I went for a tour today on an open-top bus. It took us through the administrative heart of Buenos Aires, then out into the colorful poorer ares of the city where dancing and horses seem to be an important part of the culture. And soccer of course. We passed an impressive old soccer stadium from another era.
I had another disturbing experience today. I was nearly pick-pocketed on the subway. This wasn’t from some poor street kid. He was well-dressed in his early 40s I’m guessing and he tried to get his coat-covered hand into my jacket pocket. Or perhaps he just liked me a lot! When confronted he simply shrugged and jumped off the train. Unfortunately it was stopped at the time. It’s becoming a sport here ‘try and get to the end of the day without being robbed’. Ok Buenos Aires – I’m up for that. I don’t trust anyone and when ever somebody comes close I jam my hands in my pockets. In a city of 17 million people, that us a lot of pocket jamming!
There is no denying Buenos Aires is a physically beautiful city. The old buildings are ornate and majestic and everywhere. It is as if the designers and builders were trying to out-flair each other. And the buildings are beautifully maintained and treated with respect. So if you are coming to Buenos Aires for the visual splendor, you will get your fair share. If you are wanting a positive human experience as well, then you will be much luckier than I to get one.
angusmccoll 