Waiting for the Signal to Come

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Buenos Aires is awash with public TV screens. Like it or not, you will encounter them virtually everywhere. One might think these screens are entertaining while waiting for the next train but in fact it's just annoying. One would wish that all these blatant screens would snooze soundly for awhile. The TV screen in this picture is obviously waiting for a signal to get back to broadcasting. The rather quiet specimen caught my attention exactly because it was so silent and waiting for a signal. Whenever I see this white noise image I kind of feel reminded of my childhood. I remember that I sometimes imagined those black and white dots were fighting each other and there was not a ghost of a chance of winning for either side.

The first of the month has arrived, and it is City Daily Photo Theme Day. December 2009 theme day is Waiting. If you like to see other interpretations of this subject Click here to view thumbnails for all participants.

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Commuters in the Subte Linea C

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The subway network of Buenos Aires could be larger but at least the city is lucky to have a functioning underground transportation system that covers a large part of the city already. While four long lines lead straight to and from downtown Buenos Aires, there are two other lines that expand vertically. That is a good start but not yet sufficient. The city definitely needs more circular connectors between the radial lines. This would make public transport a lot easier, faster, and more efficient. Anyway, I love to tour around with the Subte. It tells so much about the people and the city.

• I'm reading: Commuters in the Subte Linea C

R is for Rusty Ride

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Buenos Aires' streets are full of old and decrepit cars. The other day I came across this green-blue-ish jalopy car parked in the streets of Palermo. It looked as if it would just fall apart and made me wonder what it was held together with. I saw at least no tape or string. Another point that caught my eye was the car's perfect adaption to its environment--its color almost matched the color of the facade of the houses! If you like these jalopies as I do there is another one for you here. Well, if Argentina had a "cash-for-clunkers" program, this one would certainly qualify.

Enjoy even more ABC Wednesday posts from around the world! Click here.

• I'm reading: R is for Rusty Ride

Cama Suite for Overnight Bus Travel

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Argentina is so huge that either an internal flight or an overnight bus is the most practical way to get around. Long distance bus providers offer some of the most luxurious and comfortable busses in the world. Taking an intercity bus is like flying. Logically, the higher the category you book the better the service and comfort will be. The most comfy but still affordable option is the cama suite (this is equivalent to flying business class). There will be food & beverages served by a steward/stewardess and you get entertained with a video and audio program. There are many other comfort classes so there's something for every budget. An overview and description of the comfort classes can be found here.

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Counters at the Terminal de Omnibus de Retiro

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If you like backpacking, Argentina will be heaven for you especially when you're on a budget. The country is easily accessible via bus, and getting around is cheap and reliable. There are many different bus companies to get in every tiny corner of Argentina and the neighboring countries. Well, all you need is some extra time and, of course, a ticket. Hence, you will sooner or later find yourself at one of these ticket counters lined up in an endless row in the bus terminal of Estación Retiro. Just choose your destination and find the right counter. Buen viaje!

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Close-Up Shot of Auxilio de Colectivo

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Today I give you a close-up shot of the same old and fancy auxilio de colectivo that you saw in yesterday's post so you can once more marvel at its perfectly formed car body. This is one of the so called auxilios recortados. That means the bus has been converted to a roadside assistance truck to give the vehicle a multi-role capability which is a very common practice for old colectivos in Buenos Aires. Judging from the design of this tow truck, it's obviously a Mercedes-Benz chassis probably a LO-1112 from the swinging 1960s, but I'm not an expert. I just love the vehicle's exceptional design. Have you noticed the improvised car bumper? It's made from an old tire.

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Auxilio de Colectivo - Expreso Quilmes

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This would have been your colectivo to Quilmes but, obviously, it has a problem. Well, this kind of daily trouble is not rare in a big city like Buenos Aires. Actually, it is not a big deal. You just get off the bus and take the next colectivo that comes, and they are coming frequently. In case of a vehicle defect of line 98 this fancy tow truck comes to the rescue. Remarkably, every bus company has its own auxilio de colectivo, a roadside assistance vehicle. To me, this old Mercedes-Benz truck was rather a roadside attraction. Thankfully, I have personally never experienced a breakdown with a bus in Buenos Aires yet (knock on wood).

• I'm reading: Auxilio de Colectivo - Expreso Quilmes

Classic Wooden Interior of Subte Linea A

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Subte Linea A is considered the tourist epitome in every guidebook of Buenos Aires. I guess, back in the good old days when Argentina was unimaginably rich this was one of the most comfortable and elegant public transportation lines in the world. This picture shows some details of the historical wooden interior of Linea A which is in use since the Roaring Twenties. Nowadays, riding this subway line isn't so pleasant anymore. It is making a loud clattering sound when running, but still, it's fun. It is definitely one of the most authentic tourist attractions in Buenos Aires.

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Estacíon Retiro - General Manuel Belgrano

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The district of Retiro is the location of the huge namesake railway station. Retiro station consists of actually three separate terminus stations. Each of the three is named after a famous military leader from the time when Argentina fought for independence. The one in the picture is named after General Manuel Belgrano who was one of the authors of the Argentine Declaration of Independence. Locals also refer to the station as Ferrovías. This is the name of the company that operates the Belgrano Norte line which leaves from here. These trains will take you to Villa Rosa in the Greater Buenos Aires area.

