-18 Degrees Celsius to +31!

We catapulted out of bed bright and early to enjoy as much time as possible in the beautiful city of Buenos Aires. After breakfast in a stunning atrium, we headed to the Hop-On Hop-Off bus tour recommended to us by my Esparenza (the fabulous, fun concierge here).

The three hour tour atop a double decker bus was fanatastic. The bus was totally updated with airconditioned areas (we did not partake). The audio tour was excellent which featured a wonderful selection of music from classical argentinian, to tango, to rap! This beautiful city is bursting with diverse architecture, public art, fantastic parks, broad thoroughfares, inumerable museums and historic sites. What strikes you the most, after digesting all the cultural influences over the years, is the pristineness of all the neighborhoods we passed through, including by the railyards and modest dwellings. We took literally hundreds of pictures, but will share just a few of our favourites.

We cooled off for a brief time in the afternoon, before going for drinks at the swanky Four Seasons Pony Line Bar! Then onto The El Mirasol for BBQ Beef (grilled!).

We had a lovely walk from the Alvear Palace along the Posadas, past shops and the Algerian Consulate, then finally to our destination at the Four Seasons Hotel, Pony Line Bar. After researching best bars in Recoleta, we decided on the competitor’s hotel bar. The view and the ambience did NOT hold a candle to last night’s rooftop experience here at the Alvear Palace, but the bar was dark and moody with interesting twists on classic cocktails. Lindsay opted for a Porn Star (Lindsay says it was classic, but I have a different opinion). I had Tranky Pranky (a twist on a Hanky Panky).

We were determined to move toward the “locals” dinner time. We set our reservations to 8:00 p.m. and were among the first five tables! The short walk around the corner from the Four Seasons to the restaurant shocked us. It was situated LITERALLY UNDER A HIGHWAY OVERPASS (What was Esparenza thinking!). I cannot even tell you convincingly how beautiful, relaxing and peaceful it was on the OUTSIDE PATIO!!! (Possibilities for under the Gardiner Expressway are unlimited!!!). We had followed the advice of many a visitor and Esparenza to come to this steakhouse. The food and wine were awesome (if rdiculously oversized). A lovely young man, who asked us for money, received a lovely supply of food for at least two days.

Lessons Learned: New section of blog, where comments with pictures should speak for themselves.Baca selengkapnya