Buenos Aires

Hi everyone!

Last night we went out and I shared a steak with Courtney. I'm not much of a steak eater but Argentina does them well so I gave it a go - YUM! Also shared an amazing bottle of wine with Anthony that cost us a whopping $7 Aussie and was really nice!!

This morning we got up, had brekky and then got our airport transfer. We then got a 9.30am two hour flight to Buenos Aires, the Paris of South America! And they aren't lying. It reminds me a lot of both Paris (due to the architecture) and Madrid (due to the appearance of the streets). 

Our hotel looks like a palace! Only problem is we have to pay for wifi - so feel privileged! 

We set off and started the day by once again exchanging money. Rodrigo's dodgy friends in the street got me $1 US = 13 pesos instead of 8 so we are saving money, it's working out cheaper in Argentina than I thought. 

Anthony, Courtney, Rachel and I headed off for the day and went first to a shopping centre for lunch. It was huge and like the ones at home! Then we walked to the Teatro Colon, a beautiful theatre and an obelisk in the avenue 9 July (their Independence Day here). Then we walked to the main square where we saw the government house and various churches. The architecture here is really beautiful. I'll be able to give you more history in the next two days when I do a walking tour. 

Finally we caught a cab (so cheap still!) to La Boca. This is a neighbourhood in the South that is poorer than some of the other parts of the city, and is home to the tourist hub called Caminito - a few blocks of pretty coloured wooden buildings and artistic shops. We walked around and bought some souvenirs. Then I had a quick look at La Bomboñera - the football stadium for Boca Juniors, Maradona's old club! I'm going to do a tour of the stadium and museum on Wednesday. 

Tonight we are going to a tango show with unlimited food and wine (oh dear!). It's Rachel's last night and she leaves tomorrow. I've been so lucky to have such a great roommate who has become such a good friend over the last five weeks and I'm really sad she's leaving. Anthony and Courtney depart after here as well but they have a couple of extra days. As much as I'm so excited for the rest of the year, hearing Rachel talk to her friends and family and be so excited about seeing them so soon has made me a little homesick, but I'll push on and all will be ok. 

I think I get a new roommate tomorrow. I'll post again then and include tango photos!!

Love to all

Claire

Xoxox