October 17, 2007
After school today (yep, finally going to Spanish school to correct my grammar)… I figured, I’d troll the normal spots for demonstrations and see if anything interesting was happening.
Immediately, I could see that this demonstration was different. I’ve never seen a demonstration surrounded by so many police. You could feel the tension in the air.
It would get loud for a short period, and then it would calm down. I figured I’d stick around to see how this turns out, but pulled out a medium telephoto lens, so I didn’t have to get in the middle of this.
The Police surrounding the demonstration just kept growning.
I think the Porteños walking by could sense this also. There weren’t as many onlookers, and people were keeping their distance when walking by.
Very quickly, this demonstration was surrounded on all sides. This is when I moved a bit farther back.
Then, these two guys (you can see one and only the hair of the other) got into a rather heated shouting match. Latins are so passionate about politics. Most Latin countries have some demonstrations before major elections. Before you knew it, a full on fight broke out.
The Police collapsed this pocket quickly and it was all over in maybe 3 seconds. The fight was contained immediately.
And, the aftermath of the demonstration was just a pile of stuff to clean up… The primary election for Presidente will be on the 28th. Just 11 more days… I wish the U.S. could be this passionate about politics. This is shaping up to be a good election…
Capn Scott
October 11, 2007
Well, even crusty old Captains have birthdays. I figured that I’d go out and celebrate with a great meal. I’ve been wanting to go to a great steak house and sample the famous Argentinian beef. So far, I’ve had a few steaks at a local pizzeria, and they were excellent.
On the way, bumped into another demonstration. It’s getting close to elections and the people of Buenos Aires are very passionate about their views. This was a group of motorcycles that blocked a main passage.
And, quietly off to the side, the police are ready to keep the peace. These guys are definitely the strong silent type. They respect peoples rights to have opinions and really don’t interfere.
The police force here is very quickly gaining my respect. The police of the U.S. could come down here and learn some things from these professionals. The officers quickly diverted traffic, and after 20 minutes, the demonstrators were no longer blocking traffic and drove off to demonstrate elsewhere.
I showed up at Spettus Steak House (almost in front of the frigate Presidente Sarmiento) around 3ish. I had 4 waiters available, and the service was incredible.
Probably one of the best steaks that I’ve ever had. Everything they say good about the steaks in Argentina is true. Just incredible…
Later on stopped at a local watering hole and had a few beers to finish off a great day. Did I say how beautiful the women are, here in Buenos Aires???
Capn Scott
September 28, 2007
While walking around Buenos Aires and doing some local discovery, I shot a few pictures.
The first thing that you notice, is the amazing amount of beautiful women walking around.
And in the local eating establishments… They’re just everywhere…
Then there is the amazing architecture. You can see so many inflluences from other countries. This is the customs building.
A very french looking Department of Defense.
This is a statue to Christopher Colombus
This is the Central Mail office.
This is the Presidential Palace.
Nice view of the changing of the guard at the Presidential Palace. It’s nice to see some of the traditions.
Next month are the Presidential elections. There seems to be quite a few demonstrations. And, the local Police force is always ready to keep it peaceful.
Making sure that they put up a nice presence.
These guys are good. Very amiable and I enjoyed talking with them. I didn’t feel any tension or animosity. They were there for a show of force only.
The demonstrators gathered in the local plaza.
The demonstrators came armed as well. Many had baseball bats and heavy sticks. I’m guessing they were there for a show of force also… Though I felt a bit safer behind the police line… No violence, just a peaceable demonstration…
Capn Scott