Down Time, A Day of Rest

Floralis Generica sculpture opens in the morning, closes at dusk.

We've been walking about for several hours and several miles each day, exploring neighborhoods, eating at wonderful restaurants, learning from museums and monuments, escaping fast traffic when crossing streets, and enjoying outdoor craft and antiques markets. We rode a bus to San Telmo on Sunday. There is so much to absorb, it's good to rest and reflect for a day. Feet are sore. I've taken and kept over 200 photos so far.

We see the richness of Argentinian history, culture, and environment reflected through the architecture, street musicians, public sculptures, and the stylish people who walk in crowds in the shaded parks and shaded avenues. Women wear skirts and colorful high-heeled sandals. Men and women wear no hats. Children wear school uniforms and pull wheeled bags with their school work.

We've bought medialunas (croissants) and quiches at local bakeries, vegetables and fruits at small produce shops, and many standard items at the neighborhood supermercado and the close-by farmacia. Often we stroll out for dinner at a small restaurant, enjoying the ever-present beefsteak, or the lighter empanada fare. Sometimes we order something on the menu and are surprised with something different than we expected. There is a wonderful ice cream shop on the corner. We try to speak a little Spanish and often people respond in English. How do they know we are Norte Americanos?