Argentina
Darsena A

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    • Day 42

      Buenos Aires, Argentina - day 1

      February 25, 2023 in Argentina ⋅ ☀️ 79 °F

      Today’s excursion was “Highlights of Buenos Aires with Evita” w/our guide Juliana.

      There will be 4 stops.

      There are 3 million people in the city with 15 million in the area and 45 million in the country.

      Argentina was founded in 1861 and Buenos Aires is the capital which is a very European and cosmopolitan city. The architecture is a combination of French, Spanish, and German. There are 23 provinces and each one has its own music and dance. Of course, Tango is EVERYWHERE.

      The city is made up of immigrants – primarily from Europe in the past, and now mostly from other South American or Central American countries. Most people rent and landlords prefer that rent is paid in the US Dollar.

      The official religion is Catholic, but there is a large Jewish community. The Jewish population was as large at 500,000 and now is at 250,000.

      The exchange rate is BIZARRE. Due to inflation being at 100% in Argentina, there are 14 different and widely varied exchange rates. A good rate is 1,000 Argentine Pesos equals $3.50 US.

      Half the people live below the poverty line. We saw occasional homeless people, but far less than we see in the US.

      Additionally, Buenos Aires is a very flat city.

      Finally, we asked for wine suggestions and were told that Ruttini one of best wines. We should be able to get it for about $5.

      1st stop – we began in the south part of town which is very old and less expensive to live here. We went to the area called La Boca (the mouth) and explored Caminito Street (20 minutes - not long enough!) VERY colorful artist area, balconies galore, murals, tango dancers, restaurants). A great place to come back to eat lunch or dinner!

      2nd stop - May Square in downtown. We first went to the Cathedral where we happened upon the military honoring the famous Argentinean Jose de San Martin who was born on February 25th (1778). This celebration happened to occur in the 15 minutes we happen to be there.

      We also saw the famous balcony in which Eva (Duarte) Peron gave her famous speeches. Some facts about the Peron’s.
      Eva Duarte born May 7, 1919
      Married Juan Peron in 1945
      He became President, and she became first lady in 1946
      Eva Peron died July 26, 1952 (at age 33 of cancer)
      Juan died in 1974

      The President works in the “pink” house and lives an hour outside of town.
      The director of Evita came to Buenos Aires and the balcony scene in the movie was the actual balcony Eva spoke from later played by Madonna.
      The President works in the “pink” house and lives an hour outside of town.

      We rode on very nice and wide road named for their independence – July 9th Boulevard (July 9, 1816). The avenue has seven lanes in each direction and is flanked on either side by parallel streets of two lanes each. Through the center of the avenue runs one of the city's Metrobus corridors. There are two wide medians between the side streets and the main road. It is currently the widest avenue in the world!

      3rd stop – mausoleum at the cemetery where Eva / Evita was buried. Droves of people pay a fee to go into the cemetery to see where Eva was buried. We waited 10 minutes in line to see her family’s crypt. It’s not uncommon to wait up to an hour!

      4th stop - museum in Palermo for Evita. The Palermo residential area is lovely, and many cultural buildings, museums and beautiful parks and gardens can be found in this area. Palermo is the largest neighborhood (barrio).

      P.S. Argentina won the World Cup this year and signs of this are EVERYWHERE!
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    • Day 43

      Buenos Aires, Argentina - day 1, part 2

      February 26, 2023 in Argentina ⋅ ☀️ 79 °F

      About 1000 Jewish gauchos came here in 1860 and grew in 1880 with Jews from Germany. There were many Jewish farmers outside the city that came from Romania and the Ukraine. We learned about Moises Ville, funded by Baron de Hirsch a small town outside BA, that was founded in 1889 by 820 Eastern European and Russian Jews that were escaping pogroms. By 1896 there were more than 10,000 Jewish farmers here. These Jewish agricultural colonies were an unfortunate outgrowth of "corrupt dealings" where Jews that had bought other land to settle in BA Argentina were given nowhere to settle and forced to live in these communities about 400 miles away, give up their skilled trades and become farmers. These communities/colonies which eventually totaled over 40, with their homes, theaters, 7 Synagogues and Cemeteries and the history of Jews in Argentina, still exist and have applied as a UNESCO site.

