Barrios of Buenes Aires

Yesterday was another crazy day in the barrios - that's what the Spanish call their neighborhoods of Argentina. Since I wasn't able to make it to an Estancia or the Pampas, Kristen (press peep from Trump Magazine) gave me a great tip on where I could find me some real authentic cowboys - gaucho cowboys as they are called, in full costume, slinging and singing right in Buenos Aires.

The concierge tried convincing me it wasn't safe but for 33 cents I took my chances and boarded bus #92 for a 50 minute trip to the most northern edge of the city. It was absolutely fine. Everyone smiled pretty and helped with my muffled Spanish as I showed them a map of my final destination point. One sweet couple even offered their cell phone number should I get lost.

It was Sunday and the shows and exhibits went from 11am to 6pm. I could hear the dancing and singing in the distance as I approached the folkloric Feria de Mataderos. Demonstrations of roping, shearing and sortija races weren't starting until 3pm but I had time to shoot video of 5 couples folk dancing. Men wore bandanas and colorful ponchos and woman wore blue dresses that resembled, I can think of nothing else, square dancing outfits. They swung each other in the the middle of the street, the woman waving hankerchiefs and the men clapping and stomping in rhythm. It was a spectacular sight and thankfully I befriended an English-speaking city guide who gave me weeks worth of background on the celebration.

The trip home was just as pleasant. I rode the same bus back and got to see barrios I never would have if I was walking for just under a buck. Don't let fancy hotels or even trip advisors scare you. Having spent the last 10 months on the road I can assure you that I'd rather take a crowded bus before a vulnerable cab ride with a stranger any day!

Now, onto Iguazzu Falls!