Subway & Tango

After arriving back in Buenos Aires from Colonia we decided to finish the day with a Tango show. It proved to be a little more difficult then we had anticipated. Buenos Aires has an underground subway system which can quickly get you from one part of the city to another however if you have claustrophobia you may want to avoid this at busy times. After travelling a short while in one direction we jumped off on to a platform and began walking to the next train we needed. (This was the interesting part) We had to walk from one end of the platform to the other(300 meters) but in fact we were not able to walk freely, it was more of a shuffle. From wall to the platform edge there was no space it was packed with hundreds of people pressed shoulder to shoulder, it was like a molten lava flow of people in that the people slowly but irresistibly moved ever forward with  just a small Eddy current of commuters creeping along the walls edge. I would think it quite unnerving if you were one of the ones closest to the rail as it would be so easy to stumble off the platform onto the tracks, it was bad enough being caught in the middle but nevertheless after much shuffling and bumbling along we made it to the end of the platform but not the end of this subway experience. The next step was to find a away onto one of the densely packed carriages. Being in the carriage was reminiscent of the platform experience only we were standing, although we were standing and all pressed in we were by no means static. As the train would go around a bend the commuters would sway like tall grass swaying in the wind backwards and forwards to and fro. We arrived at the platform we wanted got off the train and ascended up the stairs to find the techo(roof) of the night had descended, it was now dark and we were in San Telmo.

San Telmo

This barrio(neighbourhood) is a good place to find some good food and of course Tango. The only downside for us was it was a bit too cold and far too early to enjoy some tango beneath the stars at the Plaza de San Telmo. Another downside was there appeared to be no Tango shows being a Wednesday. After all this work and searching we felt we deserved some sustenance. Pizza and Wine hit the spot. If ever you find your self in such a situation you may find the words “?Hay un Tango show cerca de aqui?” helpful especially after tipping your waiter. After we got some local knowledge and directions we were on our way to the famous Almacen Tango show only a few blocks away and we arrived 5 minutes before the show began. It wasn't the cheapest place to see the Tango but it certainly was an amazing experience. We were shown to our seats right next to the stage and were promptly given some liquid refreshments of our choice (free drinks) we decided on Champaign. Next we were treated to a little movie enlarging on the history of Viejo Almacen then under the cover of darkness the five piece band consisting of a piano violins double bass and squeeze box took the stage. After a musical intro with much gusto the Tango began. The tango dance is made up of many elements such as history, passion, elegance and especially timing.  At Viejo Almacen you are treated to different styles of Tango by different dancers all dressed in the classic dresses and suits, in between the fast moving and well choreographed dancing there are some other acts which nicely compliment the show. Of these acts the one I most enjoyed was an older gentleman playing his accordion. This maestro walks onto the stage, sits in the chair placed for him, picks up his accordion and begins to amaze the audience with his instrument that comes to life as his nimble fingers respond to the music from within and with the feeling of all his years of experience.

After the show there is a well organized and complimentary taxi ride back to your accommodation.

A perfect end to a long day.