Daydreaming of Summer in Uruguay

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Once in a while, especially in winter, I long for these beautiful and hot days and weeks at the beaches of the Atlantic Ocean. It's almost ten days ago since the days began to lengthen again and before long spring will take over. Since Buenos Aires lacks decent and clean beaches, everyone is heading either to Mar del Plata or Punta del Este in summer. These are the closest holiday destinations from Buenos Aires. Punta del Este is virtually the Saint-Tropez of South America but unlike there you will find a lot of secluded beaches here. Uruguay is so enviably rich in great and sandy beaches.

This post is supported by HomeAway®.
HomeAway has created the website http://blog.homeaway.com and is asking consumers to sign a petition requesting U.S. Congress to proclaim a "National Vacation Day" on August 7, 2009.

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Cake Pie Shop in Palermo Viejo

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Whenever I'm in Palermo I try to stop by this fancy, little Pasteleria in Gurruchaga Street and have coffee and cake. I really like the interior deco of this little shop. It is modern and vintage at the same time. The shop's tiny sales room provides just enough space for a few customers. What I like most is to sneak a peek into the "cake laboratory".

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Let Freedom Ring!

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With today's post Buenos Aires Perception expresses its ardent support for the pursuit of self-determination of mankind and firmly condemns any kind of suppression and intimidation.

It is up to us — not to close our eyes but spot the big picture.
It is up to us — to better understand the history and learn for the prospects of humanity.
It is up to us — to ask unpleasant questions to those in power and be inconvenient.
It is up to us — to remember what has already started in 1953.

Click here to view thumbnails for all participants in support of the missing City Daily Photo blogger from Tehran.

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Dorrego Square in Winter

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San Telmo is covering a relatively small geographic area of Buenos Aires and the Plaza Dorrego is its focal point for tourists. Because there aren't many tourists in winter, you can enjoy the beautiful scenery freely. On this chilly morning, there were only a few locals on the square, offering odds and ends while sharing gossip and socializing.

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Concierge Reading the Newspaper in the Lobby

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What might this guy be reading? Is it about the upcoming legislative elections in Argentina on Sunday, the growing impact of the worldwide economic recession, the state terror against the Iranian people or about the deaths of Farrah Fawcett and Michael Jackson? The newspapers are full of bad news these days.
Whatever it is, this guy needs to stay awake and alert. Many residential houses in Buenos Aires, not only upper class, have these concierge and security services. The business hours and job description of such a lobby entrance guy is varying according to the size and needs of the building he works in. Mostly he will answer visitor inquiries, escort guests, and handle the mail, packages and deliveries.

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Car "Doors" by Gustavo Gagliardo aka DEFI

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You never know what you might find in a city like Buenos Aires. That day it was street art on a dented, discarded car hood by the artist Gustavo Gagliardo aka DEFI. The hood is part of a whole collection of daubed car parts, mostly doors, which he had distributed across the neighborhood of Palermo. His mobile art is designed for public environments like the streets. Because most people won't recognize the pieces as art, they are always chained to prevent them from being accidentally removed by the CLIBA or cartoneros. DEFI's main element is a simplified cat face that makes his work distinctive. He exhibits all over the world but especially in street art friendly cities like Barcelona, Berlin, London, Los Angeles, Milan and of course Buenos Aires. If you want to learn more about Gustavo, please visit lindokiller.com.

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Carlos Gardel Remembered on 74th Anniversary of Death

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Thousands maybe millions of fans around the globe will today remember a "singing hero" who dedicated his life to the tango. In 1935, the spotless career of the King of Tango came to a sad end. Carlos Gardel died in his mid 40s in a plane crash in Medellín, Colombia. Gardel is buried in the La Chacarita Cemetery in Buenos Aires. His tomb is over and over plastered with bronze memorial plaques and fresh flowers. On top of this his adoring fans provide the lifelike statue with a smoldering cigar ever so often. He truly remains an idol especially for the Argentinean and Latin American fans.
If you are interested in more information on Carlos Gardel, I recommend a visit to gardelweb.com.

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Protest against Consequences of Resolution 041

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Demonstrations are quite common these days in Buenos Aires. Argentineans virtually insist on their assured right of free assembly and know about the absolute necessity to demonstrate for their causes. This group of protesters is demanding the abolition of resolution 041. They claim that the implementation of this resolution ruins their basis of life.
I don't know what the resolution 041 is all about; if you know what's at stake, please let me know.

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Mind-Blowing View over Buenos Aires

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If you thought Buenos Aires is breath taking from the ground, consider this magnificent view from above. This vantage point facing north-west offers an entirely new perspective on the neighborhood of Colegiales and parts of Palermo. It's an extraordinary experience. One wish one could fly over Buenos Aires like a pigeon!

Many thanks to Jed from LandingPadBA.com. I took the picture from the rooftop of his apartment house.

