Buenos Aires' Explosion of Color!

Welcome to the heart of Buenos Aires'  La Boca Neighborhood!

People have called the Argentine capitol of Buenos Aires the “Paris of the Americas,” lauding the wide, tree lined boulevards and the exquisite architecture.   The Recoleta district, with the sophistication of uptown Manhattan, the glorious statues throughout the city, and the wonderful market at St. Telmo make this a fantastic city for those of us who love the variety that a large metropolis can give us. 

That said….I love seeking out the “fun” parts of cities, where the vibe is not necessarily refined and upscale.   Not quite “down and dirty” but more alive, colorful, electric…you name it.

This wall says it all!  To the left, the historic beginnings, where cattle and horses were first introduced to South America, to the right,  showing the purported home of Tango, and the nifty map of La Boca in the middle.

In Buenos Aires, this is La Boca,  (in espanol “The Mouth” ) which some people say is the site of the very first settlement of Buenos Aires in the 1500s. Named for its site on the mouth of the Riacheula, an original point of entrance for vessels arriving from Europe, it still has that edgy port feel.   One that is alive with color, stalls selling beautiful things for very good prices, interesting graffiti that just seems to fit, lots of restaurants, just a worthwhile place to wander for a few hours and see a different side of the city, youthful and old at the same time. 

A few of the permanent residents of Caminito, the heart of La Boca.

And Tango.  Almost a religion here,  the little streetside restaurants each have tango dancers outside, showing their skills at this magical and dramatic dance,  inviting you to sit awhile and watch (and order lunch, as we did.)  La Boca is rumored to be the point of origin for Tango, and it permeates everything here.

Teaching a tourist to tango.

Also here is La Bonbonera, the home stadium for the wildly popular futbol club, the Boca Juniors.  (How on earth did a chocolate confection become the nickname for a stadium full of rabid fans?)   This is a working class neighborhood and can be a bit rough and tumble...stay in the commercial areas, and this is not the best part of town to go clubbing.  But a lunch, a little shopping, and time to just absorb the energized feel of the area makes for a memorable afternoon!   Enjoy the rest of the photos.

As you can see the corrugated metal is a popular building choice....

Shade, fresh air and a cool drink keep these people refreshed on a hot day.

My first "maxikiosco" ever!

Two future Tango masters?  Or futbol players?

Ready for my commercial?  I have a fantastic offer for the month of May from Azamara Club Cruises.  Book an inside cabin for most cruises in 2014 and receive a complimentary upgrade to a fabulous balcony cabin!   Newly refreshed ships and imaginative itineraries with longer stays in port (we had three days and two nights in Buenos Aires) make this a desirable offer.  Call me!  425-454-1250 or 888-857-7379.