We had two days of touring the city and learning a basic course in Argentinian history. In the late 19th century, when the country was booming, the elite turned back to their European origins building lavish homes in the colonial style. Many are now embassies.
Our guide Romini was one of the best of the the excellent guides that we have had. Her comfort in vernacular English made conversation a delight.
There are more than 16 million people in the greater Buenas Aries. That is about 1/3 of the total population of Argentina. The country was founded in 1580 and got its liberation in 1850.
These street markings of scarves on "Women’s of May Square" commemorate the protest by women who lost their children in the “Dirty War" of 1976-1983.
Of the 30,000 who “disappeared”, some were pregnant women who had their children taken from them and adopted by the ruling authorities. Many of these women still march and have found their now adult children, one of whom is currently in the congress.
This protest by taxi drivers was more a chance to hear music than a political demonstration.
La Boca is famous for its painted houses. At the entrance are a group of the many lifelike figures that are scattered throughout the town. These three are Diego Mareno, football (soccer) player, Evita Peron, wife of Juan Peron, and, Carlo Gavazzi, tango singer.
Historically this was a very poor neighborhood along the river. The houses are made of corrugated metal and wood. They have been painted bright colors and a couple of blocks are a tourist attraction.
Pope Francis, an Argentinian, looks down upon his people in La Boca.
We ended our day at an evening classical tango venue. First was a chance to enjoy the famed steak, which was good but not amazing. What was amazing were the performers. The band was excellent. The dancers amazing, such emotion, facial expression, foot work and total body movement. It was almost exhausting to watch.
Our guide talked to one of the entertainers.
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