Shopping
Calle Florida
Here at the Plaza San Martin is where the Calle Florida begins. It runs about two kilometers and ends at Avenida de Mayo. Calle Florida is the most famous shopping street in Buenas Aires. Open only to pedestrians, it is a crowded and colorful place to wander.
In addition to all of the shops along the street, there are lots of sidewalk vendors selling their hand made crafts.
It is always busy no matter what time of day.
Each cross street becomes a rushing scene as the light turns from red to green.
The Galerias Pacifico
About three blocks down Calle Florida is this famous mall, the Galerias Pacifico. Its really worth a look.
It is a three level mall with a large center atrium.
Restaurants line the open atrium.
Very high end clothing shops.
Even a gaucho goods shop for the displaced cowboy.
Lots of beautiful and expensive alabaster stuff.
How about a pink alabaster tango couple?
Some beautiful stuff.
The mall has a larger center atrium that provides a venue for great luncheons under a large dome fabulously painted by Argentinean muralists in 1945. The actual building was constructed in 1889 and has received several restorations. Take a look at the next two photos to get a sense of what a super place this is.
No hurry. We enjoyed a two hour lunch here. Beyond the mural art the mall displays some amazing and somewhat shocking modern art.
See what I mean? Public art. "With your feet on the ground".
Can you put a story to this piece?
Sidewalk Shops
One of the favorite pastimes here is strolling along tree-lined streets and gazing into the shops that can be found everywhere. Some have very expensive goods.
Faye buys a few belts.
Food available on every block.
A confectionary shop.
A bakery.
More alabaster carved goodies.
And, don't forget the antiques.