It’s been a bit of a balancing act for us here in Buenos Aires. The plethora of delightful cafeterias, panaderias, pastelerias, heladerias, chocolaterias, authentic pizzerias and simply countless great restaurants ( for which the city is renowned ) represent a constant ( and I mean constant ! ) temptation. And, with no truck camper, well, we just had to eat out all the time. Every which way you turn there is one or more of these tantalizing food options- but how to keep it all from adding pounds ( or kilos ) in precisely the wrong places, all the while staying fit to explore the city ?

Sidewalk cafe’s are everywhere, and served not only coffee/tea and the like. A cold beer or wine could be had whenever !

Cake display at “London City” one of BA’s well known cafeterias on Avenida de Mayo. Very decadent ! We’ve never eaten as much of it as we have here.

Simple, we decided. We’d enjoy Buenos Aires’ edible temptations daily, though in moderation, and we’d walk everywhere we possibly could when sightseeing. Not only was walking good for us but it gave us a close up view of the city that one sometimes misses in a taxi, bus, subway or an Uber. Excuse the pun but perhaps we really could ( quite literally ) have our “cake” and eat it too !

Even breakfast had a ”sweet” emphasis. Here, breakfast at London City. This was the Americano and included ( incredibly ) an extremely generous portion of strawberry covered cheesecake. First time we have eaten cheesecake for breakfast !

One of the great things about Recoleta is the abundance of great little ”boutique” restaurants. This one, ”ToriTori”, was a favourite of ours. Best beef brochettes we’ve ever had !

With Covid trending significantly lower here as it is in most countries (but still a threat), more walking ( masked up of course ) would also minimize the risk of any possible infection. In fact, and perhaps we are a bit paranoid about it, we have not taken a bus or subway (which are generally very crowded ) since we came back in November. So far so good on that count…..fingers crossed. Gastronomic temptations aside there has been no shortage of sights and attractions in this enormous city. Below are some of the places of interest we’ve been exploring of late.

Puerto Madero, a redeveloped riverside neighborhood in BA. Some good shopping, a great park and good eateries in this part of town.

Caminito, a colorful street in La Boca ( literally, ”the mouth” ), a gritty neighborhood in Buenos Aires. Famous not only for the colorful buildings, La Boca’s eponymous football club ( Boca Juniors ) claims legendary Argentine player Diego Maradona as its favorite son.

Maradona, Eva Peron, and Carlos Gardel ( who significantly influenced the tango ), La Boca.

Puente de la Mujer ( Woman’s Bridge ), Puerto Madero. It’s angled design was intended to evoke an image of tango

BA has one of the nicest Japanese gardens we have seen anywhere – a place of solitude and quiet contemplation in the middle of a busy city.

BA also has a beautiful botanical garden not far away.

…..and both colorful and exotic plants could be seen in the Jardin Botanico ( Botanical Garden ) !

Many statues too. Some like this, in the garden……

….and others, evoking the struggle for independence, such as this on Avenida Libertador

Avenida 9 de Julio is wider ( but runs both ways ). We counted 12 lanes ( just one way ) on Avenida Libertador !

Often when sitting at an outdoors cafe we would be entertained just watching people park. Often bumper to bumper ( sometimes at both ends ). Seemingly little thought is given as to how people would get out !

The sights of BA have been enjoyable and there are many more still to see. In the background, meanwhile, we are keeping a close eye on the “Toledo” as it steams north to the US. As of the close of this blog it appears not to have fallen any further behind in its schedule and seems to be making steady progress up the coast of Brazil en route to Panama.

Here’s hoping for continued smooth sailing over the next few weeks.

Port congestion seems to be the main reason for shipping delays. Our ship made two stops in Brazil ( at Rio Grande and Santos ) and in this image ( at Santos ) you can see how many ships are waiting to berth. Typical these days.

Forever watching over the nation – a giant mural of Evita on the side of a high rise overlooking the massive Avenida 9 de Julio.

14 Comments

Kim Paterson on March 12, 2022 at 7:31 am

What incredible pictures! Looks like you are enjoying the indulgence of the boutique restaurants and shopping. I can’t say I have ever had cheesecake for breakfast. Enjoy your adventures while you wait for the “Toledo” to arrive safely. See you soon.
- Jeff Gunn on March 12, 2022 at 7:37 am
  
  Hi Kim,
  
  Greetings from BA !
  
  Yes, the “breakfast” cheesecake was a bit rich, even for a sweet tooth like me ! Lol.
Chris Woods on March 12, 2022 at 8:01 am

Looks like dessert heaven!
- Jeff Gunn on March 12, 2022 at 8:15 am
  
  Absolutely….!
Anne Gunn on March 12, 2022 at 12:26 pm

Enjoyed La Boca & those colourful buildings when we were there. I do remember those wide streets that you couldn’t cross without pressing the pedestrian crossing button again 1/2 way across. Took so long to get from one side to the other. The street across from our sons place in Santiago had 7 lanes each way! Keep enjoying BA – so far so good with the sea freight. More walking & less nibbling!!!
- Jeff Gunn on March 12, 2022 at 12:42 pm
  
  Yes…..but the “nibbles” are sooooo good ! Lol !
- Maria Bullock on March 21, 2022 at 5:44 pm
  
  Wow! I’m salivating!!
  Looks amazing x
  - Jeff Gunn on March 21, 2022 at 6:02 pm
    
    Hi Maria,
    
    Yes, really nice spot, we were very sorry to leave – just over in Uruguay now so will check it out before flying north. Will give you a call one night this week – don’t worry, I will pay attention to the time zone !!!
- Spencer and petra on March 23, 2022 at 12:55 pm
  
  Hi guys, thanks for sharing your story every week! I always look forward to Saturday mornings now 😊 hopefully the truck arrives on time for you two so you can continue your trip without too much hassle. We also looking forward to see you back here, we would love to catch up at the lake!
  - Jeff Gunn on March 23, 2022 at 1:44 pm
    
    Hi guys,
    
    Nice to hear from you and I hope by now you have your new van ? Glad you are enjoying the read each week. Just sitting in a hotel in Montevideo as I read your comment – very nice here ( and we can even throw the toilet paper in the toilets in Uruguay, a real delight !!! Lol ! ). We will definitely connect at our regular spot this summer !
Margo Kornachuk, Winnipeg, Manitoba on March 12, 2022 at 2:21 pm

Buenos Aires looks so beautiful, and clean and modern! How lovely a place to spend time.
- Jeff Gunn on March 12, 2022 at 3:45 pm
  
  Hi Margo,
  
  Yes, the beautiful parts are indeed beautiful ( we tried to stay away from the sketchy parts )!
Lucille Howard on March 18, 2022 at 3:27 pm

You have inspired us Jeff, cannot wait to visit BA! Keep enjoying your last days!
- Jeff Gunn on March 18, 2022 at 4:10 pm
  
  Glad to hear, Lucy ! You will definitely like it. Check out the next blog – it’s the last piece on BA.

More Buenos Aires !

14 Comments

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