      From 1895 to 1911 the number of Jews in Argentina soared from 6,000 to about 120,000 people. In 1920, 80,000 jews moved here from Russia. There are 250,000 Jews in Argentina (80% in BA) although the numbers were up to 400,000 in the 1960. Many of the Jews are very much Zionists and left in the 70’s and early 80’s (and then again after the economic crises of 2001) as they were looking and immigrated to Europe and Israel. During difficult times the JDC is always there to provide funding as well as support and aid in many ways.
      https://www.jdc.org/our-story/

      There are 90 synagogues and 35 day school and 20 JCC’s in Argentina (almost all of them in Buenos Aires). About 40% of the Jews belong to Orthodox Congregations (30 Chabad), with 35% conservative and 10% Reform.

      We visited the Anne Frank statue (by Jet Schepp) inaugurated in 2004, on international Human Rights Day, is a replica of the one in Amsterdam across from where she lived. The Mayor of BA, Horacio Rodríguez Larreta stated last year (when sadly the statue had been stolen but is not associated with antisemitism and then rediscovered) “This piece symbolizes the memory of the Holocaust and the Union between our countries, as well as the respect for human rights”. In addition to the statue and the Anne Frank House, which was inaugurated in 2009, is used to teach tolerance in a country which is home to the largest Jewish community in Latin America, Buenos Aires has a Holocaust Museum that was inaugurated in 2002.

      Next, we visited the Buenos Aires Metropolitan Cathedral built in the 16th Century and San Martín’s resting place. One interesting exhibit is the crypt of ANTONIO CARDENAL QUARRACINO X'ARZOBISPO de BUENOS AIRES (died 2/28/98) visited by Pope John Paul II in 1982 and 1987 and Pope Benedict, and the home of Pope Francis as Cardinal and Archbishop. On 4/14/97, the Cardinal dedicated a plague to the Holocaust victims with authentic items he had been given to represent each of the camps. Beautiful tribute from a Cardinal who believed in religious freedom, cooperation, and peace among all beliefs (see photo). He also planted an Olive Tree outside the Cathedral on 3/30/2000 for Life and Peace.

      Next, we visited the site of the attack on the Israeli embassy by a suicide bomber destroying the entire building on 3/17/1992. 29 civilians were killed in the attack and 242 additional civilians were injured. It was St Patricks day and those attending church right across the street were hurt and killed (we met the family of one of the victims at the memorial). On the 27th anniversary, a memorial, “And you shall tell your son” was built and placed on the site. Just a few days before we were there, it was damaged (see photo) but no one knows by who and why. Sadly, these events continue all over the world.

      One of the worst events to happen here was on July 18, 1994, when a Lebanese terrorist detonated a bomb near the Jewish community building (see photo) 85 people were killed and 330 wounded. The other awful event on the Israeli Embassy was March 17, 1992. Sadly, after many year it was recently in the news when it was discovered it was a government plot and the day before Alberto Nisman, the Jewish prosecutor was to testify on his findings, he was found dead. Oy veh.

      We stopped at the 160 year old Synagogue of Libertad Street was one of the few Reform/Liberal Congregations and is now Conservative. The BA Jewish Museum is located here too. We learned about Rabbi Bergman who began his career as a community leader at EmanuEl, the start of Argentina’s Reform Movement. In 2011, he became the first rabbi ever elected to public office in Argentina and served as representative of the City of Buenos Aires. In 2013, he was elected to represent the city at the nation’s congress and in 2015, President Mauricio Macri named him Minister of the Environment and Sustainable Development and named one of the world’s 100 most influential leaders in the fight against climate change. He has authored seven books, is a distinguished speaker on issues of social justice and human rights, and a strong exponent of civil discourse. Rabbi Bergman was honored to be appointed President of the World Union for Progressive Judaism in June, 2020.

