Buenos Aires, Argentina - Three Days in 'The City of Many Passions'

I would rather own little and see the world… 

than own the world and see little of it.  

Alexander Sattler

Night view from the window of my room on the 9th floor of a hotel
My first night in Buenos Aires
Part of the city surrounds the Recoleta Cemetery, a famous burial site
Full of ornate mausoleums and sculptures, it feels like a shadowy walled city

Before my tour of Argentina, Chile, and Bolivia, I visited Buenos Aires on my own for three days.  So many times, I heard comments from world travelers that this city is the best in South America.  However, not having been to other large cities in that area, I can't compare, but I certainly agree that it is a beautiful city with a deep history, several architectural gems, well-tended parks, colorful murals and neighborhoods, and much more. 

SE Arizona - Diverse, Historic, Scenic and Vibrant (2025-26 part 2)

 The purpose of art is to cleanse our souls 

from the dust of everyday life.

Pablo Picasso

Another sign in the Miracle Mile District
Built in 1960, the hotel took a sleazy turn in 1995 when it was converted
into a porn theater, adult bookstore and sex-prop shop
Demolished in 2004, except for this sign

Part II where I continue to mix old and new with nature. 

SE Arizona - Diverse, Historic, Scenic and Vibrant (2025-26, part 1)

 You should only fall in love with a person who enjoys your madness.

Not an idiot who forces you to be normal.

Eddie Vedder

All that is left of the 1953 Tucson Inn
The only two-story motel in Tucson at the time
Miracle Mile District

During my second winter season in Tucson, I discovered many more interesting things to visit, see, or experience in the general area.  Enjoy this photo diary.  

Blind, Expressive, Village Chief and Largest Indri Lemurs - Madagascar

Critics are men who watch a battle from a high place

then come down and shoot the survivors.

Ernest Hemingway

Zafimaniry Tribe Chief, small village of Antoetra
Blind and about 80 years old - doesn't know his true age
Had to have two translators to have a conversation with him

It is with trepidation and sadness that I am about to leave Madagascar.  Trepidation because I don’t know if my flight will depart or if the coup will prevent me from going away?  Sadness because of leaving all the absolutely wonderful people I have met along the way.  I finish this trip visiting the chief of a village and then heading to a forest in the NE to see the very elusive Indri-Indri Lemur.  I lucked out and saw some pre-monsoon blooms as well.  A great way to end this adventure.

Raw Silk, Colorful Market, Baby Lemurs on the Loose - Madagascar

Angry people want you to see how powerful they are.

Loving people want you to see how powerful you are.

Chief Red Eagle

These colorful hats are made of papyrus
Each one sells for $0.50!

My second Malagasy market.  I never took pictures of the first one as it was too crowded.  I had better opportunities to see the local wares in this market.  Madagascar is known for its high quality chocolate, vanilla, raw silk, and wood carvings.  Almost every dinner ended with a chocolate based dessert.  Restaurants often served chicken with vanilla sauce – actually quite good though unexpected.  Sadly, homemade rum and tobacco are cheap escapes for the populace and are commonly found throughout Madagascar.  However, filled with wonderful colors and smells, I enjoyed this weekly market.