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| Welcome to one of the most famous burial grounds in the world: Recoleta, the final resting place for the super rich of Argentina and most of the Argentine National Military Heroes. It says 'Rest in Peace', however hordes of tourists make their pilgrimage here to wander the tomb lined passages and take a photo of Evitas Mausoleum, hence at times 'peace' seems to be somewhat lacking, at least above ground. As most of these graves are several stories 'deep', the further down one spends eternity the quieter it gets. |
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| I always wondered, how the grave diggers, or their local equivalent, got those heavy coffins down small openings into the depth of a tomb. Here is the secret weapon: one slides them down into Hades with one of these contraptions. How people actually maneuver in these musty and constricted depth to get the coffin in position still remains mysterious to me |
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| Cemetery Cat - reasonably well fed, with scruffy fur, and this one without any noticeable ears. Early morning, one may observe locals wandering around the monuments loaded with cat food and replenishing water dishes. |
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| Where is the anchor rode...where is the anchor rode??? Please lower it down from heaven, I am drowning in sorrow down here.... |
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| Poinsettias in bloom...huge bushes all around the cemetery |
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| Intricately crafted iron 'Gate to Paradise", scenes depicting biblical events |
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| Haven't heard of this General, but he was a Fighter in Argentina's War of Independence. |
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| Street level 'reception room' of a tomb, with a plain cover over the 'hole' that leads down into the 'sepulcre' |
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| Facade of a tomb, marble steps, columns and statues |
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| Some are not maintained as meticulously as others, here plants have invaded the marble walls and form their own flowery adornment to marble statues |
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| To Be Or Not To Be - without the skull. |
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| Not sure, whether this is still the price ticket for the coffin or an identification label of a freshly entombed deceased |
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| A look into the abyss...one of the burial holes fallen into ruins. Bits of coffins, wooden shelves and rubble pile up at the bottom of this pit... |
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| Early morning in Recoleta, before too many tourists crowd the cemetery |
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| Guess Who? Evita Peron's Mausoleum always has a few either artificial or real flowers adorning the wrought iron door, behind which several levels down, her remains rest en pace. |
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| Evita.... |
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| Despite being surrounded by Icons of Mortality, a walk through 'the park' is a pleasant and restful experience. |
