Buenos Aires, Argentina can prove to be a little confusing for an outsider who steps into one of the many elevators common to apartment complexes there. I lived in a luxurious apartment reported to be one of the very best best apartments in Buenos Aires. One major difference between the elevators in the U.S. and those in Buenos Aires is that the doors do not shut by themselves. Much like the ones you may have seen in movies from the 1940s, the elevators have two sets of doors which must be opened and closed when you move from one floor to another. The drawback to this system, if you are unfamiliar with it, is the surprisingly loud alarm which sounds if you don’t completely close the doors before trying to start the elevator. This is equally annoying to residents who might be sleeping when the alarm goes off. If you have just come from one of the wonderful wine tastings Buenos Aires has to offer, it’s good to know what to expect from these unusual elevators.
A friend of mine who lives on a 14th floor of his apartment building recently had an asado on his terrace. Several of the people who were invited were new to the area and had never seen this type of elevator and when they failed to close the doors, the alarm sounded. Unfortunately, this happened repeatedly until all the guests had arrived.
The wine contributions that night were perfect complements to the succulent steak our host grilled. While many of my friends have their own parillas, I definitely recommend going to a local steakhouse, also known as a parilla. Though there are many favorites La Cabrera in Palermo and Cabana Las Lilas in Puerto Madero get rave reviews from satisfied customers. There are numerous enjoyable activities in Buenos Aires. Local tango shows, estancia visits, and polo lessons are only a few of the attractions available to both residents and tourists. All of the activities available will enhance the enjoyment of the unique area of Buenos Aires, Argentina.