Beginning of our trip

  Tampa, Florida
Monday, February 25, 2008

We arrived in Buenos Aires, Argentina after an nine hour flight from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta. We were at the back of the bus on both flights,but close to the restrooms and food. Unfortunately neither of us slept well,but on the plus side we had individual TV's with many choices.

Upon arrival in Argentina we had to go through immigration and customs,and while picking up our many pieces of luggage I inadvertently pick up someone elses suitor and not our own. Fortunately we noticed the error before leaving the airport. We found the right people and exchanged bags. They really were identical and they were with Vantage also so it made things easier.

We had our first talk by a gentleman named Vladimir Kadajin not a very Spanish name for our host on this trip. As it turns out he immigrated to Chile 10 years ago from Germany of Russian descent. He of course speaks many languages well and has been a Vantage tour guide both in South America and Europe.

Dinner is on our own tonight and we went walking around today to find sunglasses and an ATM. We accomplished both and are now resting in our room.


Our second day started with a trip to the gym,followed by a buffet breakfast of cooked breads and pancakes covered with  honey almonds and figs. It was very good but of course it was completed with a variety of fruits. Then off to the bus for a city tour. Buenos Aries is the largest city in Argentina about 3 million in center city and 15 million all together with the 47 districts. It stands on the banks of the Rio de la Plata the widest river in the world. Most districts boarder the river and their national treasure is the Tango. Mary Ann and I had an hour lesson and we are now experts Ha Ha.
Pedro de Mendoza founded the city in 1536 and people have been coming here ever since with the greatest majority from Italy Spain  and eastern Europe in the early 1900s.Beef eaters and book lovers are happy here. The literacy rate is over 94% and there are 4500 books stores in the city.As for beef eaters; Argentine beef is considered the tastiest in the world.

Avienda de Mayo is the political and historical heart of the city. The Casa Rosada, seat of the national government is here. Eva Peron spoke from the balcony to large crowds of adoring fans.The national bank Metropolitan Cathedral all boarder the plaza. Opposite the Casa Rosada is the Cabildo the regional house of government. 9 de Julio Avenue is one of the widest in the world and boast the Colon Theater, one of the four most important opera houses in the world. The Obelisk  built to commemorate the 400th anniversary of the city founding is a smaller copy of the Washington Monument.

La Boca is a port side neighborhood reflecting the large Italian immigration of he 1860 to 1910. It is the birthplace of the Tango along with San Telmo one of the oldest neighborhoods of the city, here is also Caminito street with it colorful  homes and side street, art dealers in there colorful tin houses.

Recoleta is an elegant residential area known for its French architecture, large parks and expensive restaurants.

Tigre is a unique area where an entire neighborhood is built on hundreds of islands. And of course shopping is best in the Galleries throughout the city. Leather goods are most sought after followed by silver and handicrafts.