21 February. I arrived after a 45 min drive from the main airport with Luciano, a driver who was waiting in the Arrivals Hall brandishing a tablet with my name displayed. While waiting for my room in the Sofitel Hotel (a French company!) was ready for occupation, I took an initial wander round the smart area of Buenos Aires where I am spending two nights.
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I will be joining a half day city tour for 12 people tomorrow morning, arranged by Swan Hellenic, so I will not post further pics until then.
Lots of traditionally elegant buildings dotted around, including foreign embassies. They make a stark contrast to the suburban areas we drove passed on the way from the airport. These included many tall apartment blocks that looked very shabby and possibly unsafe! Similarly, the view from the Sofitel's 14th floor is scenic but not in a good way. Between my vantage poinnt and the River Plate there is an area of what looks like home-built housing, almost 'favelas'. But then, Agentina's economy has been in a very poor state for years.
22 February. Buenos Aires: The City Tour
The pre-programmed three hour city tour arranged by Audley Travel was listed for a party of up to 12 but I was met and guided as the sole member of the party by a sparky young lady called Augustina who spoke excellent English and showed me a great range of places of interest. We were driven by Maru, who didn’t have any English but drove well!
The Presidential Offices
One of few surviving Spanish colonial buildings in central BA
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Great stuff and elegant buildings to be found somewhere else I hope. Sofitel plays Jazz in the breafast room.
Found you ! A good start to your adventure. Interesting architecture at the beginning. Hope the weather stays fine.
A city of colour and culture.
The pastries look good but how is the food? You said you had a ‘snack’, what does an Argentinian ‘snack’ consist of? Great pictures, this armchair traveller is enjoying the adventure!