From Jhet’s South American Series

On my last two days in Buenos Aires – I found myself asking an unlikely question, “What do I do?” Among the recommendations of what to visit when you have very little time in Buenos Aires, El Caminito in La Boca is the one I don’t want to miss. El Caminito is often translated as “little walkway” or “little street” – a place famous for vibrant and multi-colored houses. La Boca traces its roots from the Italian immigrants back inthe 1800’s who painted their homes using leftover paints from the shipyard. Apart from the splashes of colors to see, this was a place where people dance tango on the streets. That did it for me!

For some reason I rested my body that day and fell asleep. When I woke up it was already 4:00pm. Oh la la.. they told me to go to La Boca around 3:00pm and not past 5:00 pm when it gets dark since the neighborhood get quite dangerous at night. La Boca happens to be one of the poorest area in Argentina, thus theft is prevalent in the area. They also told me not to wander around or outside the El Caminito Street. “Be very careful,” that’s what a Argentinian told me.

Too bad I missed this! (Photo from webshots.com)

But I certainly do not want to miss the tango shows. Seeing people dance with their partners on the street – how romantic could that be? Missing this will sure be a regret. It was already 4:30PM when my adneralin came rushing in – I decided I will go ahead, take the bus from Florida Street as instructed by the hotel staff and go to La Boca by myself. It only takes 20 minutes to get there by bus, without traffic. Fortunately this very last minute a friend I met earlier was able to join me too. What luck is this? This is a big bonus. I no longer felt fear but sheer joy and excitement instead.

Off we went to El Caminito by riding a bus – and geesh I forgot my camera due to such rush! Using very little Spanish that I know I managed to approach another passenger and ask how long was the ride and how many more stops, and how do we know we are there. Fortunately we understood each other. Amazing!

It was drizzly and almost getting dark when we arrived. Vendors along the streets are about to pack up. We immediately went to where the music is coming from, passing by the little restaurants, each with a different ambiance and character, all welcoming tourists for a drink to watch the tango performance. The rain may have stopped the tango along the streets, and because it’s also quite late.

My visit to El Caminito was short and sweet, but I am so glad I did go. It is a place that will remind a tourist that however small, cramped, or impoverished a place is, as long as you enhance it with a mere splash of colors and look at life with colored glasses, things will be a whole lot better. Imagine a place inhabited by the poorest Argentinians still being a tourist hotspot – now that’s unique! I highly recommend La Boca – El Caminito visit to everyone that goes to Buenos Aires. Take caution of course, and make sure to go with a partner or in groups.