Tango and tantalizers

So I bought the coke. This is my Fernet, coke & ice taking a seat (I had to take the picture) on my balcony. It was a long day of walking and exploring.
And I’m drinking a toast to an old friend who sadly passed away today. Gerrie, it was good to share friedship and spend time together as families, may you rest peacefully. And Dalene and children, may you gain strength from each other and from happy recollections. Thinking of you all.Today was my 4th day in Buenos Aires, and I’m gradually getting to know the city (center at least).  My adobe is very central, and I walk everywhere, covering different sections each day. Two days ago I had a stiff neck from looking up so much – there are só many beautiful buildings, I just cannot resist admiring them all. And taking zillions of pictures. I feel like a Jap tourist: click-click-click. Here are a few:And then I did go to the poetry reading. And in spite of not understanding a word, actually enjoyed it. One can gather a lot from body language, intonation and crescendo’s. Ultimately it turned out to be quite thé evening! The 3 poets and some friends invited me to go to a restaurant with them, and I had my first taste of Argentinian beef (just a bite) – I am at a loss to describe the gastronomic sensation. The minute I put that little piece of meat in my mouth, I just swooned. It was tender, extremely tasty and perfectly textured.  The rest of the people just smiled. A few of us ended up drinking wine and talking quite intensely until 02:30, and by then the waiters were ready to throw us out I think, but they remained polite and friendly. The streets were completely deserted, yet I felt no threat. Rain had softly started falling, and gratefully Renato walked me to almost home. Here are the poets and me (the one I had met, Renato, is at the back):Needless to say I was completely wasted the next day, and apart from having coffee with Renato, didn’t do much. It rained most of the day anyway. I did treat myself to a steak for dinner though – bife de chorizo, a dish recommended by one of the guests the previous night. Delicious succulent beef. With chips on a side plate. That was all – no garnish, trimmings or sauces. Plain and simple – I devoured it all! Today has been one of those full and delightful days. How can a visit to San Telmo and La Boca not be! The highlight of San Telmo is Plaza Dorrego, a cobblestoned plaza where stalls and restaurants abound under huge old trees.Both San Telmo and La Boca, which is further south, lay claim to be the place where tango originated in the 1880’s. I saw my first open-air tango dancers in El Camanito (Little Street) in La Boca, an area lined with colourful corrugated houses and terraces. What fun!Tables and chairs fill the sidewalks and walking streets, and stalls are everywhere. It has become very commercialized with many craft markets leading off the street, but it retains its charm and aura of exuberance.There are so many paper mache figures around, that this copper statue appeared out of place. As I took the picture, the ‘statue’ gave a short whistle and winked at me… I was completely bowled over and burst out laughing, not having expected it at all. The artist was as amused by me as I was by him. I kept on giggling for quite a while.The graffiti in La Boca is quite something. Real works of art, some really exquisite. They are everywhere.I managed to fit in some culture today too, I visited the Museo de Arte Moderno, a gallery with modern art from different era’s. There was a special exhibition called A History of the Imagination in Argentina which included works from the 1800’s, very creatively arranged. Actually, Buenos Aires has many museums, galleries and theatres, and I was hoping to see a play,  but I’m just too exhausted in the  evenings.  Next time…Finally signing off – I have to keep you busy, as from next week the blogs will be short and sweet as I’m going to Santa Fe area to do volunteer work. Sadly only two more days in Buenos Aires.