• I'm reading: Estacíon Retiro - General Manuel Belgrano

Colectivo Orientation Sign at Estación Constitución

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Orientation is everything, especially when it comes to find the right spot to catch a colectivo in Buenos Aires. If you have made experience with the public transport system, in particular with the buses, you know what I'm talking about. Often it's very hard to figure out which bus to take for a certain destination, and more importantly, to find the right bus stop. If you ever happen to be clueless at the bus terminal on Constitution Plaza, this orientation sign in front of the train station comes to the rescue. All you now need to know is the number of the colectivo line and the direction you are heading. Simple, isn't it?

• I'm reading: Colectivo Orientation Sign at Estación Constitución

Typical Traffic Scene in Buenos Aires

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There's so much boisterous life in the streets of Buenos Aires -- motorized life, to be frank, that is mostly stuck in traffic. Well, the vehicle traffic here is loud, and colorful, and can be very interesting to watch if you're not in a hurry. You will see people reading the newspaper, shaving, singing, applying makeup, fiddling with the radio or even picking their noses. The guy leaning out of the car window was noticeably flirting with a woman on the sidewalk.

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Smooth and Speedy Ride Home

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When the wild bash is over coming home and going to bed is everything you want. Well, now you would die for living close to the club. As the party locations in Buenos Aires are too spread out living close would mean you have to rent an apartment or at least a room in almost every quarter.
While only reckless fools drive a car after drinking or ride with someone who was drinking, alternative means of locomotion must be found. A taxi would be an option but, frankly, it is only half as exciting as using the fancy colectivos. They are too swell to be refused and their drivers are even cooler. Take a look at this bus driver and let me tell you he was driving at breathtaking speed through the streets of Buenos Aires. But at least he was sober! (;

• I'm reading: Smooth and Speedy Ride Home

Waiting In Line

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What are these people waiting for? All these ladies and gentlemen are standing patiently in line at the bus station waiting to get on the bus home. As a rule, be prepared for a crush of people around rush hour. Then it is most likely you will see insanely long lines for a colectivo, especially in the city center. In general you don't need to expect such huge queues but some routes seem to be more frequented than others. Riding the bus in Buenos Aires, however, is interesting and a great possibility to mingle with locals.

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Estación Constitución - Southern Gateway to Buenos Aires

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The Plaza Constitución is the central travel hub for trains, buses and cabs in the south of Buenos Aires. This makes it one of the busiest areas if suburban traffic is concerned. Everywhere you see Argentineans catching one of the various commuter buses to get into the city's center or to their homes in the suburbs. The pink building is the train and underground station Constitución. It was built in the late 19th century to cope with the increasing suburban traffic due to rising immigration. From here you can travel further south by train to destinations like Mar del Plata and Bahia Blanca, for instance. At day the area is insanely crowded, loud, and at least to some extent chaotic. At night this place is best avoided.

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Trouble Under the Hood

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This cargo van was left unattended like that, perfectly parked along the curb with the hood open. I have no idea why the driver left his car like this. Maybe he had some overheating issues and wanted to aid cooling. Maybe he left his truck alone to get some gas or he just went away to get some help with car troubleshooting. Maybe it's a bit of everything, maybe not. Anyway, it's quite common to see old and wrecked cars running in the street of Buenos Aires.

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Buenos Aires Subterráneo Sign Fail

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There is this voice again telling us about the importance of keeping humor in mind at all times. Since I saw this sign I believe that also sign designers keep humor in mind even though the humor is some sort of wry. I'm not sure if I understand the sign correctly but I guess it is saying: Do not embrace the train! Aw, c'mon, don't be such a kill-joy! This is exactly what everybody wants to do, right?
Kidding aside, I'm not convinced that someone who wants to jump off the platform can be stopped by a sign like this.
In what way do you perceive this sign?

There's another sign fail post on Buenos Aires Perception:
Beware of Businessmen in Buenos Aires?

• I'm reading: Buenos Aires Subterráneo Sign Fail

The Beautiful Women of Buenos Aires

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Beauty is indeed relative and is truly in the eye of the beholder. It is said that Argentina, specifically Buenos Aires, has the most beautiful women in the world. Surely this big reputation creates a temptation to perfection. Argentina is also known for its relatively large number of cosmetic surgery. Is this just a coincidence? I guess it must be hard to resist. Even the president, Cristina Fernández de Kirchner, is not immune to this temptation. She is always dressed up and well-known for her fashion expenses.
What do you think is beauty a blessing or a curse?

• I'm reading: The Beautiful Women of Buenos Aires

The Low Fall From a High End

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The abrupt cut of this street marks the ending of the Autopista between Buenos Aires and La Plata, also known as La Ruta Nacional 1. The remaining lanes lead to the Autopista 25 de Mayo that will get you to the Ezeiza International Airport. The sudden end of the lanes looks pretty unfinished just as if a future extension is planned. In fact, I have no clue whether this is an extension point or the final state of the construction work. Let's hope nobody will ever fall off this urban cliff.

• I'm reading: The Low Fall From a High End

Only Cycling is faster

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Who's got time to grow old in traffic?
The average speed for a journey by car in downtown Buenos Aires is damn sluggish. The moment the picture was taken we were driving 24 kilometers per hour, almost our maximum speed that morning. I wonder why our cities were made so car friendly in the last 50 years and yet don't work as needed. You may know that problem from your city as well. This avenue, the Nueve de Julio, is supposed to be the biggest street in the world but most of the time the street is congested. Oddly enough, streets were obviously built to suit more and more cars, but they were not built for transport efficiency and travel comfort.

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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?

• I'm reading: Take it Easy and Carry on