Thursday November 18th.
Today was a more laid back day. I spent the morning exploring a couple of squares and streets that were close to the hostel. Then after lunch, I walked along the pedestrian shopping street called Florida, towards Plaza de Mayo. During the dictatorship years of the 60*s, the government kidnapped anyone they thought were dissidents or subversives. They were tortured to get them to implicate others, and then disposed of. Some where buried and others were, like Mike said, tossed into the ocean. The Madres (Mothers) of the Plaza De Mayo, are a group of mothers who lost their children, and the government to this day won*t tell them what happened to them or where their remains are. For forty-some years these mothers have worn white scarves and paraded around the square in a silent protest. They arrived on a bus, were followed by lots of supporters and photographed by innumberable tourists. Actually very moving, especially if you empathized.
Today was a more laid back day. I spent the morning exploring a couple of squares and streets that were close to the hostel. Then after lunch, I walked along the pedestrian shopping street called Florida, towards Plaza de Mayo. During the dictatorship years of the 60*s, the government kidnapped anyone they thought were dissidents or subversives. They were tortured to get them to implicate others, and then disposed of. Some where buried and others were, like Mike said, tossed into the ocean. The Madres (Mothers) of the Plaza De Mayo, are a group of mothers who lost their children, and the government to this day won*t tell them what happened to them or where their remains are. For forty-some years these mothers have worn white scarves and paraded around the square in a silent protest. They arrived on a bus, were followed by lots of supporters and photographed by innumberable tourists. Actually very moving, especially if you empathized.
Then back to the hostel area, have anther pizza type dinner, pack and head off to the bus station for another overnight bus.
How sad it is to think what these poor mums have gone through. I wonder what will happen when they have all passed from this world...will they and their cause be forgotten? Hopefully not as it was such a brutal chapter in their country's history and should be remembered.
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Hey Joe! Hope you are keeping well.You have done so much even since we left you in November..Its lovely to see your blog and follow you....such a sad history for those women.You are very good for recounting events.Keep us posted and take care on your next leg of journey...Its hard to settle back after such a great trip but getting there..siobhan Ireland!:)
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