Monday, October 03, 2011

Into the cemetary

On a drizzly day, I headed into the most expensive real estate in Buenos Aires...


There was scarcely a soul around, or rather, there was scarcely a living soul around. I felt as though I had the place to myself to share with the shades.



I had the impression that each crypt had it's own guardian of its dead. This lion was scary enough to keep haunts out.


I was shocked that the coffins were right there, and were frequently visited, as evidenced by the "fresh" flowers at graveside.




This cherub was heart touching, and the wilted flower stopped me in my tracks.



Most of the coffins had, what I am assuming to be hand stitched linen, covering each coffin. The crypts were almost like private churches, smaller, but still with religious sprinklings and even stained glass windows. I also noticed that each had a cup or glass of water, which I heard somewhere that they were for the spiritual journey to heaven, so they did not become thirsty.


There was often times pictures placed in the crypts of the individuals in the coffins.


Some of the life-sized marble or stone statues were intriguing. I share a few below.


This guy is not in a bathrobe....he is a "famous" boxer. Or so I am told.





I did finally find a few people surrounding one particular crypt...



I had to check it out...



Ah! Royalty. That makes sense...

I kept on with my exploration, following where the angels led me.



Some of the older crypts were humorously endearing. Or post-humorously endearing.









This next picture has not been altered. The stark black and white with the shot of green drew my eye.


I just love this picture!!


Again, coffins with lace, a photo, and a jar of water. Yes, they were stacked.


At one point, I was backing up to get "just the right shot", and in doing so tripped on the curb, falling flat onto my butt in the green wet grass (pictured below), scaring the living daylights out of me!!!! I thought I was being grabbed by skeletons, and I had flashes of falling into a crypt onto a pile of old bones. yikes. (I was ok, just a wet bottom.)



I found the statues to be passionate in thier fight of the evil spirits.


Some were so impressive, having stained glass windows and even chandaliers.


I peeked in to see this beautiful stained glass.




One of the older ones was open, and I was tempted to go in, but chickened out. And yes, there was a distinct odor I was already familiar with.

I absolutely love the idea of a forever wreath, frozen in time, always there on the grave.


I mentioned that there were guardian angels; here is one watching over the wandering spirits.


... and I like to think this angel is peeking in on her sleeping spirits, not holding the door closed to keep them in...


I left feeling pensive, but completely ready for more exploration.

Saturday, October 01, 2011

In the City

So I got this post and the last one backwards...oh well. This is the view from my hostel room: I quite literally set down my bags, and then headed out in BUENOS AIRES!!!!!

Of course, I got pretty hungry pretty fast, and this parrilla caught my eye. (thought of you, mom, with it being orange and all)


Wanna see what I had? Enjoy! I just wish you could smell how fantastic it was!

My appetizer:

I wasn't quite sure what I was ordering, but I am pretty sure it did not involve eggs. Especially over my fries, but that seems to be "the way we do it," so I rolled with it! (after I took the pepper off my steak. Yucky peppers, yummy steak!)

I went through the "rough part of town" or so I thought. Graffetti seems to be everywhere, and oftentimes funny.


In stark contrast, the flower shops were everywhere, making for pleasant whiffs as I rounded corners.






The city is so fun!!!!

Wednesday, September 28, 2011

Back in the city

While in Buenos Aires, my first day of exploring led me to this park. There was a fantastic rose garden which I took my time to (guess what!) stop and smell the roses...





There was a paved road all the way around the road, and I could just imagine how fun it would be to rent skates and roll around.
I sat and relaxed, taking in the lingering warmth, perfume of the roses, and relaxed atmosphere.


After watching couples and young children feed the ducks, we went ambling along and found these fun views:





Truth be told, my feet were killing me, and I really needed to pee. When I came around the corner and saw a gelateria, with a bathroom, well, it didn't take any convincing to stop and enjoy a sweet treat.
Ready for the rest of the walk back home!
And when I got back to the hostel, the satisfied kitty-boss was there to check me back in and wish me good night.