Helen's photo collection - helenip

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We set out from New York on Tuesday in our Penske truck.

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Day 1--dinner in Pennsylvania.

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Helen was overjoyed by the cheap dessert prices!

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Trucker expression...

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Day 3--Champaign, IL

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Coffee shop recommended by Theodora

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Yellow flowers, yellow truck

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Helen continued the bad habit of taking pictures while driving

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Day 4--political action in Iowa

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Lunch in Iowa City

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Book store recommended by Uri

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Danish windmill in Iowa

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Omaha, NE

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Omaha was better than we had expected

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We had a nice dinner at Ahmad's

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Protest in Lincoln, NE

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We visited the Pony Express

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Day 5--coffee break at Lasso Espresso

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Buffalo burger for lunch in Nebraska

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Rocky Mountain Oysters on the menu

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Frontier news in Wyoming

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Frontier Days in Cheyenne

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Mechanical bull at Frontier Days

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Our pet fish Chip was a trooper throughout the trip

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Scenic detour

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Day 6--detour to hot spring in Saratoga, WY

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Witty sign at brunch stop

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Park City, UT (home of Sundance Film Festival)

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Neat houses in Park City

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Great Salt Lake

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An elderly lady took a picture of us standing in the salt flat

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Harvesting salt crystals

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Day 7--Lovelock, NV

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Locks left by lovers in Lovelock

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Coffee break at Bakker's Brew

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Thunder Mountain Monument

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Slot machines even in grocery stores in Nevada

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Reno exceeded our expectations

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Day 8--we arrived at Berkeley (this is how our apartment looked days later)

00 Map of Lagos.JPG
After two red-eye flights (through London), we arrived in Lagos, Nigeria.

01 Lagos traffic.JPG
Lagos is notorious for its traffic!

02 Lagos breakfast.JPG
We met other workshop trainers (from other parts of Africa) over breakfast.

02a Money.JPG
We exchanged our dollors for nairas (US $1 = N128).

03 Lagos street scene.JPG
Many pedestrians carried their loads on their heads.

04 To Ibadan.JPG
We began the one-and-a-half hour drive from Lagos to Ibadan.

05 To Ibadan.JPG
Most of the route to Ibadan was populated.

06 UI hotel.JPG
Our room at the University of Ibadan (UI) hotel.

07 CNN.JPG
We were happy to find CNN among the African channels.

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We received one of the Nigerian newspapers every morning.

08 Shower.JPG
This is how we showered for two weeks.

10 Workshop.JPG
Tuesday morning was the first day of the workshop.

11 Opening ceremony.JPG
The opening ceremony was filled with formal and eloquent speeches.

12 Morning snack.JPG
At the conclusion of the ceremony, we had hearty morning refreshments.

12a UI library.JPG
The workshop was held at the UI library.

13 Classroom light.JPG
Students were eager to learn about the electronic resources available to them.

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Quite frequently, the electricity would go out, but the training continued.

14 Students.JPG
Students were in good spirits and appreciative of the learning opportunity.

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University photographer took pictures of everyone and sold them for N50 each.

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Most pictures were bought quickly.

17 Jollof rice.JPG
Lunch usually consisted of either fish or chicken, plantains and jollof rice.

18 Cocktail.JPG
Tuesday evening the vice chancellor hosted a cocktail party at his home.

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The trainers gathered for BBQ chicken in the evenings.

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This was our favorite BBQ chicken guy. He was friendly and gracious.

20 UI sign.JPG
Sometimes during the workshop Helen wandered around campus and took pictures.

21 Religions.JPG
Christians and muslims coexist peacefully in Nigeria.

22 Boys.JPG
When Helen walked alone, young men would stop her to chat (and one left his #).

23 Peanut girl.JPG
Young woman selling boiled peanuts, which is a popular snack.

24 Peanuts.JPG
Yum!

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Goats meander freely during the day.

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Two boys munching on corn cobs on the way home from school.

27 Semovita.JPG
Instead of rice, Helen had semovita with fish and vegetable.

28 Amala.JPG
Helen also ate amala, which is eaten with fingers.

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Thursday night we had dinner at a Chinese restaurant.

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People drank from water bags when bottled water is not available/affordable.

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Professor has three cell phones because towns have different networks.

