Recoleta, at least for me, is one of the more walk-friendly neighborhoods in Buenos Aires. Guide books focus on the ritziest residences, fashionable hotels, trendy boutiques and the assemblage of fine restaurants. All of these are reasons to stay or visit here, but I am drawn to the more relaxed pace, the architecture, the tree lined avenues, the parks and of course a visit to the Recoleta Cemetery – where Evita is entombed in the Duarte Crypt.

Mornings at La Biela can be excellent for people watching as well as good coffee. Even though the restaurant is often populated with tourists there always seems to be a few porteños on the terraza enjoying a cortado and cigarette.

After our coffee, we stroll beneath the famous old rubber tree and head to the cemetery entrance.

We buy a map showing notable crypt locations and queue up for the "free" guided tour in English. The escorted tour is not mandatory but of course, without doing so, you miss out on the tidbits of history provided by the volunteer.

The cemetery is 'alive' with cats, that have enjoyed dedicated 'feeders' for years. The felines have adapted well to their lives of leisure in this environment. It is bit ironic to see on going lively animal activities in this historic and architecturally impressive environment for the dead.... Cementerio de Gatos!

Most of the crypts are looked after by paid caretakers or generational family members. Unfortunately, and generally not emphasized by the guides, there are those crypts that have fallen into disrepair with the passage of time.

Just one of many interesting walks in Buenos Aires and well worth the hour or so to do it.