Today we went on a guided tour of some city highlights, beginning at the Plaza de Mayo, the most prominent square in the city.
Crossing the street, we circumnavigated riot barriers and a heavy police presence to enter the cathedral. In a country so predominantly Catholic that bishops and some other clergy are even paid a salary by the federal government, this seemed strange. Perhaps three in-country Druids were in revolt.
Back outside the cathedral, people with signs and banners were beginning to assemble. Our guide having hustled us into the cathedral without explanation, perhaps concerned that the police were going to close access to it, now took time to tell us what was going on. The police were preparing for a protest against bishops receiving a salary paid by taxpayers, especially in light of recent revelations about priests molesting minors.
At the far end of the plaza was the presidential palace. One could imagine Evita on a balcony singing "Don't Cry for Me Argentina".
We got back on the bus and headed for the Boca district of the city.
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Forever bicycles sculpture in La Boca, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
It was made by Chinese artist Ai Weiwei with 1254 bicycles.
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Next stop was the Recoleta Cemetery
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| At what point does really good graffiti became a mural? |
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| Torso Masculino Desnudo by Columbian artist Fernando Bótero in Parque Thays |
The story of how Evita Peron's body got here is quite an interesting story involving several moves. At one point she was buried under a fake name in Milan, Italy.
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| The crypt of Familia Duarte is where Evita is buried, "Duarte" being her maiden name. |
After the tour ended, Pam & I walked over to the huge Avenido 9 de Julio.
For dinner, we went to a great steakhouse - L'Embruix. The meat portions were so large that the waiter recommended we have an appetizer and split an entree. It was a wise recommendation.
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