Buenos Aires

Continuing on our guided tour, we learned more history.  We drove along the Ninth of July Boulevard, a tribute to Argentinian independence in 1816.  The avenue claims to be the widest in the would, with seven lanes each way and two parallel streets on each side.

Late in the 19th century, Buenos Aires thrived.  Immigrants, primarily from Spain, Italy and France, built mansions.  To show their wealth they based their construction on European architecture.  These beautiful homes are now hotels and businesses.  A few have been turned into Embassies.

Casa Rosado or the Pink Building is the President’s Palace. but not the residence.  One legend says the pink color comes from a mix of clay and cattle blood.

This replica Formula One car is in honor of Lionel Messi.  He won five Formula One championships. There are many stories about him including his being kidnapped in 1957 by Castro while racing in Cuba.  Sadly, the statue suffers from repeated vandalism.

Renowned Spanish architect Santiago Calarava created the Puente de la Mujer.  We thought it looked like the Sundial Bridge in Redding.

This flower by a local artist opens and closes during the day and evening.  Unfortunately we were unable to see it closed.

One of the most popular sites around the city are dog walkers. The law says they can only walk eight dogs, but, obviously, the law in not enforced.  These dogs are well trained as they ignore people and other dogs on their route.  Dog walking became a popular profession in wealthy neighborhoods in the 2001 financial crisis.