Sunscreen for Christmas Shopping

Buenos Aires is so beautiful and has a very familiar feel. The architecture has heavy European influences, especially French and Italian, with broad tree-lined boulevards, fountains, sculptures and sidewalk cafes. We spent most of the day walking, taking in the sights. I forgot how much I missed summer and green foliage - and my baby girl! See a map of our route (blue trail)

Buenos Aires Sightseeing

Karen wrote this recap ~

Our downtown walking tour started at Pacheco de Melo and Uriburu in Recoleta. From there, we headed towards Avenida de Calloa and took Arenales to Plaza de San Martin in Retiro. Along the way, we stopped at purse stores to find perfect leather handbag and home stores for Karen and Adam's new apartment. Plaza San Martin is named after San Martin, who liberated Bolivia, Peru, and Argentina from Spanish rule. It's hallmark symbol is a tall clock tower and a massive sculpture of San Martin himself surrounded by lush green trees and quaint gardens. The buildings around the plaza boast French architecture, so much so you feel as if you're in Paris.

Next up was Calle Florida, one of few pedestrian streets in Buenos Aires (think Faneuil Hall). Though you escape the crazy drivers and collectivos (buses), Florida St. is far from calm or "tranquillo" as Portenos would say. You must hold on to your purse and keep your guard up to withstand the solicitations and beggars... "leather factory, very nice jacket... restaurant special, english lady." The attraction to Florida St. is the shopping. Being Christmas Eve, it was packed.

Hunger called and we made our way to California Burrito Company, one of three Mexican places in Buenos Aires, only to find it closed. We ended up eating at La Calaberiza, a parrilla (Argentina steakhouse) overlooking the water in Puerto Madero. The massive portions of meat were a bit intimidating, but we shared a salad and some brochettes (shish kabobs).

After lunch, we continued walking along Puerto Madero and admired the clean, modern lines of the Puente de la Mujer (bridge of the woman). Then we went to Plaza de Mayo, which used to be the center of the city with La Catedral Metropolitana (main church), Casa Rosada (their version of the White House), the National Bank, etc. Then we were off to the Obelisco (the big phallic statue), the Opera House, and then home sweet home to rest up before our big night out!