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Argentinean Congressional Elections in One Week

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Sunday, a week from now is election day all across Argentina. In March the Senate already has decided to move up congressional elections by four months to June 28. The Peronist Party, led by Néstor Kirchner, currently controls both houses of Congress. His wife Cristina Fernández de Kirchner was elected president in 2007. They hope antedating the legislative elections will increase their chances of keeping the majority of seats before the full impact of the global economic crisis is felt in Argentina. Some political observers accuse the government of having ulterior motives and playing games which could backfire in the worst way.

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Cable Tangle in Buenos Aires

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The sky over Buenos Aires is all over criss-crossed by interconnecting electrical cables and telephone wires as you can see in the picture. Many parts of the city seem to lack an underground wire system. Whenever someone needs broadband internet service the cable guys just throw a new cable from house to house. It is as simple as that. I find this a great example to get an idea of what the Internet looks like in 3D.
What do you think, is the Internet friend or foe?

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Take it Easy and Carry on

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Riding in an overcrowded colectivo filled with sweaty and tired people through the streets of Buenos Aires is truly no pleasure jaunt. On top of this most commuters had to wait in crazy waiting lines before getting on the bus. It is amazing how civilized and easy Porteños take a stressful ordeal like this. I guess there is not much that can interfere with the Argentine composure.
Do you ever had bad experiences in public transport?

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Solitary Shoe Shine Stand

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The traditional urban shoe shining is a dying vocation, but it is still very likely to meet a shoeshine man in Buenos Aires, especially in the city center. While the shoeshiner was not around when the picture was taken it was uncanny how accurate he had left everything behind. Well, I guess having everything at hand will make the job go smoother and be less frustrating. Who would've thought you need all these shoe shining supplies to shine shoes.
Have you ever had your shoes shined?

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Buried History of Argentina

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Frankly, ego played a big role in building up the magnificent cemetery in Recoleta reserved for the aristocrats and the rich of the Argentine society. The grandeur is simply overwhelming, and makes it a wonderful place to go for a walk and contemplate. Industrialists and entrepreneurs, politicians and writers, madams and millionaires, all designated this place as their final resting place. It is certainly true to say that a lot of Argentina's history is buried here.
Do you think wealthiness obliges the rich to be buried in abundant mausoleums?

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Photographic Memories from a Faded Era

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This picture of an old photo is from back in the days when Argentina had belonged to the six richest nations on earth. In those days Buenos Aires literally worked like a sponge, it absorbed people from all over the world. They came mostly for work and in search of a better future. This old era is long gone, and Argentina now finds itself in a totally different situation. I don't know anything about the name or ancestry of the old family in the photo. However, I would say they belonged to the upper ten thousand of the Argentine society of the late 19th century.
If anyone knows more about this family, who they are and what they did, please post a comment. I'm curious.

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Montevideo - Buenos Aires’ Sister City

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Montevideo is like the younger, little sister that has always been in the shadow of more flamboyant Buenos Aires. Two cities so alike and yet so different! If you can't stand the hustle and bustle of big Buenos Aires anymore try the smaller Montevideo. This lovely city on the other side of the Rio de la Plata, is always worthwhile visiting.

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Happy Birthday, Che Guevara

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Today is the birthday of one of Argentina's best known icons. I bet you have already figured out: Ernesto Guevara de la Serna, better known as Che Guevara. He would be turning 81 years old. He was born in Rosario, just a few hours away from Buenos Aires and became known as one of the leaders of the Cuban Revolution. He is being loved and hated by people all over the world and has become one of Argentina's biggest exports. The U.S. Time Magazine voted him one of the most influential personalities of the 20th century. Undoubtedly Che Guevara is a ubiquitous global symbol of counterculture.

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Stop-and-Go and Walking Zig Zag

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Downtown Buenos Aires can get very busy at times, especially during the office hours. Then it becomes quite challenging to make your way through the maze of Microcentro; plenty of people blocking your way with no empty squares to pass through. It's like doing a hurdle race with human obstacles. In the evening, however, the very same area is turning into an abandoned, empty nothing.
What's downtown like in your city?

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The White Room of the Casa Rosada in Buenos Aires

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This is the White Salon in the Casa Rosada, the presidential palace in Buenos Aires. It is mostly used for press conferences and official receptions. It looks like there are a lot of empty chairs in that room, as if they called a press conference and nobody showed up. Usually this place is crowded either by journalist or tourists, so it was that day. Only I took the picture when the masses had already left.
Did you ever attend a press conference?

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Big Fat Blob Graffiti

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This graffiti reminds me so much of Jabba the Hutt from Star Wars. You know the 600-year-old big fat slug that sits around and eats crazy looking lobsters for snacks. I assume there is a link between the painter and George Luckas' Star Wars trilogy. Thus I guess the artist is probably male, in his 30s and a science fiction fan.
This begs the question, do you also believe that this is a funny Jabba the Hutt takeoff or is it just a wonderfully weird image?

