Rosario to Buenos Aires
Trip Start
Dec 29, 2008
1
48
77
Trip End
Mar 22, 2009
Buenos Aires, Argentina
Monday, February 16, 2009
Only a couple of blocks from the hostel was the monument to the Argentinian flag. It was absolutely massive, and in the beautiful morning sunlight it was stunning. I wandered around taking photos for a while, wishing my sunglasses hadn't snapped in Peru.
The monument was close to the river, so I crossed the road and wandered through the tree-shaded pathways that wound along the river banks. An artisan market was just being set up; obviously I was up a bit earlier than the average Argentinian.
I checked out the other two spots pointed out by the hostel guy, both something to do with Che Guevara but not particularly interesting. I then walked back through one of the 'walking streets' which are flanked by shops. As it was a Sunday the shops weren't open in general, but I found one selling iceblocks. It was already so hot, and barely even midday.
I grabbed my bag from the back packers, caught a cab to the bus station, and bought a ticket to Buenos Aires (58 pesos/USD17, pretty expensive for a 4 hour bus ride here).
I wandered around the bus station looking for food and an Aussie came up and asked if I wanted to sit with him and a Canadian. I had some yummy empandas (pastries filled with meat) with them, before it was time to leave. The bus was very nice (Urquiza company), but the airconditioning was freezing which wasn't good for the sore throat I was developing.
In Buenos Aires Santiago met me off the bus and we caught a local bus the short distance to his house. Santiago lived with my family about 10 years ago to learn about farming, and it was good to see him again. He lives with his parents and several siblings in an apartment in the beautiful suburb of Recoleta. When I say apartment I mean a house at on the 7th floor of a building. The apartment has a lounge, tv room, kitchen, dining room, outdoor terrace as well as atleast 4 bedrooms. The view from my bedroom was out over a beautiful garden.
Santi took me for a walk around the neighbourhood. Only a few blocks away is the famous Recoleta cemetery and in the park outside was a artisan market. The place was buzzing with people having coffees at the many cafes or relaxing in the parks. We walked through streets with stunning buildings and french-style apartments.
After having a Coke served with a wine glass (15 pesos for 2), Santi cooked dinner at home. I was absolutely stuffed, so went to bed pretty early.
