This morning we walked out in the light drizzle of rain and headed towards the Recoleta District of the city.  In 1867 and 1871 there were cholera and yellow fever epidemics in the city and the wealthy classes moved their residences from San Telmo over to this area.  As a result, many of the old money and influential families of Buenos Aires are buried in the cemetery in Recoleta.  But that is not where we were headed.  Our destination was the Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes, which houses the country’s largest collection of 19^th and 20^th century art.  On display were the usual old European portraits and depictions of babies that look like Elmer Fudd; this style of painting always freaks me out.  But then the collection moved on to some of my favorites—Degas, Picasso, even some Ming ceramics were there in the mix.  There was a collection of decorative tortoiseshell combs—the kind that you see in old Spanish pictures that look like a crown and hold up a veil.  It was fun to see them up close, but hard to imagine how something so large could stay anchored in someone’s hair.  Upstairs was a stunning collection of Latin American art.  I didn’t write down any names or take pictures, but there were some paintings that were just beautiful, and I’m sorry I can’t be more descriptive here.  I would definitely recommend stopping by the Museo de Bellas Artes if you’re in town, the collection is interesting, the location makes for a nice walk, as admission is free, a visit here is easy on the wallet.  Overall the morning was wonderful because it is Sunday and Buenos Aires is so quiet on Sundays.  The sidewalks are clear and the streets void of load, fume belching buses and we had an enjoyable walk and a nice visit to the museum.  By the time we finished at the museum the sun had come out in full force and we had a nice stroll back to our little apartment.