Sunday, January 21

Today we moved to the home of the host family where the language school has arranged for us to stay during this week.  The house is in a neighborhood a bout a 30 minute bus ride west of downtown.

This afternoon we went by commuter train to Tigre, a resort town on a river delta about 15 miles northwest of Buenos Aires.  We took an excursion boat around several of the river's channels which are like canals and lined with summer homes and resorts.  A good thing to do on a hot day.

 

 Monday, January 22

We took the bus into the city center and started the Spanish school today.  Classes are from 10 to 1 (or 13 since Argentina is on a 24 hour clock).  After school we were served empenadas and mate, and then given a personalized tour of downtown.  It took us by the Congress and through the main plazas to La Casa Rosada (literally the Pink House; pigs' blood was used for the original paint in the 1820s), the presidential palace.  The last stop was Recoleta where the cemetery contains the remains of Eva Peron.  Unfortunately, the cemetery was closing for the day at the time we arrived.  

 Cathedral

 La Casa Rosada

Ombu

We saw several ombus during or stay.  Apparently, because the wood is very pulpy, there is some dispute as to whether the ombu is a tree or a shrub, but the appearance is a tree.  The old ombus in the parks are about 50 feet high with branches at least that long.

Recoleta gate

Monday, January 22, 9:30 p.m.

Taking a few minutes for a short update before dinner.

First, I have been talking with my family and tracking the situation in Olympia over the web.  Late this morning the power came back on at our place for which I'm thankful.

Second, I'm getting behind here so the posts may get out of order.  Suffice it  to say, our time has been absolutely full in this most interesting city.

Third, so far I have not been able to offload any photos for upload to the blog.  They may have to wait until I return.