A Treat: South America
I managed to squeeze in a trip to South America between recovering from chemo to moving to Boston. When I was receiving treatment, I promised myself that if I could make it through, I would visit South America.
I booked an independent tour instead of a group tour, as I did for Turkey and China. No hand holding, just a bundle of air, hotels, and transportation. I was met for a half day tour with a local, then I was on my own.
By then, I had bought a Nikon Coolpix P900. The photos were so clear! And still very easy to use. I captured most of the following images with this camera.
It would be a few years before I could return to my Nikon D700.
Rio de Janeiro
A mandatory stop for all visitors is Christ the Redeemer (Cristo Redentor), an Art Deco style statue that can be spotted from all over the city. Constructed between 1922 and 1931, the statue is 98 feet tall, excluding its 26-foot pedestal, and faces east.
You must buy tickets for a tram that chugs up to the base of the statue.
A few photos from the lush, very green botanical garden.
Some of the amazing architecture in the historic district.
And for the finale of Rio, an afternoon at the famous Copacabana Beach.
Iguazú Falls/Iguaçu Falls
This was truly unforgettable. The power of Nature on full display. Brazil and Argentina share the falls — that’s why I’ve included both names. And I visited both sides.
It’s the world’s largest waterfall system, featuring about 275 individual cascades along a 1.7-mile stretch of the Iguazu River.
Brazil’s side:
I made it!
Argentina’s side:
You will need to buy tickets for each side separately.
Buenos Aires
A must see is Floralis Generica is a 75 feet high sculpture that moves, opening and closing like a flower. Eduardo Catalano created the sculpture in 2002 from steel and aluminum.
Established in 1822, the La Recoleta Cemetery is the oldest public cemetery in Buenos Aires, built on the former garden of the Recollect monks' convent. It’s rich in monuments, memorials, and sculpture.
The best known grave is that of Eva "Evita" Perón. She’s buried in the Duarte family mausoleum. Very humble resting place.
So I found this while walking around. Beautifully crafted.
La Boca is a fun, funky, and fabulously colorful neighborhood, which makes it the most crowded, too.
In the middle of Argentina, my taste buds were finally fully healed! I indulged at an incredible steakhouse and the famous Cabrales coffee house.
Followed by a Tango Show. There are dozens to choose from.
Santiago
Overlooking the city. You must take a cable car to the top.
The National Museum History of Chile has a Colima Dog. I studied them in college and was excited to finally see one in person. These plump, hairless dogs were sculpted by the ancient Colima culture in western Mexico between 300 BCE and 300 CE.
A visit to Viña Concha y Toro is a necessity for any wine lover. Established in 1833 in the nearby Valle del Maipo is the leading wine producer and exporter in Latin America and one of the 10 largest wine companies in the world.
Back in Santiago… now, THIS is a wine bar!
Cheers!
Where am I now? You can find me on Blue Sky.