I Have Seen the Light

Beyond the new and unexpected treats that travel provides for us, another reason we love to be in the southern hemisphere during our Canadian winters, is that it is light outside when you wake up and the sun continues to shine well into the evening. It is a great opportunity to spend long warm days outdoors exploring new paths.

We arrived safely in Buenos Aires yesterday and had an afternoon nap as soon as we got into our one room suite. The long overnight flight had taken a toll on our bodies and the rest served us well. Today we were out walking amongst the Portenos (port city inhabitants), from our base in Palermo to the Congreso neighbourhood. There we joined a daily, guided historic walk organized by the city with another 9 gringos from around the world. Victoria, our guide, was very knowledgeable and though we had seen many of the sights on our 2010 visit to B.A., she was able to provide the historical background for us, often in a humourous fashion. Some of the highlights of our walk included Congreso Nacional (built after Argentina gained independence in 1816), the Palacio Borolo (built by an Italian immigrant with a Dante theme). We then crossed Ave. 9 de Julio (the widest street in the world with 11 lanes in each direction…….until Brazilia built an even wider one spanning 250 metres), then on to the Pink Palace (offices of the President), the Catedral Metropolitano (former hangout of Pope Francis) and finally to the Obelisco monument (B.A.’s version of Times Square). It was a wonderful way to spend several hours. When the tour finished we enjoyed a lovely lunch and then walked back home through Recoleta, bypassing Eva who probably hasn’t changed since we last saw her 6 years ago.

The rest of the week will be spent visiting sights we missed on our first encounter along with returns to a few of our 2010 favourites.                         Adios for now.

Safe arrival celebration in Palermo....and our re-introduction to one litre beers.

Browsing at El Ateneo, perhaps the most amazing bookstore in the world. Located in  a former theatre, it utilizes the entire space including the basement.

La Nacion Argentina monument with the National Congress building in the background. It was the start of our walking tour.

Casa Rosada, also known as the Pink Palace. It is the home of the President's offices and the sight of several daily protests regardless of who is in power. And Madonna's 'Don't cry for me Argentina'

The Catedral Metropolitano with it's 12 pillars, one for each apostle. Pope Francis used to hang out here when he was the Bishop in his home town. Apparently he was also a nightclub bouncer before beginning his seminary studies. There is still hope for all of us.

The hidden house in Buenos Aires. The 10 story building was built in 1927 by Rafael Diaz to house the furniture business that he had developed and he crowned it with his own home.

Dumpster Diver. I have said that I would like to try everything at least once in my life but I must admit that this one is very low on my list. It will be born out of necessity rather than curiousity, although it does seem a lot safer than base jumping or leaping out of a plane with a parachute that might or might not open......perhaps I will bump it up a few spots.