We have safely arrived in
Buenos Aires. We are eagerly/ looking forward to three weeks of utter joy and many discoveries. We are living in the Palmero district (staying at 1963 Dr. Emilio Ravignani), only blocks from
the subte (subterranean or underground) and have about 8 coffee shops
within blocks. In that respect, it feels like the west coast of
N. America. However, using our North American orientation skills, we
quickly got turned around, hopelessly. I finally took out my trusty
compass and only then realized that the sun is to the north, not the
south. Important to remember!
Our apartment has two levels, which means the lower living area
is cool and the bedroom loft is rather warm, just the opposite of what
we want. But we have a kitchen for breakfast and a light supper, and we
usually eat our big meal out at noon, c. 1 p.m. Unfortunately, there is a constant flushing sound emanating from above us in the central well, possibly a water tank being replenished? I would not want to buy this apartment until this is addressed.
 |
| Balcony has an outdoor grill (charcoal) and table and bench |
 |
| View from balcony |
 |
| Balcony |
 |
| Handy washing machine and dryer |
 |
| Sole table area for eating and computer |
 |
| View from bedroom level |
I think there will lots of graffiti available. I only had the small
camera last night and all street lights are a garish orange-yellow.
 |
| Subte or Underground, most stations have news stands. |
We like some of the underground signs in the subway cars which not only
give the stops but also tell the approximate street numbers and
important streets between stops. This helps you plan on the run.
 |
| Alley or small street next door at night. |
For our first main meal we had this casserole of beef stew with
rosemary etc., covered by mashed potatoes with a foamy cream sauce.
Rich and very sustaining.
 |
| "Local Restaurant" which is indeed near us. |
 |
| Underground entry we use, going under rail road tracks. |
 |
| News stand in underground |
 |
| View looking out of an underground car |
 |
| Nearly full moon with park at night |
We made our first major excursion downtown last night. I wanted to
visit El Ateneo, one of the world's most interesting bookstores. It is
in a renovated theatre. Former "boxes" now have comfortable chairs for
reading, former balcony seating has been turned into book shelves, and
the stage is now a café, complete with a pianist providing background
music.
