We actually slept in this morning after our late back from the Tango show last night.

We decided to visit the Plaza Italia area; the Zoo, Botanical Gardens, the Eva Peron Museum, the Japanese Gardens and the other parks in the area.

How to get there? Walk - too far. Taxi - too expensive. Asked hotel reception and easy by bus No 37 - Peso $1.25 each - about AUS $0.25.

A little bit difficult paying but Joanne sorted it out and we were on our way following along with our now well used map of BA.

Although we had worked it out the bus driver told us when we were there. First we visited the Jardin Botanica - the Botanic Gardens. Lots of cats wandering around. Not well kept but a nice area in the city with shady areas. We couldn't get into the green house,but it was nice to walk around. Many statues and a large eucalypt area from Australia!

Although I previously said we probably wouldn't go to the Zoo we decided to and were glad that we did even if the reason was not as expected.

It is a very old zoo with the animal enclosures early 20th century and wouldn't be allowed in most other countries - certainly outside South America at least. The zoo has an excellent variety of animals; probably the most complete I have ever seen. Sadly though most of the animals enclosures are quite depressing. They were built in an era where it is imagined the higher classes of people would gather in their best clothes with parasols and look with wonderment at the exotic animals from countries far away. It was very sad to see a polar bear lying in dirty water in a concrete enclosure which couldn't be further away from his natural environment. Joanne kept asking why this is permitted and I think it will be another letter that she will write when she gets home. I told her to wait until we are out of the country before complaining. The elephant enclosure, built in 1904 in the style of a Hindu Temple just about sums it all up (today's blog photo). Still an amazing variety off animals. Definitely worth a visit just to see how zoos used to be. It also reminded me of a circus and almost "freak show nature" of it all, including the ancient merry go round. There were some very unusual South American animals. I will remember their names when I look at the photos although one is still a mystery - rear legs and head of a kangaroo, front legs like a dog. There were supposed to be kangaroos in the zoo but they must have been on holidays, although we did see an emu. Just as well as Joanne was preparing to complain if "skippy's" enclosure was not up to standard.

It was a good experience and as mentioned definitely worth as visit and the 34 Pesos ($8) entrance.

We sat in the Plaza Italia as we were both a bit weary then decided to visit the Eva Peron museum about 500 meters away.

This is a beautifully laid out museum (15
Pesos each - $3.50) and we were very impressed. Must check out the movie again and learn something more about this turbulent history of Argentina's past.

Coffee at a corner cafe to again rest weary legs before braving the public transport for the return back to the hotel.

It's been a good day. Joanne has gone out "shopping" and I am doing this blog in the hotel lobby. We are going out for dinner later.

I have checked in on line for our flight to Iguazu tomorrow. We should get a call to advise what time the transport pickup will be.

This blog will not be on line until later tonight as I am yet to upload today's photos.

Joanne got caught in a severe storm. Roads and drains flooded. Staying in tonight. Iguazu Falls tomorrow.