Tango

We read on the paper:
Tango was declared part of the world's cultural heritage by the United Nations on Wednesday and granted the international seal of approval Argentina and Uruguay have long sought for the dramatic dance and its sensual moves.

We know most people probably have this stereotypical misconception of the dance: a good looking woman---shiny, tight split dress along with some killer stilettos and a sensual body ---spinning cheek-to-cheek very fast across a dance hall with a good looking man---tuxedo of course, rose clenched between his teeth---kicking and hurling back and forth...And that, my friends, is the ultimate cliche.

Reality could be much more complicated than a movie or a TV show. The reality and meaning of tango goes beyond that cliche. A history that goes back over a hundred years. A history of poor European immigrants and their American dreams, of cheap bordellos and accordions... A tale full of sad stories (usually about heartaches related to love relationships that went sour), family ties, homesickness, life in the poor suburbs...

In Argentina you dance tango slowly. It is a sensual dance, of course, and it takes time to master. Nowadays, there are thousands learning the steps. A new generation that includes even Japanese and Germans (the biggest fans) along people from all over the world.

They are leaning how to dance a sad feeling. A passion. That is tango.

Abasto, cradle of Tango

There is a particular building in Buenos Aires that means a lot to tango lovers: the Abasto Market and the neighbourhood around it.

This former wholesale fruit and vegetable market became a shopping mall in 1999. The unbelievable Art Deco facade and structure were (thankfully!) mostly preserved.

The area is where Carlos Gardel lived most of his life. He is indeed the most important icon in the history of Tango. His name embodies the essence of it.

For tango lovers, a trip to Buenos Aires is not complete without a visit to the Abasto and a look at the statue of Carlitos...

He is still hanging out, as usual, in front of HIS market.

It is not your parent's tango anymore

The Faena Hotel in Buenos Aires is not your typical five star hotel. For many reasons.

It is located in Puerto Madero, which is the newest and most expensive neighbourhood in the city.

It was designed by Philippe Starck along with Alan Faena.

It has an unbelievable swimming pool and bar, where you can rest and pretend you are not in the city anymore.

And it has a Cabaret.

Ah! The Cabaret...dark, sexy, intimate, red...so 1930's, so good! The perfect spot for a tango show that is, for many many reasons, as perfect as the place itself.