      The PUENTE DELA MÜJER bridge was built from 100,000 recycled bottles by Spanish architect and sculptor Santiago Calatrava, opened on 12/20/21
      December 20th, 2001. Does it look like two people in a TANGO stance? Everything is about tango culture and dance!
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    • Day 22

      Kunterbunte Stadt

      November 17, 2023 in Argentina ⋅ ☁️ 22 °C

      Hier schicke ich euch ein paar von den vielen Eindrücken, die wir aus Buenos Aires mitgenommen haben.🤩🥰
      Gleich geht es weiter nach Puerto Madryn, Argentinien. Dafür haben wir wieder 2 Seetage Erholung. Eins sag ich euch: Die braucht man auch...😅🙃🤣Read more

    • Day 22

      Du tango, du tango, du tango

      January 26, 2020 in Argentina ⋅ ☀️ 29 °C

      Après un après-midi de repos à la piscine (eau de mer, 30°), nous avons pris la route du cabaret Tango, le Tango Porteno, un établissement « historique ». En fait, une grande salle genre Lido, salle et scène immenses. Repas standard. A noter toutefois la viande qui nous a été servie, un morceau d'environ 350 Gr. On est pas en Argentine pour rien.
      Le spectacle quant à lui était superbe avec une vingtaine de personnes, musiciens, danseurs et chanteur. La photo à 20€ avec une danseuse et un danseur...on leur a laissée.

      Ce matin, visite complète de la ville. En fait, trois quartiers: le centre ville où l'on retrouve les bâtiments officiels, la cathédrale, le palais du gouverneur (tout rose). Là, on se croirait parfois sur les grands boulevards à Paris, tant les bâtiments ressemblent aux immeubles Hausmann. Ce n'est pas une coïncidence, c'est un disciple du Baron qui a sévit ici.

      Puis direction du quatier de la Boca. Une sorte de Greenwich Village avec toutes ses vieilles maisons peintes de toutes les couleurs. Une débauche de bleu, de jaune, de rouge,... De la musique, des restaurants, des danseurs de tango et des gauchos qui tentent d'attirer les clients. Et des clients potentiels, il n'en manque pas. C'est une suite quasi inintérompue de cars qui se vident de leurs touristes. C'est Montmartres, Venise ou la Rambla de Barcelone. Il faut venir un jour où il n'y a pas de bateau dans le port.

      Enfin, le nouveau port, à l'est. C'est un quartier complètement réhabilité. On y trouve d'immenses promenades le long du canal, de beaux immeubles flambant neufs, des hôtels, des restaurants, des touristes...

      Et le quatrième tiers était consacré à la visite du cimetière. Oui, celà peut paraître lugubre, mais ce ne sont que des caveaux extraordinaires, tant pas leur taille que par leur style. Même le Père Lachaise ne joue pas dans la même cour. Ca sent l'ISF dans ces allées. Même le caveau d'Evita Peron.

      Tout à l'heure, on appareille pour Montevideo. Attention l'Uruguay, on arrive.
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    • Day 43

      Buenos Aires, Argentina. Day 1.

      February 25, 2023 in Argentina ⋅ ☀️ 84 °F

      This is our third time visit to this beautiful city. We decided not to book any tours and go on our own.
      We got out of the ship around 9:00am, took a required shuttle that got us out of the port and then met another couple that became our friends (Younga and Dave) and started walking thru not very good neighbourhood to the center of the city.
      Our first destination was its center… Plaza de Mayo, lined with stately 19th century buildings including Casa Rosada, the iconic presidential palace. It has the balcony on which Madonna stood when the movie “Evita” was filmed. And also where Eva and Juan Peron were addressing people in 1940s and 1950s.

      Boris and our friends also visited a Cathedral, the main Catholic church in Buenos Aires, Argentina. It is located in the city center, overlooking Plaza de Mayo, on the corner of San Martín and Rivadavia streets, in the San Nicolás neighbourhood. It is the mother church of the Archdiocese of Buenos Aires and the primatial church of Argentina. Unfortunately, I had to stay outside with a wheelchair.

