TODO ES BUENO IN ARGENTINA - Buenos Aires, Argentina Nov 2017

TODO ES BUENO IN ARGENTINA

Buenos Aires, Argentina  Nov. 2017

At the Kirchner Cultural Centre

It was not our first trip to Buenos Aires. But our visit in 2012 with Briana and Simone was particularly ill-timed. Arriving on December 30, we did not realize that all the museums and government-run buildings would be closed for the length of our stay.

Don't cry for me--Evita

This time, visiting Buenos Aires both before and after our trip to Montevideo, Uruguay, we enjoyed every aspect of the city, from the tantalizing restaurants to the spectacular architecture. Our initial stop was a repeat performance because it made such a strong impression the first time: La Cementerio de la Recoleta, hailed as one of the most beautiful cemeteries in the world.

The infamous couple

It contains the graves of notables, including the presidents of Argentina, Nobel Prize winners and, perhaps most significantly, Eva Peron.

Museo Bella Artes

Eva Peron ("Evita"), married to the controversial Juan Peron and the First Lady of Argentina from 1946 until her death in 1952, was a beloved figure. 

Her presence seemed to be everywhere, from the Casa Rosada, the mansion and office of the Argentinian president, to the museum that bears her name. 

Las Madres

Casa Rosada by night

One of the darker periods in Argentina's history was between 1976 and 1983, when it was ruled by a violent military junta that waged "the Dirty War." More than 10,000 people were killed and tortured. 

Every Thursday since that time "Madres de la Plaza de Mayo" have gathered, making sure that the world remembered their children that "disappeared." It was a powerful and equally heartbreaking sight.

We also visit the lovely Japanese Garden and eventually made it to La Boca after taking the wrong bus to the wrong area. La Boca, touted as an authentic barrio with a European feel, felt more like a tourist trap than an actual neighborhood.

Tango-ing in La Boca

One of the highlights of this stop was getting together with Maru, a fellow volunteer in Cusco, and her boyfriend (now fiance) Emilio, who was in school and had an internship that would eventually lead to a diplomatic assignment. 

Japanese serenity

Our second get-together was at an Israeli restaurant. While we arrived punctually (we're so American!), we--not surprisingly--had to wait for our Latino friends who live life charmingly on Argentina time.

We were joined by Maru and Emilio's American friend, Josh and his husband Beto. Josh grew up in New Hampshire. Beto didn't speak English, but still seemed to enjoy the evening.

Life becomes even more fun when worlds collide.