One man's opinion, remember that.
Buenos Aires [Argentina]...11,000,000 people, a humungous city but very different from Rio, [Brazil].Rio never took my fancy. It was a somewhat dirty, tired city that shows evidence of better times. The people look like they are not enjoying their life too much.
Buenos Aires is a cleaner, brighter more vibrant city, with somewhat happier people. Perhaps it was just the day, or the happenings or just my mood. We had two days in each city, not enough to really form an opinion I know. If I had my choice I would pick Monte Video, Uruguay, over all of them.
The first day in B/A was spent checking out the city itself. A pleasant surprise for us strolling the interesting market strewn streets. Then off to ''The Widest Boulevard in the World", according to our guide. Named July 19th Street. Many streets and places are named after important dates in South America. Maybe Canada should rename an airport "The January 23rd Airport".
That evening we went to a Tango Show. This was an event that I booked before leaving home, thinking that I would not want to go once we got here. It was an outstanding performance. [I will likely never set foot on a dance floor again.] Buenos Aires IS Tango, just as Rio IS Samba. As you likely know the Tango is a very sensual dance, almost to the point of pornography. Some of my camera shots did look obscene in my small display window on my camera. It was a great night, followed by an obligatory BBQ Feast. My gosh these people eat a lot of meat!
Next day we were off to the Pampas, which is basically farm country. Some fair distance on a bus with a young Argentianian guide who though talkative, [that is her job], was very informative. We went to a Ranch or "Rancho" over 100 miles from the city. The weather was great, a touch warm in full sun, 34 C or 98 F. A great stroll around the Estate, that is what it is, well kept, and elegant. About 15 to 20 resident, handsome Gauchos in their very macho attire. They did everything from greeting, serving the dinner, clearing the tables to a great display of riding skills. There is no doubt about it they are nery good. Wonderful hosts as well as skilled workers. 
They ran in age from 14 to 75? Faces full of character, sun weathered and moustachioed usually. After another high cholesterol meal the musicians came on. Another great display of country dancing. [Man's conquest of woman!]. They were even more entertaining than the Tango Dancers the night before. The meat was a bit tenderer too for that matter.Back to the ship abot two hours before sailing. A hot bath and tea for Fellette, same for Doug. By the time we got up top for a very light bite to eat, [we were looking for fruit or vegetables], the cafeteria was shut so we went out and watched the sail-away from B/A as the sun was setting over the city. We enjoyed this for about an hour with another couple before heading for the beckoning bed. My dinner was a banana.
We have two days at sea to recover before we get to Puerto Madryn, southbound.
posted by Doug and Fellette @ 12:40 PM
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