This month was divided between three major destinations —Argentina, Chile & Spain— so I’ve separated photos accordingly. I’m missing negatives from the first of the month, with only three developed pics of Buenos Aires remaining from that roll of film. Oh well, not surprising given the number of international moves since then! What I regret most is that the entire roll of film from Chile has been damaged… no pics to share.
Argentina observations: While visiting Mendoza, we took a guided tour of the Lagarde winery. I’m sure they’ve changed a lot since that was before the Malbec boom. Tigre has never fascinated me, but it’s always good for photo opps. That giant ombú in Recoleta is still there!
Spain observations: The four columns originally designed by Puig i Cadafalch have yet to be placed in front of the MNAC in Barcelona (reconstruction took place in 2010), the Sagrada Familia looks mighty barren compared to the 2025 version, trees are tiny in the Atocha train station of Madrid, & cars could park next to the Puerta del Sol in Toledo.
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Plus an unexpected surprise: several photos of my very first tour group with Rick Steves! I’m still in touch with a few of them, but I wonder what has happened to the rest after 25 years! Hilarious photo of a wonderful bunch of folks:
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And one other bonus: a website —yes, there’s a little content lurking within all the ads— that has just published photos of Buenos Aires from 1995 #30yearsago. Proving that no, there are no new ideas! Struck a note of nostalgia with me because the Menem-era coat of beige paint on the Casa Rosada is very visible, & I’d always start my Recoleta Cemetery tours at those red phone booths in front of La Biela.
Hope you’ve enjoyed this glance at the past. Read about the genesis of this project, & please leave a comment if you also remember this particular time & place.