Argentina Snapshots: Buenos Aires

Argentina is a country known for fabulous wine, great food (especially lamb and beef), stunning landscapes in Patagonia, gauchos and, of course, the tango. Its history is plagued by colonial Spanish governors, controversial “democratic” governments led by Juan and Eva Peron, and brutal dictatorships as recently as 40 years ago. Buenos Aires is the cultural and financial center of the country. Neighborhoods vary from very affluent to bohemian Palermo to the colorful La Boca area where La Caminita is like a Disney set. Modern artworks such as The Generic Flower (which opens and closes based on the amount of sunlight) and wall murals by local artists  provide glimpses of Argentine contemporary art. The Recoleta Cemetery, where Eva “Evita” Duarte/Peron is buried, is a spectacular collection of modern and classic tomb architecture, and is the final resting place to many of Argentina’s rich and famous.