Recoleta revisited

Today we went to the Recoleta cemetery for our fourth visit. And you might ask, why would anyone want to visit a cemetery on their vacation? Answer: the history of this place is fascinating. There are 4,691 above ground vaults arranged on 14 acres. It is an outdoor museum full of sculpture, stained glass and imported marble decorated mausoleums. This is where the rich and famous families of Argentina have been laid to rest. Each family is required to maintain their plot.  Beginning in 1930 Argentina experienced several economic downturns. As a consequence, some families no longer can afford this expensive real estate. Several vaults have fallen in disrepair and are littered with trash. It is a bit unsettling to see a door ajar, broken windows and coffins stacked inside in plain view. Today we decided to pass by the famous tombs of Eva Peron (Evita), the Hispanic heavy weight boxer (Firpo) and the many past presidents and other famous people buried here. Instead, we leisurely walked through the aisles to appreciate the beautiful sculpture and ornate crypts. It certainly is a photographer's paradise. Today we discovered stories about Luz Maria Garcia Velloso, the Jose Fabian Ledesmo family and Dr. Pedro Anchorena. These names may have been forgotten but their stories live on. Gail