosario was never part of our original plan while in Argentina, but we'd heard good things and decided to stop here for a couple of nights. That's the beauty of backpacking though, you have the freedom to come and go as you please. Considering it was never part of our plans, I'm so glad we made the decision to stop here for a couple of nights! The city has a great vibe to it, and the weather was amazing while we were there. So if you have a bit if time to kill while in Argentina, make sure you squeeze Rosario into your itinerary, you won't be disappointed! 

There isn't tons of touristy things to do here, as it's not famously part of the Argentinian backpacker trail, but we found enough things to keep us occupied for 2 days. The park that runs along side the river is definitely the best place in the city. We spent loads of time just chilling here and wandering around. The hostel owner took us there on our first day and the park was absolutely packed with locals enjoying the sun on a Sunday afternoon. We sat on the grass and enjoyed mate (a traditional Argentinian herb drink) with people from the hostel then went for a wander around the markets.

The markets are worth checking out, especially if you love bargain hunting. There are loads of little craft stalls selling jewellery, clothing, food and crafts. Plus if you wander further down river there is a second hand clothes market, which is heaven for any bargain hunter or vintage lover. We spent ages wandering round the stalls an there were some great clothes there! Sadly my budget (and backpack space) wouldn't allow me to splurge, but I really would have loved to! 

Our second day was spent wandering round the city and checking out some of the more touristy things. We went to see the memorial to the flag, as Rosario is the home to the Argentinian flag. There is an impressive tower which is part of the monument, and we were told you can go to the top to see a cracking view of the city. Sadly it was closed on the day we went, for some unknown reason? We also checked out the contemporary/ modern art museum, which is located in the park on the bank of the river. What a bloody waste of my life that was. I seriously do not get modern art? I can appreciate a good painting, sculpture or photography, but a TV with an apple on top in an empty room? That ain't art chuck. 

Rosario is a great little city to check out if you have a few spare days in Argentina. There isn't heaps to do there, but I really felt like I'd got to see part of Argentinian city life, away from the mega touristy backpacker trail.