Don't Cry for me Argentina!

On February 7, Kevin and I flew from Panama City to Buenos Aires! This was the first time either Kevin or I had been to Buenos Aires so we had lots to see and do! We arrived late on Monday evening so we went straight to the hotel and crashed. On Tuesday, we went out and explored the area around the hotel. Our first destination was Avenida 9 de Julio - a 12 lane street that runs in the middle of town. This road is similar to the Champs Elysees in Paris. The road is lined with shops, restaurants, and well-known landmarks. We saw the "Obelisco" which commemorates the 400th anniversary of the Capitol's founding, and then we went over to the Teatro Colon. The "Colon Theatre" is the main opera house in Buenos Aires and is very similar to the opera house in Paris (the city seems to be similar to Paris in many ways). The theatre was completed in 1908 and has become one of the top five opera houses in the world. The interior was absolutely spectacular!! Unfortunately, we were unable to take any photos of the inside of the theatre, but if you click here, you can get the "general" idea! After our tour of the opera house, we walked over to Plaza de Mayo. Plaza de Mayo is a large space opposite of Casa Rosada - the building that holds the executive government offices, including the office of the Argentinian President. Casa Rosada is also the building in which Eva Peron stood on the balcony and gave her famous speech (Don't Cry for Me Argentina)! We did a little shopping on Florida Street before heading back in for the night.

Over looking Avenida 9 de Julio

On the Grand Staircase in Teatro Colon

Stained glass on the roof of the theatre.

Outside the main entrance into the theatre

The view of the theatre from Avenida 9 de Julio

Casa Rosada

And again!

Wednesday was the day we worked on the ship, and we had a heck of a time getting on the ship! We probably spent about 2 hours trying to find our way! Every person we asked had a different answer, and the language barrier sure wasn't helpful, although Kevin spoke as much Spanish as he could. We finally found someone who escorted us to where we needed to be, and everything else was smooth sailing. We sure know better for next time! We took a brief nap after working, and then went out for an incredible dinner! We went to a restaurant called Desnival and had phenomenal steak! This restaurant was recommended to us by my 6th grade teacher, and now great friend, Lynn Sommers! Thanks Lynn for the recommendation!! We walked back to the hotel by way of Plaza de Mayo and Casa Rosada. 

Our delicious bottle of Malbec with dinner.

Just us. It was such a nice date!

Outside the restaurant.

Casa Rosada all lit up!

We flew out late Thursday night, so we decided to make the best of our day! The first stop of our day was a bookstore called El Ateneo. This is the largest bookstore located in South America, and it is located in what used to be an old theatre. It was exquisite! Unfortunately there were not many English books, but I did find one! The next stop of the day was to the Recoleta Cemetery. This is the cemetery where Eva Peron is buried, so it seemed to be a must on our trip. The graves and mausoleums were so elaborate and beautiful! I am so glad we took some time to see this attraction. We spent the rest of the day eating, shopping, and packing to board our flight home at 10:30pm. It was a great trip and I look forward to exploring more of Buenos Aires in the future! 

Such and incredible bookshop! It was huge and beautiful!

One of the very few English books in the store :)

The entrance into the Recoleta Cemetery

Looking down one of the many, many rows of mausoleums. 

This one was HUGE!! 

Such beautiful designs and sculptures!

The line to see the grave of Eva Peron.

Familia Duarte Mausoleum. 

Eva Peron's Grave.

Proveletta - grilled provolone cheese! YUM!!