"Don't cry for me, Argentina. I've got a prime spot in Recoleta Cemetary, a few meters from General Alvear's final resting spot..." Thus said Evita, the Argentine Rose. General Carlos Maria de Alvear was a professional officer in the Spanish army who unexpectedly took the side of the revolutionaries in the Argentine War of Independence. Not a bad spot, if you ask me. Recoleta Cemetary is an enclosed area full of ornate, and some simple, mausoleums. The statues adorning some are very moving, and yet, some of the departed have been severely neglected. One can only assume that these people's families have also passed on. Why else would you leave broken glass and dead flowers on your loved one's stones? For as touristy as this place is, and there are groups of people lead on english-speaking tours around the cemetary to look at the famous people's graves, you can find wonderfully isolated spots great for shooting pictures of the gothic statues. There are also very many cats living in the cemetary. They slink around and sun themselves, take naps and watch birds... People, they generally ignore. Outside of this feline haven is an interesting open-air market selling handicrafts and snacks. I wandered around quite a bit before I bought a ring for my mother. This area is what I would call a tourist trap... The long winding covered booths selling beautiful jewelry, leather works, and hand-made shaws can have you shopping for hours. An interesting comparison to make, though, is that not too many people are in the retail stores here in Recoleta, which is an area known for shopping. It may just be the holiday, however, as many locals were frequenting the cafes for a nice glass of vino tinto (red wine, which, by the way, I've found gives me headaches...) and a refreashing salad. We'll see what tomorrow holds when it's business as usual. It's very hot here today, and it's siesta time right now. I'm back in my hotel room, and I've had a cool shower. Now, I think I'll take a nap. When in Rome, right? Or make that Buenos Aires...