      We continue walking toward Teatro Colon which we visited in 2020. It’s one of the best theatres of South America. We could not visit it, they were maintaining lights or something like that. Then just around the corner we spotted a very grand synagogue. Unfortunately, it was Saturday and the place was closed.

      We continued walking toward Recoleta cemetery where Eva Peron is resting. This cemetary is the first public cemetary in the city was built in 1822 by French engineer Prosperous Catelin. Throughout its five hectares, the majestic pantheons and mausoleums belonging to many of the most important figures in Argentina. We all been in this cemetery before, but our friends missed Eva Peron grave. This time we found it. We spent some time wondering through the allies of the cemetery.

      We did a lot of walking by now, so we found a taxi and went back to the ship. We only walked 7 miles this day.

      We had to get ready for a special event in the evening.

      At 4:30pm we got on the provided transportation to the event and tango show. We had very good three course dinner with wine and a fabulous tango show. An amazing evening.
      Tomorrow is another day in Buenos Aires.
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    • Day 21

      Ici Buenos Aires, la cité du tango

      January 25, 2020 in Argentina ⋅ ☀️ 29 °C

      Le sectacle d'hier au soir: une revue sur le thème de Las Végas, avec plumes et strings d'un côté, et torses musclés et dévêtus de l'autre.
      Nous étions déjà très proches de Buenos Aires quand a commencé le « récital » des passagers. Les chansons se sont succédées, de bonnes et de moins bonnes, voire très moins bonne qualité. Personnellement, ça a été, si ce n'est que nous ne ressentons aucune vraie amphatie de la part des animateurs (c'est pas Claudine!) et un public tellement disparate que la communication n'est pas simple. Plus de la moitié de la salle ne comprend pas un mot des chansons en français. Résultat des courses: comme chez Jacques Martin, tout le monde a gagné.

      Peut avant, nous avions doublé la ville de Punta del Este avant de rentrer dans le rio de la Plata, un immense estuaire qui sépare l'Uruguay de l'Argentine. C'est comme l'estuaire de l'Authie, avec Berck d'un côté et Fort Mahon de l'autre. Ici, c'est Montevideo et Buenos Aires... Sauf qu'entre les deux il y a près de 200 Km.

      Ce matin, réveil et petit déjeuner matinaux. Buenos Aires, nous voilà. Muni de notre pifomètre complété heureusement d'un plan récupéré à la dernière minute, nous avons errer plusieurs heures dans les rues les plus attractives (pensez, y-a des magnets..!) pour arriver sur l'avenue du 9 juillet (les Champs Elysées) et sur la place du palais du gouverneur. C'est là que les « grand-mères tournent chaque semaine autour d'un monument pour manifester contre le silence assourdissant des autorités sur le sort de nombreux prisonniers.

      Sous un cagnard d'enfer, retour au bateau pour un déjeuner tardif.
      En fin d'après-midi, nous partons en car pour un dîner en ville dans une boîte à tango.
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    • Day 76

      Welcome to Buenos Aires, Argentina

      February 25, 2023 in Argentina ⋅ ☀️ 72 °F

      Welcome to Buenos Aires … as we are on approach to our berth.

      The story of our two days in the city — and the first RTW2023 off-ship special event — will follow.

    • Day 59

      Find Penguins

      February 3 in Argentina ⋅ ☀️ 33 °C

      I've never been able to figure out why this app is called "Find Penguins," but, with good reason, I'm borrowing the name as the title to this post.

      I guess it takes a special kind of stupid to travel over 11,000 kilometers to escape our Canadian winter only to hop on a ship en route to the Antarctic, but that's exactly what we've done.

      Ok, it's not going to be anything like Shackleton's expeditions, but over fourteen days we will be stopping in Ushuaia, the southernmost city in the world, and cruising around Cape Horn, before heading back North for stops in the Falklands and Montevideo.

      We're not sure if we'll see any penguins way down at the end of the world, but we're pretty sure to spot some icebergs and maybe some whales.

      As for finding penguins, the Falklands are home to more penguins than people, so we're pretty certain we'll find some there. 🐧 🐧 🐧
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