Eighty Three years have past since Argentina looked like depicted in the video at the bottom of the post - rich, elaborate, romantic, grand - 2 Million inhabitants.
Although somewhat faded, vestiges of her former glory remain. One walks through the avenues, city streets and parks today, and almost all the historic buildings, monuments, fountains and parks are still around. No more horse and carriages (except near the zoo), no more curb side milk distribution fresh from the cows. Horse racing, although still an almost daily event, has lost popularity to soccer and polo. But the imposing race course grand stand is still there.
'Por una Cabeza' - 'By a Head' - Carlos Gardel
Carlos Gardel in the movie Tango Bar, where he sings about losing his entire fortune betting on a horse, which of course loses 'by a head'.
Taking a dip in the Rio Plata, a vast shallow muddy body of water, is not longer recommended - modern day pollution has taken its toll.
Elegance still prevails, literature and music are the life breath of the Argentines, and politics are still astonishingly volatile. Now there are 13 Million inhabitants.
Back to the 'old lady' again in a couple of weeks. And this time around, I will be present during the 'Dia de Tradicion' in San Antonio de Areco, an hour bus ride away from the Metropolis. The largest traditional gaucho festival in the Pampas of Argentina takes place on the first weekend of November. Many of the dances shown in this video, such as the Chacarera and Chamame, are still popular - more so than the iconic tango of the City of Buenos Aires.
And here it is....1930 travel log by Metro Goldwyn Mayer
Romantic Buenos Aires 1930
