Finally got the nerve and energy up to explore Buenos Aires. Unfortunately I have been a bit more attached to work email than I may have planned, but there are some bigger things brewing on a critical projects and I had already paid for the internet service. At least 5 people asked me why I was on. I just say “Do not follow my work-life balance lead!”
On Buenos Aires: The city’s appearance is 60% New York+20% Barcelona+20% Mexico City. The feel of the buildings highlights the heyday of BA as turn of the 20th century--- much like New York’s big building boom and architectural style. There is distinct European feel to the streets, restaurants and shops—and the way items are sold in mini convenient store. And finally Mexico City as the sprawl is staggering and unlike anything in Europe. High rises of business and housing as far as the eye can see. The look of the people is very close to Northern Italy, but with a cosmopolitan immigrant population. With such a big immigrant culture (apparently 6 Million came in just 10 years at turn of last century when immigration was a country mandate to help drive the new industry of exporting to Europe) I was surprised that there were virtually no one from Asia or Africa.
The part of the city I stayed in is on the edge of the river leading to the Atlantic. It’s the newest section of the city to be reinvented. After my last visit to Baltimore, it reminds me of the Inner Harbor. Businesses, restaurants and hotels that gleam with modern glass fronts and a new, clean face for a city with a divide between the Haves and the Have Nots. I was very surprised to see how many US based companies have offices and buildings. Hell there is even the Hooters and TGIFriday’s across from the Hilton where I stayed. The Argentinean peso is tied to the US dollar—and even the prices are listed with $. My experience found that prices were barely 10% lower than US even with the 3.5 Peso exchange rates.
Did a long walk around the center of the city after crossing the pedestrian art-as-bridge in Puerto Madero. It rotates out of the river to allow boat traffic. And it looks cool at night.
Quite frankly I was less than dazzled by the so called “cultural offererings” that the city had. Above ground cemetery – been there: New Orleans. Monuments to throwing off colonial oppression: Check. I did stroll through the largest square, Plaza del Mayo to enjoy the Spanish architecture and the purple trees in full blume. It was a sunny and beautiful day. Had a great time shopping—damn these people know how to look good and shop well. I was happily surprised that I could fit into their clothes, although I am a size 46. Isn’t that a depressing scale for women’s clothing? No wonder anorexia is at an all time high here in Argentina (per Rough Guide)—with a label such as that I would consider a few less glasses of wine! There is so much shopping everywhere, but I stayed mainly in the Calle Florida street. It’s a pedestrian only narrow street with stores of every make and kind there: Clothing, electronics, jewelry, leather, baby clothes.
I glimpsed a familiar sign in the distance off Calle Florida and decided to continue my dissertation on “A World of McDonalds”. This was a gleaming homage to both Euro and American fast food. In the front there is a portion that holds the new model for Europe of the McCafe. It’s a counter that sells cappuccino, espresso and coffee with small pastries and desserts—with a separate walk up window for ice cream. As a side note the Argentineans love them some ice cream. It’s everywhere, but not gelato like I was expecting with the Italian influence. Back to McD’s—they have the usual 2 story layout with nice and clean bathrooms, but this one had the free internet kiosks. Clearly this store was made for lingering, unlike our McDonald’s which are a testament to fast service drive through. No Filet o Fish, but they did have chicken with bacon sandwich. I am PROUD to report that I have FINALLY found a country where the sizes are the same as ours. And they serve Coke Zero. If only I could get down to a size 42, I might just move here.
On the way back to the hotel after a long day of shopping, I decided to check out the broadest road in the America’s: Avienda Julio. It is 6 lanes proper in either direction (total of 12) with broad parks in the middle and access roads and round abouts. It is dizzying to see all that traffic. It takes at least 4 pedestrian signals to cross. I kid you not. And even then the drivers barely slow down before they clip you. The pic does not do it justice (upon further review), so you will have to take my word for it.
Back to the hotel late for a massage, room service (and a bottle of wine), hot shower and a movie. The sh1t gets very cold and very real starting at my 7am flight tomorrow. How does one say Brrrrrr en espaniol?
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