Profile
Blog
Photos
Videos
South East Asia Adventure
Buenos Aires 25/4-30/4/06
We arrived early in the morning from Mendoza. Our trip was uneventful, but comfortable which was the main thing given the state of Judes back. We took a taxi from the bus station to our Hostel - The end of the world - it should have been left there! We booked in here not because it was cheap - less then GBP5 pppn but because it had ensuite facilities, and it was close to the tango area called San Telmo. The room was ok but the bed was dreadful and we asked for more blankets to plump up the dire mattress and the toilet had a shower head above it!!
Our plan had been to take it easy in Buenos Aires especially due to Judes back so we caught the Metro into Plaza de Mayo, watched the world go by and yet another demonstration gather and start marching for something - we could work out what, probably jobs, or something, they seem to march at the drop of a hat. We walked through the central shopping area looking for a cable for my PDA - in the shop they laughed at the state of mine - I had managed to lose my stylus and was using a plastic tooth pick (mainly to ensure that I did not damage my screen but also because that was all I could find). My model has been discontinued and I have been unable to buy a replacement for it.
The following day we did quiet a bit of walking, we walked through San Telmo found the old market, it was a bit like Spitalfields - indoor selling fruit, veg, meats etc. We caught a cab to a rougher part of town called. La Boca, famous for its brightly coloured buildings. These were all made from Ships containers and painted with the paint that the ship had as these were the only materials available when they first arrived. On our way there we passed a famous football club called La Boca Juniors, our taxi driver locked all the doors as we approached the area so I am sure it is not to safe even in the middle of the day. In La Boca we saw our first Tango, performed by a married couple who we got talking to. They are on their way to Europe to work in Madrid for two or three months. They are working on commissions only so they may find it difficult. Anyway they were going to Manchester to see a band before they return to Argentina and I explained that London and Manchester are far apart and that they should fly directly to Manchester if they wanted to see the concert.
We left la Boca by Bus and went to Plaza de Mayo and caught the metro to Museo Evita. We walked through the botanical gardens to the Museo. The gardens were full of stray cats - enough cats to make a horror movie. We thought the Museum was interesting - she seemed an amazing person. We had dinner in La Brigada (a local Institution), our costliest meal so far GBP20 for the pair of us and I had one of the most wonderful steaks so far on this trip.
The following day we went to visit the Evita Mausoleum - another place full of cats. We spent the whole time looking for Buffy - look at the pictures and you will understand why!! On our way home we stopped off in Iglesia del Pilar a beautiful church which took the monks 17 yrs to build. It had great views over the cemetery we had just left. . Another noisy night at the Hostel - I got up at 4:30 and shouted at everyone!! - I still don't like to miss my sleep - Fee.
The following day we returned to this area to see the craft fair, lots of craft but nothing inspiring enough to be bought. We walked over a pedestrian bridge to get a view of the Sculpture of the Rose - it opens and closes with the sun.
That afternoon we walked passed the Cow Parade 2006 on our way to the nature reserve, but the walk was so long we gave up and returned home. We had our best meal so far in the Café San Juan. Another noisy night at the Hostel - but I had ear plugs in this time. Not feeling to great at this stage.
The following day I was still not feeling very well, but we headed off to the San Telmo Sq for the local Market. We saw what I have to say was the best Tango - these people were having the time of their lives and they were fully clothed!! We went back into Town to the shopping district but it was closed as it was a Sunday afternoon, eventually returning home. I was feeling really rough now, but I watched Jude eat her dinner. We went to sleep early as we had an early start 5:45 taxi booked to take us to the airport.
- comments