Sunday, March 2, 2014
Today was a very touristy day, and lucky for me Jeff was a good sport about it. Sunday in Buenos Aires can offer some excitement so we sat down and made a plan to see a few things. Our journey would take us to the infamous Florida Street (Jeff's suggestion) but there would be a few things to see along the way (my suggestions).
This is the Catedral Metropolitana and was our first stop of the day. It is the main Catholic Church in Buenos Aires and is also home to the General San Martin Mausoleum. There has been a church at this site since 1580, although it has been re-built several times since then. This current facade was completed in 1863.
The dome in the cathedral.
A look at the Mausoleum.
The black sarcophagus is guarded by three life-size female figures that represent Argentina, Chile and Peru, three of the regions freed by the General. The mausoleum also has the remains of Generals Juan Gregorio de las Heras and Tomás Guido, as well as those of the Unknown Soldier of the Independence.
You can see the soldiers standing guard. There is a changing of the guard every two hours. We just missed it on this day but I would get another chance.
Once I was done in the cathedral, we headed across the square to the see the Casa Rosada or the "Pink House". You can see in the picture below how it gets it's name. People often compare it to America's White House however there is one major difference between the two. Casa Rosada is not a living residence as the Argentine President lives at another location. Casa Rosada does however house the executive office of the President.
The statue in this photo is the Monument of General Manuel Belgrano.
It is from the upper balcony you can see on Casa Rosada that Eva Peron gave many speeches to the masses who would gather in Plaza de Mayo. It is where the inspiration for the "Don't Cry for me Argentina" balcony scene in the musical Evita came from.
A look at Plaza de Mayo, that sits out front of Casa Rosada.
One of many memorials in Plaza de Mayo, looking up towards Casa Rosada.
As we continued our way up to Florida Street and and area of the city called San Telmo we came across many famous cartoon characters on the street. I say famous but famous in Argentina so I still am not sure what this guy's name is.
Eventually we made it to Florida Street. This street is famous for all the shops and everything like that but also for the "blue market" currency exchange. If you pay attention to Argentina economics you will know that there are two very different exchange rates between Pesos and US dollars, the official market rate and the blue market rate. The blue market rate is much more customer friendly but changes on almost a daily basis.
We were also trying to make plans for the evening with the usual suspects (Shuri, Jason and Vanessa), so Jeff went off to do a few things and I stopped to visit the Museo de El Zanjon. We arranged to meet up in San Telmo a little bit later.
Many historians feel that El Zanjon de Grandos ravines was the location of the first settlement in Buenos Aires back in 1536. It is considered by many to be the most important archaeological site in the city. Ruins of foundations, water wells, sewage pits and old walls and floors that have been built and destroyed have all be found on this site. The museum shows many different artifacts and remains from various centuries of the city's existence.
The restored remains of some of the houses in the area. There is evidence of movement of populations in the area. Epidemics of cholera and yellow fever saw the upper class moving from low lying areas to higher areas.
Some of the original walls that have been uncovered.
Looking down into a water well.
A very well restored area of the museum.
Heading down into some of the tunnels that have been uncovered. It actually is a little eery as you travel through the museum to some the buried city remains.
Once I completed my tour of the museum I headed back out onto the street. The Sunday markets were in full force and I did a good job only buying a few items. But as always, the street entertainment was probably more exciting.
Once of the many street bands.
A little video of the music. Tango is everywhere.
The band next to one of the little markets.
Tango. This is what I was really looking for. Free tango shows are very common on the weekend.....and worth the short wait.
Lots of intricate footwork in some very nice tango shoes.
A little video of the free tango show.
We then quickly made our way back to Jeff's place as we had some evening plans to get to. The group of us had decided to get tickets to Fuerza Bruta, this amazing show that I can only describe as a cross between Cirque du Soleil and Stomp. I had never heard of it and really had no idea what to expect. I decided to wear heels.....that turned out to be a big mistake. The tickets said General Admission but what we did not realize that it not only meant no assigned seats, but no seats at all. The show is all around you and the crowd gets moved around as the show goes on. Flats would have been better but I got by. I have to say this was a fantastic show that I would recommend to anyone (I think it is currently Off Broadway in NYC). We paid 150 Pesos each for the tickets, which again works out to roughly 15 US dollars (2014 official exchange rate). Worth every penny. We were able to take some pictures but really you need to see it to believe it.
This guy was basically walking on a giant treadmill with people and things falling off the back. Stage hands often just picked things up and put them right back on.
This is hard to tell but this is looking up, so she is sticking horizontally out of the wall and walking.....or flying along it. This part actually made me a little dizzy but luckily it did not last too long.
Now this part, this plastic stage was lowered above us and filled with water. The performers basically were swimming above us.
Really cool.
Jeff, Vanessa, Jason, Shuri and I after the show. Seriously recommend it.
This is a promotional video from Youtube ( I DID NOT take this video). Gives you a bit of an idea.
After the show we grabbed some food and then Jason and Shuri decided they were hitting the clubs (no body goes out until like 2am in Buenos Aires). Jeff, Vanessa and I on the other hand headed back to Jeff's place for a serious game of Rock Band (you all know what that is I'm sure). Jeff has the complete set (a couple guitars, drums, etc). I can't say I'm very good at playing the drums or guitar, but I think you know I can sing anything you throw at me. I know what you're thinking, who plays Rock Band when you could be out in the clubs? The answer is WE do......and we had a really good time.
Eventually Vanessa found her way back to her hostel and Jeff and I went to bed. Tomorrow would be a bit quieter day. Jeff had to go to work and I had some museums to visit.
But what a day!!!
Julie
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