Weds morning was a lazy one, catching up on a few bits and ordering money online to collect from a Travel agency nearby (the most effective way of getting the best exchange rate possible).
Around midday we went out and walked to downtown Buenos Aries where we collected our Argentine Pesos and had lunch at a lovely Cafe right outside the Galarias Pacifico, a stunning building in the heart of the city.
As we were tucking into our lunch we noticed an increased Police presence all around us. When we looked around we noticed that the Police had completely barricaded the road right in front of us and as we listened, we heard the sound of marching drums and chanting voices. As they got nearer we saw thousands of protesters with huge banners and flags singing & shouting at the top of their voices. It was something to do with the corrupt government and dodgy banks and they were very angry!
We finished our lunch pretty quick as the men at the frontline of the protesters looked like they meant business with scarfs and masks on their faces and long bits of wood in their hands. It seemed very likely to kick off any minute.
The police, 2 metres from where we were eating lunch (under the red canopy):
The protesters (zoom in and look closely). These guys were serious:
Mr risk averse here planned his get away route and then continued watching the stand off, ready to run the second anything kicked off! Fortunately nothing happened and it all ended peacefully.
In the evening we'd planned to go out with our new friends Martin and Laura (who we met in Iguazu) to enjoy the jazz festival but the venue had sold out so we ended up finding a decent restaurant and eating together there.
Argentineans eat really late. On average, they won't start thinking about going to a restaurant until after 10, and this is a very new phenomenon for us!
So we ate and drank and had a great evening.
This was our latest night so far so a lay in may be required tomorrow!
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Enjoying your stories & photos guys! x
ReplyDeleteCheers Mel. Have you had your op now? If so, how did it go and how are you doing?
DeleteGlad you are having a great time, loving your blog xx
ReplyDeleteThanks Katie! Hope you guys are well. ☺
DeletePretty sure your great grandfather, Herbert (Henry) Kirrage stayed at the Savoy back in the 1930's he was on business in Buenos Aires. I wonder if they still have those records? xx
ReplyDeleteWow, amazing! We're struggling to order a beer in Spanish though, so requesting historical room Records from 1930 might be beyond us lol! He was in good company though as Eva Peron, John Lennon, Princess Diana and Steve Jobs all stayed here too!
DeleteWhat a great experience you're having - we even feel part of it!
ReplyDeleteCheers Alistair! I'm assuming our house is still standing?!! ☺
DeleteIt is - only 3 wild all night parties so far!
DeleteI always enjoy reading these highlights of the days/week so far. Can't wait to see all the photos when you are back. Keep safe guys, much love and blessings
ReplyDeleteGL
You've said it now ginger legs! That's you booked in for the 4000 photo slide show ;-)
DeleteMr Risk Averse indeed - good on you mate - really enjoyinh your adventures, Love you both - Brian D
ReplyDeleteYis bru it's hictic here!! Hoping to get some fishing done in Patagonia in the mountain lakes. Need to find Lauren a cheap spa to drop her off at first though! Lol!
ReplyDelete