Buenos Aires – Dog Lover’s Paradise
I did indeed land in Buenos Aires this morning but without the hoped for sleep. Not sure why but I’ve never been able to sleep on a plane, I have high hopes that this 30-day trip around the world will eventually cure me of that.
Once off the plane, I breeze through immigration and customs and find the cab stand. When I arrive at my hotel, the Park Tower, my room isn’t ready yet. No surprise, since it’s still only 9:45am.
I decide to go for a run to familiarize myself with the city a bit. So I hit the gym to change into my running clothes, get directions from the concierge to the city’s best park and head out into traffic.
Though the park seems close on the map, it turns out to be further away than I thought. As a result, a quick 3-4 mile run soon turns into 7-8 miles roundtrip. Sidebar: It is cute that the concierge assumed I could run this far – sure, I’ve run a couple of marathons but does he know that??
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Palermo Park
Eventually, I get there and it’s worth the extra distance. Palermo Park is beautiful and even better, it’s packed with dogs enjoying some afternoon leisure time. Apparently, dogs are big here in Argentina and dog walking is a real job.
It’s after noon by the time I get back to the hotel. My room is now ready and it’s lovely, with a view of the small park near the hotel. I shower, change and head down to the pool restaurant for lunch.
Not sure I’ll make it until dinner time tonight, I’m really in need of a good 8 hours (or more) of sleep. Plus I’ve got a full day tomorrow to take in the other sights.
Day 2 – Exploring Buenos Aires
After a great night’s sleep, I wake up early and go out for another run (this time without the concierge’s input).
First, I want to see the harbor area so I head that way. It turns out to be a great place to run (straight paths along the water) and a charming, recently revitalized area.
There are restaurants, shops, and lofts. I spend the rest of the day wandering around town and checking out the Buenos Aires tourist hot spots.
Recoleta Cemetery
My first stop is Recoleta Cemetery. The cemetery is a maze of elaborate mausoleums built for Argentina’s heroic and wealthy.
Eva Peron, inspiration for a Broadway musical and former wife of Argentine President Juan Peron, lies here. It’s really quite beautiful for a cemetery, not at all what I expected.
Yesterday, after reading my post, an alert website reader (Mom) remarked, “the dogs are very cute Jenny, but where are all the cats?”
I am happy to report that the cat population of Buenos Aires is alive and well…and living inside the cemetery! (With all the dogs in this city, can you blame them?) You’ll all be happy to know that water and food bowls abound inside so all are well taken care of.
The Obelisk
After my visit to Recoleta, I head over to check out BA’s biggest landmark, the obelisk.
The obelisk is Buenos Aires’ most recognizable architectural landmark. It was built in 1936 in the record time of only 4 weeks to commemorate the fourth centenary of the first founding of Buenos Aires.
It sits in the Plaza de la Republica, in the middle of 9 de Julio Avenue, “the world’s widest avenue.” So wide it literally takes two lights to cross it.
It’s been another great day and the perfect way to kick off this 30-day round the world trip. Now, I’m off to the airport to catch the “mother of all flights” to Paris tonight.
Next stop, Berlin!