Our gracious host Expanish, set up a city tour by bus for the San Diego City College group! My roomie, David, and I used the colectivo (bus) for the first time to reach the school to meet with the rest of the group.
Sabrina, our entertaining and knowledgeable tour guide, started us off at Plaza de Mayo where the Casa Rosada (much like our White House) is located, and the plaza where many demonstrations are held by the politically active citizens of Buenos Aires.
Next stop was San Telmo, a neighborhood of cobbled streets and a gritty past. When yellow fever hit, the wealthy moved north and left behind their beautiful homes which would later be occupied by the influx of European immigrants. We took a moment to walk through the Feria de San Telmo (flea market) where tango dancers share the streets with vendors, musicians and tourists.
Puerto Madero was our next destination. Designed by the Argentine engineer, Eduardo Madero in the late 1800's, the port was too shallow and small so the area was abandoned. Presently, the warehouses have been converted into trendy lofts, shops and restaurants. The neighborhood continues to grow, with skyscrapers dotting the skyline. It is also home to a modern bridge called "Puente de la Mujer" (bridge of the woman) designed by Santiago Calatrava, who was inspired by a woman dancing the tango.
Stopping in my neighborhood of Recoleta, we were led through the Cementerio de la Recoleta - a community of it's own with spacious walkways and large mausoleums to house the wealthy after death.
Once again on the bus, we were swiftly driven through parts of Palermo showcasing the city's love of parks, parks, and yet more parks for people to sunbathe, drink mate and walk their dogs.
Photos
Left top: Mausoleums of Cementerio de la Recoleta
Left middle: Skyline and grand walkways of Puerto Madero
Left bottom: Musicians at Feria de San Telmo
Right top: "Puente de la Mujer" in Puerto Madero
Right middle: Tango dancers at Feria de San Telmo
Right bottom: Casa Rosada at Plaza de Mayo
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