Recoletta & bus tour round BA

Today we set off in the morning to Recoletta - where we went to the cemetary where Eva Peron was buried. Catrin thought the idea of family burial homes to be one that she surprisingly liked - and quite liked the idea of us all being buried together.....we had a coffee under a series of very large trees in a cafe which gave lots of shade from what was a very hot day. Grace enjoyed chasing the pigeons. We also saw our first tango dancers giving a street performance. In the afternoon, we went on a bus trip round the city (mostly with americans) and saw the sights. Stopped to take a look at the Presidents Palace (pink) and had a look round some shops. The bus trip also took us to La Boca - home of the Boca Juniors - and a colourful shanti town where local artists sell their wares.

1st impressions

They drive like maniacs! and it's hot! Grace is sweating buckets already.

The flight with Air France was actually pretty good - Grace was in a little Bassonette (kind of like a mini coffin) and slept for as much of the journey as we'd expect, under the circumstances.

Took a taxi from the airport to the 5* Claridge hotel on Tucaman street - swanky.....had a quick look round - they have all the usual suspects - Gap, McDonalds, etc.....but Buneos Aires is a crazy place - thousands of people packed into narrow shopping streets (it's cheap!) - but there also plenty of designer shops too (with designer prices). A mix of wealth and poverty. The main road into BA (7 lane highway) looked totally crazy with anyone overtaking you on any lane - quite hair-raising- and there are no child seats. I'm glad we won't be hiring a car here....Grace was on her mum's lap for the 25 minute journey - a white knuckle ride!

the long journey begins....

Finally leaving for our holiday to Argentina. Start at Edinburgh airport - flying to CDG Paris - then on to Buenos Aires (on a 23.30 flight) - at least Grace should (hopefully) sleep... Here is the airport at CDG - but Grace did not enjoy the cramped conditions on what is likely to be the shortest of 12 flights. We'll wait and see how it goes.

Grace has a soft spot for uncle Dafydd

walk by Blackford pond/hill

birthday cake

Cat spent a lot of time making this...it was very tasty! Party here with Phil, Fi & Gregor, Duncan, Esther, Bethan & Katie, Dafydd, Andrew, Jeannie & Phoebe, Andy & Jo.

birthday present

Grace's 1st birthday - she liked her present!