Buenos Aires

Well I made it to Buenos Aires with no real problems.  The flight from Houston felt long but probably only because I didn't sleep well.

My hotel is really nice compared to some of the hostels I've stayed in. I'm staying in the Recoleta area of B.A. I was able to check in right when I got here and although I was tired, I didn't want to waste my daylight in the hotel room.

I spent the day exploring most of the Recoleta area. I walked everywhere to help give me a better sense of location.  
I found myself at the Recoleta Cemetery.  This is the famous cemetery where Evita Perón was eventually laid to rest. Inside the walls of this huge cemetery are lavish mausoleums. The people who lie here were wealthy and include presidents, military, artists & literary figures. 

It was pretty impressive to see some of these mausoleums. They are quite extravagant and at the same time some are completely crumbling away.

I also walked through the Basilica Nuestra Señora del Pilar. It's an 18th century church that's right next to the cemetery.   It had this remarkable silver altarpiece that was the work of Argentina's most famous silversmith.

The Recoleta Mall had some cute shops and actually overlooks the cemetery from the McDonald's balcony.

Plaza Francia had this cute crafts fair going on so I walked around there and also over to the Plaza Naciones Unidas (United Nations).  The Flower sculpture was a gift to the United Nations in 2000. It's petals actually open with the sunlight and close when it sets.

All in all it was a great first day. My legs are shot, I feel like I did when I walked around NYC all day.

I got back to my room around dusk. I was exhausted and I didn't want to walk anymore. It was hot and muggy out, but it felt great to wear a tanktop and soak up some sunshine!

Tomorrow should be a good day. Can't wait!