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SENSUOUS SOUTH
AMERICA
by Madelyn Miller
AMOUR IN ARGENTINA
It takes two to tango and this is one of the most romantic
places to share with a loved one. Argentina gave the world the Tango, the seductive dance that
reflects their sizzling culture. It is the nation’s one true art form,
combining philosophizing and passion with music. To watch the peacock like
performances of dancers, Argentines and tourists sit together in tango clubs,
sipping drinks and listening to seasoned singers wad their way through
emotionally charged lyrics.
If you want to join in, there are several places where you
can take tango lessons. The Universidad de Buenos Aires, 25 de Mayo 217,
teaches beginners’ from 6:30 to 8pm on Fridays, while more advanced students
take the floor from 8 to 10 pm. Non-students pay $7. The Teatro Suizo, on
Rodriguez Pena near Corrientes, also has inexpensive tango lessons. For an
indulgence, consider a lesson with Oscar Velaquez, 1-775-5885 or 1-777-1392 who
charges $30 an hour for private lessons. You don’t need to have a partner, but
it is nice to have someone to practice with. He was one of the dancers who
appeared in the movie Evita and besides speaking English, he is patient and
professional.
Caesar Park Buenos Aires is located in a romantic part of the city. Want something sweet for your Sweetheart? Dash across the street to Paio Bullrich and pick up some Alsajores Havvana, the traditional cookie of Argentina. It comes in two differrent versions : chocolate topping and a sugar frost, being both with "dulce de leche" inside - a sweet made of sugar and milk......".yummie!, according to South American foodie vera Waissman. The Havana brand is is made in Bariloche, a beautiful place
to ski & to fish trout, but that's another story. And if you have to travel without your Sweetheart, Caesar
Park Buenos Aires makes it easy to keep in touch. They offer free Internet
connection 24 hours a day. ROMANCE IN RIO
The architect of the world must have wanted Rio to be his masterpiece.
Wherever you go in Rio, romance is in the air. You’ll easily
find music, light-hearted fun, and people with a passion for life. Framed by mountains, facing the sea, Cariocas quite
naturally feel very close to nature. Lying on the beach, playing volleyball,
swimming, and biking at the end of the day are just part of the everyday life
for the people of Rio. One of the best ways of getting to know the Cariocas is
by playing with them, You are certainly most welcome to join in. Lovers of any kind of sport, for Rio’s “Carioca” have lost
their heart to soccer. Whether kicking a ball around in the sand or going to
the giant Maracana Stadium to watch a match, you will see enthusiastic crowds
singing, waving flags and eagerly cheering.
A great date does not have to be expensive. You can stroll
along the beach humming “The Girl from Ipenema”. On the Copacabana sidewalk,
enjoy a chilled fresh coconut drink or an iced lager at one of the many kiosks
you’ll find along the way.
With bodies so beautiful, “Cariocas” are eager to adorn
them. The Jewelry capital of the world has gems at all price ranges. If your
budget is not as big as your eyes,, find some stylish and trendy costume jewels
at Bijou Box. I found a feathered
neckpiece for $20 that reminds me a bit of a Samba show. At the Sunday Hippie
Faire on Ipenema Beach, I found contemporary settings for semi precious stones
in some sophisticated necklaces by Evan & Bruno for $10. (that is the only
place he sells, Bruno spends the rest of the week designing and crafting.) If you want expensive jewelry, you can get good value. After
shopping for jewels at H. Stern or Amsterdam Sauer, stop for tea at charming
Tiberius Restaurant on the 23rd floor of the Ceasar Park Ipenema and
look down at the glorious beach while you nibble on sweets, sandwiches and
“dulce de leche” the rich, thick, popular caramel cream. It is hard to believe any of the natives eat
it and still look as good as they do. Actually it is hard to believe that the “Carioca” eat much
of the fabulous food in Rio. Their diet seems to consist of grilled meats, rich
stews and ever richer sweets. Traditionally, Saturday is set aside for the
“feijoada “bean-feast and Sunday is “cozido” or casserole day. A favorite style of dining is churrascaria, where you choose
from a parade of grilled and barbecued meats are brought to your table. I loved
Porcao, which offered a choice of a dozen meats, giant shrimp, platters of
sushi and sashimi. Just when you think you can’t eat another bite, they bring
out a tempting dessert cart. After a meal like this you can’t do anything but
retire to your room. And feel satisfied that you only spent $25 on one of the
most wonderful meals in town
WORLDLY SAO PAOLO
Sao Paulo is considered one of the world’s gourmet capitals.
Whether you start you day with breakfast in bed at the Cesar Park Sao Paulo or
make the most of the night at the award-wining Japanese restaurant Mariko, with
a little bit of luck you’ll discover the sensual side of this major financial
center. The most romantic restaurant in town is Terraco at the top of the tallest building in Sao Paulo. The view is spectacular and the gourmet Italian buffet is a bargain at about $25.
