Really could have done with a pair yesterday to sidestep the flash flooded footpaths and the debris around the place in BA…..quite a storm during the night.

Undeterred by the constant dripping and drizzling Sunday, we managed to find a few city highlights via Emiliano’s guiding….though he would have much preferred to have been home out of the rain methinks.

The legacy of Pope Francis when a Bishop for many decades at San Martin’s working with the homeless and down trodden is still evident…the homelessness is still here and the stormy weather makes it even more disheartening within cooee of the Pink Palace facade of the seat of government.

Green herbal tea (Mate) drunk through a straw, chocolates and Argentinian rose stone jewellery and leather shoes, dulce de leche (condensed milk with chocolate or cocoa or caramel in big jars – was only allowed to buy 1 jar).  Always fun to bite in to the local taste delights.

Then headed to La Boca district – a far cry from the grandissement of the Recoleta district with its upmarket stores and prices, this district cries working class history, boasts a soccer culture that clings to the very fabric of family life and offers a glimpse in to the disparity of wealth in BA.  Large, colourful murals depict the heroes and sense of community, and draw the eye away from the struggles of the underclasses.  Sadly the eye can’t avoid the mountain of environmental pollution in the river though.

We found our way to the art gallery and spent a couple of hours checking whether Rodin had finished any more of his sculptures and  soaking in some of the renaissance to romanticism masters.  The parks are full of public art pieces and full of wonderful trees…and get lots of use.

Last night was a tango show – very entertaining, but a tad long and repetitive, or it could just have been age creeping up.  Tasting local steak and malbec was fun, but we all wondered how the male dancers managed to execute the side kicks without  mangling their genitals.  Late night for us early risers.  No tango photos of us to share 🤣

The sun  broke through this morning (Monday, but a public holiday – expecting rallies and marches like at home for Labour Day.)  So we finally got to see what this rather beaut city looks like.  We have taken a bus tour north of the city to Tigre via the cathedral at Ferdinand and boated in the channels of the widest river in the world.  Here the stilt homes are on the islands formed from sediment in the delta and the boats with water, groceries, medics, garbage collectors (sorely needed) etc ply their trades.  A very different lifestyle!  Loads of rowers and kayaks on the water reflect the love of sport of the Argentinians.

Our short, soggy stay here has been very enjoyable.  Ciao Buenos Aires!