Buenos Aires: A Smorgasbord of Whimsical Delights

Every day in Buenos Aires has been completely different than the last!  Below are some of the little things that I loved about this city.

Whimsical Delight #1: Tango Tango

This vibrant city pulsates with the sensual beats of tango and the feeling permeates through the cobblestones right through your swaying body.   There are tango performances on the street, at restaurants, and of course all of the tourist geared tango shows in the evening at various venues across the city.  We went to a show at Tango Porteno in the city center, and it was fantastic!  Many companies will try to sell you on transport + show + dinner but I would avoid those package deals and try to do a show only.  We got a show with no dinner/transport which gave us more flexibility to try out an amazing restaurant and then make our way to the 10:00PM show.   The show we watched had beautiful sets, fabulous dancers, and great music.  All in all it was a great experience that was absolutely scintillating to the senses!  A definite must do in BA if you like theatre and dance.

Whimsical Delight #2: Artsy La Boca

La Boca is a eclectic barrio in BA where the buildings are as colorful as a package of skittles and locals display funky art along the street.  Other than the tourist beat, this area is pretty sketch so best not to wander off the beaten path. They say that you are fine as long as you stick to the few colorful blocks that include the Caminito and brick walls peppered with graffiti art.  I loved the vibrancy of this place, especially the pop up hippie fair that was there the day we went. 

Unfortunately Imran came down with a severe case of CSW while we were in La Boca so we weren't able to stay for lunch.  The symptoms started when he saw the random bursts of color and art, combined with the rough around the edges feel of the place.  We left in search of the only thing that could cure him and spent the rest of the afternoon relaxing in the sun at our packed hotel rooftop pool. 

(NB:  CSW =  Caesar Salad Withdrawal)

Whimsical Delight #3: Antiques Fair in San Telmo

Every Sunday, people flock to the cobblestone streets of San Telmo's Plaza Dorrego to find hidden vintage treasures they can call their own.  San Telmo is a barrio with aging mansions, bustling cafes, romantic tango music in the streets, and of course, a good dose of old world charm.  Perfect place to have an antiques fair!  Now how can I explain this beautiful experience?  Anything you could possibly imagine was at this market, including delicate china teacups, antique coins, beautiful crystal, pocket watches, silver candelabras, vintage dresses, random keys, old school glasses frames that would be oh so hipster right now, and jewelry just oozing with history and character! I found myself a very vintage pocket watch on a necklace thingamabob (not sure what else to call this thing!) that I just adore!  The watch looks almost as old as the man who sold it to me.  The old man was my ally in helping me convince Imran that purchasing this thingamabob was a good idea.  When he sensed Imran's hesitation, he proceeded to try to explain all the merits of why the watch was a practical choice, all in Spanish no less.  From what I gathered, he said that the thingamabob is a good choice because it tells real time, you don't need to buy another watch to wear because it is a necklace and a watch all in one, if you are travelling you can change the time at your leisure, you don't have to lift your wrist to your face to look at the time you can just look down at the watch around your neck, and that it needs only winding and no batteries so it will last forever.  Whatever he said, it seemed to work and I left the antiques market extremely happy with a thingamabob  around my neck that I truly believe is steeped in rich Argentinean history! ;)

Now this next bit doesn't really fit in but this wouldn't be my blog if I did not comment on fashion.  I was really surprised that I didn't see any Argentinean fashion trends worth noting.  Patterned leggings are in (but www.lookbook.nu could have told you that).  The only other thing that I noticed was that palazzo pants are back.  Yes, flowerly, patterned pallazzo pants, circa 1993.  So dig deep in those closets ladies! Fashion always comes full circle!

Tonight we leave for Lima where we rest overnight and then head to Cuzco tomorrow afternoon.  Llamas, Alpacas and Machu Picchu here we come!