Be sure to stroll around the outdoor patio. This would be the perfect place to propose or at least say, “I love you.” Be sure to stop for a cup of very Bazilian coffee, because it is the basis of the culture of Sao Paulo. Coffee barons helped create this financial capital You have to look a little harder, but you will be rewarded when you go beyond the high rise concrete buildings. Along the North Coast of the state of Sao Paulo, you will be surprised by the beaches of Illhabela, Ubatuba and Sao Sebastiao. BUENOS AIRES, ARGENTINA
Senor Tango RIO BE JANIERO, BRAZIL
Riotour Caesar Park Ipanema Centro Cultural Banco de Brasil Parcao Geraes Bijou Box Evan & Bruno La Platforma SAO PAULO, BRAZILTerraco Italia Cesar Park Sao Paulo GREAT GUIDEBOOKS
BRADT GUIDE TO BRAZIL from Globe Pequot Publications Photo in Senor Tango by Rod Lopez-Fabrega |
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Senor Tango personifies that national dance and was
recognized with a government award for tourism. Located in a historic general
store, it serves up typical Argentinean food and an unforgettable tango show
for about $65.
You can see free tango in the streets of San Telmo, an
artist’s quarter south of the Plaza de Mayo. On weekends this is a wonderful
place to see street performers, buskars and artists work in one of the most colorful parts of Buenos Aires. The best
value is in Plaza Dorrego’s free city-sponsored “Tango y Baille” on alternate
Saturday nights in summer, which showcases singers, musicians and dancers, and
gives “Portenos”, as Buenos Aires residents are fondly called, of all ages and
classes a chance to show their steps.
Visually, Buenos Aires resembles Paris, that other city of
love. There are wide boulevards lined with palatial mansions, flowers sold at
colorful corner kiosks, terrace cafes on every block, and the women have that
same sense of personal style as Parisians. Body language includes flirtatious
glances and flashing stares plus a generous amount of compliments. And when it
comes to the language of love, Portenios are masters
The best bedrooms in Buenos Aires must be at the Caesar Park
Buenos Aires, every Saturday at least 2 dozen brides check in—even if they
aren’t having their weddings there. It is almost a tradition to have photos
taken on the dramatic circular stairway that leads down to the main lobby.
He gave it a glorious combination of sun, sea and skies that
make Rio one of the most romantic cities in the world. Up and down the beach, a
cult-like throng of bronzed “Carioca” (as the lucky residents of Rio are
called) worship the body beautiful. Looking good is a religion in Rio and the
entire city is their temple. I only pray for a body like the ones I see in
thongs all over the beach (actually the thongs are so little you can barely
even see them.)
If a city has a soul, the spirit of Rio is cultural, being a
free-minded town it welcomes and respects all forms of artistic expressions.
And culture is made readily available to all of society with unbelievably
reasonable prices for tickets. For six dollars, I enjoyed a Sambo interpretation
of the opera Carmen in the Centro Cultural Banco de Brasil, The building itself
is a work of art. Call to find out what is playing and go a few minutes early
to walk around this historical building, browse in the bookstore, and enjoy a
cup of coffee.
If you want to escape the heat, stroll round the Rodrigo de
Freitas Lagoon. And don’t forget to visit Barra beach, the longest in Rio. Set
aside a day to wander through the Tijuca Forest. The Botanical Gardens offer
far more than flowers and plants—there is a charming café and an orchid house
that will fill your spirit with a sense of peace.
Another typical meal is at Geraes which serves food of the
Mineira Region. Wonderfully flavorful stews and creative combinations make this
a very satisfying experience. Their Dulce de Leche is to die for, and I
considered bringing home a big vat of it. The whole meal including a enormous
table of tempting desserts is only $8.
It is almost never too late to Samba. You can learn how to
Samba at the Samba School. Or get vicarious thrills at performances like the
ones at La Platforma. La Platforma has a touristy show of girls in gorgeous
costumes. After a while the loud music becomes a bit monotonous, but the photo
opportunities abound. Best seats are actually on the balcony upstairs, but
visibility is good throughout the theatre.
In Latin America’s largest metropolis, you will find the
other five continents mingled together with all that is modern, cosmopolitan
and urban. Its, people, whose origins are European, Japanese and Arab, built
virtual industrial and commercial empires, bringing with them the culture and
cuisine of their homelands, making the city a wonderland of restaurants and
shopping centers, as well as center stage for the best in theater, music and
the nation’s business affairs.
If this city is known for working hard during the day, it
also has a lively night life in the evenings—so lively that it is considered a
city that doesn’t sleep. Restaurants are open late and some bars never close.
Dance clubs, nightclubs and performances have international performers. On an
average night in Sao Paulo, you have a choice of at least 70 performances.