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Buenos Aires: A Bit of the Old Country in Argentina!

Buenos Aires has a distinctive European feel. Walking through the neighborhoods, you would think you were strolling down a street in Paris, France, or maybe some small Spanish town. Italian and French influences abound. While the face may be European, the soul is definitely Latin. People speak passionately about everything from politics to store prices. The family is at the core of life in Buenos Aires. Buenos Aires is also a city of great fun. Clubbing and nightlife are the buzzwords of the day. Argentina is famous for steaks and for the popular beef dishes that dominate the local cuisine.

Like most metropolitan cities, Buenos Aires's history and cultural influences can be seen by visiting the many museums sitting within its boundaries. The Museo Histórico Nacional (National History Museum) houses artifacts, paintings, and other displays detailing Argentine life from the 16th through the 20th centuries. The Museo De Arte Moderno (Museum of Modern Art) represents the work of both local and international artists. The paintings, sculptures, and multi-media pieces are ever changing. You might even find one of the artists giving a lecture. For an off-the-beaten-path experience, visit the Calle Museo Caminito (Little Path Museum Street). This is a pedestrian-only street filled with open air stalls highlighting the works from local artists, as well as a market and bazaar where you can find all sorts of trinkets.

Centrally located plazas (or squares) are a big part of Argentine life. In addition to being great places to meet and greet, they serve as historic reminders of South America's past. Plaza de Mayo (May Plaza) was the center of an uprising against the Spanish on May 25, 1810-hence the name. The square today remains the sight for celebrations and mass protests. Plaza Dorrego (Dorrego Plaza) is lined with stately old trees that shade outdoor tables, making this square a prime people watching area. Street vendors, dancers, and kiosks filled with Argentine and European curios complete the picture. For a bit of Italian flair, visit Plaza Italia (Italian Plaza) and see part of a 2,000 year old Roman column which was part of the Coliseum, that was donated by Italy to Argentina in 1955.

Argentina is synonymous the world over with the Tango, a dance of seduction and pursuit, that began in Buenos Aires in the 1880s. Originally tango academies taught the dance for men only, but after realizing how boring that was, the dance was modified to include women in the early 1900s. Today, the Tango has spread throughout the globe, but Argentineans still practice it with a fever pitch. While in Buenos Aires, seek out a local salon, called a salon de baile, for some quick lessons before you try out your dancing shoes in one of the many Tango clubs.

For some outdoor fun, visit the El Tigre Delta area, the jumping off spot for hundreds of islands that form the Delta of the Paraná in its outlet to the Río de la Plata. The many rivers in the area can be traversed by motorboat, or paddled by canoe or kayak. Anglers come to the rivers in search of cobia. The flora and fauna of the region make for great photo ops. Hikers will appreciate the opportunity to trek into the local jungle terrain. Pleasure craft and party boats are also for rent from one of the marinas that service the region.

Buenos Aires is a rich, vibrant culture that is waiting with open arms to greet every vacationer. Leather, silver, gold, and clothing items are especially good bargains in this neck of the woods. A polo match or a futbol game (soccer to those in the US) can be a part of your Argentine experience. Stroll through the many neighborhoods and gawk at the vast architectural styles. Pick up some fruit at an open-air market. Sample some of the best coffee in the world. Buenos Aires has a European face with a Latin soul. What's not to love?