Busy Thursday in Buenos Aires
The plot thickens as we enter our third week in Buenos Aires. Up bright and early, by 7:30 am we were out of the house making our way to the bus stop for the #130 bus to take us to Puerto Madero, the newest part of the city very near San Telmo where we rented our first apartment.
Today Betsy started a new job teaching English for a Brazilian technology company called Politec with offices in the U.S., Japan, Chile, and here. She had two classes, the first starting at 8:30 am with two advanced students and the second quickly following at 9:30 with an intermediate student. While the pay isn't great, the opportunity to mingle with residents of the city while applying her notable English skills is pretty cool. Betsy could become famous here once word of her English skills spreads. Plus as we stood at the bus stop on this bright, sunny Thursday morning, it was a pinch-me moment. Are we really doing this?
Since I have a responsibility not to pollute the English language here in Buenos Aires, it fell upon me to take a hike, so off I went to explore. It was a beautiful morning in Puerto Madero.
A View across the Water ©2011
As I headed East into Puerto Madero toward the River de la Plata, the scene changed to new high-rises with beautiful avenues and parks. The construction is ongoing as this area is booming for young middle class professionals and retirees.
A View along the Water ©2011
Long story made short, this port was designed in the late 19th century but was not deep enough to handle larger cargo ships so a new port was developed soon after, which left Puerto Madero to become a blighted area of the city. Various plans were developed to renovate the area, but it was not until the late 20th century that this plan was adopted to revitalize the area.
As I headed farther east, I came across these stairs to a park...
Stairway to a Park ©2011
The stairs led to a manicured walkway just above the main north-south street and causeway that parallels the ecological reserve where city ends and wildlife begins. There were many famous urban architects responsible for the design of Puerto Madero, and one interesting detail is that all the streets are named after women of significance in Argentina.
Here along the easternmost street, there are sunbathers, bikers, runners and sightseers along with a collection of local foods.
Su Parrillon ©2011
By now it was getting time to circle back to meet Betsy. To give you an idea of the planning and design of Puerto Madero, just past the sidewalk grill was this open area. Off to the right is the beginning of the ecological reserve.
Roman Style Sitting Area ©2011
Heading back west down a wide boulevard I encountered something pretty typical, the local dog walking experts.
Dog Walking Party ©2011
At this point I was thinking I might be late (read get lost) to meet Betsy, so my pace quickened and I just starting snapping pictures at random. Enjoy...
Couldn't Resist the Contrast ©2011
Arty City Picture ©2011
Warehouses Turned Lofts, Shops, and Businesses ©2011
By now I was breathing hard and sweating, it was hot in the city, but mastering a big-city gait I pulled up long enough to take this picture mid-crossing.
A picture of the mix of old and new...
Mix of Old and New ©2011
I made it back to Paseo Colon, hung a left on Estados Unidos and found my way to a coffee shop just around the corner from Betsy's workplace (I know, some of you are wondering how I navigated this on my own) with 15 minutes to spare.
She found me right after 11 and we struck out across Estados Unidos to take the Green Line subway back north to our neighborhood.
Warm Subway Ride to Palermo
We had a quick lunch at home and then took a short six-block walk to Santa Fe Avenue to meet Nico (the first apartment caretaker) to return the keys.
On the way back we stopped in a bakery and did some window shopping along Godoy Street, establishing plans to return to a couple of restaurants and cafes. Then a much-needed siesta.
At 4, our Spanish teacher arrived. We are in the process of taking several hour-long classes from different tutors to see which one(s) work best for us. Again, since this one, like the first, didn't seem to like to speak English, I kept hoping she would talk to Betsy more. By the time she left, both our heads were swimming.
It is about 8 pm, this post is over. We are headed out to see if we can buy a Spanish lesson book that was recommended.
ciao!
