Thanks!
"John Cisarik" wrote in message
news:6IISf.578010$qk4.530728@bgtnsc05-news.ops.worldnet.att.net...
> "Nick and Judy" wrote in message
> news:%DHSf.61180$dW3.7536@newssvr21.news.prodigy.com...
>> Going to BA March 30th-April 6th. with a short side trip to Rosario.
>> I've been going through my tour books and would like some advice.
>> Since we will be there a relatively short time, what are the things we
>> should not miss while there? We are great walkers and not afraid to
>> explore an unfamiliar city. We will probaby be staying in Microcentro.
>> Any and all advice is appreciated!
>> Thanks.
>>
> If you're staying in the microcentro, you will be near the Plaza San
> Martín, one of the largest squares in the city and a place from which you
> can take at least a couple of interesting walks.
>
> (1) You can enter la calle Florida (Florida Street) from the plaza.
> Florida is a "peatonal," or pedestrian street, that extends for eight or
> ten blocks and contains many shops selling everything from T-shirts and
> other touristy things to high quality leather goods and furs. About midway
> along its length you will find the Galerías Pacífico, one of the most
> elegant malls on the street. If you continue along the entire length of
> Florida, you will be about one block from the Plaza de Mayo, where you can
> see the Cabildo (colonial city hall), the Casa Rosada, where the
> President's offices are, and the Cathedral, within which is General José
> de San Martín's tomb, guarded by two soldiers in fancy dress uniforms. At
> some time each day, also, there is a changing of the guard in the plaza,
> in front of the Casa Rosada (I don't remember the hour).
>
> (2) If, instead of entering Florida Street from the Plaza San Martín, you
> proceed downhill toward the English Tower, you will see, at the lowest
> level of the plaza, a simple monument to the Argentines killed in the war
> with Great Britain over the Falklands (Las Islas Malvinas). At that point,
> take the boulevard at the foot of the plaza, Avenida Libertador, to your
> left and follow it to the Recoleta neighborhood (perhaps a mile).
> Recoleta, no matter how you get there, is worth some walking around. If
> you get there via the Avenida Libertador, enter the "shopping," or mall,
> called Patio Bullrich. That will tell you that you have arrived in the
> Recoleta neighborhood; it's one of the priciest malls in the city. If you
> entered on the Libertador side, exit on Posadas, where you will be just
> about opposite the Caesar Park Hotel. Go either left or right, then go one
> block beyond Posadas to the Avenida Alvear, which has some elegant shops.
>
> Once you are there, anyone can direct you to the Cementerio, the famous
> cemetery where many Argentine notables are buried, including Eva Duarte de
> Peron ("Evita"). If you are a boxing fan, you may notice the tomb of Luis
> Firpo, a world-famous boxer from many years ago; there's a statue of him
> in his boxing trunks outside the entrance.
>
> Opposite the cemetery you will see the famous cafe La Biela ("The Tie
> Rod"), so named because its founder was a racing fan; note the racing
> memorabilia inside. Also note "el gomero," the giant rubber tree outside,
> which was planted almost 200 years ago by the friars of the church across
> the square and now spreads across almost a city block. Cross the square
> and take a look at Pilar church, which dates from the 18th century and has
> a solid-silver altar, then enter the cemetery.
>
> (3) Go to the San Telmo neighborhood if you're there on a weekend, because
> there's an outdoors antique fair.
>
> (4) See a tango show. The concierge at your hotel can probably recommend
> one and arrange tickets for you.
>
> (5) Shaun already mentioned the Teatro Colón, which offers tours in
> English and Spanish that take about an hour and show you not only the
> auditorium but also the backstage areas such as scenery and wardrobe
> shops. Depending on the time of year (the theater has an extensive season
> of opera and other performances), attend a performance.
>
> Also, don't worry if your walk takes you a couple of miles from where you
> intended to be. Taxis are plentiful and cheap.
>
> It's a great city; enjoy your trip!
>
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