29 Closing ceremony.JPG
Last day of the workshop concluded with the closing ceremony.

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The cook (woman in the middle) prepared fingerfood for the ceremony.

31 To Lagos.JPG
Friday afternoon we headed to Lagos. Car stickers reflect religious beliefs.

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Many walls in Lagos featured the message, "Do not urinate here."

31b Lagos market1.JPG
We visited a market to buy African fabric.

31c Lagos environmental.JPG
Saturday was environmental day--cars and people cannot be on the streets 7-10am.

32 Lagos market2.JPG
After 10am, we went to a big market in Lagos.

33 Lagos market2 baby.JPG
This toddler started crying when she first saw us, but eventually she warmed up.

34 To Abeokuta.JPG
Sunday, Grace took us to Abeokuta, an hour drive from Ibadan.

34a Climb rock.JPG
We climbed between the rocks to get to the top for a view of the town.

35 Abeokuta guides.JPG
Our guides gave us the history of the rocks and the town.

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Afterwards, we visited the market in Abeokuta.

37 Abeokuta baby.JPG
Helen noticed this cute baby sitting at the feet of her mother.

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Mother picked up the baby, handed her to Helen and said, "she likes to be held."

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Young boy posing for a picture.

40 Back to Ibadan.JPG
We left Abeokuta to return to Ibadan.

41 Grace home.JPG
Grave invited us to her house for lunch.

42 Helen car honk.JPG
The library director gave us a ride to campus (See honking button next to thumb)

42a Workshop2.JPG
The second week of workshop was at the UI hospital campus.

43 Pounded yam.JPG
For lunch, we had pounded yam and goat.

44 Joan.JPG
Tuesday, Joan took Helen around Ibadan to go shopping. Joan makes jewelry.

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We rode these beatup vans around town.

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Very hot and crowded inside the vans.

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Gates guarding residential streets to keep out the bandits at night.

45 Tailor.JPG
We took the fabric from the Lagos market to Joan's tailor.

46 Abiola dinner.JPG
Abiola invited us over for dinner. We ate eba and soup with our fingers.

47 Abiola.JPG
Abiola enjoying her fruit salad (watermelon and pineapple).

48 Head dress.JPG
Abiola and her sister taught Helen how to tie a head dress.

49 Tailored shirts.JPG
Wednesday evening, Joan brought us the shirts from her tailor.

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On Thursday Helen gave a PowerPoint training to the students.

51 To Lagos.JPG
On the road back to Lagos. Sometimes vehicles would drive against traffic.

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We spent the last night in Nigeria at the Lagos Sheraton.

53 Bye Nigeria.JPG
Saying goodbye to the wonderful time we had in Nigeria!

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Flying into Mexico City, a huge sprawling metropolis.

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We took the Metro (subway) to our hotel.

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The Metro is very cheap (each ride costs 2 pesos = US$0.20) and efficient.

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But sometimes the transfers required walking as long as ten minutes!

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On the Metro, CD vendors carrying speaker-backpacks filled the air with music.

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Our hotel room looked out into Chapultepec Park.

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Trees blossoming with purple flowers were all over the city.

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Children chased strands of cotton candy escaping into the wind.

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We visited the famous anthropology museum.

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Finding bathrooms in the city was not hard, but each visit usually cost 3 pesos.

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We found an internet cafe in the Zona Rosa neighborhood.

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Then we had dinner at the restaurant inside a Sanborns department store.

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Morning commuters eating breakfast prepared by street vendors.

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We went to see the Guadalupe Basilica.

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Some devout worshippers walked on their knees to enter the church.

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Behind the altar was the famous image of the Virgin Mary.

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We had lunch at La Merced, one of the largest markets in Mexico.

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Then, we took an hour-long bus ride to visit the town of Tepoztlan.

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Tepoztlan had many cafes and handicraft shops.

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We stopped at an ice-cream stand.

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The homemade treat was very yummy! Helen's favorites were mango and mamey.

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We also bought refreshing drinks from a juice stand.

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Walking along the back streets, we happened upon an AA sign.

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The entrance to the church courtyard was an exquisitely decorated arch.

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Looking closely we saw that the decoration was made with seeds and corn kernels.

