Perfect Weather for Polo

A cool front blew in from the south last Friday night, dropping temperatures on Saturday to more spring-like levels from the warmer highs of the week. It was a perfect day for watching the 115th Argentine Open Polo Championship . . . and fortunately we had free tickets, compliments of our favorite bank.

We headed out from our apartment in the mid afternoon. Two blocks to our subway stop (Pueyrredon), then five stations to Palermo. A long block up Avenida Bullrich, past an army installation from the early 20th century, then the mosque (the largest in South America), and left on Avenida Libertador to the polo fields, across from the race track. Photos here.

Despite our ignorance of the game's rules and strategy, we enjoyed watching the players, the horses, the crews, and the crowd. Pilara beat Chapeleufu, 14-13. 

Mas Jacarandas

Jacaranda season is too short. Already lavender petals are dusting the sidewalks under the trees.

Determined to enjoy while we can, we headed out again this afternoon (though the day was not quite as perfect as yesterday). North towards the parks, plazas, and trees, past Plaza Francia and the memorial to Khalil Gibran, then back home via Plaza Paraguay (and all the children at play) after a leisurely stop for pear cake and a glass of wine at Florencio's. 

More photos of jacarandas (and other flora) for those like us who just can't get enough.

Domingo, 9 de 11 2008

Today was a glorious celebration of spring before its transformation into summer. Though the air was warm the breeze was cool. And jacaranda trees throughout the city are covered with masses of lavender blossoms. 

We left the apartment at 12:30 noon, heading north on Azcuenaga over Avenida las Heras around the British Embassy and Plaza Mitre to Avenida del Libertador. Left on Libertador past the memorial to Evita Peron (with the National Library in the background) and the Automobile Club of Argentina to Croque Madame, one of our favorite outside cafes (as everyone knows). A leisurely 2 hour lunch, then over the street to Plaza Chile and the monument to O'Higgins, then back up Libertador past the mechanical flower that opens and closes with the sunlight and the Facultad de Derecho, right on the overpass, and back to Azcuenaga 1170 by 5:30.

Here's the afternoon in pictures.