It is early morning, around 9 a.m., and the streets are quiet as some people have just gone to bed. I heard fireworks and laughter all through the night. There is something special about seeing in a new year. A new year offering new promises and hope.
Along the dock and bridge, there is trash and empty bottles of wine, beer, champagne and coca-cola. I don’t envy the people who will be cleaning up this mess.
We crossed over the bridge and headed towards La Casa Rosada. Along the way, we saw Centro Cultural Kirchner. This building was completed in 1928 and was used as a post office. Since 2015, it has been used as the cultural center. It is now under renovation.
Outside of the Presidential Office, hanging over the balcony is a huge flag saying 2019. I guess the Presidential office is trying to state that there will be a new year of promises and hope for the Argentinian people.
Presidential elections are this year. The economy is in a crisis. Unemployment is high, taxes are high, the pesos is worth nothing.... The Argentina’s prefer the actual American dollar to their own peso.
Across the street of La Casa Rosada Plaza de Mayo is the Metropolitan Cathedral. As we walked into the church, mass was being held promising the people new beginnings. I thank God daily for His promises and that my life is not controlled by man, but the promises of Jesus Christ.
By looking at the Metropolitan Cathedral, one would think that it was a government office and not a typical Cathedral. It is a 19th century neo-classical facade without the towers. The interior is abundant neo-renaissance and neo-baroque decoration. It was built in 1791.
Kenny and I left the church and proceeded down the quiet streets observing the European architecture. With it being New Years Day, restaurants, retail stores and offices were closed. Even McDonalds was closed.
After about a mile of walking, we approached 9 de Julio Avenue, which is a wide avenue. It’s name honors Argentina’s Independence Day, July 9, 1816. The avenue has up to 7 lanes in each direction and is flanked on either side by parallel streets of 2 lanes each.
Looking north of the Avenue, one could see the national Historic Monument, Obelisco. I thought I was looking at the Washington Monument. This monument is 221 feet tall with 206 steps and it was erected in 1936 to commemorate the quasi centennial of the first founding of the city.
As we headed back to our hotel, we saw the “Love Locks on the Puente de la Mujer Bridge”. This reminded me of the Hallmark movie “Love Locks” with Rebecca Romijn and Jerry O’Connell. Thousand of padlocks grace the rail cables along the bridge, each one with the initials of a couple who locked the padlock to the bridge and threw away the key. The ultimate symbol of love. Kenny and I were not able to find a padlock, so we weren’t able to participate in this ritual.
The day ended with a beautiful sunset .
Tomorrow will be a day of adventure into the Argentina pampas.
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