Puerto Madero

We trekked down to a barrio that’s next to the water called Puerto Madero, which is an up-and-coming neighborhood for people with a lot of money. There are a number of high rises being built and a ton of condos. Along one edge of the port, there are about eight old industrial buildings that were rehabbed into restaurants, offices and residences. They stretch side by side along the entire edge of El Centro. On the water side, there is a long waterfront walk, about 70 restaurants with outdoor seating, and the ubiquitous Santiago Calatrava-designed bridge. This bridge is supposed to have been inspired by two people doing the tango, but we are skeptical, knowing that architects often make up metaphors to sell their ideas. We both agreed that it looks very similar to many of his other designs. Don’t get us wrong, it’s still really cool.

The best part about Puerto Madero was this awesome high-end hotel that was rehabilitated from some old silos. We were a little intimidated going in because we weren’t fooling the staff that we were staying there, not to mention there were BMWs pulling up, guys with huge rolls of cash walking around, and they were setting up for some fashion show. We thought we might catch a glimpse of Giselle or Madonna or someone. We scoped the perimeter, got caught trying to sneak in the residential end and then walked in the hotel side. This place was swank—they even had a picture of Duran Duran, who apparently stayed there. Despite the pretentious attitudes, the building really was well designed.