We visited the neighbourhood of San Telmo this week. San Telmo is the oldest neighbourhood of Buenos Aires complete with colonial style buildings and cobblestone streets. In the 1870's, just as it was developing into a thriving district, the area was plagued by yellow fever which killed over 10,000 people and drove the middle and upper classes to other parts of the city such as Retiro and Recoleta. In more recent times, San Telmo has developed a bohemian flavour with various artists and artisans. Today, some areas look a little shabby, but San Telmo is loved by many and boasts a famous market, many antique shops and numerous cafes. Tango is also popular in this barrio. We went to San Telmo to have lunch with a young woman we had met in Halifax at a tango workshop over a year ago. She teaches at the university here in Buenos Aires and was instrumental in recommending both our Spanish teacher and our tango instructor. We were happy to reconnect with her at a great cafe near her home in San Telmo.
Rebecca and I having lunch
Hierbabuena Cafe - a delicious lunch eaten outdoors
Veggie Quesadillas - my order
Statue honouring Mendoza - the founder of Buenos Aires
Colourful Russian Orthodox Church in San Telmo
Plaza Dorrego
Plaza Dorrego on Defensa Street
Craftspeople by Plaza Dorrego
Defensa Street
San Telmo Market
Inside the market
Looking up at the ceiling and the metal framework
The best coffee in town, so we were told!
Defensa Street - important avenue in San Telmo. Note the cobblestones.
Bougainvillea on San Telmo street
Vegetation gone wild on a once gorgeous house on Defensa Street
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