My first visit to Buenos Aires, Argentina, was in 1987 – now, as a kiwi who was smittten by a gorgeous Argentine lady to whom I am married, I have been living here for the past five years & have come to really love the pace, lifestyle, the people & the excitement this city of 12.5 million citizens offers.
 
On my initial visit here one of the first things that struck me – quite aside from being in an environment where at that time I understood little of the local language – was the very obvious ties to a deeply embedded European ancestry coming out in the splendour of the architecture, wide tree-lined boulevards, a multitude of parks & gardens & statues or magnificent fountains on practically every major corner.

And since that first visit, nothing’s changed; in fact, Buenos Aires gets better & better.

I have heard Buenos Aires referred to as the ´Paris of South America´, however that statement doesn’t do justice to this large bustling, cosmopolitan modern city which has a distinctive ´Latin´ flavour that emanates from the warmth of welcome & hospitality of its citizens.

Forget about anything you may have seen in the past on CNN or BBC that highlighted ´troubles´ in Buenos Aires. That’s all way in the past, besides which, today’s media would never be able to sell advertising if it had to feature a programme called the ´Good News´.

Buenos Aires is one of the world’s true great capital cities & without peer, it reigns as the most modern, easy to get around, safe & fun cities in the South American continent.

Not to be missed are the ‘antique bric-a-brac markets’ of the Recoleta the La Boca & San Telmo districts on Saturdays & Sundays.

Not only is there a wide array of fascinating trinkets to be found, but the ´people´ experience & impressions of the old world you will take away are just fascinating.

In addition we would recommend your considering a day out to the wonderful rambling warehouses of Tigre on the edge of the Rio de la Plata, where a wide selection of craft items abound.

If you are judging Buenos Aires on traditional ´icons´ undoubtedly Tango tops the list.

This mystical, whimsical, romantic, seductive inter-twining dance, back-dropped by lilting traditional music played by masters of the violin & bandoneon (piano accordion) is as pure a trademark of ´Argentina´ as there could be.

There are many wonderful Tango clubs in the city with the option of dining, followed by your opportunity to participate & dance or alternatively, theatre styled performances where you simply sit & soak up the atmosphere & watch enthralled as the professional exponents deliver artistry – to experience such an evening out can only be described as ´pure magic´.

Dance, Tango & Jazz clubs usually don’t get underway until 01.00am & stay open until 04.30am or later, depending on the area.

For those with a sense of history, the Recoleta district is home to a resplendent Catholic chapel - Basilica Del Pilar - which is a ´must´ to visit.

However, it is best known for the sprawling cemetery & the hundreds upon hundreds of crypts standing as stark historical markers of the ornate memorials to passing of Presidents, military generals & heroes of the revolution, aristocrats & gentry of bygone eras.

Possibly the most famous of all the crypts within the Recoleta cemetery is the Duarte family crypt.

Here lies ‘Evita‘- the colourful & celebrated wife of President Juan Peron, who died in 1952 & was idolized by Argentinos of all ages. Ironically she is buried amongst the gentry who despised her most. If you are going to walk around the Recoleta cemetery, give yourself at least two hours.

While Avenida Corrientes is considered to be one of the major focus areas for entertainment, it would be worthwhile checking out Puerto Madero, the Recoleta & San Telmo districts which each have their own flavour & speciality.

With a mind to the arts, Teatro Colon which is located centrally on Avenida 9 de Julio justly deserves its rating as one of the worlds’ finest Opera Houses & certainly to experience Opera here is an exquisite, elite night out.

Museums & the many libraries & art galleries are easily accessible being open to the public either free, or for a nominal entry charge.

The National Art Gallery is rated as housing some of the finest of European artworks & equally, the National Library for as much the elegance of the facade, was founded in 1810 & is steeped in history.

Buenos Aires is a very easy city to get around. There are more taxis in this city than operate in New York city & taxi fares are very inexpensive.

Laid out in a grid style of wide tree-lined thoroughfares & small one way streets the city is dominated by Avenida 9 de Julio & the towering ivory white Obelisco. This is the widest boulevard in any of the world’s major cities & is so named to remember the date that the Spaniards were repulsed & Independence was declared.

In addition, many of Buenos Aires ´plazas´ take their origins & names from historical dates & legendary military heroes, the exploits of whom secured Argentine independence.

Plaza de Mayo is surrounded by the city’s financial district, the main Catholic cathedral & the Presidential Palace. It is connected to Plaza De Los Dos Congresos by 4km of Avenida 25 de Mayo, at the end of which stands the massive Congress building where Federal Government is convened.

Surrounded by hundred year old fig trees, Plaza San Martin is the site of most of the nation’s major military parades & celebrations.

It takes its name from General Jose de San Martin who, beginning in 1812, led the fight to vanquish the Spanish not only from Argentina but, with the assistance of General O’Higgins across the Andes, also from the territory that is now known as Chile & Peru.

So quite aside from the promise of the ´ fun week-of-you- life´ that the World Vintage Rugby Carnival promises to deliver, what are you waiting for?

Get that entry to the World Vintage Rugby Carnival into the organizers – fast!

Beyond the opportunity to reacquaint with old friends on & off the rugby paddock, whether it is simply wanderlust or a sense of history, culture, the arts & entertainment, or perhaps even the romance of the Latin pulse that attracts you to Buenos Aires, this is a city that will captivate your heart, tantalize your senses & lure you back time & again.