My first few days in Argentina consisted of visiting all of the major tourist spots as well as getting to know the neighborhood where the campus is located.
Two days after landing my roommate, Aline and I visited La Plaza Francia in Recoleta...we visited the historical cemetary where Evita Peron is buried. Evita Peron was the voice for women within politics in Argentina. The Evita movie with Madonna singing, "Don't Cry for Me Argentina," was after Evita Peron.
***Just a side note, Evita never said those words, totally made up by Hollywood.
Ever since her death her grave has always had fresh flowers.
Two days after landing my roommate, Aline and I visited La Plaza Francia in Recoleta...we visited the historical cemetary where Evita Peron is buried. Evita Peron was the voice for women within politics in Argentina. The Evita movie with Madonna singing, "Don't Cry for Me Argentina," was after Evita Peron.
***Just a side note, Evita never said those words, totally made up by Hollywood.
Ever since her death her grave has always had fresh flowers.
On our first Sunday here, Aline and I ventured out to La Plaza de Mayo. This is a very known Plaza in Argentina because almost all of the important protests have taken place here. Protests have become common on in this particular Plaza because it's where the IRS, the Church and the President have offices and building.
If you are trying to send a message, why not do it where the most important people are within Argentina. A meeting place that represents power, government and religion.
This is also where Madres de la Plaza Mayo started. In 1977 mothers started marching in protest of the disappearance of their children during the Dirty War, the military dictatorship (1976-1983). Mothers have marched every Thursday since. Their efforts have helped bring home over 250 missing children since then. I'll upload more pictures of this plaza soon. As part of one of my classes we are going to visit the Plaza on a Thursday when the mothers are marching! Excited to see a little bit of history!
It's the United State's version of the White House. The last renovations to this building were made in 1862.
One major difference between this and the White House is that the President of Argentina does not reside here. She lives outside of the city and commutes. There are tours every weekend day, but it's closed during the week. The building is still fully functioning as the President's office building.
We took a free tour of the inside of La Casa Rosado! Here's the courtyard.
And here's the meeting room where a lot of concerts are held!
And at night...
video.
The Cathedral Metropolitana! The current Pope Francis is Argentinian and used to preach in this church.
After walking around La Plaza de Mayo we walked a few blocks into San Telmo where there was a huge open air market going on called the Feria de San Pedro Telmo, probably 15 blocks in each direction of antiques, leather goods, junk jewelry, restaurants, and handmade crafts.
As we were walking there were lines of drummers lead by dancers!
I also stopped and bought my first churro. It's basically a stick of fried dough covered in sugar for only $4ARS, equivalent to about $0.80 US dollars.
After our first weekend here, Nahuel Mose, the campus life assistant for CEA took us all around campus. We'd had orientation earlier that day so it was nice to get out and walk around. He was born and raised in Buenos Aires and knew a lot o the history. Here's what I remember....
Above: If you take an immediate right out of the campus building you will walk into this memorial. It is the memorial for one of the only terrorist attacks to have occurred in Argentina. Iraqi's bombed this Israeli embassy in 1992.
Below is a picture of a building near the Global Campus. Argentina passed a law saying that any building built before 1945 could not be destroyed, if it was being teared down, builders had to keep the structure intact to maintain the historic feel. That being said, most buildings in Buenos Aires are very old and detailed.
Above is a gentleman's club for official Military officers. Many officers end up exchanging their wedding vows here, one because it is free, and two because the location is central to Argentina, La Plaza de San Martin.
San Martin was a highly respected military officer who helped Argentina gain their independence from Spain.
This is the entrance to the club. During the summer months there is a huge crew of cleaners who come to prepare the doors for weddings and other official ceremonies being held there.
Below is a picture of another gentleman's club, but specifically for Navy officials....
As Nahuel was telling us about the gentleman's club all I could think about was a more sexist version of Woodland Golf Club.
As Nahuel was telling us about the gentleman's club all I could think about was a more sexist version of Woodland Golf Club.
This is in the center of La Plaza de San Martin. The center of this plaza was originally supposed to have two statues, one of San Martin and another of another war hero. While shipping the metal, one of the horses broke so they decided to just have a San Martin statue. The horses stance tells you how they died, whether it was in battle, an injury during battle or of old age. If the horse is standing on only two legs, it means the person riding it died in battle. The funny thing is...San Martin died in Paris of old age yet his statue has only two of the horses legs touching the ground.
Here is a picture of the tourist-y mall just a few blocks from our campus. It is on Calle Florida and spans about 10 blocks. You can walk along this street for about 15 blocks. Filled with shops, souvenirs and pick-pocketers.
I love ALL OF THIS! Sooo cool, thanks for doing this Jing!!
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