From Jhet’s South American Series: A Personal Recollection at the La Recoleta

La Recoleta Cemetery

The La Recoleta Cemetery in Buenos Aires, Argentina is perhaps one of the world’s most visited cemetery. A tour at the “City of Good Air” will never go without a visit to this 188-year old memorial park which boasts of majestically adorned tombs, magnificent architecture, and of course, the graves of famous world figures such as Eva Peron, Juan Peron, Domingo F. Sarmiento and Juan M. de Rosas.

On a personal note, walking along the narrow streets of the cemetery reminded me on how real death is. After being diagnosed with cancer two years ago I found myself reconnecting more and more to my mortality. None of us will live forever.

If there are four things that a cemetery can teach us, then these – on my own view – are the following:

• Death is real. No matter how we fight it, each day we wake up is also a day we start dying.
• Life is Short. On an average, human can live up to the age of 70 or 75. While we know this for sure, what we do not know is when our clocks will stop ticking.

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Continuing my South American Series, I am sharing with you my personal insight on the life of an archetype of passion, strong spirit and leadership – Eva Peron.

Evita on her balcony

Represented, first and foremost, the Argentine character, inherited by her vision of the gaucho or locals from the Argentinean Pampas – an indomitable and arrogant vision. She was never tied to formal conventions. She harmed the interests of the privileged and benefited the most humble. She had, as they say today, a preference for the poor. Evita’s entire management was destined to head in that direction.

On my trip to the La Recoleta Cemetery in Buenos Aires, I had the privilege of seeing the famous tomb of María Eva Duarte de Perón, the woman we know as Evita. The secured crypt is adorned with fresh flowers even after half a century has past since her death.

Eva Peron was neither classist nor Christian Democrat or Marxist. She was just Peronist. She wasn’t a “light” woman but one of a tough and heavy kind who fought against her enemies and protected her “grasitas descamisados”, the working class – a class from which she proudly declares she came from – having been born to an unwed mother and worked at the age of 16.  It is worth recalling an anecdote: Evita, from a car that takes her to a gala reception, sees an elderly woman crying in front of a bank. She gets off, goes inside the bank with the lady and asks” “Who was the son of a bitch who told this lady to come again tomorrow?.

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Sounds, sights and lessons from an unplanned visit.

The iconic Obelisk.

Today, I said goodbye to the romantic Buenos Aires, the capital city of Argentina. I somehow regret that I wasn’t able to buy souvenirs but I sure am happy to bring with me experiences and indescribable magical moments. My cup is full, very full. I met fellows in the business and was in Argentina on its 200 year of independence! What an event etched in my heart forever!

I boarded an early morning plane with a heavy heart though grateful for the time I spent in the country. Buenos Aires rocked my heart and soul. Visiting this city was not part of my original South American trip, but I am glad it was included at the last minute.  I had an awesome time. In a way this place seemed to always have been a part of my life. A country that I visited for the first time reminded me of beautiful and bittersweet memories of my journey.

For your interest, I am sharing and recommending to you fun and spontaneous things you can do on your trip to Argentina. The trick is to make the most of your time, enjoy the company of new people you will meet, and embrace a new culture with arms wide open.

Interesting Argentine!

Language and expressions:

• Learn Spanish words  like “muchas gracias” for Thank You and “Por Favor” for please. These magic words will give you mileage.
• Say “Hola” for hello. “Buenos dias”, “Buenos Tardes”, and “Buenos Noches” for good morning, good afternoon and good evening, respectively.
• In case someone talks to you without knowing that you cannot speak Spanish, simply say “No hablo bien español” which means “I cannot speak Spanish well.”
• Be open to hugs and kisses if you may when a local offers you one. Argentinian’s meant no harm. They are fun-loving people and very expressive human beings.

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