Buenos Aires vol.2

A lot goes on in Buenos Aires. We happened to be there, when Dakar 2015 rally started. On January 3rd Merle and I attended the grand opening ceremony, held on Plaza de Mayo, in front of Casa Rosada, from balcony of which Eva and Juan Peron gave their historic performance, many decades ago. The opening event collected huge crowd and loud music sounded over the total City. All necessary elements were present- orchestra, President, girls in short skirts, podium and brief flight show. Despite vast number of hot tempered people, the event went peacefully and everything seemed to be well organized. Children healed the heat shock by bathing in the fountain, other people were searching for shade under the numerous trees. Most eager fans were climbing on fences, lantern posts or other taller erections, to get better glance or shot of their idols.

All competitors were introduced individually, while riding over the podium. People cheered especially loudly on every competitor with Argentinian origin. As there were nearly 200 modern gladiators involved, the event lasted for 6 hours in total. Some contenders were interviewed and it was fascinating to see how they tried to charm the assembly.  Megastars of sporting world are adequate showmen, a Peugeot with Carlos Sainz on board stropped just in front of us and Carlos chatted for a long while with flattered audience. 

From our perspective it was encouraging to see several teams participating on Toyotas and especially on Hiluxes, trusting the brand on one of the world’s harshest challenges.

We moved around in Buenos Aires by walking, like we usually do in large cities, making daily strolls of 20-25 kilometres. One of those hikes was directed to La Boca district, situated not far from portal area.  Just prior reaching there, we were stopped by a pretty female police officer advising in perfect English, to hide the camera. We followed the guidance which probably was not vane, as at the other end of the region were warned by locals, not to leave the main street. By the end nothing thrilling occurred, besides smalltalk with local relaxed youngsters, offering grass for smoking. Biggest sights of the region are  La Bombonera football stadium, home arena of Boca Juniors, one of the best football clubs in Argentina, where among other wellknown players Diego Maradona started his career. Other spot in La Boca, loved by tourists is area housing bohemians and artists called Caminito. This neighbourhood, covering only few streets, is full of shady caffees and reastaurants, where one can have lunch,  cup of good coffee or glass of cold local beer while enjoying  Argentina Tango or Flamenco   performance. Typical for the area are as well artists selling own works on streets or in modest shops and chaotic colorful construction style.

    

Lucia a temperamental local woman and Gerry an Irish gentleman, who moved to Buenos Aires 7 years ago, earn there living giving Tango lessons. Besides teaching they arrange Tango events in Southern America and Europe. They can be briefly described as a pleasant duo. Other participants in the course were couple from Sweden spending their honeymoon and younger pair from Scotland travelling around, to gain new experience and searching for their own personality- all nice and optimistic youthful people. During short course we were shown some basic movements and given guidlines for behaviour during Milonga. The combinations presented did not seem too complicated, as we have taken some ballroom dance courses earlier. At same time previous experience of Ballroom Tango disturbed, as the two Tangos are so different in their nature. Argentina version is much more natural and smooth than Ballroom one. No matter, we almost made it. After having passed the theoretical part, we moved on to local club, where Milonga was about to start. Entering the Club was a shocking experience- atmoshere and people in it took you back to probably fifties of last century. Then it all begun- live music performed by orchestra of 10  musicians, playing on level exceeding all expectations. Performance was full of energy, providing excellent musical and visual delight. Dancefloor became full of  skilful pairs in a glance, everyone in the club seemed to enjoy the show. We among others danced some Tangos, keeping ourselves in the middle of the floor, not to disturb experienced dancers. All in all a pleasurable event- thank you Santa!

As mentioned earlier, nothing special happened to us in La Boca, Things started to  occur in the centre of the city. Twice, on different days, local birds  blessed us with loads of droppings. There was multitude of the stuff, like poured from a bucket. After the first time we suspected that there is some sort of scam taking place, with people offering assistance trying to steel our wallets- there were people around offering help. On the next day, after second time, we got covered with already familiar smelling substance, it was clear that Mother Nature herself had plaid a trick on us.

Have learnt by now that arrival of our truck is delayed by two weeks, it seems that MSC is lacking capacity in this region.  Despite of uncouraging news, we do not let high spirits to be affected, shall collect our luggage and take a boat to Uruguay. Aproximately ten days should be sufficient to get some touch with the small country located in between of Argentina and Brazil.

Small positive revision to our earlier post concerning local meet dishes. Yesterday, during lunch in a restaurant in Puerto Madero district, we were served magnificent beef. The stake tasted delicious!