^TM

South American Delight

Buenos Aires, Argentina

by Dave Shultz

Buenos Aires is a city laced with history and romance.  It has the distinction of being founded twice.  Originally founded by Pedro de Mondoza, it was called Santa Maria del Buen Ayre in 1536.  Then in 1580, Juan de Garay founded it a second time and called it Ciudad de Trinidad, Santa Maria de los Buenos Aires.  I think residents today appreciate being able to call it Buenos Aires as well as home and they are often called ‘portenos’ because of the city’s outstanding port. 

The history of the city is readily evident when you visit.  Italian, German and Spanish names reflect the European heritage.  Majestic buildings of antiquity such as the famous Teatro Colon have been preserved and revered by citizens and are nestled among more modern structures throughout the city.  The blend works perfectly and the relationship between old and new seems very natural.  Certainly the residents of Buenos Aires find the mix quite pleasing and are proud of their heritage as well as their reputation for being a modern city.  Stroll along almost any street and you’ll soon become accustomed to the transition between architectural styles.

Everywhere you look in this city you'll see romance.  It's been a part of the culture for centuries.  Lovers stroll hand in hand and sit along every boulevard, kissing and talking quietly, oblivious to the world around them.  Tango parlors are as common as convenience stores and no one can dispute the sensuous nature of the dance.  To watch a couple tango, is to view an intimate communication through dance between two lovers.

WHERE TO GO

One of the most photographed parts of Buenos Aires is a neighborhood called La Boca (The Mouth).  It runs along side the original port of the city.  The pressed tin and wooden houses have been painted a rainbow of colors by residents. Local artists take over the narrow side streets during the day to create and sell their art. 

Along Caminito Street in La Boca, you’ll find all types of performing artists as well.  Singers, dancers and South America’s version of the mime, the living statue, are mixed in among the paintings reflecting the spirit of this colorful neighborhood.

San Telmo is probably the most picturesque part of the city.  Colonial buildings rise above the cobblestone streets and house a variety of unique shops, tango parlors and cafes.  The Sunday Flea Market is a shoppers delight as you stroll among endless rows of antiques and collectables or you can stop for coffee at one of the sidewalk cafes and just watch the people go by.  The residents of Buenos Aires are easy to watch.  The men are handsome and the women beautiful.  It's easy to lose your heart in a city so full of romance.

Downtown offers everything you’d expect in a major city including some of the best shopping in South America.  Small shops and major malls share the same block and you’ll never tire of exploring the variety of goods offered.  Leather goods are a particularly good bargain in the capital of this cattle-growing country.

WHERE TO STAY

There are a variety of hotels available for every budget in Buenos Aires but the Caesar Park Buenos Aires Hotel is known for it’s outstanding service and ambiance.  It’s convenient to the city’s main business district and only 30 minutes from the Ezeiza International Airport.  The lobby is a statement in elegance and the grand staircase is where every bride wants to be photographed after her wedding.  Popular for both honeymoons and business meetings, it offers something for everyone.

DINING

The people of South America have never heard the phrase ‘Early to Bed’ so they dine very late in the day.  To stay up with the locals, you’ll have to be prepared to eat between 9 and 11 and then go out to party.  The clubs don’t really get started till about that time of day and the salsa isn’t the only thing hot in Buenos Aires.  One of the most popular new places to be seen is Divino Buenos Aires, right on the river.  Under one roof are several clubs and restaurants and its standing room only on the weekends.  A Mediterranean dinner at the Medea Restaurant is a delight to the eyes as well as the palate and when you’ve finished the last of your wine, step next door to the El Divino Club, The Limbo Bar, or the Divino Danceclub to work off the dessert you couldn’t resist.  If all this is too much, venture outside to the Terrazas del Divino for some fresh air and a fabulous view of the city reflected in the river.

If you can only visit one South American city, it should be Buenos Aires.  Bring your Tango shoes and an appetite for life.

CONTACT INFORMATION

Caesar Park Buenos Aires Hotel
Posadas 1232 Recolita
1014 Buenos Aires, Argentina
54-1-814-5150
Fax 54-1-814-5148
http://www.caesar-park.com

Divino Buenos Aires
225 Puerto Madera
Buenos Aires, Argentina
info@divino.com.ar
http://www.divino.com.ar/

Varig Brazilian Airlines
380 Madison Ave.
New York, NY 10017
212 850-8200
800 GO VARIG

Photos by Dave Shultz

Back to TravelLady Magazine