Update #5 - Old and New

Today I had two key things on my to do list. The first was to visit the neighborhood called Recoleta, which is one of Buenos Aires' most wealthy and upscale districts. The most famous hotel in the country is located there (Hotel Alvear), as well as the very famous Recoleta cemetary, where Evita Peron and many other famous Argentinians are buried. Walking around all the tombs was quite something. Every inch of that place is made of marble and the wealth is quite extraordinary. It was a little creepy at times walking down all these little lanes with tombs stacked side by side. Thank goodness nothing jumped out at me!

The second priority was two visit the new booming part of Buenos Aires down at the waterfront, called Puerto Madero. This old port has been refurbished as an excellent pedestrian area with some of the city's fanciest (and overpriced) tourist trap restaurants. When you see a Hooters and a TGI Fridays here, there's no doubt that this area is a tourist haven. However, it is still a beautiful area to take a stroll because it's down on the water and there are some great vistas and things to see down there. I'll let the pictures do the talking.

Really old trees in Recoleta.

Things got a little spiritual in Recoleta.

Rows and rows of elaborate tombs.

Evita Peron's resting place stocked with fresh flowers daily.

Stray cats guarding the tombs.

Look what I found in Recoleta. Ralph Lauren! Probably my favourite store in the world because they are so hard to find. Especially like the size of this one!

The old warehouses, turned into housing and restaurants along Puerto Madero. Even the cranes have a fresh coat of paint.

Definitely NOT a warm summer's day down here.

The most famous bridge in Buenos Aires. Translates to Bridge of the Woman. Very cool design.