Buenos Aires - Shopping IS exercise
Trip Start
Aug 06, 2007
1
27
36
Trip End
Ongoing
Buenos Aires,
Argentina
Saturday, September 29, 2007
So we moved down the road to a more reasonably priced Hotel (on Av. de Mayo) the next morning - which was still right in the action and wandered in the warm sun to the sunday San Telmo markets. Wow - they were fun - and colourful - with all the street mimes and art - they were possibly the most interesting markets I have been to! With the added bonus of freshly squeezed orange juice, great street tango displays and fresh tomato, cheese and onion oozing calzone´s (which Paul and the rest of the foot traffic couldnt resist devouring) - it was a fantastic way to spend a Sunday in BsAs.
The next day I woke up with a serious goal in mind - we were here to shop - and Argentenian leather was top of my list. So we set off down Florida street - not even the rain could stop us! I was on a mission. When we made it to Galleria Pacifico - Paul and I split off - and within 10 minutes - Paul came back and said that he had tried on and found a beautiful suit for a ridiculously cheap price in Christian Dior upstairs - and as I went to check it out with him - it soon became apparent - that BsAs is the BOYS shopping dream. The shirts, the shirts, the leather shoes and belts - were classy, cool, cheap - and in abundance!
Over the next few days - I became more and more shopping challenged. I couldnt find my ´perfect´boots in my mind - nor the bag and belt that would match them perfectly - while Paul found awesome shirt after awesome shoes etc. No fair. He is normally allergic to shopping! Must have been murphy´s law.
As well as the shopping Paul and I walked to Recolleta and checked out the amazing grave sight - some of these were like mini churches - and were beautiful and airy at the same time.
We also walked to La Boca - to see the famous Caminito, brightly coloured building´s and tango on the street. It was more than colourful and had an electric atmosphere. I bought a small picture to remember our day there - it is just a shame we cant fit more art in our packs!
One thing I have been disappointed with in BsAs is the food (we were probably looking in the wrong places!) - although the steak is easy to find and huge - unless you are a meat-atarian, cheese-atarian, pastry-atarian, bread-atarian it is challenging finding a healthy light meal. Honestly looking round I would think that heart disease would be rife here - but everyone is quite slim and styly - so they must know something I dont know! hehe:) On our last day of intense last minute shopping - Paul and I tried the Japanese food in Galleria Pacifico - and it was to die for - the best i have EVER tried. Absolutely stunning and SO very refreshing after a week of heavy food! I was in heaven.
So - I finally found some boots that will hopefully see out a London winter, and a handbag with a few other nick knacks.....and Paul you ask? Well, one CD suit, suit pants, 4 CD shirts, 3 pairs of shoes, 2 belts and 3 t-shirts later - he emerged! Stella effort, I must say. Best buy - a CD belt for just $36 dollars. What man (even if formally opposed to shopping) could resist these bargains?
Almost a week in BsAs - a wicked city. Very stylish, great atmosphere, great culture, beautiful parks, great shopping - but time to press on. A long bus to Bariloche in the South is on the cards - but luckily the buses are supposed to be the best in the country. Phew.
Adios Chico´s!.
Caminito, La Boca
