More Iguazu and Return to BA

Monday, 2/4

82 degrees.

After breakfast in Iguazu Falls, we ventured again to take a train ride to the impressive Garganta del Diablo (Devil's Throat) one of the Wonders of the Natural World where the Iguazu River crashes down almost 80 meters forming many rainbows. Then we hiked the Lower Circuit where we saw a different view of the magnificent Falls. In the afternoon we flew back to Buenos Aires and checked into a boutique hotel- the Melia Recoleta. Our hotel was the former home of Eva Peron and had been a brothel at one time. Every room exuded the personality of the previous inhabitants including swooning couches and plush beds. We had a lovely dinner at a local cafe with much wine and conversation. We were happy to have Carolyn Vick along to interpret for us.

Pictured below-

-Devel's Throat of the falls

-The group on the lower circuit

-Our hotel in Buenos Aires, The Melia Recoleta

-At days end, a fine dinner

Buenos Aires, Argentina

Saturday, 2/2

Buenos Aires (Pictured at top). Temperature 85.

Buenos Aires ("Fair Winds"), a city roughly the size of Chicago, has 12 million residents in its metro area making it the 3rd largest in Latin America (behind Mexico City and São Paulo). Strong influence from Europe has given it a distinct flavor affecting its culture and cityscape and earning its nickname "The Paris of South America".

Our day began with a tour highlighting the city's major neighborhoods and attractions-Main Square "Plaza de Mayo", surrounded by the Casa Rosada (Pink House)- the Presidential headquarters where Evita did not sing "Don't Cry For Me Argentina" according to our guide, the old Colonial Town Hall, and the Cathedral. Next a stop at Recoleta Cemetery, beautiful mausoleums and statues and Eva Peron (Evita) resting place. Then to La Boca with its colorful houses and its main street, "Caminito" made famous by a Tango that shares the same name. The ladies immediately jumped off the bus anxious to purchase the stone of Argentina-the Inca Rose. Finally a drive through Palermo to see its magnificent mansions and parks. Shopping at Calle Florida before returning to the ship. This evening we attend a Tango Show with Tango dancers and singers as well as a tango orchestra to "feel" this particular Buenos Aires music.

Pictured below-

-Plaza de Mayo with Casa Rosada in background

-Colonial Town Hall

-Resting place of Eva Peron in Recoleta Cemetary

-Colorful houses in La Boca neighborhood

-Park view in Palermo area

-Shopping on Florida Street (Calle Florida)