1 AM, it's 2011!

It's 1 am, and this is outside my hotel. Fun! Happy New Year to all!
And Good Night!

La Puente de las Mujeres

We walked ALL day! All over. Out again at 5:30 AM, before the heat and the bright sun. We walked along the waterfront, then into the center of the city for  a coffee. Saw this modern bridge, La Puente de las Mujeres. A graffiti shot on the way back to the hotel for breakfast, a good new year's thought. Translated, "Are you the piece or the player?"

After  breakfast at the hotel, we bussed across the city to the Recoleta,  which has the tomb where Evita is. And other graves & tombs, very old.

A long lunch in the very high rent district, the a walk through the amazing action of Calle Florida, through the crowds. I almost forgot my dog picture!

And the harpist. I'll end the walk with a smile and rest a littile for the party tonight!

Feliz Año Nuevo!!!

All Day out Walking

Walking from out hotel to La Boca, a district along the waterfront to the south of the center of the city. We sa the soccer stadium where the national team plays. We walked through an "edgy", poor, non-tourist neighborhood to get to a tourist overload place much  like Pier 39 but with Tango. Music, enticing colors, beautiful dancers and big fun. A ride on a city bus. A great antique market. and dinner in a plaza filled with artists, drunks, food, a warm breeze ( Summer!) and good friends. A full day, the good kind.

El Plaza de Mayo 6:30 AM

Good People, Good Store

http://www.puebloindio.com/ar

San Telmo

Beef is Big in Argentina.

The Button Store in San Telmo Market

San Telmo is the district where our hotel is located. After about 14 hours of flying, SF - DALLAS, then Dallas to Buenos Aires, we arrived. We had to change money and go out to lunch. There is this great old market in San Telmo, full of antiques along with vegetables and household items. I'll be shooting there some more. The district has all cobblestone streets. I'm tired.

San Francisco

Here's  an inspired photograph! We made it to SF. Fly tomorrow.

Itinerary - It's Gettin' Close!

Dec. 29 - Jan. 10 - Hotel: Piedras Suites - Piedras 906 - San Telmo
Buenos Aires,  Argentina
Tel: (54-11) 4307 4625
info@pierdrassuites.com
http://www.piedrassuites.com/

Wed, December 29:Arrive Buenos Aires –transfer to hotel –introductory orientation walk of the San Telmo district where the hotel is located -get acquainted dinner this evening.

Thu, December 30: The group will focus today on the Boca/Caminito area, with visits to the Fundacion Proa Gallery and El Zanjon de Granados Museum. Part archaeological museum, part event space, El Zanjon is a beautifully restored residence encapsulating three centuries of urban living.

Fri, December 31: Visits will include the impressive Recoleta Cemetery, perhaps most famous as where Eva Peron is interred and the National Museum of Fine Arts. The group will celebrate New Year’s Eve together –details forthcoming.

Sat, January 1: Welcome to 2011! Today’s activities will focus on the Plaza de Mayo and the immediate area.

Sun, January 2: The photographic focus today will be the Plaza Dorrego, the second oldest plaza in the city, with its drum parade and the famous Cafe Tortoni, a Porteno institution. Later, we will also have a chance to view and photograph a Tango demonstration first-hand.
n San Francisco in mid-morning.

Mon, January 3: A visit will be made to Parque Tres de Febrero, a 1000 acre paradise of trees, lakes and walking trails. We will also do a bit of exploring focusing on the Argentinean passion for football (or as we call it, soccer). A photo critique will be done this afternoon at the hotel.

Tue, January 4: Today’s stops will include the Centro Cultural Borges, an arts center named for Argentina’s most important literary figure, and the surrounding area.

Wed, January 5: Full day guided excursion via ferry from Buenos Aires to Colonia del Sacramento, Uruguay, including lunch and all admissions. Declared a World Heritage City by UNESCO, Colonia boasts beautifully preserved 17thcentury colonial artistry, and appears untouched by time.

Thu, January 6: Touring will include a visit to the Museo de Arte Latinoamericano (MALBA), one the most impressive Latin American art collections in the southern hemisphere. There will be a photo critique this afternoon.

Fri, January 7: Visits today will include a tour of the Teatro Colon, Buenos Aires’ magnificent Opera House and set to reopen by the end of 2010. Additional photographic opportunities will be offered in the San Telmo district.

Sat, January 8: Today will include more visits within the Palermo district, including the Soho neighborhood, and a tour of its famous Botanical Garden, housing 8000 species of plants from around the world.

Sun, January 9: We will tour the Plaza Dorrego and its side streets more in depth today, with a final photo critique and farewell dinner this evening.

Mon, January 10: For our last day in BA, the group will revisit favorite areas and prepare for the departure.

BUENOS AIRES - IGUAZU FALLS - JANUARY 10
Transfer from  Hotel to Jorge Newbery Airport to take flight to Iguazu. Arrive at Puerto Iguazú Airport and transfer to the hotel. 3 nights of accommodation with breakfast,

Jan - 10 - 13 - Hotel Panoramic 4* - garden view room
http://www.panoramic-hoteliguazu.com/en
Address: Paraguay 372. N3370FKB. Puerto Iguazú. Misiones. Argentina. Phone: (54 3757) 498 133 Hotel description:
The hotel was built in the 1940’s by Argentina’s renowned architect Alejandro Bustillo. The hotel has been an icon in the history of Puerto Iguazú. Its construction marked the beginning of Iguazú´s golden days and the development of the town into a touristic hub. Closed due to the economic downhill of the 80’s, it reopened in April 2007 after 20 years of neglect. Its building and gardens were subjected to an extensive renovation in the hands of the current owners, managing to preserve its original character

IGUAZU FALLS - JANUARY 11
After breakfast, we start a half day excursion to visit Iguazú Falls (Argentinean Side). You will enjoy the incredible experience of Iguazú Falls. We will visit the upper circuit and the trail to the Devil`s Throat.

IGUAZU FALLS - JANUARY 12
After breakfast, half day tour to Iguazu Falls Argentinean Side. We will visit the lower circuit. Optional activity: boat navigation to enjoy the
Devil`s Throat from the river.

IGUAZU FALLS - JANUARY 13
After breakfast, rest of morning and early afternoon will be at leisure. Transfer out to airport, to take flight to Jorge Newbery Airport (AEP). Transfer to Ezeiza International Airport (EZE) for return flights via American to San Francisco.

Packing

Thank you Maureen, for being the most organized friend for the most disorganized friend you have. I actually have a list with departure a week away. A list, and a suitcase, and a passport ...which was actually missing for a few hours last week but is safely stashed...somewhere in these piles of stuff.