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We took the bus back into the city and went to the hip neighborhood of Condesa.

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We had dinner at Flor de Lis, famous for their tamales.

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We woke up early the next morning to visit the Teotihuacan pyramids.

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The surrounding walls had beautiful patterns.

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The Pyramid of the Sun was the bigger of the two. Many people climb to the top.

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We began climbing, but stopped around the middle. The steps were steep!

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Helen bought a warrior-shaped flute. We named the warrior "Pepe."

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Back in Mexico City, we had lunch at El Tizoncito, arguably the best taco joint!

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We stopped in a spacious book store. (Can you see Pepe?)

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We spent the late afternoon walking around Zocalo in the historical center.

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Inside the National Palace is the famous mural by Diego Rivera.

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We walked by the theater Bellas Artes.

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Inside a Sanborn, people browsed through magazines.

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Mariachi musicians hanging out in the Plaza Garibaldi.

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Mariachi band for hire!

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We stopped at Churreria for churros and hot chocolate.

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Then we hurried to Arena Mexico to watch lucha libre (wrestling).

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Lucha libre fans checking out masks for sale.

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The next morning, we stopped at Starbucks: better drip coffee than in the US.

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We strolled through the art market in San Angel.

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The animated traffic light man picks up pace as the time counts down.

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Saturday afternoon, we joined many Mexican families in the Xochimilco canals.

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Some boats carried mariachi bands, which filled the canals with music.

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Candy-apple vendor paddled towards us to make a sale.

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We visited the Dolores Olmedo museum that housed many works by Diego and Frida.

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Peacocks roamed the museum grounds. Many, like this one, were vain!

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We stopped for a cup of Mexican coffee in the neighborhood of Coyoacan.

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Inside the Coyoacan market, people enjoyed fresh seafood dishes such as ceviche.

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The Coyoacan square was teaming with people.

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We went to Villa Maria for dinner. The tamarind margarita was out-of-this-world!

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Early Sunday morning, the usually busy street by our hotel was completely empty!

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In the city, your license plate # dictates which days you are allowed to drive.

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We took in the beauty of the Chapultepec Park one last time.

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What a great time we had in Mexico City!!

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We arrived in Sao Paulo Sunday morning.

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Our hotel was near Avenida Paulista, lined with skyscrapers.

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View of the city from our hotel room.

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The subway was great! (Not that many people around because it was Father's Day.)

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Book vending machines on the subway platform. Sudoku books were popular.

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We visited the Sunday market at the Republica Park.

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Food vendor at the market. Fresh cut corn...yum!

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The tastiest offerings at the market were skewers of little fried shrimps.

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We stopped at a diner and had our first bauru--the famous Brazilian sandwich.

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We visited the Tatuape neighborhood, which we discovered riding into town.

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The neighborhood park was expansive. It was filled with kids and families.

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Children enjoying the playground.

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We stopped outside the park to drink coconut juice.

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Then we stopped at this coffee shop. The Chilean owner was extremely friendly.

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His family was hanging out at the shop because it was his birthday.

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For dinner, we went to the Sunday street fair at Liberdade, an Asian district.

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There were quite a few of these casino places (mostly slots) around the city.

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The next morning we explored the residential area around our hotel.

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Vendors cook and sell food from the back of their cars.

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Not everyone has cell phones. Phone booths were frequently occupied.

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We walked through Rua Sao Bento, filled with a variety of street vendors.

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Brazilians like to wear clothes in the colors of their flag (yellow & green).

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The City Market was a little quiet during lunch time.

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This famous statue depicts an African slave woman breast-feeding a white child.

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We stopped at Fran's Cafe. Espresso only--no drip coffee in Brazil (!).

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A mall that was connected to a subway station. (Sales people were very pushy).

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Can you read the signs above the computers? McInternet!

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We went to Bela Vista (Italian neighborhood) for dinner.

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Afterwards, we hurried to the Tiete station to board an overnight bus to Rio.

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On the overnight bus from Sao Paulo to Rio.

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We arrived at our hotel in Copacabana just as the sun was rising.

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We had breakfast at a counter in the neighborhood.

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The buses in Brazil are manned by two workers--a driver and a fare collector.

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We boarded the cog train up the Corcovado to see the famous Cristo Redentor.

