March 13,

We were up and about by 0630, getting out by 0730. We decided to get breakfast out (I didn’t have any coffee anyway (what emoji)) as we went to a northern “suburb” of Buenos Aires, called Tigre. We caught a subway that ended at Retiro station, which is where we caught a light rail to get to Tigre. We arrived there just after 1000.

Tigre is the gateway of the Parana Delta, which is a network of rivers, canals, and islands. Also it’s a tranquil getaway for Buenos Airians. Our first stop was breakfast. Jeff pulled up a quaint place, called Almacen de Tigre Cafe Resto. We shared two orders: one of Huevos Revueltos, Palta, and Tomatoes (scrambled eggs with avocado and tomatoes- plus toast); and Tostado de Jamon y Queso (ham and cheese toast). We were also -each- given a 12 oz fresh squeezed OJ and coffee. The bill was 22,000 ARS, or $15.77. Now set about to explore Tigre.

We walked to Puerto de Frutos, which used to be the area’s Fruit Market. It was right on the Lujan River. Now it is shop after shop of handicrafts, furniture, and home decor items. We questioned why these items…but if you think of this as a getaway destination? I guess it works, or maybe I’m extrapolating. Anyway, I would have rather liked seeing a fruit market. Underwhelmed, we watched some boats on the river. Most seem to be taxis of different sizes. We could see the network of canals and islands more here.

We left the market area and walked back to the main area of town near the train station and saw some of the many historic rowing clubs. This area was known for these from the late 1800’s. We were passed by a horse driven cart filled with cardboard! That was unusual. Now we came along the Tigre river, briefly to a bridge, crossing over it to get to another section of town. Then we came to the Paseo Victorica, the main walkway/promenade back along Lujan River. It was here that we found a boat tour. It was to do a loop and last one hour. We decided to do it, paying 16,000 ARS, or $11.47 for both of us.

We boarded our boat, Rapido VI, and departed at 1230 on the Lujan river near the Tigre River. We turned up the Sarmiento River – it’s a smaller river. We settled in and gander at the mostly tiny houses lining the canal/river, and they were in differing states of repair. All the houses – at least 90%, it seemed – had their own boat dock! We noted also that a number of the places were for sale. There were much smaller “feeder” canals – these would be preferable to live in we thought…less traffic and noise. We turned onto Espera River and saw a grocery boat. Also noted that many smaller boats were driven by women with 3-4 children…school shuttling? There were also quite a few rowers out, even a couple of stand up jet skis. We passed a glass enclosed Museo Casa- one home restored, turned into a museum. That might have been interesting to see. Next we saw a small – like one room – church with a boat landing area. Here we turned onto Angostura River, then onto Carapachay River and returned onto Lujan River to complete our loop. We saw a few derelict larger cargo type ships on this river and also a former casino turned into the Museo de Arte Tigre. With that our boat parked and the tour was over. We disembarked and walked to the Art Museum.

We went into the museum, paying 14,300 ARS, or $10.25. Most of the main art works were donated from one collector, and were more modern, not our style. But we loved the building. It was fantastic and beautifully restored. High ceilings, chandeliers throughout. The upstairs was like a grand ballroom. In here was a display of drawings of Tigre, to help preserve the old town. I found these drawings great as well.

We left the museum and stopped at Doz Bar on the promenade and had hamburgers watching the river traffic. They were okay- one a true hamburger, the other a mistake! We also had a refreshing pitcher of lemonade. Anyway, we paid 48,600 ARS, or $34.84!!

Now we were finished with our exploration of Tigre. It was enjoyable. We returned to the light rail, taking it back into Buenos Aires and then the subway back to our place. Our place had been cleaned while we were gone. We noticed the cleaner floors and a few things moved about, but not much. Anyway, we were exhausted, having put in over 16,000 steps. We just had cheese and wine for supper. What a day!