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Matte!
Chad, Dani, Seth, Gali Day 4: Today we explored Centro. This is the downtown, business district of Buenos Aires. It was hustling and bustling with thousands upon thousands of people all crammed on the sidewalks.
The most interesting part for me were the huge boulevards that span the city. Stretching from Plaza de Mayo is Avenida 9 de Julio which passes through Plaza de la Republica. The boulevards were introduced by Juan de Garay who was pivotal in founding the city of Buenos Aires and other Argentinean cities. He was influenced by the great French boulevards.
Plaza de Mayo at one end of the avenue is considered the focal point of political life in Argentina by many people. The resolution passed giving Argentina independence was done here on May 25, 1810. Today, it is the host of many demonstrations. While we were outside in the square, Chavez was inside the Casa de Gobierno (Government House) located at the square's end.
The boulevard, 9 de Julio celebrates Argentina's Independence Day and is six lanes wide in both directions. At it's intersection with Corrientes Street is Plaza de la Republica. This is where the 67 meter high Obelisk is located. It was designed
Matte!
Seth, Gali by Alberto Prebisch and was build in 1936 in honor of the 400th anniversary of Buenos Aires. Recent activity regarding the obelisk includes covering it with a huge pink condom to commemorate World Aids day in 2005.
Tonight Gali and I went to synagogue. The building was beautiful and the service a little different. It was a reform synagogue so much of the service was in Spanish.
Emmanuel picked us up then we swung back to the hostel to pick up Dani and Chad. The five of us went to the Armenian Cultural Center for TANGO lessons and a tango party. AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!! I suggest this place to all. The group lesson was informative and more importantly fun. It was a little weird going to the Armenian Cultural Center for this but don't let this turn you away. TONS OF FUN!!!! ($15 pesos for the lesson).
Day 5: Today we ventured to San Telmo and La Boca. San Telmo had a cool indoor and outdoor market. La Boca has now become a dangerous area so you should taxi/bus in to the main tourist street and out (the tourist streets are really safe). The famous colored buildings have
Matte!
Chad
A Real Smile!!!!! been overtaken by tourist hungry businesses. Good Luck taking two steps before someone asks you to come to their restaurant.
Day 6: Today we went to a football match. Boca Jr. (one of Buenos Aires' 2 teams) vs. Arsenal (no, not the British Arsenal). The match was nuts! The fans crazy!
Some interesting things about this stadium.
1. The field is small but still within regulation size.
2. The stands go all the way to the side of the field.
3. You cannot buy tickets from the stadium. It is run by the mafia and you need to ¨know someone¨ to get tickets.
We paid $200 (pesos) for transportation, lunch and an authentic ticket. Chad and Tim bought tickets from scalpers for $75 (pesos) and took the metro/bus/walked. If you choose the ladder, be extremely careful of fake tickets.
That's it for Buenos Aires - we´re off to Mendoza!!! Tips for Buenos Aires:
1. When you get to your hostel ask them to explain you the money including how to spot a counterfeit. While the vast majority of people are honorable, some try to short change you and give you change using photocopied bills.
Matte!
Seth
The pile of green on the side is the WRONG way to do it. Now we know. 2. Don't expect the ATMs to be helpful. There are many Spanish options to choose from and there is a limit of $300 (pesos) per transaction.
3. Visit Centro during the week. On the weekends it is DEAD!
4. Visit San Telmo on the weekend and make sure to see both the indoor and outdoor market.
5. Visit Palermo Viejo on a Saturday afternoon. The restaurants and bars remove their tables and chairs and independent designs set up booths in their place.
6. Make sure you try Matte
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Dayna
non-member comment
Love the blog
Hi Guys, seems like your having a good time. It's cool to read about places you have been to...you are refreshing my memory! I look forward to reading (and hearing) all about the other cities. Happy trails.... xxxxooooo