Well, the Zoo is only a couple of blocks away, why not join the animals and crowds of Porteno families on a day as caluroso as today?
'You are here'...in a Zoo that dates back to 1888. The design of the animal houses stays in line with architectural design of the times. Magnificent buildings, aviaries with ornate wrought iron enclosures, intricatre adornments on even the simplest stable, artificial lakes and fountains and a large variety of animals, who seem to enjoy themselves.
Many local animals, like llamas, vicunas and industrial strength rodents, the size of pigs or at least like large dogs.
These guys, a medley of rat, kangaroo, hare and squirrel hop around the entire zoo, totally at liberty. It is said they they are good eating...
Talking about food, apart from dozens of icecream stands, choripan (Argentinian hotdog) vendors, cold drink (including cerveza served in plastic cups) stands, there is the most important
nourishment: comida animal - animal treats. Every parent worth his or her salt, has to buy at least one of these little buckets....
And off we go. The Hippopotamo Anfibio just sits there with his tonsils in plain view, enjoying childrens' target practice using animal food. Bon Provecho - Bon Appetit!
The Zoo conducts a number of conservation projects for endangered species in Argentina, such as the Andean Condor. The huge bird, living here in a 15 story high birdcage, replete with rocky 'Andes', did not put in an appearance today. He and his mate were hiding from the heat, inside a suitable cave in the 'Andes' of th City.
Hand outs through little gaps in fences, specifically made accessible for just that purpose. None of the animals look exactly on the verge of starvation.
Paradise for little kids...
Many indigenous people spend their Sundays here, visiting the exhibits, resting in the shade, picnicking....
A Llama mother with her two little ones...fluffy, curious...
Big daddy, and I mean big, twice the size of the females. He was kept in his own pen, as he appeared to be rather more than slightly interested in the 'girls' next door.
Picnic in the shadow of a painted wall...
Picnic in the shade of a sunbrella...
Staying cool...
Definitely staying cool - a Carpincho, the pig sized rodent...also good eating...
Looking out....
....and about....
Urban Rhinos snoozing in the heat...but nevertheless seeking out a shady spot.
A long hot day, even for the most lively zoo visitor...
A short busride away is Belgrano, a barrio (neighbourhood) known for its tree lined streets, upscale apartment buildings, but most of all for La Glorieta.
Tango takes over on weekend evenings, when the smoothly tiled large Gazebo is an open air site for Milonga.
Dancers arrive, change into tango shoes, and then hang up their shoe bags INSIDE the gazebo, along the wrought iron enclosure. The enclosure is covered on the outside with thick netting, to discourage shoe thiefs, and on the inside it is covered with bags hanging from metal curlicues.
No seating of course, and dancers line the circumference, and sending cabeceos (nods) across the floor to invite a partner for a tanda (a set of 3-4 tangos of the same rythm).
Attendance and participation are gratis, and open to the public - four and two legged.
Despite a 'relaxed' dress code, a female is pretty well out of demand, unless wearing something 'sexy' and a pair of tango shoes. I arrived wearing my 'zoo' outfit (something loose to brave the afternoon heat) and a pair of rather flat 'dance practica' shoes...definitely not good enough. One turns invisible frorm the very word go...
Well, there is always a friendly and inviting sidewalk cafe, to contemplate the error of ones ways...
