The first task today, after a yummy breakfast with homemade coffee cake, was to bus to the Brazilian Consulate to see if we were granted visas. The line was long and no one ahead of me got lucky. Men and women pleaded their cases without prevail, some leaving in tears. But when I got to the front of the line the woman smiled after I greeted her and went to the back office returning with our passports which now include a 10 year visa to Brazil! How lucky we feel!
We walked to the subway station and descended into one of the world's oldest subway systems. We were lucky enough to get to ride in a turn of the century car, decked out in wood. Each car has a doorman to open and shut the subway doors. The engineer whistles when the train is ready to leave each station. No computer-generated voice tells you the next station, you are on your own. It was a nice experience, three separate people volunteered assistance, including one man's warning to turn my backpack around, you would think I had learned that lesson!
Today was the day to visit the must-see capital city highlights including the Casa Rosada where the Perons ruled (picture Madonna in Evita,
Plaza de Mayo (home to regular demonstrations, many of which have turned deadly for some),
the Cathedral (ornately decorated on the inside & full of grafitti outside)
and the City building (one of the oldest in Latin America).
We saw the 'changing of the guard' and a gathering of police presence though nothing special seemed to be happening.
Getting back on the same A line subway we headed in the opposite direction to the Congress building, which was designed after the Capitol building in Washington DC. In front there are statues, fountains and a permanent settlement of homeless people.
It was very hot today. We tucked inside an air conditioned hotel for a nice Caesar Salad and soda before heading home for a rest. Keith is in chatting with Mariel now as she cooks us supper...life is good, very good!
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