In April, BAlocal took a NYTimes journalist on tour to discover an up-and-coming neighborhood, untouched by tourists yet is the talk of the locals.  That neighborhood would be Barracas - bordering San Telmo and La Boca, its packed with tons of history and is going through an enormous gentrification process.  We scouted out historical sights, new chic restaurants, B&Bs, shows, old factories turned into lofts and a huge bohemian art scene painted all over the streets and hard-to-find galleries.   Unfortunately, the editor cut out anything about BAlocal guiding the tour so I thought I’d mention the article.  Here you go, June 7, 2009 - In Buenos Aires, A New Revival:

I recently went to a wine tasting held in the home of Daniel Karlin - owner of Anuva Wines.  The wines he offered such as Torrontes and Malbec were exceptional.    He deals with only exclusive vineyards and can ship anywhere in the US.  You can’t find these wines anywhere else in Buenos Aires.  If you like the wines and you want to keep them coming, Anuva Wines offers memberships to its wine club where you have the pleasure of receiving these incredible wines every month.  Please have a look, its worth it, that is if you’re a wine connoisseur or at least hope to be one after Daniel’s educational wine tastings:

This great new event that happens four times a week in Buenos Aires, Argentina is a great way to get your practice on.  Everyone comes just to practice their language skills as well as meet some new faces.  I absolutely recommend going because it is soooo much fun.  check it out:

We have recently moved to a new location and was not able to keep our telephone number.  Our new phone number is 5411 4554 1877.  We look forward to hearing from you soon for your BAlocal Tour in Buenos Aires, Argentina! Christina can be contacted on her cell phone at 15 4870 5506 (local) and 54911 4870 5506 (international).

BAlocal received an awesome review this past December: 

Best tour guide ever!! Thanks again for a great tour yesterday, and more importantly entertaining us with a thoroughly enjoyable afternoon. Your knowledge of the city was impressive, but I think your energy was the highlight for Johnny and I. We will be sure to pass along your infomration to any friends / co-workers interested in a quality Buenos Aires adventure! Robert 

After their tour, they caught some great footage of a celebration at the Obelisco of La Boca football team winning a major championship: 

  

 

Two different couples, two different experiences. Both uncovering the local scene with food, art, mate and just seeing the city from a local’s point of view.

“Hi Christina! Thanks again for yesterday. Mayu and I had a great day with you and Daniel. I made the comment to Mayu that touring the town with you felt like being shown around by “my cousin from BA” - very fun, very comfortable We are still on the move, so I wanted to drop you a quick note to say that today’s itinerary and the “bonus” suggestions below are a real hit so far. We haven’t made it everywhere yet, so some stops will shift to Friday’s schedule when we return from the falls. I’ll email again after we cross everything of our list! Take care…Michael”           

   


“First I have to say that Matt and I really enjoyed our tour with you. You were so informative and we really felt that we got so much more out of the neighborhood tours with you than we could have ever done on our own, so thank you! Don Carlos’ restaurant was by far the best meal we have had here. It truly is a diamond in the rough! Thank you for sharing this with us and the mate! All the best, Christina”            

In the new Lonely Planet Buenos Aires 2008 city guide on page 222, author, Sandra Bao, lists BAlocal as the very first listing under Organized Tours for its custom-made tours and itineraries.  Check out it here:   

Christina Wiseman came to Buenos Aires to study Spanish and ended up falling in love with her roommate.