TRAVEL
Beautiful Buenos Aires
By Christopher A. Pape
I
f you’re going to take a Cruceros Australis trip to Cape Horn, you’ll either begin or end the cruise in Argentina. While there, don’t miss your chance to see South America’s largest and most cosmopolitan city—Buenos Aires, Argentina’s capital city, a place that reflects a rich and widely diverse European heritage. A thoroughly cosmopolitan metropolis, Buenos Aires is situated on the southeastern coast of South America, edged by the Rio de Plata, or River of Silver—a name befitting the sparkling waters standing beside the world’s classiest cities. One of the 20 largest capital cities in the world, Buenos Aires is often ranked as one of the most attractive international cities, which is why some travelers call it the “Paris of South America” for its dramatic architecture and rich cultural attractions. Many people claim it looks like Barcelona—others say is reminiscent of Mexico City, and others say it has something so Italian about it, too, perhaps because of the obvious influence of its many Italian immigrants. Whatever you see or do in Buenos Aires, you’re bound to love it—for the city welcomes more visitors each year than any other in South American, including Rio de Janeiro, and is a top vacation destination. Locals, called “Porteños,” or “People of the Port,” often consider themselves more European than South American, and many speak Spanish, English and Italian, and they welcome Englishspeaking visitors. While you’re there, be sure to seek out the things for which Buenos Aires and Argentina are best known—such as the music and culture of Tango, the way of life of the traditional Argentinean “gauchos,” and the glorious art, architecture, cafés, shops, parks, fountains, and natural wonders. Search for the soul of Buenos Aires, and you’re sure to find it dancing the Tango in the streets.
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