We were about to spend the day with friends for lunch at Martinez (an outer suburb) We were to take the 60 bus to Martinez but we were on the wrong side of the road and the bus went to the inner city. We were so far out that we had to catch two subway trains to Retiro station which is the main station in Buenos Aires. Then we took the train to Martinez. In all it took us an hour and a half to get there, normally a trip of 40 minutes.
The next day we went into the city and had lunch at a Parilla (pronounced pareeja) which is a typical Argentine steak house. Great meat!
Wednesday. ... Alicia took us on a guided tour all around the old part of the city which is full of buildings dating back to the 1500´s and a lot of antique shops. It rained most of the day but that did not deter us. It was a great day and so interesting.
Thursday..... took off again today as the cleaner was coming to the apartment. Went to Palermo and visited the Evita Museum and walked all around the area we stayed last year and spoke to people we met then and they still remember us. Took the subway home only to go one station when all the trains stopped due to a snap strike. We had to take buses and what chaos. They were so packed we were like sardines. We brought gnocci and fresh sauce for dinner and collapsed at home with ´vino´.
Friday... today we went to Tigre (pronounced Teegrey) by train with Alicia. This is about 35 k from the city centre and an area around islands and rivers and the people travel from the islands to the mainland each day for work. It is full of markets and beautiful shops. Rob spoke to the children at the local school of our trip to Peru and about Australia. This was organised through Alicia´s grandson who is in Year 4. The children learn English and this was their English class. It was a great day and we have photos which we hope to add next week.
Went back to the station and walked home through the city about 9.pm
Very tired that night. Will catch up again next week. Bye.