Posted: 02/09/2007--25/11/2008 || Rate this Article: 3 || Views|| Sign In || Register ||Hello Guest
Buenos Aires, the capital of Argentina and one of the largest cities in South America is sometimes referred to as the Paris of South America. It is a sophisticated and cosmopolitan city of over 12 million people--a city of monuments and avenues. In fact, Buenos Aires is considered to have the worlds widest avenue: the Avenida 9 de Julio. Buenos Aires has a large immigrant population, mostly from European countries and the city can sometimes seem more like Europe than Latin America.
The heart of the city is the spacious Plaza de Mayo, from which most of the main sights, as well as many of the shops, restaurants and hotels are a short distance away. The Plaza is filled with peaceful gardens and benches, making it a nice place to sit and linger. It isnt always so peaceful however C the Plaza is still used for political demonstrations, and as a destination for marches. The rather unassuming Pink House, which was built in 1894 and overlooks the square, is from where the Argentine president governs his huge country. The unusual pink color of the walls was obtained by mixing together beef fat, blood and lime. Legend has it that pink was chosen as a compromise between the two political parties of the time, whose colors were red and white. You can see the ceremonial changing of the guard here every hour and there is a small museum at the back of the house. Elsewhere in the square is the imposing Metropolitan Cathedral; built in 1745, it is one of the oldest in the Western hemisphere and contains a mausoleum containing the remains of Jose San Martin, the South American liberator regarded as the Father of the Nation.
Buenos Aires is also a city of neighborhoods C there are 46 barrios or districts, in the city, each with their own character and history. The city has a mass transit system, although the best way to explore these often outlying areas is by foot. Just outside the city center is the picturesque neighborhood of La Boca. This working class neighborhood, originally settled by Italian immigrants, is famous for its small metal houses painted in garish shades of red, blue and yellow. The metal used was taken from the interiors of abandoned ships. Many of the small houses have been turned into art galleries or small restaurants where locals as well as tourists come to eat. Sculptures and outdoor entertainers fill the small crowded streets. A good time to visit is when there is a soccer game on at the nearby stadium C the area becomes even more festive than usual.
By contrast, the upscale Recoleta district has a distinctly French feel to it, with many sidewalk cafes, exclusive shops and restaurants. The wealthy of the city moved northwards and settled in this area in the 1870s when a yellow fever epidemic swept through the southern part of the city. The shopping arcades here are as stylish C and expensive C as any in Paris or Milan. Not far from the Recoleta district is the world famous Colon Theater C an opera house as majestic as any in Europe and large enough to seat 2500 people, but with acoustics to be envied.
Buenos Aires is forever associated with Eva Peron C better known to the world as Evita, the wife of the Argentinean president Juan Peron. Evita is still a controversial figure in Argentina, despite her efforts to help the countrys poor and the mention of her name is sometimes enough to spark off a fierce debate. You can see the grave of Evita C buried in a concrete vault almost 30 feet underground - in the exclusive Recoleta cemetery, along with other elaborate tombs containing many of the countrys presidents.
The other great gift that Argentina gave to the world is the tango. The tango has its origins in a fusion of music and dance styles brought to the country by various immigrant groups. This seductive dance is performed all over the city, from the bigger hotels which offer afternoon tango lessons, to the more raucous clubs of the Boca and other working class districts. The saying is in Buenos Aires that you have a choice when it comes to the tango C you can participate or just watch.
To further emphasize the European feel of the area, and if you need a break from big city living, a day trip to the town of Tigre is a pleasant option. Although only about 17 miles from the downtown area, the air is noticeably less polluted in Tigre and the vegetation is subtropical. Apart from the charm of the old town itself, one of the attractions is the collection of old English rowing clubs and cafes lining the riverfront. Its hard to believe you are just a 30 minute train ride from the dynamic center of one of South Americas largest and most exciting cities.
Print article ||
Send to friend ||
Publish this Article ||
Author feedback ||
Add new Comment ||
Article Comments
