Sunday (Day 3): I spent the day exploring Recoleta! I took the public bus to get there, and I was fortunate enough to have a friendly lady help me figure out which stop to get off at. The transportation system in Buenos Aires is fantastic and fairly safe, although a man did stare at me for a prolonged period of time during the bus ride, probably because I clearly looked like a tourist 😅

I began my exploration with a visit to the famous cemetery! While it may not be a typical tourist attraction, this cemetery is unlike any place I have ever seen before and truly worth a visit if you ever find yourself in Argentina. As an architecture enthusiast, I was captivated by this HUGE landmark – the mausoleums are as big as buildings and exhibit a diverse array of architectural styles! It felt like I was strolling through the streets of a peculiar and beautiful little town, except there were dead people all around me 😂! For the most part, the cemetery is very well-kept and clean. Many other visitors were present, and fresh bouquets of flowers adorned Eva Peron’s grave site. Eva Peron, a former first lady of Argentina, played a major role in advancing the political rights of the lower economic class and women. Needless to say, she is still adored by the Argentinian people to this day!

After spending time in the cemetery, I stumbled upon a local flea market. The market was bustling with numerous vendors offering handmade jewelry, art, ceramics, leather goods, and more. Local residents were negotiating prices, and it was entertaining to watch their lively interactions. The vendors themselves were very friendly and accommodating! Next, I crossed the colorful Puente Peatonal bridge in Recoleta and proceeded to the Facultad de Derecho, a faculty of the University of Buenos Aires. Next on my itinerary was a visit to the famous Floralis Generica, a massive metal flower that opens during the day and closes at night.

For dinner, I dined at El Sanjuanino – the steak, empanadas, and flan were absolutely delicious, and I would highly recommend this restaurant! I think that it is impossible to see everything there is to see in Recoleta in one day – so I will definitely come back here to check out all of the things that I missed before the end of my stay!

Monday (Day 4): Today was dedicated to exploring the MALBA: the Latin American Art Museum of Buenos Aires! I opted for the bus again, and this time, I navigated the route entirely on my own – no help needed! The museum featured 3 remarkable exhibitions.

The first exhibition, titled “El Tercer Ojo” (The Third Eye), showcased an extensive collection of Latin American art. I had an incredible time perusing through the paintings made in numerous different styles, collages, and interactive installations. I feel like I learned so much about the rich and diverse artistic heritage of Latin America!

Next, I had the opportunity to explore an exhibition dedicated solely to the iconic artist, Frida Kahlo. Having learned about her work in my high school Spanish classes, it was a surreal experience to witness her art in-person and outside of the classroom. The line to enter her showcase was long but definitely worth the wait! Inside, I saw photographs taken from key moments in her life and had the privilege of viewing 2 of her pieces: “Diego Y Yo” and her “Self Portrait with Monkey and Parrot.” Moreover, her life story left a lasting impression on me. Frida suffered severe injuries after a terrible traffic accident, and she was bedridden for a long time. Nonetheless, she continued to paint from her bed using a mirror that was specially arranged for her; she used her reflection as a source of inspiration and self-discovery throughout her period of solitude. As I continue to travel alone for the next few months, I hope to emulate Frida’s introspective approach and use self-reflection as a means to learn more about myself and the world around me!

Finally, the third exhibition, “Del Cielo a Casa” (From the Sky to Home), showcased an assortment of materials and objects that were integral to Argentina’s 20th-century history. The physical re-telling of the nation’s past also provided me with valuable context for my research! Notably, the exhibition featured a replica of the “Memory Paving Stones,” a collaborative project between artists and human rights organizations as a response to the military dictatorship. These stones commemorated the victims of kidnapping and assassinations, as well as their families, and traced a tangible map of collective trauma and tragedy on the surface of the city. In addition, I saw books, magazines, and radios that were important for disseminating information to the Argentinian public during a time of stringent censorship.

After thoroughly enjoying the museum for several hours, I decided to have dinner at an Asian restaurant located across the street. The ceviche was so yummy, and I went back to my apartment feeling very content and grateful!!

Tuesday (Day 5): Today was a rest/work day! I spent most of my day in a nearby cafe, drinking delicious Colombian coffee, journaling, and doing some work. To be completely honest, it is hard for me to not feel guilty when I spend a day without sight-seeing or leaving my neighborhood. But, I was feeling a physical toll from the drastic weather change and traveling, so I decided to give my body a well-deserved break! I am (slowly but surely) learning that it is really important to take care of myself and give myself time to rejuvenate and really take everything in during my travels!

I also tried cow heart for dinner – it was surprisingly very tasty!

I know this blog post was long, so thanks for reading 💙