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Look who fell asleep on the cog train.

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Little creatures like this one could be seen along the cog train route.

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This one, of course, was Helen's favorite.

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We finally got to the top. Christ the Redeemer seen from the back.

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He welcomes everyone with open arms.

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The view from the top of Corcovado was amazing.

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The Sugarloaf Mountain (bottom right) can be seen from here.

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We discovered a market in the Flamengo/Catete neighborhood.

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Bookstore filled with Portuguese books (don't know why we went in here).

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Brazil is famous for its gem stones. The headquarters of H Stern is in Rio.

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We ate lunch standing, like the locals. Eat first, then pay.

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View from our hotel. Getting ready to go on the favela (slum) tour.

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View from Rocinha--Rio's largest favela--situated on a mountain side.

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Lots of wires in Rocinha, which allow the residents to "steal" electricity.

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Favelas are not as undeveloped as one might think--see the blue ethernet cables?

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Works by favela artists.

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The short-haired lady in light blue (left) was our favela tour guide.

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There was little planning involved in the building of the favela.

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Most streets and alleys have no names.

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Supermarket in the favela.

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Wall writings remind favela residents that A.D.A. (a drug gang) is in charge.

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We left Rocinha and arrived at this smaller favela.

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Children stay out of trouble in the community school.

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We walked down an alley in the favela. Looking up, one can barely see the sky.

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Playful children love getting their pictures taken.

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After the favela tour, we took the subway to explore the Botafogo neighborhood.

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The Blockbuster there had many American movies translated into Portuguese.

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We had dinner at a churrascaria. Servers bring skewers of meat to your table.

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The next morning, we walked along the beach in Copacabana.

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Like everyone else, we walked barefoot while holding our flipflops in one hand.

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We also checked out the beach in Ipanema.

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Then we boarded the bonde tram to visit the bohemian Santa Teresa neighborhood.

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School had just let out. Children eagerly hopped on the tram to go home.

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We had a nice time in Rio. Time to take the bus back to Sao Paulo!

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We flew to Recife on Thursday. Helen was quite amused by the fake luggage.

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These trees had beautiful leaves. We only saw them in Recife.

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We went in search of Francisco Brennand's sculpture garden in a Recife suburb.

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We never found the garden, but we saw lots of love motels (charge by the hour).

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We found a big book store in Old Recife. Marcus felt very much at home.

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Tapiocas (kind of like pancakes) are a common local treat.

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We had our laundry done in a laudromat in Boa Vista, which is a lively area.

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Election is coming up. Political candidates pay people to promote their names.

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We took the train to some random neighborhood. Nothing was there. Oh well.

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This trusting vendor by the bus stop was taking an afternoon nap.

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After becoming lost and getting help from locals, we arrived at Shopping Recife.

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Walking back to the hotel from the mall, we saw these funny looking statues.

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It was getting dark, but the beach was lit and kids were still out playing.

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Back in the hotel, we got a surprise from Silvia--a box full of local treats!

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After dinner, we hung out at one of the tikki huts along the beach.

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We woke up early the next morning and walked along the beach.

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Father and sons, looking out on the ocean.

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We joined the bus tour organized by Silvia. Our tour guide Gilbert was a trip!

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We stopped at Casa da Cultura, which used to be a prison, to buy handicrafts.

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This region of Brazil is known for its clay figurines and wood sculptures.

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Our next stop was Olinda, the artistic counterpart of Recife.

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A nice view of Recife seen from the hills of Olinda.

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Frevo (music and dance of this region) performers gave us a show!

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Many market stalls selling handicrafts. Woodcarving is especially popular.

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Many children walk around barefoot in Olinda.

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At the end of the tour, we gathered for lunch at Oficina do Sabor.

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8pm--Time for the wedding! Torches majestically lit up the front of the church.

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Here comes the groom!

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Everyone anticipating the arrival of the bride!

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Fabio and Silvia--husband and wife!

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The reception/party was in a very nicely decorated hall.

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Silvia and Helen!

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Around 2am, a samba drum band marched into the dancing crowd. We went wild!

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With the band were two giant puppets. These are the puppets used in Carnaval.

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We danced all night. Some people stayed until 6am!

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The next morning, we checked out the busy beach scene.

