Changing directions, or rather continents, this year has found us in Argentina, South America. Our first stop is the capital city of Buenos Aires aka the “Paris or New York of the South”. The plan this year is to spend more time in various cities/towns throughout Argentina, Uruguay and Chile in order to get a better flavour of the people and culture. To that end we have hunkered down in the city for a couple of weeks and have already clocked mucho miles on the pedometer. It is summer here, muy caliente and humid – our kind of weather!
Similar to Paris or New York this city is very cosmopolitan and is divided into barrios, each with their own characteristics and personality. When walking the streets and boulevards it hard to imagine you aren’t in Paris with the splendid architecture, numerous parks or plazas, cafes, helado shops (ice cream) and bakeries on every corner. The italian influence is also very prevalent, such a blend of nationalities and cultures. While here we will try to give you a glimpse of the major barrios through pictures and the random bits information we glean.
One thing we know for sure is that language will definitely be more of a challenge this trip since there is very little English spoken and our comprensión del español mínimo. Thank goodness for the goggle translate app!
Our intro to the city began in Monserrat’s Plaza de Mayo, known as the city’s ground zero. This is the oldest barrio with many prominent sights, beautiful historic buildings and has been the site of the many demonstrations, some of which continue to this day. The plaza is situated in front of the Casa Rosada or Pink Palace, and was at one time the presidential palace. It is here from the balcony where Juan and Evita Peron held public audiences. We plan to tour the Casa later this week so we’ll all get an insiders glimpse of the no doubt opulence.
We visited the Plaza on our first full day in the city, a Thursday, and were witness to a small group of Argentine mothers known as Las Madres de la Plaza de Mayo. This group started in 1970 to protest and demand the return of their adult children who were “disappeared” during the military dictatorship of the mid-70s and ’80s. They continue their weekly silent vigil now protesting other various social causes. Google http://www.womenintheworldhistory.com if you would like to read more about this poignant period in Argentine history.
Travelling via subway or bus around the city is very easy and affordable however with the rapid rise in the country’s inflation food and other amenities are on the pricier side. Next stop, the barrio of La Boca.
Puente de la Mujer (Spanish for “Women’s Bridge”) in the distance
wonderful to read you and know that are enjoying the city, the weather and the discoveries, Love to get your news and how you relate to your new experiences. With you all the way….. Elaine in Lachine
Thanks Elaine, we are loving this city!
Hello my glob trotting friends! Great to read your first post…..sounds very interesting! Keep the posts coming…..love reading them. Be safe!!!
Brenda & Rob
Good to hear from you Brenda & thanks for your encouragement, mucho appreciated!
Hi Theresa and Bob
Love your writing. Looking forward to your next post. So happy to see that you both have fun.
Take care
Miss you
Miri and Yossi
So very good to hear from you! We think of you often & wonder if you doing any travelling this year? Yes, we will definitely miss you as well on our “misadventures” this year. 🤣
You have muy caliente, we have lluvia helada. Mick and I are enjoying reading your comments and looking at the pictures of your world travels.
Great to have the two of you travelling with us. Best you skip walking to the gym for a few days!
Awesome!
Sent from my iPhone
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Your 1st few days sound great. Can’t wait to travel the rest of your South American trip with you.
Thanks Lynda, great to have you along with us again this year!
So glad you are in Argentina and loving it!! You’re right – probably the least English spoken in South America of any place we’ve been. Your Spanish will definitely improve! Buenos Aires is so amazing, isn’t it! You’ll love La Boca!
La Boca was great – loved the colours! Hope you are enjoying SD!
Hi Theresa & Bob
I was wondering where you would be travelling this year. I look forward to learning all about Argentina! Have fun Kids!
Christine
Love your comment Chris and yes we are definitely “kids” at heart!
so excited to be a part of this trip again. Not quite a good as being there, but your commentary and photos are great!!
Heather Christy
Sounds like you are having an awesome adventure so far! Am enjoying reading along and seeing the sights! I am to give you trouble from our gym Mom – you didn’t check in with her to let her know you would be away…. she worries about us when we don’t show up. LOL
Hi Joanne! Oh my, please tell Sam that I am very sorry and will certainly update her in the future. Nice to know that our “Gym Mom” keeps tabs on us. 😆 Have you lost/forgotten anything lately? LOL