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I had set my alarm for 8am as I wanted to get an early start. No rest for the wicked.I got ready and went down for breakfast. One of the girls from my dorm was there so we sat together and then decided to go sightseeing together. Laura is Brazilian and barely speaks English but speaks Spanish.I barely speak Spanish. Somehow we managed to communicate with each other the whole day- a lot of pointing involved.She took charge and we ended up visiting many recommended spots on foot.We walked for 7hrs!!!! We went to Puerto Madero first.It is the newest of BA's 48 official barrios. It was a port which was used ffrom 1896- 1926 when a newer port was built in another area.Today it is a residential area where old brick warehouses have been converted into ritzy apartments, business offices and restaurants.They are also building new apartments.It's apparently one of the most expensive residential areas in BA!
We then went back towards the central area and went past the Casa Rosada, which is the Argentinian president's office.She apparently goes to and from work everyday by helicopter!.We went to Plaza De Mayo where in the centre there is the Piramide de Mayo, a small obelisk built to mark the first anniversary of BA's independence from Spain.Then we walked to Calle Florida- the shopping strip.It was full of people and it is a very long street.I wasn't impressed with the shops. Lots of leather and sweater shops. I didn't do any shopping!! Big surprise J The strip is full of buskers, beggars and street vendors.
We went to Galllerias Pacifico which is off Calle Florida. It is a beautiful French-style shopping centre built in 1889 and has domed ceilings with paintings done in the 1950's. It takes up an entire city block. Again I wasn't so impressed with the shops.We had lunch in the food court - I had steak with chips.I am not a steak person, but this steak was good! Especially for a food court!I had been seeing pastries everywhere- they have pastry shops at every corner!I bought one for AR$1 .That's like 40cents!I thought stuff the lactose intolerance; I'll just suffer from the headaches later. The pastry was delicious.
We then walked past the 'widest street in the world'- Av 9 de Julio. At its widest part, it has 16 lanes!!In the middle of this Av is the city's famous Obelisco which is situated in the middle of Plaza de la Republica.
We also visited Plaza San Martin which is a beautiful large park at the end of Calle Florida.
We then headed back to our hostel where we showered and rested a bit.Then we went to make phone calls and use the internet.To make phone calls here you go to a place that's like a very small deli and they have phone booths. You make your call and you can see how much it's costing you.It's great.Much better than phone cards except that you have to wait until the place opens to make a call.
Later in the evening we took a taxi to Palermo-Serrano Plaza.I loooooove Palermo.Apparently it's the place to be on a Saturday night.In the plaza there are stalls set up where people sell crafts, jewellery, clothing etc.The streets around it are full of shops and restaurants, patisseries and street vendors.They put sheets on the sidewalk and display their goods.It was a great experience. Very lively!
We headed back to San Telmo and went to a Pizza place for dinner.By the time we finished dinner it was 10pm!We went straight back to the hostel and went to sleep.
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