I know it might sound weird, but one of my favorite things to do when visiting a foreign country is to browse through a grocery store.
I've found that it's one of the best ways to see what the people in a certain place eat and use, what is and isn't available, and how much things cost.
It's also a cheap way to pick up your favorite local items, rather than paying the marked-up tourist prices in souvenir or airport shops.
Here's what I bought yesterday:
*A bottle of red Malbec wine from a nearby vineyard for $3
*A bottle of white wine for $4
*Two packs of "Mielitas" honey cookies, on special for 50 cents each
*A jar of dulce de leche (caramel-like spread that's everywhere here and super yummy)
*A box of alfajores, which are a popular snack. Basically, an alfajor is dulce de leche (I told you it's everywhere!) sandwiched between two galletas, or cookies, and coated in either chocolate or white meringue. Yum.
I know I have a sweet tooth, but the residents of Buenos Aires are known for their sweet tooth and so I've gotta try to fit in, right? :)
Thanks for letting me try one of those super yummy cookies Jen! Too bad you didn't bring more of them back with you...