A Visual Artist, Ciudad de Nuestra Senora Santa Maria del Buen Ayre and Familia Duarte

We fly to Lima and stay at Casa Andina Premium Miraflores. However, we need to backtrack to when we were at Cusco, as there was some artwork adorning the lounge wall of the hotel we were staying at, Casa Cartegena. We loved the items, being some delightful glazed pottery pieces that were, for want of a better description, potato and corn 'babies'; in particular, one caught our eye and we asked the hotel if we could buy it. They informed us that they would contact the artist, which they did, and it was arranged that the piece in question would be sent to the maker who was well known, and lived in Lima, and she would then meet us in our hotel there. Which is what happened. The artist is Caudia Caffarena and when we met, she explained about the ideas for her artistry. In fact, she was exhibiting some new pieces that evening at Museo Amano, near our hotel in Lima. It was lovely talking to her and hearing about her passion for her work and, well, life in general. Our time together flashed by, but she had the important appointment at the exhibition and she had to go, but it was great to have met her. We will certainly follow her career from now on.

The next day, it's off to Buenos Aires and our wonderful hotel, Fierro, in the Hollywood district of Palermo. The capital of Argentina was once known as Ciudad de Nuestra Senora Santa Maria del Buen Ayre by the Spanish founders in 1536 (translated means 'City of Our Lady Saint Mary of the Fair Winds'), but latterly shortened to Buenos Aires (literal translation of Fair Winds). We tour the city, but initially, it pours with rain and our viewing of sites is somewhat restricted. However, the sun does peek through and we get to get out and see a number of sights. Firstly, we go to the La Recoleta Cemetary, that contains 4691 vaults, all above ground, including that of the Duarte family which was where Eva Peron (nee Duarte) was finally laid to rest. The cemetary itself is quite incredible with some amazing structures. Then into the Metropolitan Cathedral at Plaza de Mayo, where we see the changing of the guard. But, on this day, Argentina is remembering the death of Jose de San Martin in August 1850, who was the general and principal leader of the successful struggle for independence for the country (and many other South American countries) from Spain. As such, there are many armed forces representatives from a number of South American countries, as well as dignitaries from the city itself. Also, an army band, dressed in ceremonial uniform, played some music, much to the delight of a good local audience. Then, we go over the road to see the iconic balcony at the Presidential Palace where Eva Peron addressed the crowds in 1951.

We drive to La Boca (famous for the football club) and Caminito, which is basically a street museum comprising of wonderfully colourful painted houses, that housed the immigrants that came to Argentina at the end of the 19th century. Nowadays, whilst a tourist destination, the houses are still properties lived in by locals. In the evening, we go across the city to see a tango show at Cafe de Los Angelitos. It's a great theatre, very 1930's and the show is brilliant. Also, they did ply us with a lot of Argentine sparkling wine, so we definitely got into the mood quickly. The dancing is fantastic and we both decide to get some lessons when back in the UK! On the subject of the Argentinian tango, our guide from the morning explained that it originated in the red light district of the city, to entertain the sailors whilst they were waiting for their 'appointment'. As such, the dance took some time to be recognised because of its background origins, but, of course, it is now famous (and everyone we have spoken to here know about Strictly!).

We now head off to Iguazu and some more waterfalls. But, before we go, this city is a lovely place, a must visit, and the wine is both excellent and very, very cheap!