The First Full Day, Let's Go for a Walk

Today's activities included a few hours of walking going starting from Microcentro and going through Recoleta and Palermo neighborhoods. The initial goal was to visit the planetarium (Planetario Galileo Galilei) while also stopping to see take advantage of the sights and photo opportunities along the way.  The sights along the way included Plaza Ruben Dario (dedicated to the famous Nicaraguan poet), the Recoleta Cemetery.  I included some pictures from the cemetery.  You will notice I did not actually enter the cemetary... not my thing.

Long story short, the planetarium was closed when we arrived, but at least we had a chance to see the city and take some pictures.  I also had my first experience with Carrefour for lunch (it's like wal-mart, but cooler).

Now in 70+ degree weather you would expect to see more people in shorts, but as I walked around in my cargo shorts I must have truly stood out as being a tourist as almost nobody, except other visitors, seemed to have shorts on.  Seemed like everybody was wearing a jeans (pantalones).  About an hour into walking I realized why, since every mosquito on the east side of Buenos Aires took a bite out of me.

To cap off the night we enjoyed a nice little dinner at a local cafe.  The lifestyle here is so much different as you are never rushed to eat and go.  In fact, you have to ask for the check or they will just let you sit and chat with friends all day. There is no rush!!!  If I tried to do the same thing in the US the waiter would probably catch an attitude... hmm  I could get used to this.

Word/Phrases of the day (Disclaimer: I do not claim that these are grammatically correct, but at least they were understood):
- mosquitoes
- pantalones
- Cafe no leche.

Be sure to check out the 'official' AU blog for this trip at http://www.kogodinargentina.blogspot.com/

Adios!