At last-Buenos Aires!
Buenos Aires, Argentina
(1935- 1936)
The train trip to Buenos Aires seemed to take an eternity. When we
got off the train I was awed by the number of people on the platform
and their great diversity! The platform teemed with men and women
of every color and class. Somehow I got my small bags of luggage and
moved out of the train station into the city.
I felt both exhilarated and overwhelmed as we made our way out into
the heart of the city. I had seen many movies set in big cities like Buenos
Aires, New York, London, and Paris, but actually being in one was a
revelation. The crowds rushed by me with everyone in a hurry to get to
their destination. The vendors sold goods and foods that overwhelmed
my nostrils as their aromas mixed with the pungent odors of perfumes,
oil, gasoline, smoke, feces, urine and sweat. My eyes were assailed by
every color imaginable although gray dominated near the skyscrapers
that blocked off the sunlight and turned streets into strange looking can-
yons. My ears pounded from the sounds of vehicles, people, and con-
struction. I had a headache but in my soul I knew I was finally home.
“Now, Eva, here is the Bustamontes’ address.” Don Pepe said as he
handed me a scrap of paper with an address scribbled on it. “They’re
expecting you. Go there, and they should be there. Good luck!”
We embraced, and I headed through the streets of Buenos Aires towards
the Bustamontes address, dodging cars, horses, homeless people uri-
nating in the streets, people harassing me to buy things, and political
demonstrations.
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When I arrived at the Bustamontes, I was met with hostility and
indifference.
“Do you think we have enough money to take you in?” demanded a tall
woman with long black hair, whom I took to be Sra. Bustamonte. “Of
course not! Go away!”
“But Don Pepe said…” I said.
“I don’t care what Don Pepe said, Eva Ibarguren! Your mother is a har-
lot, and your father was…”
“Aurelia, Aurelia!” came a loud male voice.
“What is it, José?”
“Is this Eva Duarte?” the man asked.
“You mean Eva Ibarguren? Yes!” Sra. Bustamonte said.
“Well, well, well, if you aren’t the beautiful little thing?” Sr. Bustamonte
said, pinching my cheek. “So, Don Pepe sent you to our address, eh?”
“Yes.” I said.
“Well, I’m afraid we don’t have room for you here.” he said. “But, I can
help you find a place to stay.”
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