So much more than tango…
The initial draw to Buenos Aires for me was of course…Argentine Tango. Although we are "Tango-toddlers" as Elizabeth sometimes would say, my husband, Michael, and I thought the exposure to Tango where it all started would be an incredibly interesting experience.
Of the ten days in Buenos Aires, Michael and I were physically able to only attend 4 or 5 milongas (exhaustion from other activities overtook us)! All the milongas were different and provided wonderful observations, experiences and introspection. Not all were positive, but even then, they provided great learning moments for me. These milongas were so much more than fancy moves and complex sequences. They gave me an opportunity to understand and appreciate the true meaning of what a great tango can possibly look/feel like. Even the simplest of dancers were an awe to watch because of their connections to their partners and the music. It's all about the connection!
However, Buenos Aires is so much more than just tango. I found the people so incredibly genuine, helpful, nice, friendly and unpretentious. Everywhere we went, be it the Padres Café, the ice cream shop, La Boca, San Telmo Street Fair, Recoleta cemetery, the milongas – everyone was ready and willing to help us even with our next-to-none Spanish skills! (Google Translate was our close companion with a few memorable and comical moments.) Michael and I spent many of our non-scheduled tours/dance time wandering Palermo and the Buenos Aires surrounding area enjoying the sights, sounds, and scenes. As much as my senses could bear, I breathed in all that was Buenos Aires.
Elizabeth was so great providing much needed information, knowledge, guidance, friendship and support. The group Elizabeth put together was incredibly laid-back, self-sufficient, and cohesive. There was such a great balance between doing things with the group and doing things by ourselves. We started the trip as 'acquaintances' with the people in the group, but we left as friends. These friends added so much more to our entire experience in Buenos Aires.
Michael and I did so much in our ten days there, and yet we felt like there was still so much we didn't get to do. We left vowing to ourselves that we WILL be back. Next time we will arm ourselves with some passable Spanish to make our trip that much better!
San Telmo street fair
Caminito in La Boca
Dancing at El Beso
Recoleta Cemetary