Buenos Aires

I have been in Buenos Aires now for 3 days. It's amazing what one can pack into such a short amount of time. I have sat in 6-7 lectures relating to Aregentine politics, economy, history, culture, justice system and women and human rights. I have assimilated amazing amounts of information. A local tour guide took us on an extensive tour of the city visiting many of the 100 neighborhoods in BA. Include in the tour was a visit to the cemetery where Eva Peron is buried. The city is an amazing mix of many European cultures. The people here are incredibly friendly all the while, on the news and in the papers there is a general dislike of America and american politics. Although one on one the people are kind and helpful. I am constantly being told to put my money away before I step out of the taxi.

Yesterday, we met an incredible woman, Dr Elena Highton de Nolasco, the first woman Supreme Court Justice in Argentina. She is in fact, the Deputy Chief Justice. Then in the late afternoon, I had a grand adventure in La Boca neighborhood, which is one of the most visited tourist spot but also the most dangerous and poorest of neighborhoods. The houses are all made of tin and painted in the brightest of colors. As it got dark we were told to leave quickly.

Today we were treated to an amazing tea with the US ambassador to Argentina, Vilma Martinez. I will upload photos later. The palace that her residence is in was quite spectacular as you will see. Finally, tonight we were treated to a tango lesson in which I discovered I was actually pretty good at and enjoyed. However, we were only taught very simple steps. On Thursday we will be seeing a tango show with professional dancers. It has been fun to see all the tango street performer. Tomorrow we will get out of the city to El Tigre and San Isidrio. It will be nice to get away from some of the noise and congestion of such a large metropolis.