La Boca Neighborhood in Buenos Aires
May 4, 2010 – 2:29 pmLa Boca is one of the must-visit places in Buenos Aires, Argentina. One of the neighbourhoods – or barrios – in Buenos Aires, it has a very strong European influence due to the early settlers from Genoa, Italy.
The influence ranges from architecture to food and lifestyle as well as culture. It has a long history involving European migrants. In fact, some people believe that the name La Boca is derived from the Boccadasse neighbourhood in Genoa.
In fact in 1882, La Boca reportedly seceded from Argentina and wanted to be part of Genoa.
Their colourful history is matched by their colourful buildings, sporting some outrageous hues. There are also lots of graffiti strewn about the entire neighbourhood.
Situated at the riverside, La Boca is the home of the popular football club, Boca Juniors.
Yep, the likes of Juan Román Riquelme, Nicolás Burdisso, Carlos Tévez and Fernando Gago came from Boca Juniors and may have stayed and shopped at these spots.
One of the more popular places in La Boca is the Havana Gaminito. It’s a restaurant and there are street performers such as tango dancers near the area. Many tourists are seen here taking pictures with the restaurant as the background. Definitely one of the destinations on the to-do list here.
There are also quite a number of restaurants offering live dance performances. The food is quite good and their prices are very reasonable.
La Boca is also famous for its market. The market sells art paintings, souvenirs and La Boca merchandise. Make sure you bring enough money to shop, as there
are quite a number of stalls in La Boca. Souvenirs such as fridge magnets, shirts and paintings are abundant here. You’ll be spoilt for choice. By the way, there are also plenty of Boca Juniors merchandise sold – a heaven for football fans.
Oh yes, not forgetting that the leather goods at La Boca markets are cheaper than anywhere else in Buenos Aires. Awesome!
The best way to go to La Boca is to hop into a taxi from Florida Street in Buenos Aires. However, do make sure you take the metered taxi as stated on the door. There are many taxis that cheat customers, so please be careful with them. Furthermore, the city has quite a reputation for pickpockets.
The other way to go there is by getting on the daily Buenos Aires Hop-On Tour bus, from Florida Street. They have a schedule so that you can get on the bus to go back to Florida Street.
If you ever get to Buenos Aires, La Boca is definitely a place to visit. It has its own distinct culture, history and philosophy, much like the various parts that make up London.
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SOURCE:
“Livin’ la vida loca at La Boca”
Wilson Ng
Tuesday, May 4th, 2010
Malay Mail Online
http://www.mmail.com.my
http://www.mmail.com.my/content/35436-livin-la-vida-loca-la-boca
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