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Helen bought a kite. Her very first!

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Here's Edvaldo, the tour bus driver. Brazilians love to give thumbs-ups.

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We arrived in Porto de Galinhas (Port of Chickens).

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Soccer mom?

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Porto de Galinhas has arguably the most beautiful beaches in Brazil.

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People playing soccer on the beach, using coconuts to mark the goal posts.

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After dinner, Marcus attemped once more to order drip coffee, to no avail.

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What a wonderful time we had in Brazil!

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We took the train to Nancy from Paris.

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The St. Nicolas Festival was in full-swing when we arrived in Nancy.

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Our hotel in old town Nancy.

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We had brunch at an eclectic restaurant.

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Christmas market in Nancy.

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Helen had the best chestnuts ever here.

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One of many Smart Cars we saw in France.

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"Trash cans" are actually trash bags attached to metal rims.

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Place Stanislas is the main square in Nancy.

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Place Stanislas at night

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Huge John Deere tractors carried the floats in the St. Nicolas parade.

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We attended the awards dinner at the Grey Literature conference.

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This is the French version of hot dog, which Helen disliked (too much mustard).

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Our hotel in Paris in the Latin Quater near the Sorbonne, with free wireless!

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We devoured tomato salads on our first night in Paris.

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A typical scene--French balconies and woman with baguette.

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Check out the "Don't Walk" man with his hands on his hips.

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The Seine, which divides Paris into the Left Bank and the Righ Bank.

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It seemed like Christmas trees in France don't need watering...

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Tour of Notre Dame.

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Amusing statues on Notre Dame.

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More amusing statues.

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After the Notre Dame tour we had lunch at a restaurant with a view of the Seine.

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Then we climbed up the Notre Dame tower to see the gargoyles up close.

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Here's the famous gargoyle surveying the city.

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More gargoyles.

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Artwork in the Cluny La Sorbonne Metro station.

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Helen loved these poles--no need to fight for pole space like in the NY subway!

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The base of the Eiffel Tower.

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We climbed up these stairs inside the Tower.

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The Tower glistens around 6pm every night.

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At the top of the Eiffel Tower!

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View of Paris from the Eiffel Tower.

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We went to the Louvre to see the Mona Lisa and the Venus de Milo.

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Many people in the Louvre taking pictures.

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We saw one of the most amusing paintings at the Louvre gift shop.

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Shopping at the Rue Poncelet street market.

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You can buy seafood as well as fruits and vegetables at the market.

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We shopped like the locals at the market!

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An unsightly recycling receptacle.

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Joggers in the Parc de Monceau working off the baguette calories.

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The Arc de Triomphe was commissioned by Napoleon to commemorate his victories.

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We climbed up the Arc.

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Twelve avenues come together at the Arc, creating a chaotic roundabout.

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Holiday display at Printemps department store.

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Montmartre, a popular neighborhood for artists.

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We walked around Montmartre in search of Picasso's former apartment.

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The Moulin Rouge.

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The Van Gogh room at the Musee d'Orsay.

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We had dinner at a restaurant where the waiter translated the menu for us.

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Quintessential French cuisine.

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La Defense, a business district defined by skyscrapers.

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Risque magazine covers at the newsstand.

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Napoleon's tomb, which contains six coffins that fit into one another.

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Helen's favorite painting at the Centre Pompidou, the modern art museum.

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A night out in the Marais.

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We saw "We Don't Live Here Anymore" at a theater that showed foreign films.

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We went to Starbucks to buy drip coffee when we grew tired of espresso.

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Everyone wheels their carts to neighborhood street markets on Saturdays.

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We did some shopping ourselves at the Monoprix.

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An indoor meat market where rabbits and chickens are hanging.

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This market in Bercy was crowded with morning shoppers.

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Laden with shopping bags from the market, this man heads home.

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Colonne de Juillet marks the site where Bastille once stood.

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We had lunch in Chinatown towards the end of our trip.

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The national library of France.

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Patrons must pay to enter the reading rooms of the library.

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The grave of Jim Morrison in Cimetiere du Pere Lachaise.

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It took us two tries to find the grave of Chopin.

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Sunset at the Parc de la Villette.

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Helen went down the dragon slide in the park.

