Saint Evita, bless me for I have sinned (betting on the ponies is a sin, right?)!

Sunday, October 16. 

Sunday!  Market Day!   We had grand plans to go to two huge markets today, San Telmo and Feria de los Matadores (Matador's Fair).

San Telmo is close and started at 10am.  Matador's started later and is located past the end of the Subte line.  So, obviously, we started with San Telmo.    It was one street (Defensa) of stalls, for like 10 blocks!  We were strong for many blocks.  No purchases.  But I broke with a little mata cup and straw.  Actually I think I mostly bought things that are ridiculous to pack, coffee mugs and a platter.  Plus a little painting and a few little Christmas gifts. I am going through that stack o'cash, let me tell you.  

A million market pictures: 

Market all the way to the end!

I  bought that little hanging bird plant 
holder in the top left

Little gifties guy

Food, with a band (not to mention a bathroom)

Wrapping up my painting

Coffee mug guy

We were 7 hours round trip and a million steps so by the time we got home at 4pm, we kind of gave up on the Feria de los Matadores.  It is an hour away.  We were tired and didn't have time. And I couldn't spend any more money! Next visit to Argentina.   

I crashed for a two hour nap.  I had woken up at 5 am this morning and couldn't get back to sleep.  So, I was bagged.  I  woke up at 6 and we had to decide where to go for dinner.  I suggested we check out some of the other sub-districts of Palermo.  Palermo Soho isn't too far away.  We walked.  

And we found a restaurant called El Santa Evita!  Saint Evita (Peron)!  I think I mentioned that I have been reading a biography of Evita (as yet unfinished).  It is a terrible book and an even worse translation but it has peaked my interest.  

The place is over the top Evita.  Colouring place mats.  Evita and Juan (President Peron, Evita's husband) on the wine glasses.  They even had Evita beer but I didn't realize that until too late!  The food was definitely secondary to the experience and ambiance.  

An Evita Shrine

As if one shrine is good...

It is Mother's Day and we didn't have reservations so we had to have an abbreviated dinner.  We had to be out by 9:30.  Just wine and entres.  Still I had time to colour. 

Remember when I said you can imagine
Evita up on the balcony?
Now you don't have to imagine with this very
accurate coloured placemat picture of her

My wine glass

Evita carnations for the mothers

I swear that wall was blank when I sat down. 
Saint Evita appeared to bless my day at the tracks!

Monday, October 17.  

We had a late start.  We needed to do some laundry.  Plus, we were heading to the Palermo Horse Racetrack (Hipodrome).  The first race wasn't until 1:30.  

Welcome to the racetrack

Viewing area,
we had lunch in the restaurant behind those big windows

Not real horses

Finish line!

We got there a bit early so we walked around and decided to have a snack.  We could not find the cafeteria so we ended up in the players lounge.  It cost $100 pesos!  (around $1).  Players are old men yelling through a big window so it isn't as glamorous as it sounds. 

Amy grew up on a horse farm and her dad owned racing horses so she showed me how to read the racing forms.  It's my brother's birthday today so I picked the horse with the name that most reminded me of him:  Debit Card.  Debit Card was a stinker.  I lost $200 ($2!).  Happy Birthday Paul.  

Debit Card, loser, unlike Paul who is not

I did much better after that, especially once Amy explained the racing form.  I won the next one (2.4:1 for a $360 peso profit), lost one, accidentally bet $300 pesos on a 39:1 (did not win but wouldn't it have been exciting) and then my last one (4.2:1 for a $640 peso).  So, even with the accidental bet, I came out ahead but something like $100 pesos ($1).  Not too shabby.  I am expecially proud of that last one because we went to look at the promanade where they show off the horses right before they race.  I liked the look of one, good nice gait, shiny coat, head high, so I bet on him.  And he won.  So, I am ready for the circuit (first I have to confirm there is a circuit and where the bus stop for it is).

Random racetrack photos: 

He's a winner

And I'm a winner!

This is my shiny fella!  Who wouldn't bet on him

#1, my winning ticket!

Interjection: later that day, we just got home from dinner, 11:30 pm - we may be Argentinians yet - and there is a full on rave going on on a patio across the street.  The same people who leave their two howling dogs on the patio ALL day.  We hate those dogs and now we dislike their owners too.    

I'm sure it's fun but

Me at midnight with a party across the street 
(actual art in our apartment)

Despite the sick beats, I am going to bed.  I'll finish Monday tomorrow.