minimunchkin: 4 October 2017

Today is the start of the second part of our South America journey. As we drove through Beunos Aires on the way to our hotel, looking around the city we felt like we could have been in any big European city. It was such a contrast from where we’d just come from. It took a little time for our minds to adjust. Tonight we were that we were only going to do one thing, that is to find a bar somewhere and watch the football match between Argentina and Peru. This match was crucial in determining whether Argentina would make it into the World Cup. The last time they didn’t qualify was in 1962. Having come from Peru, the kids were rooting for the underdog and we had to keep reminding them not to cheer too loudly whenever Peru had possession 😅.

All eyes on the tv.

Mia and her new drinking buddies 😆

The atmosphere at the little burger joint cum bar was intense. Every time Messi got control of the ball you could feel the excitement in the air and each time he missed the goal, there was a loud cry of disappointment. Men and women, everyone there was passionate about their football! It was great to be here and be part of the excitement. Unfortunately the match ended in a draw which left everyone there pretty upset. Now it was going to be wait and see game, for all the other matches to be played before we will know Argentina’s fate based on points. It was a great night to start off our time here!

We met up with the Chans here again, and the kids were very happy to have their travelling buddies back.

Buenos Aires is so green. On the short drive from our hotel to the main city centre, we must have passed by at least four to five parks.

Under one of the oldest trees in city. The branches have never been trimmed since it was planted.

Everywhere we went, these kids would find a spot, any little free space, to play ball!

Recoleta Cemetary is unlike any cemetery we’ve seen. When we walked through the entrance, it felt like we were in a city with stone streets, large “houses”, trees and statues all around. Each mausoleum houses members, sometimes generations, of the same family, with the family name etched into the facade.

Wide walkways running through the cemetery

The cemetery’s most famous resident.

There are always flowers left here by her supporters, even after all these years.

Plaza Mayor is the oldest public square in Buenos Aires’ main square. It is also the political hub, financial and administrative centre of the city and this is where you’ll see Argentinians gather to protest or to celebrate.

The white scarf, symbol of the “Asociación Madres de Plaza de Mayo” (The Mothers of the Plaza de Mayo). There is a very sad and touching story behind this. In 1977, a group of mothers whose children “disappeared” during the military dictatorship between 1976 and 1986, gathered together and began marching in front of the Presidential Palace in open defiance of the government’s state terrorism intended to silent any opposition. These mothers came together to try and find out information about their children. It was interesting talking to our guide about this and realising how so many people are still affected by these events so many years later. As he very seriously said to us, if he didn’t look so much like his mum and dad, he would also be wondering if he was one of those stolen children.

Sunday lunch was at a typical Argentinian parilla in La Boca. The perfect place to kick off our Argentinian meat fest!

So much meat! Someone couldn’t wait to dig into those sausages and steaks.

Chef at work.

Simply delicious!

All the different cuts cooked to perfection, who can resist this?!

Mouth full, happy belly 😋

So we remember where to come next time we’re back in Buenos Aires.

We couldn’t possibly leave Buenos Aires without watching a Tango show, so it was dinner and show at Esquina Carlos Gardel on our second night here. They put on a very good performance, showcasing all the many different styles of Tango. The only problem is that it was just too late. Dinner started at 9pm and the dancers only came on around 10pm so it was almost midnight by the time the show ended. We were all exhausted, and probably didn’t really appreciate it as much as we would have if we weren’t so tired.

Amazing moves by the dancers, especially the speed at which their legs moved!

So many different styles of Tango, all just as beautiful to watch.

Zonked out!

Beunos Aires is such a vibrant city. Away from the city centre there are little pockets of suburbs which are bustling with activity. We especially enjoyed walking around Palermo, its tree lined streets dotted with funky shops, trendy cafes and inviting restaurants.