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A fondue restaurant with an interesting cheese-melting contraption.

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Jardin du Luxembourg.

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The Pantheon.

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One last look at the Metro sign before we headed to the airport to return home.

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On the first day, I walked through the old town.

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Took in the sight of yummy treats in a bakery.

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People are always walking around with baguettes in their hands.

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Many people eat sandwiches while walking on the streets.

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...even while window-shopping.

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I went inside a book store, but everything was in French.

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Look where I ended up--a shopping mall!

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I went into the Hallmark store.

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Baby cards are appropriately categorized as "Nuissances." Well, almost.

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I bought a card for Marcus. I assumed that said "I love you" in French.

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I started walking down a random street.

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Saw some interesting houses.

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Another interesting design (stepped on dog poop while taking this picture).

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I noticed this car that was parked in the wrong direction.

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I became hungry and went to a grocery store, which had a huge yogurt selection!

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Then it started to rain.

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I didn't have an unbrella, so I stopped under an awning to drink my yogurt.

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It stopped raining. I started walking back towards the hotel.

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Very neat buildings.

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Not sure whether this was a strip club or something else.

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We saw Brooklyn Boy in New York, which apparently was in production in Nancy.

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HUGE recycling receptacles.

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I stopped at the cemetery briefly.

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It got dark. I stopped to get a crepe.

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Went inside a department store, where they hung shirts in interesting ways.

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The next day, I went to a park where I came across this gazebo for Mozart.

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The park supplied bags for dog owners to pick up dog poop.

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A tenant was moving furniture through the window.

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I accidentally discovered an indoor market. Check out the giant pears!

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Cheese, of course.

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They leave the feathers on the heads and tails of chickens.

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I bought a watch at the flea market (only seven euros).

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I had coffee at Flo, which was recommended by a Nancy native.

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Then I went to the aquarium.

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This funny looking fish kept his eyeballs above water.

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Another funny looking fish.

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Walking through the square again, I noticed they were putting up a x'mas tree.

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A majestic church in old town.

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A simple church facade.

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On the way to the train station, I noticed this amusing sculpture. Poor goose!

Car
We rented a car on the first day to drive to Niagara Falls.

Wine
We tasted ice wine in a winery in the Niagara region.

Shaw
Niagara-on-the-Lake is George Bernard Shaw country.

Niagara Falls


Rainbow


Bikes
The environmentally concious city provides many bike-locking posts.

Recycling1
Toronto also provides numerous opportunities to recycle...

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...even in your hotel room.

Squirrels
The squirrels in Toronto are black!

Subway
We liked the red seats in the subway cars.

Street cars
Many street cars make it easy to get around the city.

Skyscraper
Tall building by the St. Lawrence Market.

Coffee
Second Cup is like the Starbucks in the U.S.

Farmers Market
Giant mushroom being sold in the farmers market.

Boy
A boy performed to raise money for victims of Hurricane Katrina.

Donuts
We checked out Tim Horton's, which got their start in Canada.

An outdoor lunch in Greektown


Bata
The Bata Shoe Museum displayed many impractical shoes people used to wear.

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We tried on some wacky shoes in the museum.

Tons of wires


Dundas Square
Toronto's version of the Times Square.

Ferry
We took the ferry to the Toronto islands.

Grass
Unlike Central Park, they encourage you to walk on the grass.

Beach
We discovered a clothing optional beach.... =)

View from the islands
Beautiful view from one of the residential Toronto islands.

Toronto's gay neighborhood


Koreatown


University of Toronto campus

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Buildings near the Plaza de Mayo (location of many political activities)

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We passed a political demonstration. (We didn't know enough Spanish to know what they were protesting.)

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One block from our hotel is the Cervantes Theater.

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Here is the not-so-stunning view from our hotel room. (The hotel was very nice and served free, delicious breakfast.)

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Flower stands are common.

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So are newspaper stands, as Marcus quickly discovered.

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Apartment buildings in the posh Recoleta neighborhood

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The (ugly) National Library

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Stray cats are everywhere. This one was especially friendly (we named her Meghan).

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Internet cafes are ubiquitous and very inexpensive.

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Everyday life in the working-class Caballito neighborhood

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Many students go to Catholic schools.

