Buenos Aires was the beginning and ending point for the main Patagonia tour.Even though this is South America, this city has a noticable Italian aspect. Our brief stay here only afforded us time to see a few highlights.
Among the sites we visited were: Plaza de Mayo - every Thursday women march to commemorate the 30,000 people who “disappeared” during the Dirty War. Around the plaza is the Presidential Palace (Casa Rosada) and The Metropolitan Cathedral where General San Martin is buried
La Boca area - a colorful area rooted in the destination place for many European immigrants; claimed to be where the Argentine Tango was born; also the home of the Boca Juniors - one of the two rival local soccer teams.
Recoleta Cemetery - home of some ostentatious mausoleums and the Duarte family crypt, Eva Peron’s final resting place.
Parana Delta - The delta of the Parana river which becomes a flood plane part of the time. We took a boat ride when the lower delta was flooded.The total delta is about 5400 square miles.
Teatro Colon - The opera house, reportedly judged the third best acoustics of any opera house in the world. Touring this six balcony, 2500 seat, venue was fascinating. Rehearsals were in progress when we visited which added to the attraction.
Argentina is famous for their tango. We had one lesson before a dinner which was less than successful for most of us. Watching the professionals was much more interesting. At one dinner we convinced our tour leader, Andrea, to dance with the professional. It was obvious that she had done this before!
