We careered off again on 1 January to South America, starting in Buenos Aires as part of a 2 month tour of Argentina (Patagonia), a little bit of Chile, Brazil, and Bolivia.
It was Michelle’s birthday during the flight to Buenos Aires, and BA gave us a free upgrade (not to Business though), and a bottle of champagne.
We took a walking tour of “La Boca” (“The mouth”) – the district where Buenos Aires originated. It was a melting pot of immigrants to South America, particularly Spanish, Irish, and Jews. This resulted in a very artistic cultural mix.
The famous “Caminito”
“Colourful” tour guide
The immigrants were very poor and built their houses from pieces of scrap metal, corrugated iron, and wood “recovered” from the shipyards. Small amounts of left-over paint were used to paint the buildings section by section resulting in a colourful mix of blocks.
It’s not the safest part of the city. You have to be careful not to stray away from the few tourist-friendly streets and to get out of La Boca by 5pm.
Old artwork
Apparently La Boca is where Tango music and dance originated. It evolved from men wrestling. If you look at the dance through that lens it makes sense. Among the immigrants, there were only 2 women for every 9 men. The dance began between men, but this was soon discouraged in favour of a mixed couple. Because of the gender imbalance, there was a high demand for prostitutes. This is where the woman’s dance costume of exposed backs, slashed skirts, and garters originated.
Tango steps
Playground
La Boca declared itself an independent republic, but the Argentinian government soon put a stop to it.
Boca Juniors football stadium
For Michelle’s birthday we went to “La Ventana” Tango club.
Birthday drink
Tango club – no photos allowed after the start
Being in Argentina, we had to have a steak dinner washed down with delicious Malbec wine.
BBQ steaks
We also felt obliged to have coffee in the famous “Café Tortini”.
It’s been here a while
Mmm… nice coffee
Stylish interior design
Outside were the three kings. The Spanish exchange Christmas presents on the 6th of January.
Ronnie happy in “Bike and Beer” craft ale pub
We took another walking tour of La Recoleta. The Avenue “9 July” claims to be the world’s widest street.
Plaza de Mayo
Casa Rosada – the pink house. Eva Perón gave a famous speech from the balcony.
Clock gifted by Britain
The Malvinas (Falklands) memorial – opposite the British clock of course!
Obelisk
One of the very grand mansions. The immigrants wanted to show that they had class like in Paris or London.
Lending some support
Modern docks area
Old and new
Strange creatures
Next we’re off to Patagonia for some hiking.
