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Buenos Aires has a lot of old vintage cars driving around on the roads. This rare example of a Citroen 2CV is not in a show-ready condition, still it looks adorable. Does it not? I wonder who owns this classic car.
Buenos Aires has a lot of old vintage cars driving around on the roads. This rare example of a Citroen 2CV is not in a show-ready condition, still it looks adorable. Does it not? I wonder who owns this classic car.
In fact, there are many streets in Buenos Aires that have those splendid tipa and plane trees around. The spreading branches provide shade and a nice cooling effect in the summer heat. It was just great to walk under their canopy watching the denizens and the rushing traffic on the streets of Palermo.
Thirsty anyone? "Let them come to me and drink." — Look, what a luxury pet dog bar I found in Palermo Soho. This is really a creative neighborhood. There is probably nothing ever so crazy you won't find in Buenos Aires.
Watching this group of performers preparing their gig on Calle Florida was fun. Normal people turned into the cliché of a Native American Indian tribe. They set up their speakers, put on some kitschy Wild West costumes, and played traditional pan flute music from tape. Buenos Aires has many of these roving open-air performing talents of all kind. A walk through the pedestrian-only shopping street, Calle Florida, is like attending a big buskers festival.
No matter what you think about graffiti and tagging but this is part of the urban image of Buenos Aires. This one in the picture is not a stunning beauty but you will find a lot of mural graffiti in the neighborhood of Palermo Soho.
The Puerto Madero district is the most modern neighborhood in Argentina's capital. After it has been completely remodeled it is now offering deluxe hotels, luxury apartment and exclusive residential housings as well as high-priced restaurants and bars.
The reputation of the trains in Buenos Aires could hardly be worse. After the rail service has been privatized in the mid 90s, the trains are often very late, terribly old and mostly in a bad condition. More than 3 million commuters in the Buenos Aires area, however, depend on these railways. What happens when the trains aren't on time? Well, violent riots have been reported.
The "Pasaje de la Defensa" is a wonderful place for a stroll. In the traditional house at Defensa 1179 you can delve in a variety of shops and find antique furniture, old times attires, a lot of handicraft, souvenirs and gifts. It is like a dip into the history of San Telmo.
Porteños usually are not really passionate about their cars. Cars are designed to be used and so they do. The cars are driven till they fall apart. That's bad news for the car industry and new car dealers but good for you, car mechanics! The auto repair shop in the picture specializes in car electrics and A/C work.
Traffic in Buenos Aires can be sometimes a nightmare but it is also a very good indicator of its liveliness. Traffic signs are supposed to be ignored and speed limits are considered as suggestions. You definitely have to watch out for the busses and taxis. It can be very dangerous to cross the streets without watching carefully.
The "Woman's Bridge" in the barrio Puerto Madero of Buenos Aires was designed by the Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava. The "Puente de la Mujer" serves as a pedestrian bridge and was inaugurated on December 20th, 2001.
Retiro is not only known as a neighborhood in Buenos Aires but also for its busy main station. Directly connected to "Subte C" line and a vast number of "Colectivos", there is also a very large intercity bus terminal as well as three train stations. Even if you don't like to take the train from "Estacion Retiro", enjoy at least the magnificent architecture.
One tourist attraction in Buenos Aires you truly must not miss is a ride with the nostalgic Subte A line. It's like breathing history. The gorgeous metro cars are still wooden as when the underground was opened almost a century ago. The best spot to hop in is at the "Plaza the Mayo" directly in front of the "Casa Rosada".
In the early 20th century there was only one other Harrods in the world besides the department store in Knightsbridge, London. Guess what? It was here in Buenos Aires at "Calle Florida", then a very elegant shopping street. The Buenos Aires Harrods, which opened in 1912 in a grand, belle époque building, is closed since 1998.
Since the late 19th century there were several waves of immigration to Argentina. Among other nationalities many Russians found their new home in Buenos Aires. The Russian Orthodox Cathedral of the Holy Trinity was built for this growing community in San Telmo. The temple was inaugurated at the beginning of the 20th century.
