Buenos Aires

We both slept really well from 9pm until just before 7. We had a long wait for breakfast - we must remember time is different here; breakfast at 8 actually means it will be ready at 8.45! There are only 3 other rooms in this hostel and we had a chat with a young Brazilian couple at breakfast - both prison psychologists.

First off we sussed out our bus stop for our journey to the domestic airport tomorrow and purchased Sube cards (their Oyster equivalent) - managed with lots of sign language and single words like dos and Sube!

We joined a guided walking tour near the Opera House. The guide filled us in about the history of Buenos Aires and the Italian, Spanish and French influences on the architecture.

Apparently this is the widest avenue in the world - it's certainly a mission to cross it.

San Martin is the most liked and revered figure in Argentine history as he won the war of independence.

This clock tower was given to Argentina by Britain to celebrate their independence from the Spanish and was called the English clock tower until the Falklands War when it was vandalised, bombed and renamed. Opposite it (interesting location) is the memorial for those who died.

Our guide stated that people now realise the Falkland Islands were only invaded as the military junta in power at that time wanted a diversion from their domestic battles with those resisting their rule. (Including the growing voices of the Mothers of the Disappeared). She said most soldiers were young and inexperienced and that the British helped them after surrender as they had been abandoned by the Argentine generals. Her view is that they are good friends with Britain now.... but then she went on to say that there are still many who are actively campaigning to regain control of the islands. She said there are car bumper stickers with the islands superimposed onto the Argentinian flag.... must be more careful crossing the roads!