Global Warming, Environmental Awareness, Effects of Global Warming

I saw parts of Buenos Aires including San Telmo, La Boca, Microcentro and a
couple of others I can’t remember at this moment.  All three of these newly
founded friends were extraordinarily accommodating at every moment.  I had
heard Argentinians were into conversation and friendship, and this is true
based on my first experience.  By the way, I am writing this as we approach the
Drake Passage, leaving land in sight, and I just heard the first wave crash
against the outside of my ship, on A deck level.  The ship is beginning to move
a little more.  We are all in great anticipation of what we will have Drake
Lake or Drake Shake.

We started our day in a bookstore caf‚, which was previously a theater - the
old-style theater we rarely see any more today, unless you go to see a show, or
an opera.  I have pictures posted on Flickr and look forward to Berto adding
some comments on this place.  I could have stayed in the bookstore for hours,
however, Berto was on a mission and that was to show me as much of Buenos Aires
as possible.

Notable Spots Along the Tour:

Tango, right?  Yes, I was able to pass by some couples dancing tango, or
learning how to tango.  The woman you see in the Flickr picture(link), against
the window, she is teaching an American man to tango, however, he did not want
his photo taken - imagine that?  I wouldn’t either.  I also saw another couple,
who is posted on Flickr, in an outdoor caf‚, another place I would enjoy
pausing to eat at.

I can hear what I think is satellite navigational equipment up above me turning
every so often.

We saw the contaminated river, which was so polluted tires stood up at a 45
degree angle.  This I found to be quite sad, and wished I could have a positive
impact in some way.  But previous efforts have not been successful due to
corruption and other reasons.  The odor next to this river is unimaginable by
the pier.  You don’t want to linger for a moment’s notice.  We walked by the
storefronts and houses, which are like brightly painted red and green shipping
cargo containers shaped into block houses, side by side.  I don’t imagine lead
paint is a concern; however, I couldn’t help but wonder.  This area was pretty
fascinating because it is so cultural and unusual for an American to see.
However, trash blows in the wind - some don’t even bother to put trash in a
trashcan.  I picked up one trash bag blowing around, which was by my feet, and
some looked at me quite strangely.  What was funnier or more sad depending on
your point of view, is when I went to place the trashbag in a trash can, it was
turned up side down and open.  In Buenos Aires, trash cans are hoisted up three
to four feet above the ground.

Our ship is beginning to rock more.  Should I look outside my window and check
out the swells?  I’m almost afraid to look, but as I lay in my bed right now I
can feel the beginning signs of rolling.  I just took my Dramamine as the patch
that I got from the doctor is a bit late in the running.  However, I noted the
patch could affect your vision and should not be taken by people with poor
circulation or with a risk of stroke, so I’m opting out for this way to
Antarctica.  Instead, I’m opting for less-drowsy Dramamine.

Without thought, people toss trash in the wind - perhaps that mindset of “well
everyone else does it, what’s one more piece of trash” is what needs change
most of all.

We took the bus to another part of town and then walked to see the Recoleta,
which is the famous cemetery in Buenos Aires.  Now this I was extremely excited
to see, and could only have imagined being able to do this had I been on my
own.  Despite my aching feet and a desire to walk a little slower, once Berto
told me we were on a short time constraint since the cemetery would close at
either 5 p.m. or 6 p.m., we hightailed it to La Recoleta.

I had heard there were over 70 cats that were fed in this cemetery - making the
strays look a little better off than typical.  I couldn’t wait to see the cats
in the cemetery.  I also wanted to see Eva Peron, but sadly, I suppose, I was
excited about seeing the cats.  See my pictures on Flickr.

We saw Eva Peron’s tomb, which is absolutely amazing, and then meandered for
the rest of the hour.  I took a lot of photos, and was fascinated by what I
saw.  I’d like to go back and spend a couple of hours or more just reading all
the signs.  I’ve always been fascinated by cemeteries as it represents lives,
lived and lost, and the history it now represents.  Entire families are
represented in these tombs.  I have a picture of one casket that appears to be
a baby’s dwelling - it is so small.  It also appears to be sitting precariously
on the edge, inside the tomb.  Or, perhaps it represents family jewels - who
knows?

Some tombs have been vandalized or abandoned, while others have sanctuaries
prepared with candles, photos atop mantles inside the tomb.  Some have white
linen lace adorning the entrances of the tombs, and you’re in some cases unable
to see inside the tomb.  I was surprised to not see rats (thus the cats’ job)
or crows wandering about.

I’d love to return on All Saint’s Day around dusk to see if I capture any orbs
on a digital camera.  Imagine the field day inside then!

We finished our day with a great cappuccino outside La Recoleta, which was a
wonderful resting spot after a long day’s walk.

Now here’s the funny thing - Berto was nice enough to give me directions back
to my apartment where I was staying.  Right on this street, left on this
street, and after this street, take another left - and you’ll be there.  Two
hours later, and many, many blocks further pounding blisters deep into my skin,
I was home.  A few groceries along the way and a couple of gifts.  It was all
in all an outstanding day - and thanks so much to those who made it happen.
There is absolutely no way I could have seen so much in one day with any tour
guide -

Okay I’m going to take a peek outside my window - I’m attached to my satellite
with the hopes of connecting if only for a few minutes - but no such luck yet -
I’ve connected and verified user/pass connection only to lose the connection.
I’m using my magnetized booster antenna which is affixed inside my cabin’s
picture window on A deck, but as of yet, not enough to make communication for
long enough to do anything, including hit the send/receive email button.