Escaping the Pollution: TIGRE!

It`s not even been two weeks and the pollution of BA is already wearing down on me. Getting out of the city is hard, but there are options. My first stab at a day-trip escape was Tigre, and it was a complete success!

The train from Retiro takes only 50 minutes AND costs only 1.35 pesos - how much better can it get! And even though Tigre is a small town, there are tons of things to do, from kayaking to rowing to a guided boat tour.

I went for the commuter boat to the island of Tres Bocas, about a 30 minute trip from the mainland. There, you can hike all along the island for a full two hours, just make sure not to get attacked by one of the stray dogs and also, catch the last boat back. If you`re in for a longer stay, you can rent a cheap cabana or even set up your own tent at one of the camping sites!

Tango, but not Traditional

Like any other traditional style of music, the tango has invited countless contemporary interpretations. If you`re looking for an alternative feel, check out the Orquesta Típica Fernandez Fierro. Last night`s performance at the CAFF was a great success - a true warehouse feel as the orchestra played under dim light and a turning disco ball. There`s more concerts coming up at CAFF in September and October, in the meantime, indulge in the video below for a quick glimpse!

Seeing them live is, however, an entirely different and worthwhile experience!

BA Weekends: Ferias, Ferias, Ferias

In BA for the weekend and not sure yet what to do? No matter which neighborhood you are in, there`s bound to be a Feria near you. Literally translated as a fair, a feria can be anything from a series of stands to a competition of gauchos or a conglomeration of street performers. With such an ample selection to choose from, here are some of the top three picks you might wish to check out.

1. The Feria de San Telmo
Located in the hip neighborhood of San Telmo, this fair boasts the most ample selection of antiques. Yet another reason to go are the amazing street artists and performers - I will never forget the physically disabled boy who was painting with his foot. The photo below does not measure up to his talent.

The Feria de San Telmo at the cross-streets Humberto and Defensa. The real charm is at the Plaza Dorrego.

A little boy painting with his feet - all he asks for is money to buy more paint

Another amazing street performer, a guy without a face but a hat and sunglasses!

Imagine holding this position for 10 minutes - certainly requires some endurance!

2. The Feria de Mataderos
If you`re looking to escape the tourist trail, head to Mataderos. Here, the locals mingle with the occasional tourist to buy a variety of leather goods and artesanal culinary products. There are also the occasional performances of tango and belly dancers. And not to forget the typical local gauchos at the end of the fair. A definite must-see - just make sure to leave Mataderos before it gets dark, it didn`t look like the safest place to be at night!

Entering the Feria de Mataderos

A performance of belly dancers

Gauchos competing, it was incredible how young the boys were!


Music is not missing at Mataderos either!

3. Feria de Recoleta
If you`re going to stop by Eva Peron`s tomb at the Recoleta Cemetery, you can`t miss the market at Plaza Francia. Though the selection of goods is smaller than at Mataderos or San Telmo, it is worth a visit if you`re in the area. The Museo de Bellas Artes and BA Design complex are also near, so you can combine the artesanal with the cultural!

Looking towards Plaza Francia
Vendors giving each other a massage - yes, the selling job is certainly exhausting!
A clown heading for his break, too!