Avenida de Mayo, THE avenue of note in Buenos Aires, where almost every building has a long history, as well as impressive architectural merit. But, historic buildings are expensive to maintain, ergo some of them are either half renovated (cleaned up) and others are left to grow weeds from the cracks in the masonry.
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| Here is one classic building, where the left is the 'After' and the right remains in a 'before' status |
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| Most of the ones left in their 'original' state are covered in street art. This is part of a larger graffiti, however, even here the Falkland Island conflict makes itself seen. "Out with the English from the Malvinas". 3000 or so inhabitants do not agree. |
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| Yes, Libertador is back in Mar del Plata harbour, and the welcome party has been covered by every TV channel in the country. Some small internal problems rear their consistently ugly head, though. Long distance bus drivers decided to go on strike, which paralyses the whole country, as 'collectivos de larga distancia' are the main connection between Argentinean towns - and other Latin American countries. Life guards in Pinamar went on strike, as the pools are in such a state of disrepair, that they refuse to work there. Train drivers called a quick stop-work on the main line between Mar del Plata and Buenos Aires. The train is full of returning vacationers and commuters. No air conditioning, no ventilation, no lights, no water, no hygiene..deplorable to be stuck for 12 hours. To top things off, thieves boarded the stopped train and assaulted and robbed passengers. |
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| The reception hall ceiling of Palacio Bardolo, an architectural must see in Buenos Aires. Lofty columns, artistic domes, Art Deco light fixtures, ancient cage elevators - the whole romantic thing. |
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| Even the floor is remarkable, here large 'traga luces' transparent floor arrangement, which lights up the basement level from the entry hall. |
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| Even a small kiosko is a beautiful museum piece. |
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| Perfectly symmetrical light fixture in the entry hall of Palacio Bardolo |
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| The advertised Milonga to take place in Palacio Bardolo was noticeable non existent...maybe the tango DJ's called a work stoppage? Still a heat wave in www (weird, wacky, wonderful) Buenos Aires. Maybe those replacement subway cars for Linea A, air conditioned, won't be a bad thing. The old ones are said to be turned into 'bibliotecas' in various City Parks. I am holding my breath for the re-opening, which may be far from timely, if construction stoppages on some train lines, and abandoned service on Metrovia apparently due to lack of qualified maintenance personel are any indication of the speed or even work performance of similar projects. Still love it here, warts and all..... |
