Evita Museum in the barrio of Palermo
Photo©Jean Janssen

January 1 started out as our least exciting day in Buenos Aires.  (It would end with one of our highlights.)  A holiday and the morning after much celebration, things were closed.  We started the day headed to Plaza Italia in Palermo in the hope that we could enjoy the park-the zoo, Botanical Gardens, Japanese garden, and the Eva Peron museum were all closed.  However, the plaza was very busy; a road rally across South America was starting that day.  We did not realize they were leaving from Avenue Sarmiento (which was closed to traffic), although several of the teams were staying in our hotel and we spoke to a few on the elevator.  The rally was very popular and lots of Portenos were there to see all the vehicles and the rally start.

Metro Stop at Plaza Italia
Photo©Jean Janssen

Palermo is the largest neighborhood in Buenos Aires, incorporating several barrios, and the Metro stop at Plaza Italia has been declared a national monument.

We went back to the Puerto Madero waterfront for lunch.  We got in some pool time in the afternoon before getting dressed for the Tango Show.

Our show venue-the historic Chanta Cuatro Restaurant
Photo©Jean Janssen

There are lots of options for tango shows in Buenos Aires and it is worth doing some internet research to determine what you are looking for-an intimate setting, a large-scale show, traditional tango, or a show that includes other entertainers.  Boris made the final call for us and we opted to go to the Carlos Gardel Tango Show.  Many of the shows include a hotel pick-up and dinner in the price.  Our driver arrived at our hotel late and then could not find our reservation.  Fortunately, Boris had our confirmation and they found us a seat in a booth in the side section.  Boris was not happy about the location, but I rather liked the private setting and thought our view was great.  Those seated in the center of room sat in long rows.  There was also balcony seating.  The food was wonderful.

The show itself featured singers and dancers of all ages.  Some of the dances were comedic, some contemporary tango, and most were traditional.  You must see a tango show while in Buenos Aires.  You will be inspired to learn.  It was certainly the highlight of the day and the perfect way for us to start off the new year.