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Published: February 1st 2011
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The Obelisk
Buenos Aires, Argentina Continued from Part 1 The Centro I had fun exploring downtown again and saw familar sights from last year such as the Obelisco; Teatro Colon, which has been renovated; Calle Florida; Gallerias Pacifico Shopping Mall; Plaza de Mayo and Casa Rosada.
I had a look inside Catedral Metropolitana, Buenos Aires´s first cathedral with its neo-classical facade, which I presume is an European influence during The Enlightenment in the late 18th Century. One of the highlights of this beautiful cathedral was seeing the tomb of General Jose de San Martin who did so much for Argentina including its liberation during the 19th Century. It was also nice contemplating and taking a break from the heat by sitting in the pews.
My tango experience continued on at the Confiteria Ideal after visiting El Ateneo bookstore. The cafe still has some of the untouched old-fashioned decor from the 1930s and it is such an atmospheric place to enjoy a coffee and watch some tango. I met an American couple who were planning to have a tango lesson just before the cafe opened. The staff allowed me to watch the lesson whilst having my coffee. After the lesson finished. I was
Confiteria Ideal
Buenos Aires, Argentina able to watch the locals tango dance and it was very impressive. It was nice to take in some tango and not pay much for it! It did not feel touristy at all although the cafe holds nightly tango shows at inflated prices which I guess are geared for tourists. Unfortunately, I was not allowed to take photos inside so I only got some photos of the cafe from the outside. Visiting the Confeteria Ideal has inspired me to take a lesson when I am next in Buenos Aires. It looks like I have been tangoed as it seems to be the main theme of my stay in the city!
Puerto Madero I spent some time exploring this barrio. I felt I did not give it any justice because it was very hot that day! It was nice wandring around the 19th Century docks, which have been regenerated and redeveloped to a residential area, offices and expensive restaurants. Walking by the river is pleasant and seeing the history of the docklands with its cranes and warehouses. This reminds me a bit of the River Thames in London with its old warehouses and dockyards which have been regenerated. I
Tango!
Buenos Aires, Argentina walked across the Puente de la Mujer back to ´dry land´. There is a nature reserve beyond the docks but I did not venture further because of the hot weather!
Cafe Culture Another highlight in Buenos Aires was enjoying the cafe culture and also enjoying the delicious icecream. I highly recommend Freddo, an icecream chain, and there are a number of these cafes dotted around in the city. Expensive but delicious especially the Dulce de Leche!
In all it was a pleasant stay in BA and there were no problems at all. However, I forgot to bring my hostel membership card and I had to purchase another membership so I can get discounted rates at the hostels during my stay and the heat, per usual, was an issue. I expected it to be very hot but did not appreciate how hot it was going to be! This affected my ongoing skin problems. I was very thankful for my air conditioned room at the hostel which enabled me to sleep well during my stay. There was, however, one day during my stay where it was not so hot and I took advantage of and crammed more sightseeing in.
Teatro Colon
Buenos Aires, Argentina Now it is adios to Buenos Aires and look forward to cooler climbs down south after feeling tangoed!
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