June 28: Carlos Gardel all over!

A sunday afternoon in San Telmo means must-see crowded bric-à-brac markets in calle Defensa and the Antiguo Mercado. While Defensa's groovy market like to be called "Feria de Pedro San Telmo", the lovely Mercado is known as "Patio de artesanos" (paseo Ezeiza is also worth it !). Leather crafts, vintage clothes, antique and jewelry are a most. Still, I couldn't resist browsing the funky glasses at the 70's-style stall. As we got closer to Plaza Dorrego, we could listen to passionate tango rythms in the streets. I must say, can we ever describe Buenos Aires without mentioning fantastic tango singer Carlos Gardel?

Gardel "El Mago" (the magician) was and still IS one of the most important figures in Argentina. He lived in Abasto discrict in the french-named calle Jean Jaurès (strange coïncidence as rumors spread that he was born in France). The house facade (actually some parts of the street as well) is wonderfully painted. It is not surprising to see Gardel's portrait on several walls, in every milonga and even the subway station (colorful indeed) !! An obsession? Not as long as the saying goes: "Cada dià canta mejor" (Gardel sings better every day)...