Centenary Commemorations

100 years ago today 5/2/1926 my Dad was born in this lovely city of Buenos Aires.
He was a cyclist ,cycling daily from 7, The Circuit to Portwood Stockport .So ,when I spotted a cycling tour of BA ,I rashly signed up.
This morning thankfully it was cool weather and in fact it rained for part of the time,so we all wore plastic ponchos.I had a pink one.
I became concerned I'd be the one holding the group up,having not cycled for soo long. In the group, were 2 Danish people who of course cycle all the time.So I thought about giving it a miss..but knew Id kick.myself if I did...It was destined to be a 3hr tour.
Thankfully there were lots of stops and I declared my incompetence and unfitness before we set off ,so it was a steady pace and not a race.
Unbelievably I had bike No 7 which made me think of 7,The Circuit ,our family home
I am.soo.glad I did the cycle tour..I saw the city from.a different perspective ,seeing things Id miss, if I'd not done this activity.
I cycled through parks I'd have otherwise overlooked and got explanations from.our excellent guide on so many things.
I was particularly happy to be returning to La Boca while cycling ,the colourful area of BA and ,I think ,my favourite area.
As I'd looked round La Boca a couple of days ago ,I went for a cup of tea,while the Danish couple had a walk round the area
I was quite delighted to recognise tea with milk written in Spanish ...What arrived was a mug of Hot Milk and a tea bag!🤦‍♀️🤣.I tried to explain this wasn't right and showed via google translate, i needed Aqua Calante..( hot water) but it didn't materialise ,so i paid and left...via a stop in the very dodgy Banos ( toilets) which had a pink corrogated metal sheet,as a door on the loo ,and no lock 🤣
A definite highlight though ,was to go into the Cathedral ,where Pope Francis ,had served as a priest....
It was hugely atmospheric and then ...the organ started ...(Mum.doing her thing ! ) This threw me off course.I'd been doing ok with the day up that point....Hearing an organ ,is always a curve ball !
There is a tomb guarded in the Cathedral by 2 guards at all times During our time there there was a changing of the guard.
I could have stayed much longer ,but,I think I pushed my luck ,as the guide came in to find me.....oops !
At the end of the ride I went to a nearby cafe for coffee and birthday cake.
Then ,it was time to jump in.an Uber and go to the tour of Teatre Colon .This is the famous theatre in BA ...where opera and ballet are performed ..Dad loved both ,Mum didnt ,so he never went to either .
The architecture in this building is amazing
The acoustics are spot on
Incredibly,within the chandelier in the ceiling of the auditorium,there is a secret orchestra "pit". Theguide showed us photos ,but to look up at it ,you would never know.
At the end of the tour,I found out there was a show this evening, so I went to try to get a ticket.,which I succeeded in doing .
I asked for an excellent seat and told the lady why that was important.
In fact ,Ive told everyone I've spoken to today why I'm.in BA today...and received lovely comments.
The cycle guide and the waiter,both said the story gave them goosebumps.
Id no idea what the show was about ,nor did it occur to me I wouldn't understand a single word,as it would all be in Spanish🤣🤦‍♀️
Id negotiated a deferred voucher for a meal at a restaurant at Porto Maderno ,which I should have had at the end of a day trip a couple of days ago ,but the guide failed to take me. I got an uber to the area.
The driver was very keen to come to M/c to see Oasis in M/c🤣....He dropped me off ,but when I googled the restaurant from the drop off ,it was a 15min walk and I simply didn't have time
as it was 5pm.and I needed to be back at the Teatre Colon for 6.30pm to queue to get in for the show
So ,I chose a lovely looking restaurant.It was empty....Argentinians eat late apparently...even9pm is early for dinner for Argentinians
I pleaded with the waiter for a small portion...He was horrified I should want a small portion of meat!
I ordered lamb to eat and Malbec to drink ...It was the most excellent meal....Ever !!
Jumping back in an Uber ,I returned to Teatre Colon.. I was able to go in the main entrance as I had an expensive seat.
.People with cheaper seats have to go in by the side doors,according to the guide this afternoon.
The show was good ,it was singing, tango dancing and a tango dancing band . I did tire of not understanding what was happening ...
I think it may have been about Tango starting in BA
I understood 3 words in 1.5hr show....Maria ,Buenos Aires ..plus odd bits here and there 🤣🤦‍♀️
To top off the day ,Ive received a reply from.the registry office,a document ,in swirly long hand ,clearly signed by my grandpa ,whose signature I recognise,as he used to write to me and I recently found a postcard he'd sent.
I can't properly make out what it says,as i only have my phone and the email explanation is in spanish 🤦‍♀️.
I will get some help with understanding that tomorrow.
I have certainly had a busy day,going out at 9am and returning at 9pm...
I feel satisfied that I have given Dad's 100th birthday befitting recognition....I've certainly not wasted any of the time today.Read more