Recoleta!

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Sometimes Dain and I will just jump on the Subte and find a destination we have never been to. Usually, this proves very entertaining. At a stop called Constitution we found a hooker on every corner! Even witnessed a pick-up between a table of prostitutes and a pizza eating patron where we ate lunch. In Congresso de Tucuman we found an excellent Artesian market and ate the biggest calzone I have ever witnessed!

Today we took a more organized approach to our city exploration and planned a visit to the famous Cemetario de la Recoleta.
We arrived at the right stop, by bus, without fail! In this area a little bit of everything exists. First we ran right into the Passe de Artes. An art walk where people sell different jewelry, pottery, beading, baskets, scarves, knitted clothes, handmade leather shoes, mate cups, a stand with fresh squeezed juice and warm garrapinadas, similar to toffee covered peanuts. I have taken a liking to these, especially freshly made. I’ve read this is the most famous artesian market, but the one we went to last weekend was, by far, much larger.

We moved right over to the colonial looking, Basilica Nuestra Senora del Pilar church. A quick view, snapped some photos and on to the Cemetery, where we got hassled into buying a map, it does take up 4 blocks. First impression, was, “this was not what I was expecting.” The Coloradan in me was expecting spacious green area with tombs and every deceased person being underground. Really, there are rows and rows of beautifully designed mausoleums. The statues and walls of marble, sandstone, granite and bronze were like little high rises within a city. I made a game out of taking pictures of all the angel statutes, but really there was a wide variety. The cemetery was well taken care of, but there were some tombs that were broken and filled with litter. One tomb we were able to peek into and counted 14 family members. It was all very interesting, but we were unable to view the grave of Evita because the every tourist in the area wanted a picture in front of the tomb.

After the tiring cemetery tour, we found ourselves at the modern Argentinean home décor shopping mall. Buenos Aires design was filled with high end sofas, tables, appliances and furniture. We saw an 8,000 peso espresso machine! After leaving the mall, we strolled the rich Avenida Alvear, which reminded me and Dain of Park Avenue. This is now the richest part of Buenos Aires and there is a difference in scenery. Besides the expensive shops, the streets were less crowded with roaring buses and honking cab drivers. Everyone was overdressed in the finest designer outfits and our favorite parked car was a Maserati! We took pictures of old mansions which are now Embassies and headed towards the very crowded subte, back to Palermo to end our full day of walking.

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Photos

Me Standing on a bridge
over Avinida Liberatdor

Colonial Looking Church
Next to cemetery.

Angel
My favorite statute

Daino resting
Mi burro

Me Stalking a cat
Meow, meow!

Evita's Grave
The tourists all lined up at to get a picture. She is buried under the tomb to stop robbers from stealing her body. It has happened in the past.

Outside the design center
A lovely place to sit and take tea or a hot area to begin your night on the town.

Cow
Some cow artwork on display throughout the terrace area of the design center.

Me under the ombu tree
Trees found throughout Buenos Aires

Mansion in Recoleta
Now the French Embassy

Old Mansion
Brazilian Embassy

Bs As Flower
Opens in the morning and closes (here) in evening.

Comments

[Dad]

Great stuff
I thought you might find some colonial buildings and architecture. Nice pics. Labor was plentiful years gone by there fore the ornate detail was affordable. Evita, was quite the character in Ar.'s more recent history. How goes the employment? Thanks for the dove hunting info. By the way, shot birds two weeks ago and had a local restaurant cook them up. Excellent meal, best pheasant I have ever eaten. Love Ya Dad