15th Feb Arrived in Buenos Aires at 11am. An hour to get through immigration . Taxi ride to hotel was interesting. And I thought Italians were the worst drivers. Hotel is in centre of town. Going to a Tango show tonight. Driver could not get into street I am staying in because the building next door is collapsing. Roadblocks and security everywhere. Had to walk 4 blocks to meet driver to go to show. Show was amazing, meal was great also. City tour tomorrow 16th Feb City Tour Waiting to be picked up. There are news crew, police and security everywhere around my hotel. The building next door and one opposite are going to tumble down. Apparently it is an implosion gone wrong. Imploded building came down ok but has caused other buildings to start to topple. Bloody hot already 37 degrees at 8am The city trip visited Palermo, Retiro, San Telmo, Recolata, Monserrat,Puerto Madero and Centro. There is a monument Flor de metal which is a large metal flower which was unusual. Also went to the stadium CABJ. Caminito was very different with its colored buildings loved the ambience of this area. After the tour I walked back to the Cementerio de la Recolata to find Evitas resting place. Evita is in the family vault under the name of Duarte. I walked around here for hours reading the names of generals, presidents and famous people. I left and tried to get a taxi but I did not have any pesos, and the drivers would not take or exchange American dollars. Had to walk to hotel which took me hours, but thoroughly enjoyed venturing around. I followed the road which is 140 meters wide and very busy with cars, bikes and buses as well as lots of tourists. Lucky I had a local map with me. Walked in the doors of the hotel and had a few drinks to cap off the afternoon. Tomorrow I head for Rio, Brazil.
17th Feb Decided to go on guided tour of Teatro Colon which houses operas and ballets. Inside was amazing with a combination of three different types of architecture . The French area of elegance and gold was spectacular. The theatre itself houses over 3000 seats over seven levels, 500 of them standing in levels 6 & 7 . The tour lasted an hour and was well worth it. The stain glass windows in the roof were beautiful and the marble busts of famous musicians were great. Walked back to hotel and checked out. Same crazy cab driver again drove me to Airport. Customs again now waiting to board flight to Rio.