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An indoor food market

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An outdoor book market

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A tour of the Recoleta Cemetery where Eva Peron (Evita) is buried

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The cemetery is like a miniature city.

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The serene Japanese Garden

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Koi fish in the Japanese Garden

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These two boys wanted their picture taken. One is smoking a cigarette (it is not uncommon to see young kids smoking).

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Many American TV shows are popular in Argentina.

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The zoo encourages visitors to feed the animals.

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We fed this duck and named him Donald. Donald was not shy and smiled for the picture.

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Small Chinatown in the Belgrano neighborhood

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A park in Belgrano

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We sat down to take a rest, and a stray dog (we named him Juan) came and sat next to Marcus.

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Marcus is not a dog person, but he formed an instant bond with Juan.

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The lively theater scene included a Spanish version of ��The Graduate,�� which Marcus saw and Helen slept through.

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The very colorful La Boca neighborhood

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Fruit pyramids in La Boca

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La Boca street fair

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Young lovers in La Plata (a college town one-hour-train-ride south of Buenos Aires)

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In La Plata, we saw our first bird of paradise plant in the wild.

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Friday night in La Plata

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San Antonio de Areco is a historic country town two-hour-bus-ride northwest of Buenos Aires.

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Inside the gaucho (cowboy) museum in San Antonio de Areco

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The artisans in San Antonio de Areco are famous throughout the country. Helen bought an alpaca scarf from this lady.

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A market in the poor neighborhood (former shantytown) near the Buenos Aires bus terminal

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The second show we saw was a tango musical. Helen did not fall asleep at all!

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Popular Sunday market in the San Telmo neighborhood

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We bought a painting from this woman in the San Telmo market.

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We walked along a promenade in the Nature Reserve. Helen liked the little green birds (parrots?).

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One of the many parks throughout the city

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Once, sometimes twice, a day coffee/tea break (coffee is usually served with a small glass of carbonated water)

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Marcus reading a Spanish newspaper

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This was the most common (but our least favorite��kind of salty) bottled water.

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Woman reading The Da Vinci Code, which was also a popular book in Argentina.

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People waiting in line for takeout barbecue, known as parrilla

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A parrilla restaurant in San Antonio de Areco, complete with a costumed cowboy

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Our favorite bottled water (not salty)

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The city��s Italian heritage encourages consumption of delicious gelato.

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Pizza is also popular, sometimes eaten while standing.

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People eat dinner really late (after 10pm) in Buenos Aires. This pizza restaurant was packed at midnight.

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Children often begged for money inside restaurants

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Mate (a popular tea-like drink, usually drunk from a gourd) is always prepared and shared with friends.

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Helen attempted to buy mate from this vendor, but he sold her tea instead. Mate cannot be purchased ready-made.

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Despite the setback, Helen enjoyed pretending that she was drinking mate.

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It was not easy getting around in Buenos Aires as we never figured out what direction was north on the maps.

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Dog walkers (and dogs) crossing a busy street

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Helen was trying to capture the exhaust coming out from the truck. Air quality was not good (exhaust, cigarette smoke).

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Streets this wide are not uncommon.

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We felt very safe because policemen were everywhere. (Apparently the stray dog felt safe near the police as well.)

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Strays dogs are neither friendly nor aggressive. They mostly walk around minding their own business.

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The bus system is not hard to figure out because the signs list bus routes by neighborhood names.

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Riders pay fares inside the bus behind the driver. It is very efficient because the bus is not stalled while people pay.

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Some bus drivers go all out decorating their buses. This driver had white carpet on things and the Stones paraphernalia.

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The subway system was quite efficient. Helen especially liked watching TV while waiting for the trains.

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Each subway line uses different types of trains. This train is the oldest kind; almost everything is made of wood.

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Children playing soccer in the park

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We waited in line to buy tickets to the Boca Juniors soccer game.

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Tango dancers near the soccer stadium

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The colors of the Boca Juniors are blue and yellow.

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The stadium was filled with fans who sang and chanted non-stop throughout the entire game.

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We cheered for the home team in the nosebleed section.

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Confetti flew right before the game began. Fans of the opposing team (in red) tried to out-sing the rest of the stadium.

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The game has started!

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Even the guy selling peanuts sat down to catch some of the action.