- On my way to the city, I already pinned places I wanted to see on my map. After my arrival in Rosario, I check the times for buses back to Buenos Aires, and then start walking. First, I head east, past the monumental Medicine faculty and on leafy streets towards the Contemporary Art Museum. I have seen pictures of its colourful exterior, but when I arrive I see that the colours have gone. From here, I start walking along the riverfront. I see a large ship moored in the Paraná river, and several big ones passing by. I also see modern sculptures, and people lying in the grass enjoying the pleasant temperatures. I see plenty of nests with birds, in blooming trees, and realize that spring is in full swing here. I continue walking southeast, passing several buildings which give access to the river bank. I end up having dinner in one of the many restaurants on the way, watching people walk by and ships sail up the river.
- Walking past parks, lines of palm trees, people fishing in the river below, modern buildings, and young guys on their skateboards, I reach a row of buildings with murals on their walls. I also see slogans painted on walls, some of Che Guevara, one of the famous Rosarianos. Then, I see a large Argentinian flag flying high on my right, and I immediately know I am near the memorial for which Rosario is famous. But I first make a detour, walking past several other buildings like the Estación Fluvial and the Museo del Puerto. I see a huge football, surrounded by plaques in the ground, naming the Rosarian football players in big tournaments. I see a few kids play football, and in the background, see a huge picture of Lionel Messi on a building: one of the other famous sons of Rosario of which the city is evidently proud.
- When I arrive at the foot of the National Flag Memorial, dwarfed by a huge Argentinian flag, I slow down. I take the time to read the mottos engraved on the outer walls, see the sculptures, read about the history. On February 27, 1812, Manuel Belgrano raised the flag he designed himself for the very first time on a nearby island in the Paraná river. Needless to say, the monument breathes nationalism. I find a statue of Belgrano in the crypt below, walk up a few stairs and then take the elevator to the top for views over the city and the river. From here, I also see the Malvinas memorial. I also visit the galley with the flags of all American nations, plus those of Spain and Italy, because of their close ties to the country. From here, it is a short walk to Plaza 25 de Mayo, where I see the Palacio de los Leones, and next to it, the Cathedral. I take a taxi to a statue of Che Guevara near the erstwhile railway station, and then go to the home of Che Guevara. From here, I walk down Corrientes street with one elegant building after the other, and pass Sarmiento Square. I continue towards Independence Park, where I see a monument to Ovidio Lagos, who worked to turn Rosario into the capital of the country. The El Salvador cemetery is already closed unfortunately, but I get a beautiful view through the gate where I see the sun set over the monumental tombs.
