La Boca Oct 12, 2009

This was suppose to be a full day at work, but because the suitcase full of things we requested from home arrived late with Paul and Denise's luggage, we had to make one more trip up to the Capital to retrieve our goods. Denise gave Marianne one of their suitcases to use. That way they would have an empty one to fill up with souvenirs and purchases they would make.

We worked until 2:00, then went home to change clothes and get one of our empty suitcases to take with us --- into which we would transfer the items that were brought here for us. We arrived at the hotel a little after 4:00 p.m., and after seeing what Marianne sent to us, we were astounded that she fit so much into a suitcase that was half the size of the one we had. She did a great job.

We all decided there was one more stop we wanted to see before parting ways. We jumped in two taxis and headed for a place called La Boca. It is a neighborhood where the residents are of mixed European decent - Italian, Spanish, German, French, Arabic and Basque. It is located by water where boats are seen docked along the way.

The center of town, which is the main tourist attraction, is full of multi colored buildings. The story has it that the residents hated to throw away the left over paint that was used in painting and maintaining the ships and boats, so they started painting their homes and buildings. It is a very flashy, colorful area of Buenos Aires.

Shopping is catered to the tourists, and they get plenty of them. Bus loads and taxis full of people were streaming in all the time we were there.

Much of the tourist area is for pedestrians or foot traffic. No cars allowed!

The streets are lined with sidewalk cafes where Tango artists perform and all Tango related memorabilia is sold. Lots of loud music, beer drinking, dancing, and singing were going on at all times. Quite the place!! We were told by the hotel to hang onto our purses.

This is a friend we found serving a plate of spaghetti to the crowd.

Now here is a wide variety of colors in one place

It was good to have family around us for a few days. Many of the places we visited were new for us also. We don't have the opportunity to go exploring very often. So this was a fun weekend for us too.

Our farewell party was spent at another restaurant where the steak was recommended. All but Shalyse ordered steak, but the vote was that the steak we had on Saturday night was a little better. This was a great place to eat, however, and we enjoyed the salad and charbroiled vegetables that we ordered as a side dish. Our waiter joined us in the picture.

We grabbed our suitcase and hurried to the train station just making it on board seconds before the doors were closed. Whew! The next one leaving would have been a half hour wait.

Thanks for the visit, we had a great time!!