Wednesday, November 30, 2011

Welcome to Buenos Aires


Day 1 Nov 28, 2011

Buenos Aires is a city of over 12 million organized by barrios or neighborhoods. This visit we are staying in upscale Recoleta. It is probably one of the most popular areas for tourists because of the famous Recoleta Cemetary where Evita (Eva Peron) is buried. We like it because of the beautiful parks, tree lined streets, nearby National Fine Arts museum, fabulous French architecture and cute side walk cafes. One often hears that Buenos Aires is the Paris of South America. Sort of true, but the weather is much, much better. Monday evening after our 20 hour flight via Lima, we were anxious to take a stroll and enjoy the neighborhood. We walked across the street to a craft fair setup next to the Iglesia de Nuestro Senora del Pilar (a gorgeous baroque colonial church built in 1724). After craft
shopping, watching people eat huge sausages, and a quick visit inside the church we walked in the park to enjoy the 75 degree evening. Finally, we chose a snazzy sidewalk cafe near our hotel. We enjoyed a oje de bife (Argentinian rib eye) and dined under the stars. It was a perfect evening. The Etoile Recoleta hotel was recommended by the actor Robert Duval in the Wall St Journal a couple weeks ago and so we decided to stay there.  A bit worn, but clean and nice, great location. As he said, it is close to La Biela, one of the most famous cafes in Latin America.  Now, at last - Sleep.  Good night.

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