Arriving in Buenos aires to the warm sun we were excited to go and tour the city. The weather was a perfect 85 degrees which was a nice change of pace from the 15 degrees we've been experiencing back home. Since we really had only one full day in the city we wanted to make sure we made the most of it and hit all the main attractions. It didn't take long for us to realize that there really weren't too many. So after a late breakfast we decided to start the day in the city center, which given the massive size of the city was a 20 min cab ride out. Once there we walked down Florida st, a fast pace pedestrian street filled with various shops. As we blended in with all the local and tourists, this metropolitan city began to show its color. Left and right there were people asking if we wanted to change money or try their restaurant. Eventually we arrived in front of Plaza de Mayo, the large historical square that has been the hub of political life for the city since the revolution. Surrounding the square included buildings such as the Buenos Aires Metropolitan Cathedral, the mother church of the archdiocese of Buenos Aires. Inside we caught a glimpse of the changing of the guards at the entrance of General San MartÃn's Mausoleum. At the base of his black sarcophagus are three life-size female statue representing Argentina, Chile and Peru, three of the regions freed by the General. Around the corner was Buenos Aires Cabildo, once used as the governments house but now displays paintings, artifacts, clothes and jewellery of the 18th century. Further across the square laid La Casa Rosada, known in English as the Pink House, the executive mansion and office of the president. Our next stop brought us to the cemetery of recolenta which house the tomb of Eva Peron. Laid out like in a perfect grid, walking around this enormous cemetery brought a sense of eeriness despite the fact that it was the middle of the day. Some of the mausoleum were so elaborately decorated with statues and marble that for a minute you forgot what you were looking at. We ended the day with a meal at Don Juilo, the famous parilla in the city. As we quered up with the other people outside waiting for a table I started to question if this was time well spent. After all the past few days of culinary experiences has all came up short. Just then the hostess informed us our table was ready. Walking in, the smell of the steaks cooking on their open grill seemed promising. As my sirloin arrived, and I cut my first bite I was relieved to see it cooked perfectly. For the first time on this trip the steak I ordered was what I had imagined for Argentina, flavorful and juicy. This one steak manage to redeemed my impression of the food in the country.
Atmosphere: Typical of a large city, I found it chaotic and dirty. The pollution of the car fumes and the crowds of people reminded me why I preferred second tiered cities. Though certain neighborhoods like Palmero Soho, where we stay had a charm to it, especially at night as it was bursting with life from all the restaurants and cafes, in general I grew weary of the city quickly.
Cleaniness: Would not categorize it as clean, in fact it felt less so than Santiago. Though it was interesting that there also weren't many stray dogs roaming the street.
Food: The meal at Don Juilo was one of the best I've had. An absolute must when in the city.
People: Beginning to notice that the people are not extremely friendly. Though they never come off rude or unpleasant, they don't carry the same air of hospitality as say Istanbul. Perhaps it would be different had I spoke Spanish.
Beauty: Don't think beauty is the word to describe the city. In fact I view it more as sufficient, in the sense that everything you need is there but nothing captures your sense.
Comment: One day was enough for me to get a taste of the city and realize it was not for me. Unlike when I left Mendoza a little reluctant, I feel no remorse leaving this city and in fact is eagerly looking forward to El Calafate.
Rating: 4.5
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