Saturday, March 19, 2016

Buenos Aires

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Buenos Aires (Good Airs) lies on the hugely wide Rio de la Plate and is the Cultural Capitol of Latin America, as well as the political capitol of Argentina. It is a stunningly beautiful, European like city, with 2.5 million bustling residents.

Tango is the art here, with many conservatories of dance dedicated to it's study. Both the dance and the music are mesmerizing; a treat for all the senses!

I like Buenos Aires in the summer. It's in the 90's during the day, and the sunshine is constant, but oh, those nights...

Don't think about dinner until after 8pm. The restaurants aren't open earlier than that and tables get crowded around 9:30. So, without reservations, one can probably get a table at 8, but once 9 o'clock comes around, you'll have to wait. Most diners like to sit outside in the night air. I could get used to this. 

From 1946 to 1952 outspoken friend of labor and supporter of the arts, Eva Peron was Argentina's First Lady. She was immensely popular and beloved by the people of Argentina. Sadly, while husband Juan was president, she died at the age of 33. She is still an ever-present icon in Buenos Aires.
Eva Peron's gravesite
Our apartment
More apartment





The Pink House, presidential palace, where Evita would address the nation





Speaking of icons, Buenos Aires is home to the Pope, Papa Francisca. He was the city's cardinal prior to his elevation to the papacy and they are proud to show off the Cathedral Metropolitana where he lived. 
Inside the cathedral
Our block
The Waterfront

"Don't Cry For Me Argentina....."
Right now, the dollar is very strong against the Argentinian peso, making for great prices on everything in Argentina! Buenos Aires is really a wonderful place to spend winter, er...summer. The only down side is that's it's a long, and expensive flight.

Wednesday, March 2, 2016

Penguins at the Falkland Islands / Islas Malvinas

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To quote Basil Fawlty, "don't mention the War!" It's a sore topic with Argentina, which still considers Las Malvinas to be Argentine territory.
But the Falkland Islands, as they are known to the residents and to the UK, are a remote, desolate place, devoid of trees or even shrubs. Still collecting land mines left over from the 1982 war, it radiates a foreboding atmosphere and a sense of desolation.
The Anglican Cathedral with whalebone sculpture

Looks British, right?
In fact, there is a weekly flight from the islands, and in 18 hours one can reach London! So the 2,500 residents and 2,000 British soldiers have that.

To reach the penguins, we travel by 4 wheel drive for about 2.5 hours over hill and dale to reach a our destination; a beautiful, remote, and colorful beach.
Rescues 'R Us

I guess we have traveled a total of about 20 miles, but once one leaves the capitol "city" of Port Stanley, off roading is the mode of transport.

The Falklands are a beautiful place with smart interesting people. Difficult to get to but very worth the visit.

Magellanic Penguins nest in the ground!
Uh 1 and uh 2 and uh...
I don't know, you wanna go in? It looks cold.
Guys, just follow me, okay?
Everyone here?
You didn't expect this, did you? Penguins and sheep grazing together.