Buenos Aires, Argentina
Buenos Aires, the capital city of Argentina, is the most European of all major Latin American cities and a true melting pot of cultures and nationalities.
The city has a fascinating political history, colorful ethnic neighborhoods and some of the most beautiful architecture in the Americas.
And of course, Buenos Aires is all about the infectous music and dance we all know as the Tango, and about the amazing impact (yet today) of Evita 'Eva' Peron, the former First Lady of Argentina.
Across Buenos Aires, both indoors and out, day and night, couples dance the tango. It's a beautiful and sensual display of passion in motion, one that's not to be missed.
María Eva Duarte became Eva Peron when she married Colonel Juan Peron on January 22, 1944. He later was elected President of Argentina, and over the course of the next six years, Eva Peron, as the first lady, became the most powerful and influential woman in Argentina and all of Latin America. She championed the poor of her nation, as well as the rights of woman and labor unions. She died at the age of 33, and after her death she was given the title of "Spiritual Leader of the Nation."
A bright red door against an even-brighter blue wall. Where else but the La Boca region of Buenos Aires, Argentina?
How's this for clever? Street signs in Buenos Aires have sponsors. In this case, 25 de Mayo is sponsored by Nokia. Smart.
This woman was selling puppets to the morning rush hour types and doing a brisk business. Her unique puppet was a baby in a blanket, and with her finger she moved the head in all directions. For 14 pesos you could be an owner, and she found lots of new owners.
Argentina's massive congress building (in Buenos Aires) looks like it could easily fit into the Washington, DC skyline.
Of all of the modern buildings in the city, this was my favorite. This multi-colored structure seemed to shimmer in the sunlight.
Tango art and posters are everywhere in fabulous Buenos Aires.
Senior Tango, the largest and most famous of the Buenos Aires tango clubs seats 1,000 people each night for both dining and dancing. Their spellbinding show of dance and music rivals any musical production you would see in the world, and when you leave the club somewhat early in the morning there's a definite spring in your step and a new respect for the magical tango.
After some twenty years of indecision, Eva Peron was finally buried in the Recoleta Cemetery in Buenos Aires. The family crypt is visited and photographed by thousands each day. This is one of the many plaques that grace the outside of the granite crypt.
This is a typical building found in the La Boca region of Buenos Aires. If you journey to this place, this colorful section of the city should not be missed.
Another look at the unique buildings found in La Boca, Buenos Aires.
In Argentina, eating meat (especially steak) is a religion. In many of the neighborhood restaurants beef of all types is often cooking over hot coals. The aroma is infectious, and steak for lunch is certainly not out of the question.
A Buenos Aires bow-tied waiter immortalized in wood.
Street merchants are found in all major cities of the world, but this one in Buenos Aires really caught my eye. He makes fresh orange juice drinks for passersby, and it looked to me like he'd had more than his share of oranges. Just an observation.
One of many quiet corners in the Eva Peron Museum.
Buenos Aires is certainly a collection of modern buildings, but turn a corner and its ambiance can quickly change. Frankly, it's a visually appealing city.
