South America: Buenos Aires

By Matthew Nicholson

*The Belgian diplomat in San Pedro de Atacama had told me not to go to Buenos Aires. “It’s too European,” he said, “You might as well go to London or Paris.” *

I didn’t listen to him and enjoyed nearly a week in the city. There is plenty to do in the city with the Eva Peron Museum, and the Cementario de Recolleta, an urban cemetery of Argentine elite and playground for the city’s huge cat population.

Whilst there we visited La Boca; economically poor but culturally rich with street art, public tangoing and, of course, the football team, Boce Juniors. It is a vibrant bohemian hub, its most distinct feature being the multicoloured buildings. Football is a way of life here and we thought it only right to witness Boca take a 1-0 win against Argentinos.

Whether tango would really play such a pivotal role in the city’s image were it not for tourist interest is debatable. Still, we felt compelled to visit the world famous La Academia Nacional Del Tango, where I picked up a full 27 steps and danced for hours with those who’d practiced for a lifetime, all for a staggering five pesos.

We ended our stay partying the night away with Argentine aristocracy in a dockside club to a strange mix of cheesy Latino pop and Bon Jovi. This club was so posh it cost a full 30 pesos to get in.

Buenos Aires stood out against other South American destinations as very European-feeling, from the cobbled streets and chess-playing OAPs of San Telmo to the bustling shopping metropolis of the Boardwalk of Levane.

I can safely say if you ever meet any Belgian diplomats you can ignore any travel advice they offer.