City Bike Tour

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Last night we went to a local restaurant known for its grill.  The walk was felt good after traveling for I'm not sure how many hours at this point.  The restaurant was very charming with lots of character as well as characters.  We both ordered the tenderloin with grilled veggies and would've have done better if we had split a meal.  The portions were huge. What we took back could feed the homeless - of which there is, unfortunately, quite a lot from what we saw on the small walk we took just to go to dinner.  The wine was marvelous and we got a lovely complimentary glass of champagne to top off our meal.


How was the beef you might be asking yourself. Well it was quite good.  Do I have to eat beef again?  I'm thinking not.  But for this trip, I'm keeping my options open. Caught the English Tower aglow on the walk back.  Just beautiful.

Got in around 9:30 or so and off to slumberland.

Woke up a bit groggy this morning.  Kate was half way through her morning ritual. We made it downstairs for breakfast by about 8:30 or so with plenty of time to have a bite and walk  down to meet the bike tour.

Short walk to the park.  Dead quite this morning due to the fact that it is Sunday.  Oops will there even be a tour -- I never did call.  Arrived a bit early walked around, took photos, and eventually found our bike tour leaders.  We had a small group consisting of 2 Aussies, who just did an Antarctica cruise sans wives, and a lovely woman who hails from Lebanon but now lives and travels all over.

The four hour tour took us from San Martin Park.  General San Martin is one of Buenos Aires national heroes.  Down to the Falklands Islands War Memorial, where we learned about Argentina losing the territory to the Brits.  This is still a sensitive topic for most Argentinians.  We stayed to watch the changing of the guard and it was off to the harbor, Puerto Madero.

The harbor is a lovely, picturesque area with lots of restaurants and shopping.  Built up by the Hilton to keep their clients in the style to which they are accustomed. Across the way, we took a short ride through the National Reserve. Lots of people out and about here for enjoying their Sunday.  The day may have started out quiet but as we made our way through the city, the streets grew with more and more people.  The soccer game had let out plus it was some sort of holiday. It did make the cycling a bit more challenging.

Out of the park and through the La Boca district.  The artsy part of the city.  Lots of graffiti and ironically enough, our guide, Marianna, stopped in front of the community theater.  Biked down to Caminito, where we had the chance to walk around -- lots of street vendors, artists, people wanting to tango for money.  Speaking of tango -- the dance originated in Buenos Aires by the pimps.  Who originally just danced with each other.  When their prostitutes entered the pictured, the dance developed into the romantic style it is today. The city definitely has tango fever.  I hope we get a chance to try.

Reconvened at 12:00 and made our way to San Telmo Tiene Memorial.  This is part of Buenos Aires dark history. Remnants of an old police station  sits under the modern highway.  This is where 30,000 died and disappeared during the Dirty War of 1976-1983.  In 1977 fourteen woman formed the Mothers of the Plaza de Mayo to protest the disappearance of their loved ones.  The white scarf  can be seen all along the Plaza de Mayo which was our next stop. Casa Rosada sits across from the Plaza and is home to Eva Peron's famous balcony.  Eva Peron's image is virtually everywhere in this city. She is buried in Recoleta Cemetery.  This concluded our bike tour.

Brought the bikes back to the shop and walked back to the hotel.  A short rest and we were off again to explore Recoleta Cemetery.  Stopped for a small lunch of empanadas along the way.  This cemetery is absolutely amazing.  There really are no words or pictures that can describe it.  We found Eva Peron's mausoleum.  Actually passed by it once or twice.  We were looking for something grand but it was actually quite modest.  She truly was one of the people.

Eventually made our way back to the hotel.  Just time for a quick showers and to hug my bag that had arrived from United Airlines.  YAY!!!!  Soon we were off again.  Going to dinner down at Puerto Madero.  Down by the harbor where we had been in the afternoon with the bikes.  Walked along side the water and took in the sights.  Found a wonderful restaurant.  After last night's steak adventure we both chose the fish option.  I had the Patagonian trout and Kate the salmon.  Both were delicious.  Left the restaurant sated and happy.  Somehow we managed to miss a rain shower while we were inside.  Hailed a cab and are back in our suite planning tomorrow's adventure.  All in all a very good day.

Next time... Palmero Bike Tour?

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