We have chosen to rent a place for a month here in Buenos Aires and get to know the city a little bit, at a more relaxed easy going pace. It turns out this was a good decision as the temperatures here preclude running around like a silly bugger trying to see everything quickly.
We started our stay in our favourite way, doing a walking tour through the historic centre. It was pointed out that this statue serves a very poignant purpose. The stones all around the base of the statue each have a name written on them. It is a memorial for the over 100,000 people that died in Buenos Aires during the COVID pandemic.
We had heard Buenos Aires referred to as the Paris of South America, so I was quite curious to actually walk the streets. I have to say it is an accurate description. We are staying in the Monserrat district and walking out the door feels like stepping onto a Paris side street.
When Argentina was in its Golden Age, 1880 to 1930, the money was on recreating the beauty of Europe. Even before that time places like this, Cafe Tortini, which was built in 1858 were mirroring European elegance.As the Cafe was just down the street from our place we skipped the lineups and showed up at opening time for a relaxed visit and to take in the grandeur. As the oldest cafe in Buenos Aires and listed as one of the 10 most beautiful cafes in the world, it is a must do.The cafe leche, hot chocolate and churros were as good as you would expect.Another unique shop we checked out was El Ateneo Grand Splendid. The largest book store in Argentina. In 2019 National Geographic listed it as the most beautiful book store in the world. Originally opened in 1919 as a theatre, it was repurposed in 2000 into a book store. It is wonderful to walk through.
As Buenos Aires also has the distinction of being the home of one of the most admired Popes in modern history we thought we’d check out the cathedral where Jorge Bergoglio was Archbishop, before he became Pope Francis.
The Cathedral Metropolitana de Buenos Aries has a very European frontage with beautiful stone work.However, I found the tomb of San Martin a much more interesting and impressive sight.
San Martin is one of the true heroes of South America. He was one of the key figures responsible for defeating the Spanish and liberating Argentina, Chile, and Peru. There are two guards present 24 hours a day. The statues of the three ladies you can see inside represent the three countries he liberated.
It hasn’t been all old buildings and history. We have managed to brave the heat and check out the Rio Dique We wandered across the Puente de Mujer (Women’s Bridge). Two cool things about it, first it is a swing bridge which means it can pivot to allow larger boats to pass. Second the design is said to represent the image of a couple dancing the tango.What I loved about that is what we found as we crossed the bridge. An actual couple dancing the tango. You just can’t make this stuff up.As we were leaving the river area Karen noticed these window washers working their way down this skyscraper. Gave my stomach a bit of a turn.Back in our apartment one weekend we heard a commotion outside and found a group marching down the street protesting something. No drama, just chanting slogans, banging drums, and waving the Argentine flag. It was nice to see the Police present and simple observing, allowing people to have their say.There certainly is a love of spires here. We have noticed an amazing variety of spires on all sorts of buildings around our area.
Transportation around Buenos Aires is fairly effortless. They have a great system of buses and an underground metro system that is reasonably inexpensive
The main roadway artery in the city is very impressive. Avenue 9 de Julio is a 110 metre wide avenue (one of the widest in the world) with a total of some 20 lanes of traffic. 4 lanes are just for buses and the rest are a very organized set of vehicle lanes with ample room for pedestrians spread throughout.
We are enjoying our relaxed time here. We have managed to meet up with some fellow travellers so our social calendar has been busy as well. Anyway, we are off to check out the famous cemetery here.
What a lovely blog! So many beautiful sights. I find I am a bit teary eyed reading this blog and seeing such beautiful buildings, bridges and people. I feel very lucky to be able to see and learn these places through your camera lens and words. So much beauty in this world – hard to understand why there is so much unrest and hatred these days. Than, you for showing us the good and beautiful xx
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