Blogs from Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina, South America - page 267

Well the cruise is over. We finished on Saturday night (11th) with wine tasting,dinner and a tango show. Was a fantastic night. Food and music both amazing. It is very sad to say goodbye to all my fellow travellers on this part of the trip and I am very glad for the ease of email in keeping in touch with so many new friends. Some of us have stayed on to see some more of this big city. I think there are around 14 million people here, only 14 times the size of home!! I will be here for a month and so far the first few weeks have been soo busy. I don´t think I will be able to see everything. Highlights so far: San Telmo sunday markets with Roswyn and Lesley- bargains, food and ... read more

Today was a national holidiay in Argentina. Read about it here: http://www.nytimes.com/2006/03/24/international/americas/24cnd-argentina.html?hp&ex=1143262800&en=ee3d68e79d4efba6&ei=5094&partner=homepage It's a new holiday to mark the anniversary (this year is the 30th) of the military coup that lead to the bloodiest dictatorship in Latin America. I didn't have school.... read more

Today we headed down to Purto Madero which is a bit like Daling Harbour really. It used to be a working harbour until it became to small and was deserted for a new and improved one. In the 80's the area was redeveloped and is now a bit of a yuppy area with offices, resturants, bars and apartments. This is where the Hilton and the new Phillipe Starck hotel is located. And there is even a night club modeled on the Sydney Opera House! Classy! After walking around for a few hours we decided to have lunch at a steak house and try the famous Argentinian beef. This is where i learned that when you order beef you get beef...and nothing else. I went for a 500g scotch fillet and when it arrived it was just ... read more

Today we went to Recoleta which is a pretty upmarket area most known for its cemetary. This is where very rich people go when they die. Its really a beautiful place. Many of the family graves have glass doors so if you peek inside you can see coffins and everything...bit spooky.... read more

Tonight was amazing. There is a very old and famous bar next to my apartment, Cafe Britanico. Cafe Britanico is probably the most important bar in the area because it is the place everyone goes. Old men and women, working people, young people, hip people, tourists and dogs. It has huge windows that they keep open all of the time and people lean in kissing those they know sitting in those windows. It is where people live, gather and laugh. The landlord of the building has not renewed their lease and they are due to be kicked out at the end of the month. The landlord wants to put a more tourist friendly shop that will benefit them ....not the people that own Cafe Britanico or the community. The people in this neighborhood have come together ... read more