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Matanza Riachuelo River Pollution in Southern Buenos Aires

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Believe it or not, this is a river in Buenos Aires, the Matanza Riachuelo River in the neighborhood of La Boca! "El Riachuelo" is a rather small river that carries huge problems. It originates in the Province of Buenos Aires until it eventually flows into the Río de la Plata estuary. In March the Spanish newspaper "El Mundo" has designated this watercourse as the most polluted river in South America. Crippling poison is your friend! There is probably no chemical you won't find in here: From nitrates, mercury, hexachlorocyclohexane (Lindan), chlorobenzene to tetrachloromethane and bromodichloromethane. It is such a dangerous and stinky mess!!! After a debate about the cleansing of the river that was ongoing for more than 17 years it was announced yesterday that the world bank has finally granted a long awaited loan of US$840 million to Argentina to clean up the Riachuelo. Let's hope that this indispensable step is not further delayed.

• I'm reading: Matanza Riachuelo River Pollution in Southern Buenos Aires

Parisian Architecture of the Belle Époque

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Parisian-like architecture of the Belle Époque is what Buenos Aires is famous for and which makes the city so charming. The way the houses are build is a clear expression of the yearning of the mostly European immigrants for their old homeland. If you walk through the streets and avenues of Buenos Aires you will literally sense the nostalgia and faded memories of thousands and thousands of immigrants, exiles and expatriates from all over the world. It won't take long and you will begin to color and furnish the beauty of the architecture with your own emotions and memories.
What do you think is good architecture all about?

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Marina Puerto Madero in Buenos Aires

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There are many marinas in and around Buenos Aires which permit locals and visitors to enjoy the stunning waterways of the Rio de la Plata area. This rather small marina in Puerto Madero is located very central. It is a great place for those visiting and staying in the city of Buenos Aires. From here it is just a 15 minute walk to Plaza de Mayo.
What do you think is it that makes people passionate about sailing?

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Couple Canvas Coitus

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The painting in the middle by Pablo Suárez is part of the fine art collection compiled by Edward Shaw and María Padilla de Shaw. The whole collection comprises 100 paintings of contemporary artists and is considered one of the most important collections of Argentine modern art. The collection is continuously on exhibition in the two sites of the Torcuato Di Tella University in Buenos Aires. This picture, however, was taken in the Centro Cultural Borges. I leave the interpretation of the couple interaction in the picture and in the painting up to you.

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Floriano Fall in Iguazu National Park

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The most typical stops on any Argentine itinerary are Buenos Aires, Patagonia and the Iguazu Falls. The latter is about 1600 km north of Buenos Aires in the province of Misiones. It is almost impossible to describe the grandeur and might of the falls. You have to see it with your own eyes and hear it with your own ears. Believe me if you die without seeing the Iguazu Falls, you've missed out one of the most beautiful places on earth.
Where is the most incredible place you have ever been?

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Karcherizing against the Sticker and Poster Mess

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These guys are working for the Cliba Group, the waste management and environmental engineering company of Buenos Aires. They are constantly removing unwanted stickers and posters from walls, poles and signs. It must feel like in the myth of Sisyphus. Soon after the removal new ones will be put up again but at least they make the task of pasting posters all over the city more difficult. Well, this area is highly frequented by tourists so it gets much more attention. These waste and recycling bins stand near the Palacio del Congreso Nacional (Argentine National Congress). A high pressure water jet seems obviously to be the best tool for this job.

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Public-Private Sponsoring in Buenos Aires

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These streets are proudly brought to you by...
The sponsoring of street name signs in Buenos Aires is quite common but still surprising. Companies put up street signs branded with their corporate logos. They are almost everywhere throughout the city and it seems pretty normal to have these kind of advertising. I wonder what would happen if they were not sponsored. Would they simply disappear? Would street name signs even exist then?
Do you know other cities where the street name signs are branded?

• I'm reading: Public-Private Sponsoring in Buenos Aires

Street Tango Corazon

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The tango belongs to Argentina such as gauchos (Argentine cowboys), asado (Argentinean barbecue), mate or soccer. Some say dancing the Argentine tango is good to begin with when it comes to learn ballroom dances. I guess this is what tango teachers tell you. But before hitting the tango schools I would suggest you start from scratch by simply watching others dancing the tango in the streets of the city. There is a very high chance of watching locals dancing the tango somewhere in Buenos Aires.
What do you think is the best dance for starters?

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Discovering Buenos Aires by Foot

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I'm a little late on joining the City Daily Photo theme day. This time's topic is feet. Actually, feet are made for walking and I thought this picture would be an appropriate contribution. Buenos Aires is far too big to just walk it all up but I consider walking as a great way to discover the city. All other types of moving around may be more convenient and faster but they are less rewarding.
How do you prevent blisters from walking?

Click here to view thumbnails for all participants

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Urban Anonymity in Buenos Aires

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Despite all beauty and elegance of Buenos Aires, you will find a lot of these anonymous, faceless high-rise buildings if you step off the normal tourist paths. They were mostly built in the modern spirit of rationality of the 1970s. The good thing is you have a magnificent view from up there.

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