Getting a taxi in Buenos Aires is not a big deal. With more than 40,000 vehicles the city has the biggest taxi fleet in the world. So everything you have to do to grab a cab is holdin' up your hand. But be aware of non licensed taxis.
You want to learn how to dance Argentine tango? What you need on top of a gifted teacher is agility, a lot of patience, and a pinch of grace. The tango is not just a dance it is Argentine nationhood and culture.
Tigre is a small town in the lower Paraná delta and very close to Buenos Aires. It is an important recreation area for Porteños and for tourists as well. While taking a bath in the river is not really recommended, these local kids obviously enjoy themselves swimming in the "Río Sarmiento". This is one of the bigger branches in the Río Paraná delta not far from Tigre.
It is said that the colony of Buenos Aires was first founded in 1536 by the Spanish conquistador Pedro de Menodoza. It is also said that this was right here in the today's area of "Parque Lezama". Mendoza is honored by this Memorial.
Skateboarding is more popular than ever, so in Buenos Aires. At the entrance to "Parque del Centenario" you'll find a skating facility which is ideal for skateboarders, roller skaters, in-line skaters and stunt bike enthusiasts.
If you believe Andrew Lloyd Webber's musical Evita, the "best show in town is the crowd outside the Casa Rosada crying Eva Perón". Nowadays the devotees of María Eva Duarte de Perón are to be found in the Recoleta cemetery. Especially on Saturdays there is a good crowd qeueing in front of her family's mausoleum.
Who let the dogs out? Well, this is quite a common scene in Buenos Aires. This girl is walking the dogs for a living.
In Buenos Aires, it is all about "Colectivos" in public transportation. "Colectivo" is how the busses are called by the locals. It is striking that every bus line has its unique design.
"Parque Lezama" is always a wonderful spot to relax in the middle of the vibrant city and meet locals. This bunch of chess mates is playing a tournament of their favorite game.
There aren't so many supermarkets in San Telmo but many of these small grocery stores. They have almost everything for your daily needs. This shop is located in "Calle Defensa".
"Please have a seat and enjoy this beautiful day" seems this picture to imply. Right? From coffee to food, everything is served in the French styled "Café Origen". You'll find it in the heart of San Telmo at the corner of Calle Perú and Humberto primo.
"Calle Florída" is the most famous pedestrian zone in Buenos Aires. Here you can shop in hundreds of stores and malls along your way. The street is mostly very crowded even after sunset. It's a typical tourist spot and not the place where the Porteños buy.
Yeah, I guess they serve Coca Cola at the "La Casona". Noisy advertisement is typical for Corrientes Avenue, the "Broadway" of Buenos Aires. This street can be very crowded at night.
Yes, I'm kidding but they do have pigeons in Buenos Aires too. Yeah, quite a few... and there are even more to come. ;-) The invasion on Plaza de Mayo is because everybody is feeding them. Actually, tourists like them.
You like drinking your coffee in a vintage ambience? Then you have to visit the oldest and most famous café in Buenos Aires. The Gran Café Tortoni is in Avenida de Mayo, near Subte "Piedras".
In the early evening the side entrance of the restaurant is waiting for guests. The Buenos Aires branch of a Spanish chain store restaurant is located at Calle Cerrito next to Avenida 9 de Julio.
March 01, 2010
Dear friends and followers! My apologies for my long abscence. The blog is currently suspended due to a high work load. I'll be back, promise!
December 01, 2009
Buenos Aires Perception is on holiday. Till January, I will only post when I feel inspired and have a stable internet connection. (; Thanks for the visit, hope you will stop by again soon and check out the new photos. Stay tuned!
August 24, 2009
Buenos Aires Perception turns 6 months old. This seems a good occasion to say thank you to all visitors for stopping by and leaving comments.
June 08, 2009
Buenos Aires Perception is featured on Monday's Photo Essay at: