ARGENTINA: Random Scenes of Buenos Aires

Greater Buenos Aires has a population of about 15 million. There are 42 neighbourhoods. 

This is a collection of random photos taken on a couple of "off the beaten path" walking tours. 

What used to be a grand theatre, built in 1919, was repurposed in 2000. It is now the El Ateneo Grand Splendid bookstore. 

ARGENTINA: Buenos Aires' Recoleta Cemetery

I am not usually into cemeteries, but I find as I get older, they are more interesting. (Gulp!)

The Recoleta Cemetery in Buenos Aires is fascinating. 

It covers 15 acres and contains close to 5,000 vaults. 

There are graves of military generals, Nobel Prize Laureates, writers, presidents, wealthy families and the most famous occupant, Eva Peron, Argentina's controversial former first lady. 

ARGENTINA: JK: High Finance

 As one might expect, when you go to a new country you have to adapt to their currency. That means learning to do some mental gymnastics to convert the local currency to your home currency every time you go to pay for something. Simple right?

The official currency in Argentina is the Peso. The three letter code for Argentine Pesos is "ARS". The official exchange rate is around 1 USD = 192 ARS. If you take money out of an ATM or use your credit card you get close to the official exchange rate. So far so good.

ARGENTINA: Buenos Aires - the Paris of South America

Buenos Aries is considered the "Paris of South America".

Parts of it have a European feel with cute little cafes, French food, museums, world class artwork, a multitude of beautiful city parks and wide tree lined avenues. 

COSTA RICA: Whale Watching in Uvita

The Marino Ballena National Park, in Uvita, is home to a biologically diverse marine habitat. Two types of humpback whales pass through Costa Rica. 

From late December to late February the northern hemisphere Humpback whales migrate from Alaska to Costa Rica's coast. 

From late July to early November the southern humpbacks migrate up from Antarctica.

They come to breed and raise their calves.

Because of this, Costa Rica has the longest humpback whale season in the world.  

COSTA RICA: Tamarindo's Green Sea Turtles and Instinct

Tamarindo has protected beaches where instinct drives green sea turtles to come back to the exact same beach where they were born, 15 years earlier, to lay their eggs. 

With an accredited guide, visitors can come at night to witness nature and instinct come together. 

(Only red flashlights are used as turtles are not affected by the red light.)

COSTA RICA: Beaches, Mangroves and Wildlife in Tamarindo

Tamarindo has beautiful beaches. 

We love walking them because there is always something pretty.

Beyond the beaches are also many interesting things to see.

Tamarindo, and all of Costa Rico, is host to a very diverse eco system.

COSTA RICA: Tamarindo Nightlife

Tamarindo is on the NW, which is the Pacific side, of the country.

It's a small town that has blossomed with tourism because of the beaches and surfing.

It is positioned beautifully for sunsets.

COSTA RICA: San Jose's Central Market and Street Scenes

San Jose's Central Market dates back to 1880.

It is a Shopping maze of little alleys.

There are over 200 shops.

COSTA RICA: San Jose's Little Gem

When I think of Costa Rica I think of nature, mountains, volcanos, tropical forests, diverse wildlife, beautiful coastline bordered by the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea. 

Costa Rica has all those things.

Most people fly into San Jose, stay the night, and then head out to all the great outdoor places. 

But there is a little hidden gem in the overlooked capital of San Jose.

MEXICO: Stunning Natural Beauty in the Loreto area in Baja California Sur

 

If I had a dollar for every time I commented on how gorgeous it is here, I'd have a LOT of money!

The natural beauty is stunning.

Mountains.

Desert.

Water.

Sun.

Blue skies.

It is beautiful.

MEXICO: Ancient Rock Art in Baja California Sur from 7,000 Years Ago

In the mountains and caves around the town of Loreto are paintings from centuries ago. 

Carbon dating on some of these paintings indicate that they were created by indigenous civilizations in the Baja California Peninsula of Mexico up to 7,000 years ago. 

The Baja murals represent one of the largest concentrations of rock art in the Americas. Some are the oldest and largest panels of rock art in the world. 

UNESCO has declared the caves World Heritage Sites.