Monday, 1 December 2014

Lasting impressions of Buenos Aires

Things I will miss
  • The emotion and passion of Argentine Spanish.
  • The enormous trees, amazing shapes and beautiful flowers.
  • The local fruit and vegetables, does not always look perfect, but fresh and tasty.
  • My daily visits to the local Confiteria for pastries, croissants and empanadas (jamon y queso, verdura).
  • Dulce de Leche and alfajores.
  • The friendly people, always keen to speak to you, wish my spanish was better.
  • All the kisses.
  • Seeing novel species of plants, butterflies and birds.


Actinote pellenea


Things I will not miss
  • Putting toilet paper in the bin!
  • Either holding the door shut or risk getting locked in toilet!
  • The numerous roads to cross and constant noise of the traffic.
  • Being alone without friends and family.
  • Being followed by stray dogs, although they rarely seemed threatening.
  • The deserted streets and need for wellington boots when it rains.

Belgrano - my home for two months


Belgrano was named after Manuel Belgrano, a politician and military leader who created the national flag of Argentina. Belgrano is an upper-middle-class neighbourhood that can be roughly divided into Belgrano R, Belgrano C, central Belgrano, and Lower Belgrano (Bajo Belgrano).

Here is my journey from my apartment in Belgrano C on Avenida del Libertador to Avenida Cabildo, where I went to catch the underground (subte) at Juramento.

Jacaranda trees lining Avenida de Libertador 
The slow but frequent number15 bus
Entrance to Chinatown
Mitre train from Tigre to Retiro
Opposite the EstaciĆ³n Belgrano C  is Barrancas de Belgrano, a plaza designed by the famous French landscaper Charles Thays.  Based in a soft hill, it is surrounded by sculptures, fountains and old trees, like jacarandas, palos borrachos (Ceiba speciosa) and other regional trees. Families gather here at weekends and enjoy sunbathing on the hill.



Tipa trees in Barrancas de Belgrano
Tango dancing in La Glorieta de Barrancas de Belgrano

Continuing along Juramento past Manuel Belgrano square where there is an lovely craft fair at the weekend.
Walking along Juramento

La Plaza Manuel Belgrano
 La feria artesanal de la Plaza Manuel Belgrano

La Redonda, Inmaculada ConcepciĆ³n church
Street stalls on the corner of Juramento and Avenida Calbido

Avenida Cabildo, the main shopping street

Subte to Palermo and Catedral