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We've recently spent a busy six days in Buenos Aires, cramming in the tourist attractions, regardless of the weather... and we did suffer some pretty adverse weather, with flooding in quite a bit of the city!BA is certainly very proud of its Tango shows, both traditional and modern, and we found Tango popped up on almost every street in some way, from spectacular shows on large stages to pavement performances.It was surprising and sweet to find the street performances most often put on by long-retired BA citizens in their finest Sunday suits and fish-net stockings!We also loved the traditional cafés and wine bars, which, through original brickwork and retro artwork, still capture the atmosphere we imagine the Porteños feel is the hallmark of their city.
Interestingly (...well, I found it interesting), traffic is not an issue in BA.The city was clearly built with the driver in mind and dedicates up to 12 lanes to the flow of traffic in just one direction!As a pedestrian, it takes some real nerve (and often an ability to sprint) to cross these roads.As a driver, you lean equally on accelerator and horn to cross the city in just minutes - impressive and a little bit terrifying for taxi passengers!
In trying to escape the roads, we found the tube system more ornamental that functional, as it only covers around four streets in the very centre. Accordingly, we turned to the buses to reach other parts of the city, but again met with limited success, actually being ejected from a bus on attempt #3. Attempt #1 failed as the bus was not actually going in the direction our hotel concierge had promised... fair enough. #2 failed when the bus driver ignored our star-jump-like efforts to flag it down. #3 was all looking peachy until we offered the driver good old fashioned folding cash (to the tune of about 45 English pence)... apparently this is a no-no as we were swiftly kicked off for not having the same amount in coins to feed the cash-only machine.Ironic, then, that a local shopkeeper confirmed: "it's very hard to get coins in this country".
We've been running low on fresh underwear since roughly day one, and, sincerely frustrated with three weeks of hand-washing, ventured into BA to find a launderette.We found one alright, but it looked like something out of Mad Max's post-Armageddon world: dark, barred and evil-looking... we quickly reverted to hand-washing!
On day two in Buenos Aires (day 23 overall), I discovered that I'm approaching 30... those who know me well will be highly amused to learn I leapt down some pretty serious steps in pursuit of an action photo and immediately really, REALLY regretted it.I caused my poor feet and ankles more trauma than they've ever experienced before, and it was almost 48 hours before I could walk again without a limp - the photo is in the BA collection for your vicarious enjoyment.Those who know Emma well will appreciate how much sympathy I received when this heroic feat cut short our market shopping!
All in all, an impressive, sunny, torrential, cold, terrifying, frustrating, smelly and painful experience.Well worth the effort!
All the best,
Chris and Emma
- comments
Selina Hey - I clicked on your blog and holá there you are! Have yet to look at photos...just had to comment on the fact that a) blog interesting b) are you crazy - at approaching 30, maturity looms - well , I thought it did, but guess you must have a bit of a Peter Pan in you! I hope Emma has forgiven you for missing out on the market shopping - serioulsy though, plse refrain from hurting yourself, deliberately, again. I have to confess that Dad made me do a summersault a couple of years ago - well, I thought, easy-peasy - but half way through my well executed roll (well I thought so), my neck protested and I fear I was not myself for a few days! I learnt that lesson well...... I'm writing to you, on a rather auspicious day.....hope you enjoy your last day in BA. Have a safe flight - Rio looks very interesting & fascinating - enjoy! Love to you both xx
Selina Hey - another comment - just enjoyed touring around BA in the comfort of office chair! I didn't see a photo, which defined clearly your "leap of faith!" You're both still smiling so I know all is well and the scowls were just to outdo the sculptured head! I got the message about the pervading Tango theme - I'm sure it helps to keep the population happy & trim. Off now to play with the nameless kittens - who actually, want to play with me! xxx
Lin Very interesting read again, thanks both. Lovely photos giving us a great flavour of the areas you're visiting. What fantastic sights and experiences you are both having. BA looks like a really interesting city with fantastic sights and sounds. Hope you continue to have a fantastic time and keep managing to enjoy yourselves. Glad to hear that even though it's hand washing, I'm pleased that you are washing your smalls !!! Love to you both, XXXXXX
Selina Hi - just shared your day trip experience - you are both well wrapped up, so guess blue skies are not around. Jenna's off to Cuba on Sunday with Natalie - hmm, can't find it on the map but I do know that it is in S. America so you will both be on the same Continent for 4 days! I'll keep looking...love to you both, xxx