
As you step off the motorcoach, you step back in time to Buenos Aires in the early 1900’s. You are in San Telmo, the old part of the city, and before you is El Viejo Almacén, a small apothecary shop that doubles at night as a place Porteños gather to share the melancholy music of the tango. Outside the shop, the street is full of locals going about their daily lives, selling flowers, shining shoes, patrolling the street, making music. One old curmudgeon makes a scene, a couple dances, a lady of the evening whispers in a man’s ear, and a fight eventually breaks out between two men vying for her attention. You are there, taking it all in, enjoying every nostalgic moment. Is this really happening? Are you dreaming?



All too soon you are ushered inside the dark, quaint café. Small round tables are grouped together – just enough for your party. It’s dark but you can make out the well-appointed interior, the fresh red roses, and the wait staff ready to serve. They bring the finest Argentinean beef expertly prepared for your enjoyment.

A traditional tango band of piano, double bass, two small accordions and two violins begins to play the sad strains of the tango, the lifeblood of all Porteños.

Young couples make their way to the small stage and begin the tango. One after another they express their passion in dance – holding each other close, dipping, twirling and kicking as they maneuver through the intricate steps.


After the notes of the last tango have faded, you once again go into the street. Now your hosts give you a gift and a bouquet of fragrant flowers to take with you for your return to your ship in the nearby port. The magical evening is soon a memory, but what a memory! An unforgettable evening in a city that has stolen your heart.
This is the tango. This is Buenos Aires. This is a Virtuoso performance.
No comments:
Post a Comment