Día en el Microcentro

Today we hopped on bus #10 and headed downtown to the Microcentro, the "Times Square" of Buenos Aires. Paying the bus driver was interesting (no dollar bills accepted, small change only!), as was disembarking (not coming to a complete stop makes getting the stroller off very difficult!). But we survived and made it downtown, finding ourselves standing on the world's widest street, Avenida 9 de Julio (14 lanes across). 

Definitely time for a quick cup of café con leche con 3 medialunas (croissants).

We then strolled through the huge shopping district downtown, past very authentic "asados" (delicious looking meats) that are put on the fire at 4:00am to be ready by lunchtime.

Then to the Plaza de Mayo and the Casa Rosada, Argentina's presidential palace. This is the true center of the city, and throngs of tourists joined us taking photos and enjoying street musicians and performers. From the balcony of the Casa Rosada Juan and Eva Perón (and all of the country's other past and current leaders) have given speeches to the city. Madonna also sang "Don't Cry For Me Argentina" in the movie Evita from the same balcony, though apparently it took 6 months to get state approval before the film crew was allowed in.

We then stopped in what is probably the world's only upscale mall with florentine ceiling frescos. Truly impressive.

A late return home after walking at least 10 kilometers on the day, and then out for a quick bite for dinner. All in all, a wonderful first full day! I wonder what adventures tomorrow will bring?