Thought we would check out the colourful, vibrant, old port area known as La Boca. The guy at the hostel told us to catch bus no. 43 and get off at the very end. He then drew a big red cross on our map and said do not go into this area as it is very dangerous. La Boca is one of the poorer, working class areas of Buenos Aires and therefore you shouldn´t wander from the tourist section.
This all seemed simple enough except that we couldn´t find the right bus so we got on a different one that said La Boca and presumed it would end up at the same place. Well, it did end up at La Boca but we were dropped off in the No Go zone. I was not very excited about this and had a mini panic attack but no one was about (probably all lurking in alley ways and behind bushes) so it seemed ok. Turns out the thing you should be most scared about is standing in dog poo – it is everywhere. You spend most of your time looking at the ground and not the sights.
We passed the Boca Junios soccer stadium (apparently fans go a bit nuts at games and if you do go an Irish guy we met recommended you sit as high up in the stands as possible or you will probably get crushed). Without too much hasstle we found our way to the Caminito – a short pedestrian walk lined with multi-coloured corrugated-metal buildings. A lot of artists reside here and there were market stalls everywhere selling very touristy paintings. There were also lots of restaurants with tango dancers performing in the street trying to lure people like us in – they succeeded.
Alter exploring La Boca we went back to San Telmo (on the correct bus this time). Alas still no sign of the ever elusive gramaphones. We did find some ridiculously expensive and very beautiful antique religious artwork dating from the 1700s – 1800s. Reproductions just aren´t the same. It is a good thing we only have a debit card otherwise I would be carting several paintings and icons with me up north. I do have the business card though!
Tonight we go first class by bus up to Puerto Iguazo which is in Argentina on the border of Brazil and Paraguay (16 hours). Our seats fold right back into beds so hopefully we will sleep. If Jon and I get too used to this we wont be able to go cattle class on the planes ever again.
This all seemed simple enough except that we couldn´t find the right bus so we got on a different one that said La Boca and presumed it would end up at the same place. Well, it did end up at La Boca but we were dropped off in the No Go zone. I was not very excited about this and had a mini panic attack but no one was about (probably all lurking in alley ways and behind bushes) so it seemed ok. Turns out the thing you should be most scared about is standing in dog poo – it is everywhere. You spend most of your time looking at the ground and not the sights.
We passed the Boca Junios soccer stadium (apparently fans go a bit nuts at games and if you do go an Irish guy we met recommended you sit as high up in the stands as possible or you will probably get crushed). Without too much hasstle we found our way to the Caminito – a short pedestrian walk lined with multi-coloured corrugated-metal buildings. A lot of artists reside here and there were market stalls everywhere selling very touristy paintings. There were also lots of restaurants with tango dancers performing in the street trying to lure people like us in – they succeeded.
Alter exploring La Boca we went back to San Telmo (on the correct bus this time). Alas still no sign of the ever elusive gramaphones. We did find some ridiculously expensive and very beautiful antique religious artwork dating from the 1700s – 1800s. Reproductions just aren´t the same. It is a good thing we only have a debit card otherwise I would be carting several paintings and icons with me up north. I do have the business card though!
Tonight we go first class by bus up to Puerto Iguazo which is in Argentina on the border of Brazil and Paraguay (16 hours). Our seats fold right back into beds so hopefully we will sleep. If Jon and I get too used to this we wont be able to go cattle class on the planes ever again.
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