Travelers Digest 2004 Review of
Buenos Aires, Argentina
Written By Mike Smith


We finally arrived in the beautiful and totally unforgettable city of Buenos Aires in Argentina on the 3rd of June 2004. Our trip south from the quaint and entertaining city of Posadas begin on a train ride that would take 30 hours to cover just over 1100 kilometers. That was an adventure all into itself as we hung from the open doors to film the countless kilometers of grazing flat-lands, small villages and towns where the young and old stood outside their shanty homes and shacks made from scrap to wave at this tired old iron horse as she shook and rattled her way south.

Around noon of the next day we slowly entered the outskirts of Argentina's capital city where the mouth of the river flows into the ocean to form the worlds largest river delta. The outer areas of the city were filled with the utmost poverty, but were still visions of life in its more suttlity... kids being kids, plenty of dogs just being dogs and people being allowed to live without restrictive hindrance. Here all life-forms are allowed to live within their means and are not penalized for being poor or homeless. Even the animals in the outer areas of this large city are carefree and roam at will. They are accepted into society with more than tolerance... they are respected as having the right to live without undue restraint. These uncaged animals portray mutual respect and even use the crosswalk when crossing the road and mingle with each other without animosity. The simply joys of life are highly visible when allowed to be truly free.

Argentina's capital city is an elegant and sophisticated metropolis whose residents... Portenos, as they are called, are in high esteem of their  European heritage. Their past is reflected in their architecture and in their daily lives as they portray their love of life and do it with a erotic flair and in a robust mannerism not found in any other Latin American country.

The center of the city is abundant with huge avenues, the largest in the world, and are lined with French and Italian architecture...reminiscent of the turn of the century Europe. The streets are dazzled with trees and multi-colored flora. There are numerous parks through-out the city and each neighborhood bears its own unique personality. In the La Boca area of the city the houses are built of pressed tin and painted in the hues of the Mediterranean, recapturing the era of the early immigrants. The local artists and muralists have transformed the atmosphere into one of color and vibrancy.

In another area named San Telmo the visual appeal is more of colonialism with a slight Bohemian flavor. Its narrow paths and walkways are lined with locals selling their ornamented antiques and hand made crafts. Every Sunday the crowds swell as people venture onto its streets during the San Telmo fair centering around the Dorrego Square.

In Recoleta the aristocratic flair of the French takes precedence with its robust distinction and offers fabulous boutiques, antique shops and eateries. Its calling of travelers near and far are to the legendary and stunning cemetary...final home of the famous and most often infamous Evita Peron. Wife to a unforgettable man that as president ruled this country with both cruelty to his foes and generosity to the poor. Evita was even more flamboyant in her life as president. Millions hated her and millions adored her. Her tomb is quite modest when compared to the hundreds of absolutely stunning and over-powering tombs encased with marble, stained glass and ornamented brass. The cemetery is right in the middle of Recoleta and it is one of the most popular areas of the entire city. It is bordered with several parks, market squares, discos, fine restaurants, countless shops and towering statues. The area is trendy and a must visit to anyone wishing to experience one of the real cultural centers of the city. 

The city in its entirety is home to literally hundreds of fine art galleries, museums and laden with pleasant walking trails, open markets along the river and the city´s many canals. As one ventures from area to area they witness subtle and at times abrupt changes, both in building design and personality, each offering their own perspective into the erotic culture of the full spirited people of Argentina. A great example of Argentina eroticism is the world renowned dance of The Tango...a powerful blending of male and female sexuality... definitely the dance of pure unbiased physical pleasure. The nights are when the streets, bars, clubs, pubs and dance halls come to life...a beckoning to the vampires of romance. New York has often been described as the city that never sleeps, but once you've spent some time in Buenos Aires...New York just simply doesn't compare. This city has more spirited vitality and utter sexual vibrancy and a more unforgettable atmosphere than most global cities combined.

Once you've seen all the museums, art centers boutiques and magnificent parks just get out and walk around. You will soon discover that the true appeal of this city is its people...polite, educated, warm, strong, courteous without intrusion, passion without arrogance and with a genuine sense of self. In the many months I spent in this beautiful city I was always welcomed, respected, acknowledged and most of all accepted anywhere I ventured...day or night. Not one incident of bias or prejudiced treatment. Never an unkind word or other belligerent treatment was experienced by me or any other member of our crew. We simply had the time of our lives.

I have truly fallen in love with this city, its people and may I say with the beauty of its women. No where in the world can you experience such powerful sexual stimulation from just strolling down a street...its everywhere...in the stores, the cafes, the shops, the bars and in the parks. It is most definitely and most deeply embedded in the people. No one makes any judgments to the ages of couples no matter the yearly differences and a public display of affection is never frowned upon. They live and let live and strive to follow the universal rule of "To each his own."

There are numerous countries around the world that could learn valuable lessons from the beautifully sweet and lively people of Argentina and the entire South American continent. No matter their economic status...they live within their means and maintain a strong bond to each other and their belief that life should always be lived to the fullest. Passion can not be bought now sold, but is a blessing born of tolerance and respect.

We totally enjoyed each and everyday and were filled with anticipation each and every time we stepped outside the door of our rented apartment. This city is alive with excitement and bids you welcome!

Buenos Aires, Argentina...there's simply no city like it!