A blustery day in Buenos Aires…

Being back in Buenos Aires after having been here already at the beginning of our trip really changes the feel of the place. The streets are still very wide, filled with cars, buses and people rushing off in all directions, but we aren’t overwhelmed and seem to be able to tune out most of the chaotic energy! What a difference. We’re staying in a hotel on a side street off the main drag of Avenida 9 de Julio (12 -16 lanes wide!). There is green space in the middle lined with jacaranda trees that are now in full bloom with their beautiful lavender flowers. Today has been super rainy and blustery so the blossoms are blowing everywhere like confetti. We decided this morning instead of walking we’d catch a ‘hop on - hop off’ bus and while away a rainy day driving around the city. Unfortunately it rained all day so we didn’t get off the bus but the ride did give me a much better overview and orientation of the city and its enormous size.
Yesterday, without any wind or rain, making walking nice and comfortable, we were able to explore places within walking distance. The variety of architecture - old, new, elegant and polished next to a building rundown and barely standing on its own is intriguing. It’s easy for us to just ‘wander’ without being too specific as to where we’ll end up!
Jim’s birthday was the other night and since we didn’t make that supper special we found an authentic place last night that specializes in ‘parilla’(grilled meat). He’s been wanting to have some really well prepared meat since we arrived - the place the concierge here at our hotel suggested definitely met his expectations! We both had to put any ‘vegetarian’ ideas aside for the meal…!
Tomorrow will be our last day here. We leave Buenos Aires just before midnight, arriving home to Victoria Sunday night. We have a long layover in Houston, and if we’re lucky won’t get caught up in any delays caused by the air traffic control issues.