A sizeable Chinese Community has made it's home in the Belgrano Neighbourhood of Buenos Aires. The only ethnic group, that appears not to be absorbed into the multi-ingredient Ethnic Stew that makes an Argentinian.
The Glorieta Park, normally only dedicated to weekend open air tango, was transformed into a combination show stage and open stall vending fair. Tango in the gazebo, of course, co-existed quite peacefully with Tai Chi performed on a temporary stage.
Year of the Dragon...2012
Strings of red balloons spanned distances between trees and light posts.
There were a few 'galletas de fortuna' fortune cookies, but most of the stands were rather 'global' - here a Japanes Sushi stand.
Even Austria made it into the Chinese delicacy line-up, with genuine apple strudel (Strudel de Manzana)and a pot of goulash on the go. With 36 degrees temperatures, the Cafe Helado (Iced Coffee) must have been a hit.
The stand owner, from Graz in Austria, gave me a perfectly modulated mountain Yodel, when I greeted her in German.
Argentinian parrilla (B-B-Que) fare, with a French name of brochette, and Argentinian prices - equivalent of about Can $ 2.50 per shishkebab.
Made in China items appeared to be almost absent - except for a few paper umbrellas and silk trinkets.
A couple of female Argentinian Tango dancers dressed in Chong San dress, although their partners stuck to iconic Tango vests...
With a multitude of very hot people mingling around the park, good old 'Argentinian' icecream was another 'hot' item. It must be said, though, that the REAL Argentinian icecream, sold in small Heladerias all over town beats the fake packed stuff by a mile...absolutely a must try - creamy, tasty and seductive.
Spectactors of all persuasions...
Lounging under shady trees to watch the show on a stage below...
What - no RED??
Tai Chi - most of the performers were Argentinian, except for the Grand Master, who was Chinese. This act was followed by - guess what - a Tango Show.
Neighbours discussing the 'Espectaculo'
Happy New Chinese Year of the Dragon!
